World Cup Coaches Shuffle Into New Roles

The Olympic quadrennium has just ended, and, as usual, it brings significant changes within the federations, especially among the management roles and in key positions within the teams.

Some federations have already confirmed their strategies; others are still being defined, but let's start by listing some significant changes.

Major shifts occur in the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), and several coaches in crucial positions have announced that they are leaving the federation after the 2022 season.

Patrick Riml, the head of the High-Performance Alpine Sports department at the ÖSV from 2019, left the Austrian Federation and will return to U.S. Ski & Snowboard as Alpine Director. Riml began with U.S. Ski & Snowboard in 2001 as a coach, served as Head Coach of the women's team from 2003-08 and was the Alpine Director from 2011-18, overseeing some of the most successful teams in U.S. Ski & Snowboard history.

"I am very happy to be returning to the alpine program at U.S. Ski & Snowboard," said Riml. "The program is unmatched in its potential, and I'm excited to be working with both the talent coming up through the ranks and the elite athletes to help the skiers achieve their dreams."

ÖSV announced the hiring of Austrian Herbert Mandl in a new sports director position. The ÖSV stated in early March that experienced coach Herbert Mandl was hired as the sports director and will assume responsibility for the entire ÖSV alpine area.

Christian Mitter, the head coach for the ÖSV alpine women since 2019, announced his departure, and Thomas Trinker has replaced him. The 47-year-old Styrian has been working as a coach in the Austrian Ski Federation for 22 years and has been responsible for men's and women's races in various functions. From 2012 to 2018, Trinker was already on duty for six years as group coach (European Cup and World Cup) for the ÖSV women, and most recently was responsible for the men's junior team.

Andreas Puelacher, the head coach for ÖSV alpine men since 2014, also announced his departure, and Marko Pfeifer took over. The 47-year-old Carinthian was in charge of Austria's slalom specialists since April 2013 and led them to the world's top. The decision was confirmed by the federation's management and presented to the public during the World Cup finals in Courchevel, France.

French Federation

Lionel Pellicier, who has been in charge of the Women's Technical Group since the 2019 season, will succeed Alberto Senigagliesi. The latter joined the FFS in 2017 and was appointed Race Director for women's speed from the 2022/23 season onwards by the FIS.

Simone Del Dio, head of the French men's slalom team, is leaving the transalpine federation after six years, and Erik Seletto has also announced that he is leaving the French men's speed team after ten years. Their next steps are still unknown.

North American Changes

In Canada, Manuel Gamper leaves the Canadian women's team after six years as head coach, and Alpine Canada is thrilled to announce the appointment of Karin Harjo as Head Coach of the Women's Canadian Alpine Ski Team entering the 2022-2023 season. With this appointment, the 22-year coaching veteran makes history by becoming not just Canada's first-ever female team head coach but also the first woman to hold the position across the entire World Cup circuit.

"I'm very excited to join the Canadian Ski Team and its promising and dedicated group of athletes," says Harjo, whose career highlights include coaching American ski legend Lindsey Vonn to a bronze medal in downhill at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Ski Championships in Sweden, as well as supporting Mikaela Shiffrin and her gold medal at the 2021 World Ski Championships in Cortina, Italy.

There are many positions still open and many changes still taking place in the big puzzle of the World Cup circuit. We will keep you updated in the coming weeks.