Nordic Staff Profiles

Gus Johnson, ASC Nordic Director

Over the course of Gus’s tenure as Head Coach and eventually Program Director at ASC, he has coached the Competition, Development, Nordic Varsity Program, Alder Creek Middle School, and Far West Junior National teams. Outside of ASC he has coached and led various camps with the US Ski Team such as the National U16 Camp, Western Regional Elite Group Camp, and other development projects with US Ski and Snowboard. From 2018-2022 he served as US Ski and Snowboard Nordic Sport Committee Representative for the Pacific Region, approving criteria for Olympic Selection in Pyeongchang while always keeping an eye for development of the Far West Region. Over the course of his 10+ years with ASC, Gus has mentored many far west athletes in their progression (regardless of their club), but is most proud of his mini-pony alumni. #onceaminiponyalwaysaminipony Strictly within the ASC program he has coached ten skiers on to NCAA teams, two Youth Olympic Games competitors, and two Junior World Championship athletes, all of whom graduated within the ASC program and went on to great things both on and off the snow. Building on an already long standing tradition of excellence at ASC which has contributed toward producing Olympians.

Gus believes that nordic sport teaches all sorts of life lessons, but believes most powerfully that the benefits of skiing, training, and racing foster young athletes to success in areas both on and off the ski trails. He aims to provide a supportive environment for young athletes to accomplish their goals, live active and healthy lifestyles, and chase their competitive Nordic skiing aspirations. He believes the journey of chasing high- but achievable- goals is the fun and most important part of the training process; this is probably the biggest life lesson we teach at ASC. The results don’t matter (not in any capital “M” Matter sort of way), but caring enough to give it a real shot does. Caring enough to give it your best effort matters. Gus wants athletes to foster their goals- even the ones they aren’t even aware they have yet. The ones that tickle the back of their brain and make them a little scared to admit they have.

 

Because this is nice (seeing ASC skiers on the podium)

But this is more important (giving high fives and hugs after hard efforts):

About Gus:

  • US Ski and Snowboard Level 200 Certified Coach (the highest available, which includes guidance and resources in physiology, tactics, equipment preparation, sport psychology, athletic development, and nutrition).
  • Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Where he learned to ski: Alta Ski Area, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
  • Education background: BA English Literature
  • Athletic background: UNR NCAA Ski Team (2008-2011), Far West Elite Team (2010-2013)
  • Moved to the Tahoe area: Reno 2008-2011, Truckee/Tahoe 2011-Present
  • Coaching background: 2013-present at Auburn Ski Club
  • Other interests/hobbies: True Crime Podcasts, Truck Camping, Outdoor Adventures