Apex Academy

Two American ski racers, Maxi Høder and Bradshaw Underhill, are proving there’s no single path to success in modern ski racing. From early development to college and beyond, their contrasting journeys highlight a deeper question in the sport: what happens after talent is identified?

Apex2100 International Ski Academy has appointed former U.S. Men’s Head Coach Mark Tilston as Academy Director, bringing decades of World Cup, Olympic, and World Championship experience to the Tignes-based programme.

At 25, Lucy Brown is building alpine ski racers on a foundation of trust. Her coaching philosophy centers on relationships first — because in a sport defined by risk, athletes only push limits when they feel secure. At Apex, that means open communication, balance away from results, and a long-term view of development. Brown isn’t chasing quick breakthroughs. She’s creating environments where performance — and athletes — can last.