The Mission of the Franconia Ski Club is to impart the joys of skiing and the life-long lessons of healthy competition to the children of its broad and open membership.
The club achieves its mission by providing thoughtful, caring and professional instruction in skiing and ski racing and by supporting and sponsoring all levels of NHARA and USSA Junior racing.
History
The Franconia Ski Club was started in 1933 by a group of local skiers, including Roland Peabody, who wanted to provide opportunities for kids to have access to skiing and other outdoor activities. The club provides professional, caring instruction in ski racing, and by supporting and sponsoring all levels of the New Hampshire Alpine Racing Association, as well as the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. The club is based in Ernie’s Haus, located at the bottom of “Gary’s” trail. The Club building is named in memory of Ernst Eric Glaessel, who died while serving in the US Navy.
Who We Are & What We Do
A coaching staff of 16 works with the clubs 120 athletes aged from 8 to 18, whose families are also club members. The club also works with the local Profile High School team, as well as with the Holderness School’s Eastern Alpine Team.
Last winter’s overall World Cup winner, Bode Miller, as well as US Team skier and former National Giant Slalom Champion, Caitlin Ciccone of Bethlehem are among the Club’s alumni.
Starting on opening day, the staff and athletes take advantage of the superb terrain of Cannon Mountain to hone their skills. Younger athletes are focused toward learning a solid base of skiing skills. Coaches who work with the younger skiers also work to keep the focus on fun for these young athletes. Great skiers make great racers, and with this in mind, some of the best coaches work with the younger skiers.
Accomplishments
During the 2007-2008 season, Club athletes raced their way to the NH State Buddy Werner Team, the NH Team at the Francis Piche Invitationals, the Eastern JIII Finals, and the JIII Junior Olympics. Four athletes qualified to race on the Eastern Team at the Canadian KII Champioships in British Columbia. FSC athlete Sam Macomber was invited to the U.S. Team at the Trofeo Topolino International Races in February. The Topolino is the most prestigious International competition for athletes aged 13 and 14. The club will also be sending the only two athletes named from the eastern U.S. to represent the U.S. Team at Topolino next February. This level of success of a relatively small club is significant, and reflects hard work by the athletes, as well as dedication by the staff and coaches.
The Club staff works very closely with all facets of Cannon Mountain management to ensure that, while providing the athletes with all necessary training opportunities, the impact on the skiing and riding public is kept to a minimum. On race days, it may be necessary to close a trail, or a portion of a trail to ensure the safety of the racers and the public.
When you see a race, or Club athletes training, stop for a minute and watch- the club’s history has shown that the next U.S. Ski Team member could be in the gates as you watch.
Contact Information
Trevor Hamilton
Program Director
Franconia Ski Club
Phone: 603-823-7106
Fax: 603-823-9040
www.franconiaskiclub.com
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