Dan Stripp Returns to Lead SSCV Women’s NorAm Program
One of the most respected coaches in American ski racing is back at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail. Dan Stripp has returned to the club as lead women’s NorAm coach, bringing decades of experience and a reputation for developing athletes at every level.
Stripp has worked with some of the best, including six-time World Cup winner Kristina Koznick and current Stifel U.S. Ski Team standout Paula Moltzan. A former SSCV athlete herself, Moltzan claimed six World Cup podiums across two disciplines and helped the U.S. win gold in the Team Parallel at the 2023 World Championships. She also earned bronze in giant slalom at the 2025 World Championships.
While the full list of elite athletes Stripp has coached is too long to name, his impact goes beyond results. He’s known throughout the coaching community for his ability to move skiers forward—faster—through every stage of development.
“This role is the perfect fit for where I am in my coaching journey,” Stripp said. “Over the past six or seven years, I’ve really focused on helping athletes break through the NorAm level. This position allows me to keep doing that in a great environment.”
Resnick on Stripp’s Lasting Impact
Dan Stripp’s impact extends well beyond the training hill. Just ask Allie Resnick, who recently retired after a standout career that included starts on the Europa Cup and World Cup circuits, years on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, and NorAm titles in both giant slalom (2022) and slalom (2023). She was also an All-American at Dartmouth College.
For over a decade, Stripp coached Resnick and her sister, Emma, helping guide their rise from young racers to elite international competitors.
“Over the last 10+ years, Dan has completely transformed my skiing and life,” Resnick said. “I would not be the skier or person I am today without his positive influence on and off the mountain. Dan has a special gift for explaining challenging concepts in a straightforward way. He works hard and cares deeply about every athlete he works with. I am so excited for the athletes at Ski Club Vail to learn from him next season!”
Wall: “The Stars Aligned”
Alpine Director Brad Wall has been waiting a long time for Dan Stripp to return to Ski & Snowboard Club Vail.
“Ever since I started working at SSCV four years ago and got to know Dan better, I hoped we’d have the chance to work together,” said Wall, a former Australian National Team member, Olympian, and All-American at Dartmouth College. “Every spring, I half-jokingly asked if he was ready to rejoin SSCV. This spring, the stars aligned.”
When SSCV began the search for a new women’s lead NorAm coach, Wall prioritized finding someone with integrity, experience, and a deep understanding of athlete development.
“First and foremost, we’re looking for good humans to join our staff,” Wall said. “No one in U.S. skiing has more consistently advanced athletes through the crucial stages of development than Dan. He understands what it takes to succeed—from age-class racing to the World Cup and Olympic Games.”
Wall believes Stripp’s return offers immediate value to the athletes and the broader coaching team.
“At the top of the list is the incredible opportunity ahead for the athletes working with Dan,” Wall said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and a new perspective that will make all of us better as a club.”
Trusted, Purposeful, Passionate
Wall highlighted Stripp’s calm, focused approach and the mutual trust he builds with athletes.
“Dan has a calming presence and a long-term outlook that athletes and coworkers will appreciate,” Wall said. “Ski racing is his passion, and that shows every day he’s on the hill. He’s purposeful in building trust with the athletes and their families—and that trust is essential for long-term success.”
Trusted, Purposeful, Passionate
Wall highlighted Stripp’s calm, focused approach and the mutual trust he builds with athletes.
“Dan has a calming presence and a long-term outlook that athletes and coworkers will appreciate,” Wall said. “Ski racing is his passion, and that shows every day he’s on the hill. He’s purposeful in building trust with the athletes and their families—and that trust is essential for long-term success.”
Deep Roots in the Vail Valley
Stripp’s return to SSCV is more than a hire—it’s a homecoming.
“He knows our Gold Peak venue like the back of his hand,” Wall said. “He understands the challenges and opportunities we face as a club. But most importantly, he cares deeply about SSCV’s mission and the role we play in U.S. skiing and in this community.”
For the athletes, that means a coach who won’t need time to get up to speed.
“Dan will hit the ground running,” Wall said. “Everyone on staff who knows him is excited for his return.”
Stripp on His Philosophy and the Path Ahead
Stripp’s philosophy centers on teaching the skill of racing—not just tactics and technique, but also how to navigate the development system as athletes improve.
“Too often, there’s a tendency to run a lot of gates without real purpose,” he said. “You start to repeat the same mistakes over and over. The goal has to be getting better faster than other programs, not just skiing more.”
Having previously served as SSCV’s head women’s coach, Stripp already understands the program’s culture. He has followed the club’s top women in recent years and sees potential for rapid progress.
“I’ve kept an eye on the leading athletes, and I know there’s a strong core group here. I’d love to help move them quickly toward being college-ready—or even U.S. Ski Team-ready,” Stripp said.
Although he hasn’t closely tracked the incoming U16 athletes, he’s eager to learn more about the whole group and get to work. “I’ve never felt like I’ve stopped learning about ski racing,” he said. “That’s part of what excites me most—continuing to learn and sharing that knowledge with this team.”
About the Author: Peter Lange
