Featured Image: Alek Glebov. Provided by Michael “Sutti” Rottensteiner.
The Stifel U.S. Alpine Women’s World Cup Tech Team is kicking off its first training camp of the season in New Zealand, and for the first time, it is doing so under the leadership of new head coach Alek Glebov.
Fresh off two seasons with the powerhouse Norwegian men’s team, Alek now guides one of the deepest women’s rosters on the World Cup circuit, a group of athletes who, as he puts it, “all go for it… they’re not backing off.”
His arrival comes at a key moment as the team looks to build momentum in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
A Global Ski Journey
Alek’s path to this role has been anything but ordinary.
Raised in Slovenia, he skied for his home nation before switching to represent Russia, where he competed on the World Cup circuit and at World Championships. When his racing career wound down, he quickly moved into coaching, working his way from FIS groups in Maribor to Slovenia’s C team, Russia’s World Cup athletes, and ultimately to Team Norway.
With the Norwegians, he became part of one of the most successful and respected teams on the men’s circuit.
“They’re a tight group, fun, hardworking, and super professional,” he said. “Always just a blast to be around.” Now, that experience fuels his philosophy with the American women.
No Overhauls, Just Additions
Unlike many new coaches, Alek didn’t arrive looking to overhaul the system. “I don’t think I need to change anything,” he said. “My idea was that I don’t want to come somewhere and start to change culture. They were functioning quite well. All the girls had their best seasons.”
Instead, his focus is on strengthening what’s already working and adding new elements where needed. That includes sharpening discussions around technique and tactics, and bringing in key support like a dedicated conditioning coach to ensure long-term consistency.
“We split responsibilities to use our strengths,” Alek explained. “It’s about giving the girls exactly what they need.”
Managing Talent and Ambition
This year’s women’s tech squad is both young and experienced, with veterans like Paula Moltzan carrying medals and leadership, while rising talents like Elisabeth Bocock push from below.
For Alek, the challenge is providing individual pathways without fracturing the group.
He explained, “We sat down with the girls to understand what every individual wants to achieve. We just try to provide them what they need. The goal is to stay with the team as much as possible to maintain this good dynamic and culture.”
A Superpower: Fearless Racing
When asked what defines this team, Alek doesn’t hesitate. “They all go for it. That’s the biggest difference. They ski what they can, and they go for it. They’re not backing off.”
That boldness, he believes, is both their greatest asset and their biggest developmental opportunity. “We just need to bring them to the position that they understand sometimes you need to ski smart, but still risk it and still push it.”
Eyes on the Olympics
With the 2026 Games looming, Olympic pressure is unavoidable, especially given the U.S. has more medal contenders than starting spots. But Alek refuses to let that dominate the season.
“The Olympics are a big thing, but it’s a race,” he said. “We just try to take race by race, prepare for that race the best we can, and not put too much attention on criteria. The racers know what’s up.”
His focus instead is on energy and load management: keeping athletes sharp during the intensity of the December to January stretch. Then, ensuring a calm, productive buildup into February.
“If we focus on the small things and have a nice, peaceful period before, then we are good.”
Keeping It Simple
At the end of the day, Alek’s philosophy can be summed up in a single phrase: keep it simple.
“Skiing can be made super difficult if you want it to be,” he said. “But it’s on us as coaches to make it as simple as possible for the athletes. I do the work, I handle the details, but for them it should feel simple.”
That approach, pragmatic, athlete-first, and rooted in team spirit, is what he hopes will carry the Stifel U.S. Women’s Tech Team into not just the next World Cup season, but into Olympic contention.
Sharpening the Edge
As the sun sets over the training hills of New Zealand, Alek’s new chapter with the U.S. women’s tech squad is just beginning. With a roster full of talent, a staff he trusts, and a belief in simplicity and fearlessness, he is not here to reinvent the wheel. He is here to sharpen it.
Or, as Alek put it: “If we keep the focus clear and the energy high, this group can push the limits of what’s possible.”
About the Author: Katie Twible
