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PRE-SEASON
In Recognition of years of service to the cross-country ski community, SOLDIER HOLLOW SKI RESORT and The Master Skier salute Jon Engen
Jon Engen grew up in Norway and has lived in the United States since entering Montana State University in 1980.
In those 27 years Jon has become one of the most experience racers and coaches in North America.
As a member of the U.S. Ski Team he produced top 20 World Cup finishes in both cross-country skiing and biathlon.
He was a member of the 1988, 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympic teams.
Jon is a 24-year veteran of the Rossignol Ski Team and is Rossignol's Athletic Advisor.
Like a fine wine, Engen has become better as he ages.
Today, he is one of the top master racers in the World.
Last year he captured four medals at the World Master's Championships, and now has eight World Masters titles to his credit. Engen looks forward to this year's World Master Championships in McCall.
Engen is currently the chairman of the crosscountry committee of the US Ski & Snowboard Association and runs the Sun Valley, Idaho masters program all winter and also works with other athletes all over the world to improve their results.
"I have the highest respect for him, " said Pete Vordenberg, head crosscountry coach of the US Ski Team. "Very few people in the world have his knowledge or expertise."
Engen has overseen a growth in the competitive excellence of US skiers and more professional training for US athletes.
"We have the opportunities here, " Engen told The Master Skier. "Thanks to events like the Super Tour, all US skiers get to compete at a high level."
Under Jon's leadership the USSA has supported many regional programs and now spends over $1 million on cross-country .
"Our budget is more than double what it was just a few years ago, " he said.
Engen points out that regional programs in areas such as Alaska, Maine, Wisconsin, Montana and Colorado are developing more and more highly trained skiers than ever before.
The future of cross-country is bright thanks to people like Jon Engen.
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