Former U.S. Men’s Alpine Head Coach brings Olympic and World Championship experience to Tignes-based ski academy
Apex2100 International Ski Academy has appointed Mark Tilston as its new Academy Director, bringing one of the most experienced coaching resumes in international alpine ski racing to the rapidly growing programme in Tignes, France.
Tilston joins Apex2100 after serving as Head Coach of the U.S. Men’s Alpine Ski Team from 2023 to 2026, where he oversaw programme design, athlete development, and Team USA’s presence on the World Cup circuit, World Championships, and Olympic stage.
His appointment marks a significant step in Apex2100’s continued growth as a leading European ski academy combining elite alpine performance with an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School education at altitude.
“A Vision That Aligns”
“Apex2100 is doing something genuinely different—bringing together elite sport and high-quality education in a way that prepares young athletes for life, not just racing,” Tilston said. “That vision aligns completely with my own. I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned across 25 years at the highest levels of the sport into this environment and help the next generation realize their potential.”
Extensive International Coaching Career
Tilston brings more than two decades of experience at the highest levels of alpine ski racing.
Prior to his role with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, he served as CAST Men’s Head Coach at Alpine Canada Alpin from 2020 to 2023, guiding the Canadian men’s programme through Olympic and World Championship cycles.
He was previously Executive Director of Whistler Mountain Ski Club, where he significantly increased athlete participation and developed long-term systems across coaching, operations, and performance.
Earlier in his career, Tilston served as Head Coach of the Spanish Alpine Ski Team (2010–2015), leading the programme through the 2011 and 2013 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
He also held Head Coach and Performance Director roles with the British Alpine Ski Team and SnowsportGB, contributing to four consecutive World Championships and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Tilston holds a BSc in Applied Sports Sciences from the University of Edinburgh and additional qualifications in leadership, coaching, and neuro-linguistic programming. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and German.
Leadership Perspective
“Mark brings a unique breadth of experience from across our sport, having worked at the highest levels of international alpine skiing throughout his career,” said Apex2100 CEO Chris Thomson. “We are delighted to welcome him to the Academy, where he will lead and embed a culture of excellence across all aspects of Apex2100. He lives the same values we ask of our athletes every day: learn better, train better, perform better.”
About Apex2100
Apex2100 International Ski Academy is based in Tignes, France, at 2,100 meters and is designed to develop internationally educated, high-performance ski racers aged 10–21.
The academy combines elite alpine training with a full academic programme as an IB World School, with the goal of producing future Olympic and World Championship athletes while fostering character, resilience, and long-term development.
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