Welcome U16 Alpine Coach, Mike Gilbert to the team! Mike is from Glens Falls, N.Y. and has skied and coached at West Mountain located in Queensbury, NY. During his time at West, he held roles as U16/U19 Alpine Coach and also worked with U12 and U14  athletes. When he is not skiing, he coaches rowing in the warmer months. Before coaching at West, Mike went to UVM and graduated as a Biology major with a concentration in Exercise Science. His passion for coaching stems from his education and athletic careers in skiing and rowing. 

“Mike brings experience, education and passion to our U16 group,” said Head U16 Alpine Coach at Whiteface, Patrick Purcell.

Patrick met Mike, as many coaches do, alongside a race course, “our chemistry jelled immediately, we had conversations about strength and conditioning and how they played an integral role in on-snow performance… we are psyched to have Mike with us,” added Patrick. 

When asked about working with NYSEF, Mike said “I have always wanted to come up north, live in Lake Placid and join NYSEF.” A motivator to be a part of NYSEF is his son, Patrick, who will be joining the program as a full-time U16 athlete. When discussing working with Head Coach, Patrick Purcell, Mike said, “after meeting Patrick on the hill, we instantly hit it off and have parallel views of ski racing and fitness training.” 

When Mike is not rowing or skiing, he is spending as much time outdoors with his family, children, Patrick (15) and Lilly (6) and his wife, Catherine. Mike heads to Hintertux, Austria at the end of the month with NYSEF. 

Welcome to the team!