National Ski Academy

the home of ski racing and academic excellence

Alumni News

Marissa Ripoelle heads to MSU on a ski scholarship.

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Shannon Campbell heads to Williams College.

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Class pictures from the last 25 years

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"Our World, Our Journey"

View the video from the class of 2009

NSA Song written in english class, November 2008

NSA Alumni join Saas Fee Training Camp August 2011
NSA Alumni, Shannon Campbell, Sarah Cottrill, Marissa Riopelle, Brodie Ritchie and Marissa Thiel, and Daniel Cohen, join the NSA in Saas Fee before heading off to univisity in the fall. A great time was had by all. Shannon, Sarah and Marissa T. are all members of the Williams College ski team. Marissa R is on the Montana State University ski team. Brodie is off to Queens University and Daniel starts McGill in the fall. Good luck in the new season.

Alumni Quotes

"The academy gave me an incredible opportunity. It created an environment in which I could develop my individual potential. Sounds like the NSA mission statement, eh? I believe NSA upheld the mission statement and even went beyond it! Sami was a fantastic coach and the whole community is so focused on developing a complete athlete. As head of that community, I believe your leadership has brought that level of excellence. And I liked how you always inquired about my skiing and how I was doing. I can’t believe how much I improved this year and I can’t wait for next season! Thank you- thank you for everything you’ve done to make the academy a success! And know that because of it, I’ve had a fantastic season!"

Sarah Cottrill, Class of 2011

“Jurg clearly, has the ability to motivate anyone to try harder at whatever they do. This element of motivation he possessed, and the fact that Jurg is one of the most dedicated, and influential coaches ever to step foot into a pair of ski boots, were the reasons I thought of Jurg as a true role model for me, and was the reason everyone kept seeing me back year after year for the best 5 years of my life. I have begun to take and use what I have learned from Jurg, here at Western“

Greg Moser, Class of 2009

“My grades have never been better and the NSA works really hard with my teachers and with me to ensure my grades are where I want them to be.”

Brandon Sutton, Class of 2009

Alumni

The National Ski Academy is very proud of its alumni and the success alumni have achieved both on and off the hill over the past 25 years.

“Jurg taught me to race faster, ski better, keep my hands forward, and look ahead. But what I never anticipated learning from him was happiness. Jurg found a way of helping me see the big picture, throughout my entire time at the Academy, and always shared my dreams with a smile on his face. I have to take credit for the sparkle in the smile. I supplied Jurg with his favourite peach lip balm from The Body Shop. Jurg, I am forever grateful for our friendship.”

Larisa Yurkiw, Class of 2004 member of the CAST

“The National Ski Academy taught me to always have goals and gave me the confidence to believe I could reach them.”

Stefan Overgaard, Class of 1998, CAST Alumni

“My time at the Academy taught me about the value of hard work and dedication. When I started in ski racing, I was more familiar with finishing at the bottom of the pack than with winning, but the encouragement I received at the Academy taught me to set my goals high, and above all else, to work as hard as I could to reach those goals. Throughout it all, I gained the confidence to accept new challenges in both skiing and academics.”

McLean Wood, Class of 1996

“The NSA taught me the real meaning of motivation and determination. The years I spent at the NSA had a direct influence on the rest of my career. Now as an alumni of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, I have translated my experiences from the NSA into a successful business career.”

Graydon Oldfield, Class of 1992, CAST Alumni

“The Academy changed my life because not only did it make me a better athlete, but it helped me develop discipline and relationships. The program also showed me that I am capable of taking on intense training and commitment and succeeding.”