Longtime Sun Valley Coach Palmer steps down

After 11 years of coaching for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF), Tyler Palmer has decided to step down from his position as J1-J2 coach due to long-term health issues.   

Palmer, who in 1971 became the first American man to win a European World Cup race (a slalom in St. Moritz, Switzerland), collected two World Cup wins and four podiums during his racing career. Palmer, along with his brother Terry, also represented the U.S. at the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. The brothers were honored by Waterville Valley in their native New Hampshire with ski runs named after them – “Terry’s Trail”, “And Tyler Too.”

“Tyler has been a cornerstone of this organization for 11 years,” said SVSEF Executive  Director Don Wiseman. “Tyler’s energy, focus and overall passion for the sport of alpine  skiing is very special and infectious and we have been blessed to have him work with us all these years,”   

Palmer, a diabetic, was recently diagnosed with Addison’s disease, a disorder that affects the adrenal glands and causes severe fatigue.

“I never thought my career with the SVSEF and as a ski coach would end, I had other plans. Yet, life goes on and I have to redefine myself and the first goal is to get my health back, which  is the most important issue for me at the moment, and then make the next move,” said Palmer.

According to SVSEF Alpine Program Director Ruben Macaya, Palmer spent hundreds of hours last season custom tuning skis for many young racers. It’s that kind of dedication, Macaya said, that makes losing Palmer so tough.

“He is going to be incredibly missed here. He is irreplaceable, an original,” said  Macaya. “He is an amazing coach, very knowledgeable and knew the spiritual side of ski racing. He was very instrumental in helping a lot of kids find that side of it and find their own reasons for ski racing.”   
   
Palmer will return to live in his hometown of North Conway, New Hampshire.

“The SVSEF has been a very special home for me over the last 11 years,” said Palmer, who promised to check up on things as SVSEF. “I’ve worked with so many amazing and committed athletes, parents and  supporters. Needless to say, the whole experience has had a profound affect on my life. I will miss the kids, the parents, and most of all, the people I’ve worked with over the years.” – Eric Williams

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