Featured Image: Seppi Stiegler/ Provided by Windham Mountain Club.
World Cup racer and accomplished coach to lead a new era for Windham’s race, freestyle, and events programs
Windham Mountain Club has announced the appointment of Seppi Stiegler as its first Director of Competitive Programs, a newly created leadership role that unites the club’s race, freestyle, and events programming under one vision for the first time.
The move reflects Windham’s continued investment in athlete development and its commitment to strengthening both its alpine racing and freestyle pathways. Stiegler will oversee the club’s Intro to Competition, Competition Race, Competition Freestyle, and Events teams while helping shape the future of one of the Northeast’s leading competitive programs.
“In alignment with our commitment to sustaining and elevating our standing as a leading junior race and freestyle feeder program in the Northeast, we believe Seppi’s demonstrated leadership experience and strategic vision uniquely position him to guide WMC’s competitive and events teams into the future,” said Laurie Marshall-Lauria, Director of Ski and Ride School.
A Lifetime in Ski Racing
For Stiegler, ski racing has been a lifelong pursuit.
Raised in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he spent his earliest years in the ski school office and on the magic carpet before progressing through one of the country’s most respected ski communities.
He later raced for the University of Denver, where he built one of the nation’s most accomplished collegiate careers. During his time with the Pioneers, Stiegler won three NCAA Championships, earned three NCAA All-America honors, was named RMISA Skier of the Year, captured a World University Games title, and served as team captain. He also received the Pioneer Leadership Award and the Management Department Leadership Award.
Following his collegiate career, Stiegler made his World Cup debut during the 2011-12 season and competed on both the World Cup and NorAm circuits through 2015 under the guidance of longtime coach Peter Lange.
Building Athletes Beyond the Finish Line
Over the past decade, Stiegler has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of ski racers.
Inspired by legendary coach Erich Sailer, he has led camps around the world through Stiegler Ski Racing Camps while coaching with Erich Sailer Ski Racing Camps, Crystal Mountain Alpine Club, and the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club. Most recently, he served as Head Men’s FIS Coach at the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF).
Throughout his coaching career, Stiegler has helped athletes reach the top step of the podium, qualify for the U18 National Championships and U.S. Alpine Championships, and earn opportunities with some of the nation’s top NCAA ski programs.
He also holds some of the sport’s highest coaching credentials, including U.S. Ski & Snowboard Level 300 Coach certification, along with Level 3 Referee, Level 3 Competition Official, Level 2 Jury Advisor, and Level 2 Chief of Course certifications.
His experience as both a racer and coach has shaped an athlete-centered philosophy that emphasizes technical development alongside strength and conditioning, nutrition, leadership, and personal growth.
A Unified Vision for Competitive Programs
As Director of Competitive Programs, Stiegler will lead the integration of Windham’s racing, freestyle, and events programming while creating a clear and connected pathway for athletes at every stage of their development.
“The opportunity to build a unified program at WMC across racing, freestyle, and events is a rare and exciting challenge,” Stiegler said. “By bringing these disciplines under one cohesive vision, we can create a unique pathway for athlete development. This role reflects a deep commitment by the Windham Mountain Club team to the growth of competitive winter sports and a vital investment in the future of U.S. skiing. I am thrilled to be joining this team, and I am incredibly eager to work with our state and national development systems using this new platform for growth.”
Looking Ahead
The creation of the Director of Competitive Programs position marks a new chapter for Windham Mountain Club as it continues to invest in competitive skiing and athlete development.
By bringing racing, freestyle, and events together under unified leadership, the club aims to strengthen collaboration among coaches, create more opportunities for athletes, and continue building one of the Northeast’s premier competitive programs.
With Stiegler leading the vision for Windham’s competitive programs, the club looks forward to building stronger pathways for athletes from their first experiences in competition through every level of alpine racing and freestyle skiing while continuing to foster partnerships that support the future of the sport.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
