Words by Jason Weinberger
Over the course of four days in January, Stratton Winter Sports Club hosted former US Ski Team Men’s Alpine Head Coach Phil McNichol for a top-to-bottom mentoring with staff and athletes. McNichol led multiple sessions on snow at Stratton, focusing on foundational techniques, and presented inspiring off-snow sessions at the resort and Stratton Mountain School.
“This was a great opportunity to learn teaching techniques and philosophy from one of the pre-eminent alpine racing coaches of our time.”
Steven Bate, SWSC Alpine Coach
McNichol led the men’s national team during what is widely regarded to be its most successful era, guiding World Cup champions and Olympic medalists, including Bode Miller, Daron Rahlves, and Ted Ligety. In recent years, he has shifted his focus to coach development with US Ski and Snowboard and affiliations with major clubs, specifically devoting his work to systematic improvement in performance at part-time ski racing programs like SWSC Alpine. Phil brought keen insights from his work with notable clubs like the Sun Valley Ski Club to his work at Stratton.
“It was fantastic to work with and share knowledge & experience with the Stratton Winter Sports Club. I am always encouraged about the health of winter youth sports when a major ski resort like Stratton dedicates permanent space on the mountain and resources to a season-long program for young people to thrive and develop character and values.”
Phil McNichol
McNichol had advice to coaches and skiers at Stratton who are seeking those values through winter sports: It’s a science. His time with program director Jason Weinberger, SWSC Alpine coaches, and athletes in each age band emphasized development through rigorous planning, execution, and evaluation.
“Phil drove home the importance of keeping it simple for the kids and coaches – 3-season objectives, 3-5 drills we work on repeatedly – and also maximizing kids’ time on snow given the short duration of our program.”
Bob Jacobs, SWSC Alpine Coach
McNichol connected this methodical approach with skiing’s inspirational side, embodied in the mission of the Stratton Winter Sports Club to provide skiers with a fun and supportive environment in which to pursue their potential. To paraphrase McNichol’s central message: Rigor makes you better. Getting better is FUN!
“Phil McNichol’s talk with SWSC athletes and parents was truly special. He spoke about how ski racing builds exceptional character through the sheer nature of what these kids commit to day after day. His words resonated, especially as a parent who is new to the program.“
Lauren Camarinos, SWSC Alpine Parent
McNichol’s impact at Stratton would not have been possible without the support of SWSC’s partner organizations at the resort and across the state. Stratton Ski and Board Club, Stratton Mountain School, and Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) each provided material and in-kind support to make this singular opportunity possible.
Look out for exciting developments in Alpine Racing at SWSC as the program seeks to build on the excitement and expertise Phil McNichol brought to Stratton this winter!
Breakdown of Phil McNichol’s time with SWSC Alpine:
- Day 1: Management mentorship and program structure review
- Day 2: Full-day coaches’ clinic on technique
- Day 2: Lead coach talk on planning, organization, and group management
- Day 3: Athlete/parent talk
- Day 3 & 4: Athlete warms up and technique sessions for U10-12-14
- Day 3 & 4: Coach mentorship at the group level U10-12-14
- Day 4: Management wrap-up session
