LOCALadk Magazine

40 Years of Daring to Dream In 1973, through support from NYSSRA and the NYSDEC, a new headquarters was constructed in By Dave McCahill and Beatty Schlueter the form of a small cabin at the fringe of "Parking Lot 5" at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area in Much like anything worthwhile, the New York Ski Educational Foundation began as a dream. In the late 60's, ski areas scattered throughout New York State bred ample youngsters enthusiastic Wilmington. The New York State Alpine Training Center was born. about skiing—and skiing fast— yet the far flung geography of the state added substantially to the already formidable cost of downhill ski racing. Top skiers were quickly faced with an ultimatum—leave the sport, or leave the area and compete elsewhere. Unified by a vision of offering racers in the Empire State the opportunity to train with an elite coaching staff on world-class terrain, all at a reasonable cost, New York State Ski Racing Association's Dick Deininger, Faris Taylor and Bruce Colon teamed up with Victor Glider of the State's Department of Environmental Conservation to shape the future of ski racing in the Adirondacks. 3 The Beginning - 1970's 80's 3 3 1978 - Now the 'Whiteface Alpine Training Centerʼ, program relocates to new headquarters in the parking lot adjacent the Whiteface base lodge 1973 - 'New York State Alpine Training Center ʼ founded at Whiteface Mountain In the 40 years since NYSEF's inception the foundation has expanded to include the Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Cross-Country, Freeride and Snowboarding disciplines. Guided by a staff of over 60 committed coaches and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, NYSEF athletes have moved on to become NCAA All-Americans, World Champions, Olympic Medalists and lifelong snowsport enthusiasts. 3 1980 - 13th Winter Olympic Games held in Lake Placid, Training Center athlete Billy Taylor competes in the Slalom. Training Center begins long-standing partnership with ORDA to help host world-class ski racing events 3 1984 - Bill Johnson, who trained with NYSEF during the '79/80 season, wins gold in the Downhill at the 14th Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia 1984 - GORE Mountain, Cross-Country and Ski Jumping programs added; Training Center renamed 'New York Ski Educational Foundationʼ

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