Whistler Mountain Ski Club names Jeff Lackie as new executive director.

The Whistler Mountain Ski Club (WMSC) has made a major power move, naming one of alpine skiing's most respected high-performance coaches as its new executive director.

Jeff Lackie, best known for his seven-season tenure managing speed and dryland training for all-time World Cup wins leader Mikaela Shiffrin, will officially take the helm of the storied Canadian club. During Lackie’s time with Shiffrin, the American superstar soared to 52 World Cup victories, 12 World Championship podiums, seven Crystal Globes, and two Olympic medals.

A Rare Combination of Elite and Club Experience

Lackie brings over 20 years of diverse experience across the alpine skiing landscape. Beyond his elite work on the World Cup circuit, his career encompasses senior coaching and program leadership roles with the Aspen Valley Ski Club, the United States National Team, and Alpine Canada, alongside extensive early-career work with grassroots club and provincial programs.

In his new role, Lackie will report to the WMSC Board of Directors, overseeing all club programming and day-to-day operations. His mandate is comprehensive, focusing on:

• Athlete Pathways: Strengthening the pipeline to move local racers from junior ranks to the international stage.

• Coaching Alignment: Supporting and aligning the development of the coaching staff.

• Member Experience: Advancing communication and engagement with club families.

• Long-Term Sustainability: Enhancing operational discipline and financial health.

Vision for the Future

"I am honoured to join Whistler Mountain Ski Club and to lead a program with such a strong foundation and powerful legacy in Canadian ski racing," Lackie said in a press release. "Whistler Mountain Ski Club has a track record of producing athletes who compete at the highest levels of this sport. Everything we do in training today has to be designed for that window, not the one in front of us."

Lackie emphasized that great ski clubs are built on "culture, clarity, and shared commitment," aiming to develop athletes whose values serve them well beyond the starting gate.

WMSC Board Chair Duncan Reid hailed the appointment as a crucial milestone for the organization's evolution.

"Jeff brings a rare combination of World Cup experience, club leadership, and elite athlete development expertise," Reid stated. "He understands what excellence requires at the highest level, and he also understands that a strong performance culture is developed over time with people, values, systems, and trust."

Reid also took the opportunity to praise outgoing executive director Sandy Nattress, thanking him for his dedication and lasting contributions to the Whistler ski community.

The high-profile hire comes at a turning point for the club. Over the coming months, the WMSC is expected to unveil several strategic initiatives specifically focused on upgrading its facilities, training environments, and overall quality of coaching.