Sourbeer psyched for a few more runs down Narrow Gauge

Carrabassett Valley Academy (CVA) has hired Kraig Sourbeer as its new alpine program director to oversee the staffing, programming, implementation and supervision of the academy and weekend alpine programs.

CVA’s alpine program, known for cultivating Olympians Bode Miller, Kirsten Clark, and most recently U.S. Ski Team member Sam Morse, is looking forward to continued success under Sourbeer’s leadership.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Kraig to the CVA family,” said Kate Webber Punderson, head of school. “He is well known for his ability to inspire athletes and do all he can to help them reach their full potential. He will connect well with our community as he fully embraces CVA’s mission and our values of civility, respect, gratitude and commitment.  Kraig will draw on his previous leadership roles to build on the strength of our coaching staff and programs from the U8 to the post graduate levels.”

A USSA Level 500 coach and former World Cup competitor, Sourbeer brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to CVA. A life-long student of the sport, he has vast technical knowledge and has worked with men and women from the youngest juniors to the World Cup elite. Following his graduation from Burke Mountain Academy in the 1980s, Sourbeer raced with the U.S. Ski Team on the World Cup and Europa Cup circuits. He then headed to the University of Vermont where he earned a degree in education with a certificate of athletic training.

Over the next thirteen years, Sourbeer gained valuable organizational, managerial and leadership skills at the helm of Mt. Mansfield Ski and Snowboard Club, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and Smugglers Notch Ski and Snowboard Club. From 2004-2010, Sourbeer worked with USSA and the U.S. Ski Team where he coached athletes at the NorAm Cup, Europa Cup and World Cup levels while delivering skill development to some of the nation’s fastest athletes. He has spent the last six years coaching U16 and U19 boys at Burke Mountain Academy. Sourbeer and his wife Jaime have two boys and they all look forward to moving to Carrabassett Valley and joining the community.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining CVA and its excellent crew of coaches,” said Sourbeer. “Their strong relationship with Sugarloaf and the community positions us well to meet the needs of the athletes. With the new Competition Center in place, and recently earning Gold Club Certification, it’s a perfect storm – Sugarloaf style! I can’t wait to get started!”

Release and cover photo courtesy of CVA, photo by Mike Schirf