“NYSEF and Northwood School have developed an ideal pathway for alpine athletes to reach their goals as juniors and beyond,” said John Norton, NYSEF Executive Director. “We’re excited to be taking the next step by bringing Thomas, who took the same NYSEF path to success years ago, on board in an integral role.”

Vonn, a NYSEF and Northwood alumnus (Class of 1994) went to St. Lawrence University and continued his alpine skiing career as part of the U.S. Ski Team (1997-2005). Vonn competed in the 2002 Olympics and continued to compete on the World Cup where he discovered his passion for coaching and working on athlete development.

“I am really excited to work with NYSEF/Northwood in Lake Placid where I started my ski racing career,” Vonn said.

As Alpine Technical Director, Vonn will bring his World Cup, Olympic and international level competition and coaching experience back to his roots. Vonn will set the bar higher with a long-term and competitive vision.

Thomas Vonn instructs skiers on the mountain in Colorado during the Vail World Championships in 2015. (Photo provided)

“I’m excited about Thomas joining the team in this key leadership role,” Northwood Alpine Program Director Terry DelliQuadri said. “This brings us closer to our mutual goal of helping athletes reach the highest levels of national and international competition.”

Vonn served as the primary coach for World Cup and Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn for more than 10 years, including at the Vancouver Olympic Games where she took gold and bronze. Additionally, Vonn consulted with the U.S. Ski Team and coached aspiring World Cup and Olympic athletes from the U.S. and other nations.

Vonn’s specialty has been highly focused elite-level programming and coaching for skiers rising to top world rankings.

“Vonn’s track record on and off the snow not only makes him a great role model for our alpine athletes but for all students in the larger NYSEF/Northwood community,” Northwood Headmaster Michael Maher said. “NYSEF and Northwood are thrilled Thomas will be sharing his passion for coaching in the Adirondacks.”

DelliQuadri added, “With world class alpine training facilities at Whiteface, Vonn’s micro attention to detail will push our coaching staff and athletes to get the most out of every training session.”

NYSEF and Northwood have always had a symbiotic relationship. Vonn’s reputation and the caliber of his experience motivated the two organizations to share resources and bring him on board.

“Our athletes and staff have followed Vonn’s career on the World Cup (stage) and more recently as a highly successful coach,” NYSEF Chairman Greg Harden said. “In this role, he will continue his alpine skiing legacy, hands-on, to build future generations of racers in our region.”

By being hands-on, Vonn will help ensure that NYSEF and Northwood remain one of the top snowsport organizations in the country.

“I can’t wait to get back to Lake Placid, see old friends and coach the next generation,” Vonn said.

Vonn will begin his journey with the organizations this summer and fall at ski camps in Europe and will be working with key staff at NYSEF/Northwood in preparation for the coming season.

When Vonn is not working with alpine programs, he enjoys playing tennis and spending time with his new son, Henrik, who recently turned 3 months old.