Former WC McKennis-Duran rider joins SSCV as coach

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Alice McKennis Duran, shown here at the 2018 World Cup in Cortina, Italy, joins the coaching staff at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail. (AP File Photo / Domenico Stinellis)

The new Ski & Snowboard coach Vail should get attention.

The newbie has over 10 years of World Cup experience including a touring victory (St. Anton, Switzerland, downhill, Jan 12, 2013), not to mention World Championships (2013) and Olympic (2010 and 2018) ).

SSCV announced this week the hiring of Alice McKennis Duran as a U12 alpine coach just entering his World Cup career.



“The hiring of Alice reinforces the Vail Ski & Snowboard Club’s continued commitment to excellence in coaching for all ages. It will be a great opportunity for young SSCV athletes to learn firsthand from one of the best in the world, ”said Brad Wall, SSCV Alpine Program Director. “On the days when Alice isn’t coaching U12 athletes, we expect her to have a huge impact on the entire Alpine program, passing on her in-depth knowledge and passion for developing strong speed skills to everyone. ages.

Born in New Castle, Duran learned to ski at 2 years old at Sunlight Mountain with her father and older sister Kendra.



Alice McKennis Duran brings over 10 years of US Ski Team experience to her new role at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail. (Daily special)

“I remember holding onto my dad’s ski pole as he taught me to turn. Some of my earliest memories of skiing include the feeling of awe that there was so much to explore on the mountain and the freedom I had to ski my way and find speed on my own, ”said Duran.

And the speed she found. Duran was a US ski team athlete for 13 years (2008-2021) and competed on the FIS World Cup downhill and super-G circuit from 2009 to 2020.

Duran placed fifth in downhill at the 2018 Olympics. Other highlights included third place in a World Cup downhill in Are, Sweden, in 2018, not to mention being a three-time champion. National Super G in 2015 and 2020 and downhill in 2017.

When not training and racing on her own, Duran shared her passion with the next generation of racing skiers, training at Keely’s Camp for Girls and American Downhill Speed ​​Camp. Along with his successful ski racing career, Duran has taken the time to earn his PSIA Level 3 Instructor License and pursue his higher education goals, currently working to complete his courses to earn a Bachelor of Business Management. Small Business and Entrepreneurship from DeVry University.

Wall said: “Results are one thing, but Alice is also known for her resilience and determination, successfully returning to the World Cup after several late-season injuries. SSCV athletes have a lot to learn from how she has faced and overcome adversity during her ski racing career.

“I look forward to sharing the ideas and knowledge I have gained from my 10+ years of World Cup racing with a younger generation,” said Duran. “By having the opportunity to continue to be involved in ski racing, which has meant so much to me throughout my life, and to share this passion with a younger generation, I hope to continue cultivating love. an incredible sport for generations to come. “

“As a former athlete from the youth level to the highest level, I understand the challenges and what it takes to achieve big goals. I believe that with my experience and knowledge from my own ski racing career, I will be able to relate to athletes of any age or level and help them get the most out of the sport that I am they can – not only from an athletic standpoint, but from a personal standpoint as well.



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