Thomas Woolson Named Head Coach of Dartmouth Men’s Alpine Ski Team

Photo Credit: Tucker Marshall

Woolson Returns to Lead Dartmouth Men’s Alpine Team

Dartmouth has brought one of its own back to lead the Big Green’s men’s alpine ski team. Thomas Woolson, a two-time NCAA All-American and former team captain, returns to Hanover as the new head men’s coach. The move marks a full-circle moment for Woolson, whose journey from student-athlete to coach has spanned every level of the sport.

“I was immediately excited when the opportunity arose,” Woolson said. “Dartmouth College and Dartmouth skiing have played such a major role in my life and in shaping who I am today, both as a person and as a coach.”

Most recently, Woolson coached with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team women’s tech group. The experience strengthened his ability to adapt to individual athletes and reinforced his belief in athlete-first programming.

Coming Home to Dartmouth

Woolson didn’t expect to leave the U.S. Ski Team. But when Dartmouth opened the head coaching position, the decision quickly became clear.

“Probably no other job in ski racing could have pulled me away,” he said. “But this one is different.”

He sees this role not just as a job, but as a return to the program that shaped him.

“I’ve always thought of Dartmouth as my ski team,” he said. “I couldn’t turn down the chance to lead it.”

Coaching With Purpose

As head coach, Woolson plans to focus on doing the little things right—helping student-athletes navigate the demands of academics, training and life.

“I want to build a strong foundation and make sure athletes feel every hour they put into skiing gives back what they need,” he said.

Efficiency, clarity, and consistency are central to his approach. He also holds himself to the same standard—minimizing wasted time and maximizing purpose.

Why NCAA Skiing Matters

Woolson sees college skiing as a vital part of athlete development. Beyond skill progression, it restores joy and teamwork to an often-isolating sport.

“College skiing brings fun and passion back into the sport,” he said. “And it gives athletes a support structure that goes beyond skiing.”

He said the NCAA format prepares athletes for high-performance environments, helping them grow as competitors and as people. His time at Dartmouth, training alongside teammates from different systems, shaped the way he now leads.

The EISA Advantage

As an EISA product, Woolson appreciates how the Eastern circuit opens doors for developing U.S. athletes. He credits his own path—earning carnival points in his junior year and later becoming an All-American—as proof that Eastern programs give late bloomers a chance.

With strong surfaces and venues like Burke, Stowe, and Sugarloaf, the region also provides consistent, high-quality racing.

A Unique Program Structure

Dartmouth is one of the only NCAA teams with separate men’s and women’s alpine coaches. Woolson sees this as a strategic advantage.

“I can focus solely on the men’s team and their needs,” he said. “And John Dwyer does the same for the women.”

This split allows for tailored training, targeted race prep, and more individual attention. When the teams align, they’ll work side by side. When schedules differ, they’ll pivot independently without compromising quality.

“We wear the same green and represent the same school,” he said. “And we support each other as a united program.”

Built Through Experience

Woolson’s coaching path spans club, academy, independent, and national team roles. He has worked with skiers from junior levels to Olympians—including athletes from Greece, the U.S. and Canada.

“Each level taught me something new about athlete development,” he said. “And every skier is different. Coaching needs to reflect that.”

His work with athletes like Tricia Mangan and Stef Fleckenstein helped prepare him to manage individualized programs and understand the off-snow demands that elite athletes face.

Learning From Peers

While coaching for Team Greece, Woolson worked alongside fellow NCAA alums Sandy Vietze and Gaby Coulet. Their shared experience in college skiing—and different coaching paths—fostered creative collaboration.

“We made decisions as a team,” he said. “And watching Sandy and Gabi coach AJ Ginnis to a World Championship and World Cup podium gave me confidence in our methods.”

Recruiting With Intention

Dartmouth can’t offer athletic scholarships, but Woolson views that as a challenge, not a barrier. He highlights the program’s academic excellence, need-based aid, access to training, and proximity to top-tier race venues.

“Dartmouth has produced World Cup and Olympic athletes,” he said. “And we do it while holding athletes to a high academic standard.”

He wants recruits to see Dartmouth not just as a place to ski, but as a launchpad to the next level—be it NorAm titles, Europa Cup starts, or World Cup points.

Woolson also points to the program’s broader impact.

“I came in unranked and left as a two-time captain,” he said. “Not every story ends in World Cup points—but every athlete here can build something meaningful.”

What Comes Next

As Woolson returns to Hanover, he brings a clear mission: help athletes maximize their college skiing potential and prepare them for whatever comes next.

“We offer a world-class education, a tight-knit team culture, and a proven path to success,” he said. “Dartmouth skiing has a proud legacy. I’m proud to be part of it again.”

Dartmouth College Ski Team Coaches – Alpine & Program Overview
Compiled with information from Peter Dodge. Note: Dartmouth was all-male until 1972
The women originally skied in a separate league; Dartmouth women joined the NCAA Combined Championships in 1983.

Head Ski Team Coaches

Men’s Alpine Coaches

Women’s Alpine Coaches