ML - Aspen Peak

2014 - Issue 2 - Winter

Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak

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THE COMEBACK COACH JOHNO MCBRIDE The Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club pulled off quite the coup last spring when it snagged John "Johno" McBride as its head alpine coach. The second-generation Aspenite, 50, might be best known for coaching Bode Miller during the 2005 and 2008 seasons, when Miller won the overall World Cup championship. But, that's just one highlight of his illustrious career. McBride coached for the US and Canadian national ski teams, specializing in downhill and super-G, with his racers routinely securing top spots on the podium. Though he was a strong competitor himself, at AVSC and the University of Vermont, it was his love of pushing others to be better that led him to ski-coaching celebrity. "I intuitively understand how different athletes learn and become better," he says. "One racer might need to see the action, while another needs a move [broken down] in terms they can understand." Ultimately, balancing a hectic schedule with a family (he and his wife, Sunni, have three young children) and a desire to return to and engage with the community he loves brought him back home to help train the next generation of local skiing legends. What's your career highlight? The time I had three team members place in the top fi ve. Or the time one of my guys walked away with three medals. That just doesn't happen. What did you miss most about Aspen? I was on the World Cup tour for 19 years, traveling so often [I lost] a sense of place, and that's hard. I missed feeling like I was part of a community. How would you describe your training philosophy? I'm consistent and I'm not afraid to call people out. But more than anything, I'm a real believer in teamwork and empowering people to hold one another accountable. How did you transition from athlete to coach? My coaching began with the Special Olympics, then AVSC. I just loved working with kids and trying to help them become better. And I recall thinking of the coaches who made a difference in my life, and I knew I wanted to do that for others. Flannel jacket, Patagonia ($169). 100 Elbert Lane, Snowmass, 970-315-3364; patagonia.com. Chino hunter pants, Filson ($125). M.W. Reynolds, 3463 S. Broadway, Englewood, 303-761-0021; filson.com. Khaki jacket and shirt, McBride's own OPPOSITE PAGE: Suit, Ermenegildo Zegna ($3,095). 211 S. Galena St., 970-544- 4989; zegna.com. Dress shirt, Mario Di Leone ($395). 301 E. Hopkins Ave., 970-925-2740; mariodileone.com. Demi frames, Masunaga ($375). Silver Threads, 308 Galena St., 970-429-4670; silverthreads boutique.com. Pocket square, The Tie Bar ($8). tiebar.com. Arceau Le Temps Suspendu watch, Hermès ($20,750). 103 Fillmore St., Denver, 303-388-0700; hermes.com 174 ASPENPEAK-MAGAZINE.COM

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