Calgary, Alta. (March 2, 2020) – Alpine Canada is excited to announce that Phil McNichol is joining the organization as High Performance Director of the Alpine Team. The role is critically important to Alpine Canada’s goal of becoming a top-three ski nation by 2026. 

McNichol, who grew up in Washington, CT, comes to Alpine Canada after an illustrious career focused on athlete development. During his time with the U.S. Men’s Alpine Team, he coached them to 42 World Cup victories, four World Championship titles and an Olympic gold medal. 

After leaving the U.S. Team, McNichol worked with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation as the Athletic Director, where he guided the evolution and athletic development for the entire alpine program. 

This athlete development experience is essential for his new role as he will be responsible for overseeing World Cup athlete performance as well as building the pipeline to create the next generation of Olympians. 

“Since immigrating to Canada in 2018 I have experienced a heartfelt acceptance from the community. I have great pride and excitement to now have this opportunity to share a lifetime of alpine high performance and athlete development as part of the ACA Team,” said McNichol. 

Alpine Canada is excited to welcome McNichol during such a vital time for the organization and ski racing in Canada. The 2021 World Championships in Cortina, Italy are less than a year away, and the Winter Olympics in Beijing are not far behind in 2022.

“This is a pivotal time for our organization and for our athletes as we aim to build a lasting legacy of ski racing for the next century,” said Vania Grandi, President and CEO of Alpine Canada. “We are thrilled to have Phil join our team and bring his leadership and vision for the development of our Canadian athletes to be champions and role models on and off the slopes.”

Alpine Canada wants to thank Martin Rufener for his unwavering commitment to the team during his seven years as Alpine Athletic Director and wish him well on his next endeavor. McNichol will begin his new position on March 16, 2020. 

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For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.org I 403-471-6032

About Alpine Canada: 
Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community. In 2020, Alpine Canada celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.