ASC Training Center Announces Departure of Longtime Nordic Program Director Gus Johnson at End of Season
Donner Summit, CA – February 26, 2026 – The ASC Training Center announced today that Gus Johnson, Nordic Sports Program Director, will leave his position at the conclusion of this competitive season. Johnson, who has been an integral part of the ASC coaching staff since 2013 will remain with the organization until mid-April. A national search for his successor will begin immediately.
Johnson’s tenure at ASC spans 12 years, during which he served as head coach from 2013 to 2018 and as Program Director since 2017. His leadership has been instrumental in the continued success of ASC athletes, guiding many to All-American and Junior National Championship podium finishes, Scando-Cup and Junior World qualifications, as well as successful transitions to NCAA or professional skiing careers.
“I will cherish the past 12 years of coaching and supporting ASC and Far West Nordic,” said Johnson. “I’m immensely proud of the teams and organization we’ve built together atop ASC’s legacy of programming and snow sport excellence. I’m confident the club is positioned for continued success in my absence. Thank you to the ASC leadership team and the ASC Board of Directors for their support throughout the years, and also the team members, staff, and program families for their tireless support in the Nordic ski community.”
ASC Board Member Bill Sterling highlighted Johnson’s legacy at the club: “I would like to sincerely thank Gus for his dedication to youth cross country skiing and for his outstanding contributions to Auburn Ski Club programs and the Far West region. Gus has an incredible ability to support athletes at the development level, making cross-country ski training both engaging and fun, while also coaching competitive athletes at a high level. His versatility as a coach and as a mentor has had a lasting impact across all levels of our program.
In addition, Gus has been instrumental in fundraising efforts and has been one of the key individuals behind the ASC trail light project. His leadership, commitment, and passion have strengthened our club and created meaningful opportunities for our athletes and community.
We are truly grateful for everything Gus has contributed.”
Recently hired ASC Executive Director Amy Warren had this to say: “I want to personally recognize Gus for the tremendous impact he has had during my transition into this role. Stepping into a leadership position comes with both excitement and challenge, and Gus has been instrumental in ensuring that this transition has been smooth, thoughtful, and successful. His deep institutional knowledge, steady guidance, and unwavering support have made an immediate difference. More importantly, his passion for ASC and for cross country skiing is evident in everything he does. Gus doesn’t simply contribute to ASC — he embodies its spirit. His commitment to excellence, athlete development, and the growth of cross country skiing continues to move our organization forward. I am incredibly grateful for his partnership and leadership, and I look forward to building on his strong foundation.“
A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, the 37-year-old Johnson has played a significant role in fostering a lifelong love of snow sports for countless youth. Beyond ASC, he has actively contributed to the broader Nordic community, serving on organizations such as Far West Nordic, CNISSF Nordic, and the US Ski and Snowboard Sport Committee. Most recently, Johnson has championed projects aimed at expanding access to skiing, including his instrumental role in bringing lighted trails to ASC, allowing more skiers to train outside of daylight hours. He has also been a driving force behind efforts to reinstate an NCAA ski team at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Johnson first joined ASC as head comp team coach in 2013. Prior to his full-time coaching career, the University of Nevada alum raced semi-professionally for two seasons with the Far West Farm Team while part-time coaching at North Tahoe High School and teaching skiing at Tahoe Donner Cross Country. As a walk-on transfer student at Nevada, he earned a skiing scholarship before graduating in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, all while dedicating himself to giving back to the community that supported him.
ASC would like to thank Gus for his years of service with a fun, downhill enduro style XC ski race on April 15th, and also a small gathering at ASC on the deck following the fun race.