Bridger Ski Foundation Announces Andy Newell As New Nordic Elite Team Coach,

Bridger Ski Foundation is pleased to announce that Andy Newell is their new Nordic Elite Team Coach, effective April 1, 2020. Bridger Ski Foundation is a nonprofit community ski organization, with programs for Nordic, Alpine, Freestyle, and Freeskiing, based in Bozeman, Montana. They also groom an incredible community trail system of 70+km of trails, all under a voluntary trail pass system. BSF is a Gold-Certified Club by U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

He’ll work with the competitive Nordic racers, collegiate skiers, and the incoming Elite Team to help these athletes bridge the gap between domestic racing and international success. “BSF is excited to rebuild the Nordic Elite Team under the leadership of four-time Olympian Andy Newell,” said BSF Nordic Program Director Andrew Morehouse.

Andy Newell, BSF Nordic Elite Team coach. (Photo: BSF)

Newell said, “I’m thrilled to start this full-time coaching position with the Bridger Ski Foundation and work even more closely with the ski community here in Bozeman. We have incredible ski training and racing resources in Montana, which is a real draw for me. In addition, I think BSF has the potential to be the strongest ski club in the US.” 

Morehouse and Newell are excited to team up with a vision that will give cross country skiers a clear development pipeline from introductory youth racing all the way up to the Olympic level. “More importantly,” says Newell, “ we see the value in a positive and supportive ski culture that helps bring a community together, creating life-long outdoor enthusiasts. My goal is to ensure all BSF skiers have the opportunity to reach their potential in a professional and fun training environment.”  

The BSF Elite Team is a community-supported Olympic development program that gives serious athletes the support they need to pursue their dreams. The new Elite Team will focus on the highest level of competition here in the U.S. while trying to qualify for international competitions such as U23 World Championships and World Cups. 

Morehouse added, “I see this program as an important pillar on which BSF can build a culture of community engagement, healthy lifestyles, and pursuit of athletic excellence. I believe that under Andy’s leadership, it will have tremendous benefits to our Junior and Adult programs as well as the Bozeman Nordic community as a whole.”

Newell is a four-time Olympian and spent 16 years racing with the U.S. Ski Team with multiple World Cup podiums in that time. Considered to be one of the best technical skiers in the world, he’s regarded for teaching technique to skiers of all ages, and he has run a successful coaching program for the last two years called Nordic Team Solutions, which he’ll continue to operate, offering support to skiers around the world. 

“Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program, as well as a passion for building a strong Nordic community in Bozeman,” said Morehouse. “I’m excited to work with him to strengthen our connections within the community while developing world-class athletes.” 

In addition, Newell will bring his Nordic Team Solutions summer collegiate training group under the umbrella of BSF this summer, working with some of the best collegiate skiers in the country. Newell said, “These athletes will be in Bozeman from June to August and will be working alongside the Elite Team and BSF junior programs.” 

Morehouse also plans to begin building up a post-grad (PG) team, providing a space where high school graduates can continue their athletic development before heading off to college. 

I see this as a long-term position for me, and I can’t wait to do everything I can to support these athletes,” said Newell. “BSF is already a very established club with a great record, which makes me even more excited to start this role.”