33
WINTER
2017
|
Larisa:
How andwhat sparked the flame that led to the creation of the
National Ski Academy?
Jurg:
It came about when I realized that wewere really in needof
havingaprogram centeredaroundathletes, but also toaddress the
needs of the students in all areas. That means academically (well-
rounded,withagoodeducation),athletically (pursuing their sportand
passion),physically (physical fitness leveland lifestyle),mentally (tobe
prepared for challengesof all kinds) and socially (fun, friend-filleden-
vironment and family involvement). For us, it becameobvious that we
need togive them those tools. Thegoalwas for them to learnandhave
successwhilepursuing thedesire togoas faras theycan.
We’re,geographically,notnecessarily thebestarea [for ski racing]
but we have had great community support and people behind us.
Whenweopened the school,we solvedaproblem fora lotof families
whowere losingvaluable timecommuting for school, skiing, dry land,
family time, etc. It becameabigburden for theentire family simply to
give the kid theopportunities. Therefore, it was very easy to look at it
seriously and say, “If we couldput something together which places
andmaintains theathleteat the forefront, thatwouldbeagood thing.”
Larisa:
I agree that geographically the Escarpment might not have the
obvious advantages of largermountains yet we’ve put a lot of people on
theworld stage of skiing.Why do you think this area still has somuch to
offer even if there aremuch bigger, steeper options out there?
Jurg:
Obviously,one thing thatalwayscomes tomind is thatwehave
a huge population base. Tome that was abig thing. In addition, we
haveagreatnumberof ski clubsdoinganexcellent jobwithgrassroots
programsand families support their kids topursue theseopportunities.
Naturally, once you put those two things together, youwill get some
success inathletes from thisarea.
Larisa:
In your experience (and you have a lot of experience), what
trends and challenges have you seen over the last 30 years?
Jurg:
When I look back over 30 years at the first kids who came
through this academy, I believe the demands and the commitment of
the students, athletesand familieshas increaseddrastically.
Larisa:
Are you saying that all those years ago,when Iwas here, Iwasn’t
committed?
Jurg:
No, I’mnot saying that.
(Laughter and off-the-record distracted chat ensues.)
Today,whenyou lookat theworld stage, intensityhas increasedon so
many levels. Thingshavebecomemore scientific, time-invested isgrow-
ingand thepressureweput on thesekids…wehave tried tocondense.
By losinggrade13 in school andaddingU16 (under16yearsof age
category), thebiggerpicturenowgivesathletes twoyears inFIS[thecom-
petitionplatform for ski racersaround theworld] toprove themselves.
This is a very condensedwindow compared toearlier dayswhen the
kids had four or five years to find themselves, learn andmature. The
changesweresuddenbut theexpectations remained.Over the last30
years, thedemandshave reallychanged. Lastly, I thinkalso thecost to
the family isever rising topursueany sport at higher levels.
Larisa:
Youmentioneda two-yearwindow that is short yet intense, tode-
velop boys and girls into men and women. What do you think happens
under theNSA roof that allows the students to achieve success, inside and
outside the sport?
Jurg:
For us, it’sbasedon life skillsandpreparing student athleteson
their journey forwhatmaycomeafterwards. This is just as important to
us.Wehavekidscoming inatanearlierage (13/14yearsold) leaving
at 17/18 years old sowe have them for a three to five yearwindow
andall we reallywant to saywith that window is, “We canhelpyou,
we canguideyou,we canput theenvironment aroundyouand try to
giveyou the toolsnecessary to learn, tohavecertainsuccess, tomaster
thechallenges. Ifwedoall that, it prepares you for themost important
part… the life that comesafter.”
Larisa:
AsmanyNSAalumswill attest, you continually goabove andbe-
yond the traditional Coach/Director call of duty. You have the incredible
ability to cater to the personal/human side of the job–taking an interest in
the student athletes; helping them through times of hardship and doubt.
Myself included. Where did your passion to help young people become
stronger versions of themselves, comes from?
Jurg:
I think thepassion for skiing came frommyown familyandmy
parents’ influence.But italsocame frommyownexperiences. I tried to
ski raceand I saw some individuals (coaches, teachers, parents)who
reallywerebehindme. It showedme that if Icouldhelp topositivelyaf-
fect kids like that in the future then I reallywanted topursue that. It’s a
privilegeandabsolutelyextraordinary tobe involved inakid’s journey
and their lifestyle, toplaya role inhelping themprepare for life,giving
themcertainskills tomaster thechallenges.Seeing theirconfidence im-
provewhen they experience success, seeing their personal growth
when reaching theirpotential... this iswhat it’sall about.
Over30years, I get to seewhere theathletesarenowand it’sex-
tremely gratifying. The environment here helped themmake lifelong
friendships. Theywerehonestwitheachother, theywere respectful to
eachother and they strived together. They take those friendshipswith
them forever
Larisa:
I’m aware of this lifelong bond to the Academy. I have com-
pletelywornout the seat cushion in your officeover the years frombounc-
ing thousands of ideas (and emotions) off you.
Jurg:
Ja, nowwehave to fix it.
*
Sometimes I can be tough on you.
Sometimes I can push you.
Sometimes I cannot agreewith
you. But, make nomistake, I care.
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