Veteran coaches take on new roles with the NSA

Martin Wilson will be joining the National Ski Academy (NSA) as men’s FIS coach as per an announcement from Jurg Gfeller, the founder and Executive Director of the NSA. Additionally, Nigel Cooper has been appointed to the newly created position of Director of Operations.

Wilson, who hails originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, joins the academy from the Stratton Mountain School (SMS) Alpine Program where he was a post-graduate and women’s FIS coach. At SMS, Wilson lived on campus and contributed to the residential life program, seeing to the holistic preparation of student-athletes. He also served previously as an NCAA ski and tennis coach at Bowdoin College and Tufts University, two top-ranked, elite U.S. colleges.

Wilson has managerial experience as the athletic director at Bogus Basin in Boise, Idaho, and also with his private post-graduate program, Alpine Racing Elite, in Maine. Wilson brings a lifetime of experience in ski racing development and management as well as detailed knowledge of the U.S. college admission and recruitment process. After many years in the U.S., he is thrilled to return to Canada. He is the proud father of three children who will visit often from their home in Boston, Massachusetts.

Cooper brings over 25 years of experience and results in alpine skiing to the program. He has served as the program director, development director, athletic director and head coach for several ski racing organizations in Canada, the U.S., Australia and Japan including Whistler Mountain Ski Club and Ski & Snowboard Club Vail.

“I am extremely excited and pleased to work with Nigel over the next years to bring the National Ski Academy to new levels. I am convinced that Nigel with his dedication knowledge and experience is the right person to contribute and make a difference for years to come,” Gfeller said.

Cooper is well known around the world as a tireless, organized and passionate leader. Additionally, he has expertise in fund development, marketing and social media and will be instrumental in the launch of the National Ski Academy Foundation in July of 2016.

Release and photos from NSA