Forged at Kirkwood. A Legacy of Excellence.
Since 1985, the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF) has been the proving ground for ski racers in the Sierra. Born from a love for the sport and built by dedicated racers, our mission is clear: to forge world-class athletes and exceptional individuals. We are a premier ski racing organization where a legendary mountain, a passionate community, and an unwavering commitment to excellence converge.
Here, we don't just train racers; we build champions of character. Our programs are designed to cultivate a lifelong passion for mountain sports, foster healthy competition, and instill the grit, resilience, and determination needed to win—both on and off the hill.
The KSEF Difference
This is more than a team. We are a tribe—a tight-knit community of athletes, families, and coaches bound by shared goals and a deep respect for the sport. We champion integrity and empathy in every interaction.
Excellence is our baseline. We provide elite coaching and clear pathways for our athletes to achieve peak performance, both on the snow and in their academic pursuits. We challenge our racers to reach higher, support them when they stumble, and celebrate every victory at the finish line.
Ultimately, we believe in forging character. We cultivate confident, resilient individuals equipped with a powerful work ethic, a sense of accountability, and the adaptability to conquer any challenge. We are partners in an incredible journey, helping our athletes unlock potential they never knew they had.
Our Programs
Our training programs kick off with dryland in the fall and run full-throttle on-snow through April. We provide specialized alpine race coaching for youth and master athletes, with training primarily scheduled from Friday to Sunday and during holidays to maximize time on the mountain. Our athletes proudly represent KSEF at United States Ski & Snowboard (USSS) sanctioned events, including Far West, FIS, and Tahoe League competitions.
A Message from Our President
Dear KSEF Community,
As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 season, I’m honored to serve as President of the KSEF Board. Our foundation pulses with the energy of our incredible athletes and the unwavering commitment of our families. Together, we’re not just building skilled racers; we're shaping resilient, incredible individuals.
KSEF is a life-shaping adventure, and my commitment is to build a sustainable, vibrant future for this organization. Challenges are inevitable. As my father-in-law, Dick Reuter, wisely said, "It's just a challenge... we must overcome and adapt to succeed." Building on our strong foundation, I am incredibly optimistic about what we will achieve together this season.
Your involvement is the fuel for our mission—whether you're volunteering time or cheering passionately from the sidelines, you are essential. Thank you for being the heart of this community. I can’t wait to share a fantastic season of growth and triumph with all of you.
With gratitude and excitement,
Coop | President, Board of Directors
