Aug. 16, 2006

AMHERST, Mass. - Skip Fox has been hired as the new head coach of the men's and women's skiing programs at the University of Massachusetts. Fox has an extensive career in skiing and has been coaching at various levels since 1979.

Fox most recently served as the head coach and programs director of the Mount Ashland Racing Association from 2004-06. He was responsible for the management, organization and implementation of program operations for 150 athletes and 15 coaches. He coached all racers of all levels and was responsible for technical training, race and event organization and many other duties.

He has run his own Fox Ski Camps since 1997, serving as camp director. He has organized and developed successful summer camps for the development of skiers.

Fox was a guest coach for the United States Development Ski team from 2003-05 as part of the Europa Cup Ski Team during those summers.

He served as a head alpine ski coach at the Vermont Academy in 2003-04.

From 1993-2003, Fox served as the head coach and program director at the Stratton Training Center in Stratton, Vermont. He coached racers, provided technical training for coaches, organized races, handled staff selection and the budget.

He has handled a variety of coaching roles at the following for the following programs as well: Bromley Outing Club in Peru, Vermont from 1991-93 and 1981-83; Jay Peak Ski Club in Montgomery Center, Vermont from 1986-87; Ski Club Vail in Colorado from 1983-85 and the Mount Mansfield Ski Club in Stowe, Vermont in 1979-81.

A graduate of Stratton Mountain School and former college ski racer at Johnson State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

Fox is a USSA International Certified Coach who truly cares about each individual's progress. He is also a member of the Vermont Alpine Racing Association's Board of Directors and serves on the Junior Alpine Competitions Committee & Scholarship Committee.

Fox has a daughter who is starting her senior year at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.