New York Ski Education Foundation

Our Mission

The New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) mission is to provide opportunities for athletes of all ages to reach their potential in snow sports-- alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, cross country skiing, Nordic combined, and biathlon-- through professional guidance and financial support. NYSEF helps young people develop athletic capability, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and self-esteem, leaving them better equipped to achieve academic excellence.

Much like anything else worthwhile, NYSEF began as a dream. In the late 60’s, ski areas scattered across New York State which increased ample youngsters’ enthusiasm about snow sports and skiing fast. Top skiers were quickly faced with an ultimatum due to costs-leaving the sport or leaving the area (New York State) and competing elsewhere.

Unified by a vision of offering racers in the Empire State the opportunity to train with an elite coaching staff on world class terrain at a reasonable cost, the New York State Ski Racing Association (NYSSRA) decided to shape the future of ski racing in the Adirondacks. In 1973, through the support of NYSSRA, a new headquarters was constructed in the form of a small cabin at Whiteface Mountain Ski Area in Wilmington. Since its beginning, NYSEF has since grown to include 5 disciplines, 4 training venues and over 400 athletes, some of whom have competed in the Winter Olympic Games.