We are are pleased to announce the appointment of Julien Cousineau as Interim Head FIS Men’s Alpine Coach for the 2026–2027 season.

In addition to this role, Cousineau will continue in his role as Director of Snowsports at Northwood School, where he completed a highly successful first year leading the School’s alpine and nordic programs while strengthening the partnership between Northwood School and NYSEF.

An experienced coach with a proven track record of developing high-level alpine athletes, Cousineau brings a collaborative approach that emphasizes technical excellence, athlete development, and building meaningful relationships with students and families.

“We are excited to have Julien return to working directly with athletes in this leadership role,” said Gino Riffle, Head of School at Northwood School. “During his first year at Northwood, Julien quickly established himself as an outstanding coach, mentor, and advisor. He has earned the trust and respect of our student-athletes through his commitment to their development, his attention to detail, and the relationships he builds with every athlete. His passion for coaching, combined with his ability to develop young people both on and off the mountain, makes him the ideal person to lead this group of talented student-athletes.”

“Julien brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a former World Cup athlete and international-level coach to our team of well-qualified staff,” said John Norton, Executive Director at NYSEF. “We’re confident that his guidance and professional approach to sport will be transformational for the athletes that work with him.”

The appointment further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Northwood School and NYSEF, providing student-athletes with an exceptional combination of elite alpine training and a rigorous college preparatory education in the Olympic Village of Lake Placid.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue working with our student-athletes in this expanded role,” said Cousineau. “Northwood and NYSEF share a commitment to developing the complete athlete, and I look forward to helping our boys continue to grow as skiers, students, and young men.”

Northwood School and NYSEF remain committed to providing one of the nation’s premier environments for alpine athletes, combining world-class coaching, outstanding academic support, and access to the unparalleled training venues of Lake Placid.

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About NYSEF

The New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) is one of the nation’s leading winter sports development organizations, providing athletes with world-class coaching and training opportunities while fostering excellence in alpine, freeski/snowboard and nordic programs.

About Northwood School

Founded in 1905, Northwood School is a college preparatory boarding and day school in Lake Placid, New York. The School offers nationally recognized programs in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, hockey, soccer, and adventure sports while providing an exceptional academic experience that prepares students to engage their world and lead lives of consequence.