McBride returns to Aspen as alpine head coach

By Published On: May 8th, 2014Comments Off on McBride returns to Aspen as alpine head coach
Johno McBride works with AVSC athletes during a May 3 training camp on Aspen Mountain. Walt Evans

Johno McBride works with AVSC athletes during a May 3 training camp on Aspen Mountain. Walt Evans

In a somewhat anticipated move, AVSC alumnus and former national team coach John “Johno” McBride has joined Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club as alpine head coach.

McBride, 49, and a second-generation Aspenite, returns to AVSC after a successful four-year stint coaching the Canadian men’s speed team in downhill and super G. McBride worked in a similar capacity on the U.S. Ski Team during the 1990s. His retirement from the Canadian team and World Cup circuit was announced on April 6.

He is best known for his tenure as Bode Miller’s coach during the two seasons, 2005 and 2008, when Miller won the overall World Cup.

Spending up to nine months on the road can take its toll, and McBride said that after the season’s final World Cup speed races in Kvitfjell, Norway, “I just decided it was time to come home.” Johno and his wife, Sunni, who live in old Snowmass, have three children ages 6, 9 and 10.

AVSC Executive Director Mark Cole said he had tried to hire McBride for different roles during his tenure with the club but that the timing was never right, until now.

“I’ve seen Johno being a good match for our program for years and have tried to get him into various key positions. To see that being realized is very satisfying,” Cole said. “I think it’s only going to do positive things for us. Johno has so much experience coaching at a high level.” Citing the talent that already exists on AVSC’s alpine staff, Cole added, “I’m looking forward to Johno bringing out the best in them.”

This is McBride’s second time coaching for AVSC. Following a stint on the U.S. Development Team and later as a student-athlete at the University of Vermont, McBride worked with the then-Aspen Ski Club under former alpine director Shane Burton.

McBride’s first assignment as AVSC’s Alpine Head Coach was working with about 20 athletes during a May 3-4 training camp on Aspen Mountain. Tyler Walker, the 2013/14 IPC World Cup overall champion, trained alongside the juniors.

“My goal for this program is to give kids opportunities and expertise so they can reach their potential as skiers. With these mountains, facilities and support of the community, we have the ability for these athletes to really flourish,” McBride said.

Greg Needell, who served as alpine program director for the past three years, and Kent Towlerton, head ability coach since 2007, have departed AVSC.

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