Tahoe’s alpine program.
Swedish coach Magnus Andersson has joined the Palisades Tahoe ski team as Alpine Director, formally titled U System Sr. Manager. In his new role, he will oversee the resort’s competitive alpine racing programs, lead a team of 40 coaches, and support more than 250 athletes. The position places him at the helm of one of the largest and most historic ski racing clubs in North America.
Andersson brings over 15 years of World Cup experience, both as an athlete and a coach. He previously served as Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s World Cup Tech Team, guiding athletes to podiums and Nations Cup victories. Most recently, he worked with the Greek Ski Team (“GreSki”) and World Cup athlete AJ Ginnis during the 2024–25 season.
Why Magnus—and Why Now
According to Palisades Tahoe Director of Teams Eric Garayoa, the idea to bring Andersson into the program emerged organically.
“Through a combination of athlete and coach connections, along with our experiences working with Magnus during his time leading the U.S. Women’s Team, it quickly became clear he was a great fit for our culture,” Garayoa said. “His communication, leadership style, and the way he engaged with athletes during spring training at Palisades Tahoe left a lasting impression.”
Garayoa added that the role had been open for some time, and Andersson’s hiring was the result of strong relationships and perfect timing. “We’re very thankful it came together the way it did.”
New Challenge, Long-Term Vision
For Andersson, the move to Palisades Tahoe represents a personal turning point after more than a decade on the World Cup circuit.
“I’ve been doing the World Cup for over a decade—it was time for something different,” Andersson told Ski Racing Media. “I wanted to see if I could take on a different role and still have an impact. This is something new, something exciting.”
He hopes this will be a lasting chapter in his coaching journey.
“I told them from the beginning I want this to be long-term. I’m not looking for a one-year job. I want time to build something meaningful, fun and good.”
Andersson said he chose Palisades Tahoe because of its unique combination of high-quality skiing, a strong community and its location. “If I could choose one place in the U.S. to live and work, this is it. It has great skiing, great people, and it’s close to everything.”
Hands-On Leadership and Program Evolution
Although Andersson will guide strategy and oversee a large coaching staff across U12 to U21 levels, he made it clear that his leadership style includes direct involvement with both athletes and coaches.
“My vision is to be on the hill and part of the daily training,” he said. “I just came from the World Cup. Why wouldn’t I want to teach young athletes what I’ve seen and learned? I’m not going to stand on the sidelines—I want to help.”
He emphasized that developing confident coaches is central to building successful athletes.
“One of my biggest goals is to help coaches become confident. If the coaches are confident, the athletes will be confident.”
Garayoa echoed that sentiment, saying Andersson’s “steady presence and professionalism” will elevate both team dynamics and organizational culture.
“Magnus is grounded in fundamental principles that elevate skiers at every level,” Garayoa said. “With his personality, philosophy, education, and experience, he’s well-positioned to help evolve our programming while staying true to what makes Palisades Tahoe special.”
Trusted by the Team
Jim Hudson, U14 Development Manager, praised Andersson’s ability to understand the club’s legacy while pushing it forward.
“Palisades Tahoe has an incredible history of producing ski racers,” Hudson said. “Magnus understands our strengths, but also has the knowledge and experience that will immediately create positive change for our coaches and athletes.”
Andersson will lead Palisades Tahoe’s U System, the club’s high-performance pipeline, and also play a leadership role across the broader club, which includes more than 1,700 athletes and 400 staff members.
Endorsed by Elite Athletes
“Palisades Tahoe is getting a good one!” said Nina O’Brien, a former Palisades Tahoe athlete who worked with Andersson on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. “Magnus is one of the most influential coaches I’ve ever worked with. He simplifies complex ideas and builds trust. I credit a lot of my World Cup success to him.”
O’Brien finished the 2024–25 season ranked a career-best 11th in the World Cup giant slalom standings.
Building Something Bigger
Andersson said he is motivated not just by athlete development but by the opportunity to shape a culture where coaches and skiers thrive together.
“It’s not rocket science. I want to help people become confident—especially coaches. That’s how we create confident athletes,” he said.
With deep respect for the resort’s racing legacy and a proven record of elite coaching, Andersson is expected to be a transformative figure for Palisades Tahoe heading into the 2026 season and beyond.
About the Author: Peter Lange
