Randy Pelkey at the start with development athletes
Four Decades of Dedication
For more than 40 years, Randy Pelkey has stood as the most consistent driving force behind U.S. speed skiing. He started as a ski instructor before moving into video and service roles when Carrabassett Valley Academy first opened. From there, he worked across four divisions, countless clubs and academies, and every level of the U.S. Ski Team, from development to World Cup. His time as U.S. men’s head speed coach was only a small piece of a career defined by tireless commitment to the discipline.
Discovering Speed
Pelkey’s passion for downhill and super-G began early.
“I saw the athlete-coach interaction at a high level as a way forward in my knowledge base. There is direct impact on line, aerodynamics and overall terrain strategy.”
He also recognized how limited the opportunities were for athletes and coaches to gain experience in speed, a gap he has worked to fill throughout his career. His motivation has always come from the athletes.
“My passion is fueled by a growth mindset and athletes who are excited to be the best they can be.”
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Achievements That Matter Most
While medals and results have marked his career, Pelkey takes the most pride in the people shaped by his programs. Many young staff members he mentored are now club program directors, NCAA head coaches, or leaders of the U.S. Ski Team. Just as important are the athletes who found joy in the process and matured through the sport. His résumé boasts landmark achievements: Every athlete on his World Cup team delivered a career-best result during his four years as head coach, he steered the group through the disruption of COVID-19, and he guided the team to the only U.S. alpine medal of the last Olympics.
Building La Parva Into a Hub
Establishing La Parva, Chile, as a cornerstone of U.S. training is one of Pelkey’s lasting contributions. He first saw its potential in the late 1990s and committed to returning every year, even in poor snow seasons. That consistency secured access to premier training lanes, reliable snow surfaces, and proximity to world-class medical care and an international airport. Today, La Parva remains a foundation for World Cup, Europa Cup, and NorAm preparation.
Development and the World Cup Divide
Pelkey’s philosophy reflects his experience across all levels of the sport. For developing skiers, he stresses patience, urgency, and personal responsibility for physical, mental, and technical growth. At the World Cup, where most athletes already have the skills and fitness, the distinction comes from mental strength and small tactical refinements. In both cases, he views speed exposure as vital. Even limited training on speed skis, he argues, builds balance, efficiency, and resilience while helping prevent injuries.
Philosophy of Speed
“The mentality that a tech skier can always be a good speed skier is flawed.”
Forces and terrain at high speed demand specific experience. Still, he insists speed is also a valuable tool for developing technical skiers. He advocates for introducing speed elements gradually and safely, starting with fun and achievable exercises, such as slalom in terrain parks, before building up to more complex environments.
Coaching the Coaches
Pelkey has always looked beyond athletes to the future of coaching. He believes young U.S. coaches must have opportunities with the national team, then return home with the knowledge to strengthen domestic programs.
“When national team careers are done, bringing back the knowledge gained on the USST would be better served to a ski valley in the US than the EU.”
His influence is palpable across the coaching ranks, from grassroots clubs to the national team.
Shaping the Future of Speed
Calendar design and criteria, Pelkey believes, play a decisive role in whether athletes pursue speed. With better incentives and structure, more racers and coaches will commit to the discipline. His voice has been steady in calling for those changes. Above all, he has never wavered in his belief that speed skiing must remain a vital part of U.S. development. Tireless in dedication, Randy Pelkey stands as the enduring architect of America’s pursuit of downhill and super-G.
About the Author: Peter Lange
