Featured Image: Peter Lange with the US University Ski Team (Brian McLaughlin, Griffin Brown, Alex Leever and Garret Driller). Provided by Peter Lange.
In the third episode of the summer series, hosts Matt Garcka and Alan Rigg welcomed Peter Lange, the publisher of Ski Racing Media. Lange recounted his journey from his early days of skiing at the Collegiate level to coaching on the World Cup circuit, ultimately leading him to his role as publisher of Ski Racing Media, a position he has held for over three years.
Lange reflected on various experiences and the key coaching principles he adopted during his early days coaching teenage racers in New Mexico. He also shared insights from his time working alongside some of the top ski racers of that era with the U.S. Ski Team.
Peter dedicated almost 40 years to ski racing as a coach and shared his evolving perspective when he joined Ski Racing Media at the conclusion of the 2021/22 season. He reflected on his initial unfamiliarity with concepts like AP compliance and the transition from passive to active voice, which he encountered after being approached by Ski Racing Media’s owner, Dan Leever, following his last World Cup as a coach.
He also shared four moments that he considers his most meaningful as a coach. They had nothing to do with winning World Cup races or clinching season titles. Instead, they were quiet, personal conversations with younger athletes, moments when he helped them realize that ski racing might not be the right path for them. For Lange, these deeper connections are what he regards as some of his proudest achievements.
Additionally, he discusses the art of coaching and the importance of developing relationships, which Peter believes is the most valuable thing he has taken from his life in ski racing. He shares some of the great stories from his time on tour with Bode Miller. Towards the end of the episode, Peter recounts a great story about Miller from one year at Wengen, which is worth sticking around for.
Matt also finishes up with his usual quick-fire questions but added a new one for this episode, “the best story from your career.” Peter shared a captivating tale about Alain Baxter after the 2002 Olympics in Park City. Baxter won the bronze medal in the slalom, but the IOC took it off him for using a Vicks nasal spray. I’d like you to stay tuned for that story.
This is the third episode of the Skiing is Believing podcast’s summer series, so stay tuned. Next week, we’re kicking off a brand-new series with a true American legend, so you won’t want to miss it. Follow the podcast throughout the off-season on Instagram and YouTube at @skiingisbelievingpodcast, and feel free to reach out to Matt and Alan anytime at mattgarcka.skiingisbelieving@gmail.com.
About the Author: Matt Garcka
