. Colden is no stranger to NYSEF being a part of the program since he was a U10 – “I remember having board member Art Lussi as my first coach,” he said. Colden lives in Plattsburgh, NY and trained with NYSEF every week before heading to Clarkson University. 

At Clarkson he skied for 4 years on the alpine team – leading the team as a captain his senior 

year. Colden graduated with an Engineering and Management Degree with minors in Math and Project Management. As part of his degree, there is an international component and Colden took full advantage – interning with Corporación Cultiva, a sustainability and environmental research group in Chile. Following his return to the states, he currently works at Point Au Roche State Park on the northwestern shore of Lake Champlain as part of the trail preservation and sustainability crew. “I skied at Whiteface my entire life, it is my home mountain and I am excited to come back in this new role as a coach,” Colden said.

When asked about his time as an athlete, he said, “NYSEF taught me how to balance my school work and training…my coaches were great communicators and I always knew what to expect when traveling to the mountain every day.” Colden is thrilled to be a positive influence within the U16 group and learn from seasoned coaches like Head U16 Coach, Patrick Purcell. “Patrick is a great force in the ski racing community, I feel so connected to the sport based on his overall knowledge of the industry…I cannot wait to meet the athletes,” he said.

“Colden’s knowledge of Whiteface alone is a huge resource – his familiarity with the trail system allows him to gauge the right experience and challenge the athletes. In addition, Colden’s recent ski racing experience makes him incredibly valuable – he can relate to all the challenging aspects that young athletes go through. Plus, his enthusiasm is off the charts – he will be a positive force in our group,” commented Patrick. 

During Colden’s free time, he enjoys riding up (and especially down) the Whiteface toll road, mountain biking, hiking and camping and sometimes slows down with fishing. 

Colden starts with NYSEF in November. Welcome back, Colden!