Rick Kapala

Rick Kapala, born in 1958, has been a foundational force in American cross-country skiing. Joining the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) in 1987, Kapala spent over three decades as the Cross-Country Program Director and Head Coach, building a premier national model for youth development and elite athletic achievement.

His leadership elevated SVSEF to world-class status and earned him U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross-Country “Coach of the Year” three times. Under his tutelage, SVSEF skiers captured over 40 U.S. National and Junior National Championship titles. His team reached global acclaim, securing medals at both the World Junior Championships and the Paralympic Winter Games.

Bringing positive energy to the sport, Kapala transformed skiing at every level. Beyond co-founding the National Nordic Foundation, he shaped national governance by chairing the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSS) National Cross-Country Committee. His impact on athletic development is cemented by his pivotal role in creating the USSS National Elite U16 Cross-Country Camp.

Rick’s legacy is rooted in the profound passion he brought to the sport and the generations of coaches and athletes he inspired.