OUR COACHES

MATT DAWSON

Back when the skis were long and narrow and the neon bright, Matt raced for the Attitash Race Team as a J5, J4, and J3. He then went on to race with the Mount Washington Valley Ski Team as a J2 and with his high school team. At St. Lawrence University, Matt temporarily put ski competion aside to be a member of the cross country and track team.

After college, Matt began his coaching career with two seasons at Black Mountain, followed by a one year stint at Bretton Woods. This is Matt's 10th season with AAEF and has coached all of the age groups at one time or another during his tenure.

Matt's also the head ski team coach for the Marblehead, MA high school and continues to race mid-week at Nashoba Valley.

In the off-season, when he's not planning his next ski moves, Matt enjoys hiking in the White Mountains, training for road races - from 5k's to marathons, playing ultimate Frisbee in the metro Boston area, or watching the Red Sox..."where 'watching' includes freaking out when they lose, debating starting rotations, lineups, and roster moves for hours upon hours with friends, and going to Fenway to catch a few games".

NANCY CUERDON

After graduating from Starfleet Academy, Nancy became very interested in this small planet in Sector 7 called "Earth". During her initial visits to this faraway land, she was taken aback by the beauty of a naturally crystalized liquid the indiginous population referred to as "snow".

Nancy quickly realized the exhiliration of traveling rapidly over this "snow" on composite planks strapped to her lower extremeties. She developed skills well beyond those of her peers through many years of learning and practice. As a result of her skills and personal drive, she was chosen by the locals to represent them in competitions between rival institutions of learning.

Nancy is fluent in over 162 languages and is able to read minds. More bio information is forthcoming.

AMBER LEVINE

Amber first snapped into a pair of bindings when she was two years old and soon starting racing when "just skiing around the mountain got boring". At six years old, she joined the Gunstock Ski Team and raced as a J5, J4, and J3 - eventually racing four years at Plymouth State College. She has also been a ski instructor and even spent two seasons in Germany teaching military personnel how to ski.

In her fifth season with the Attitash Race Team, Amber has also coached several high school teams. She is also a dedicated Special Olympics volunteer, working with their alpine events for 15 years.

One of Amber's favorite races is the Team's costume race with everyone dressed up in some of the craziest outfits and just racing to have fun.

When she's not on skis, Amber still loves the mountains -- hiking and camping anywhere in the White Mountains. "I love to spend my summers relaxing at the lake with my son and husband." Amber's favorite quote: "The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir

BODIE BOWERS

Bodie is a Bartlett resident with family roots to Attitash's founding. Following his own successful racing career, he coached for AAEF, Bretton Woods, and several colleges such as Dartmouth, Plymouth State, Sierra Nevada, and Westminster in UT. He's worked with youth racers at all levels of development, including those at a very high level such as NORAM's, Europa Cup, and even some that have skied World Cup.

Bodie took a leave from coaching over the past few years, but you've probably seen him on the hill. Not only does he know our program and Attitash well, Bodie brings great first-hand knowledge of racing's institutions and athlete progression.

TARYN PALMER RODEN

Taryn is an MWV native with a deep family tradition of alpine racing. She skied at both the NORAM and collegiate level. Upon graduating from Carrabasset Valley Academy, she was offered full scholarships to both UNH and UVM, where her choice of UNH was due to the loyalty towards her home state. Taryn's racing resume includes J1 Junior Olympic Combined Champion, twice competed at the Canadian National Championships, five times at the US National Championships, and ranked nationally in the top 10 in DH.

Taryn's father Tyler Palmer, brought great recognition to the MWV as he competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics and was the first American male to have back-to-back World Cups victories on European soil.

This season marks her return to racing as she and her husband have been raising a family in the Portland, ME area. Taryn knows the game and has a lot to share.

MEGAN JONES

Megan returns to the Attitash Race Team coaching staff for her third season. At seven years old, she began racing with the Attitash Mountain Resort’s RAD program before advancing through all levels of the Attitash Race Team program. She continues racing today as a member of her high school team, being a steady top three finisher.

Megan is proud to continue her racing career with the Attitash Race Team and being able to experience racing from “the other side”. But watch out: Megan is a particular fan of SL, with its quickness and cross-blocking. “Before a race, my dad always tells me, ‘Don't think, just do.’ I really like that”

Besides her passion for skiing Megan is a field hockey freak; playing for her high school team and two club teams. She also plays lacrosse and loves boating and beaching.

RALPH COLUNTINO

Born in a log cabin he built himself, Ralph hails from Beverly, MA and attends St. John's Prep. After graduating from Attitash's RAD program, Ralph spent seven years as an AAEF team member. Entering his second year of coaching, he will primarily be working with the U10 groups.

Ralph also enjoys swimming and flying and is working on his pilot's licence. In his free time, he has been trying to perfect wheelies on a unicycle.