Team AVSC News

Former Olympian and Nordic Head Coach Sophie Caldwell Hamilton has been promoted to Program Director of Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club’s Nordic Program. Hamilton steps into the position formerly held by August Teague, who was recently promoted to Executive Director of the club. 

“I can’t imagine anyone more qualified than Sophie for this critical role at AVSC,” said Teague. “She brings a lifetime of experience in the Nordic world from the Bill Koch League to the Olympics. She is passionate about the sport, intimately understands our goals and our athletes, and is dedicated to their growth as both athletes and people. I look forward to seeing where she takes the Nordic program next.” 

In this new role, Hamilton will oversee one of AVSC’s largest athletic programs with over 350 athletes and over 60 staff. She is well-equipped for the challenge. Caldwell Hamilton grew up in a family of Nordic skiers and, like many of our Nordic athletes, began her formal Nordic training in her local Bill Koch League. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dartmouth College, where she also served as the school’s NCAA Division 1 Nordic Ski Team Captain with two NCAA podiums and four NCAA All American designations.  

From 2013 to 2021, Caldwell Hamilton was a two-time Olympian earning 10 World Cup podiums, including being the first U.S. woman to win a classic World Cup. She also served as Team Captain, and during her nine years on the National Team developed a comprehensive understanding of high-level training plans and programs. In 2021, Caldwell Hamilton joined the AVSC Nordic program as an Assistant National Comp Coach and was promoted to Head Race Team Coach two years later. During this time, she has also served on the board of both the Rocky Mountain Nordic organization and the National Nordic Foundation. 

“I am honored and excited to step into the role of Nordic Program Director,” said Caldwell Hamilton. “The Nordic program is in a strong and inspiring place, and I look forward to building on the momentum we’ve already created. Having worked closely with August for several years, I know that we share a passion for expanding access, developing lifelong Nordic skiers, and supporting athletes in reaching their full potential. It’s a dream to dedicate my work to creating opportunities for as many people as possible to experience the Nordic sport.” 

Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club is the Roaring Fork Valley’s oldest and largest youth non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide all youth in the greater Roaring Fork Valley with the opportunity to excel as athletes and as individuals through winter sports. Founded in 1937, AVSC serves over 3,000 local youth from preschool through 12th grade with over 40 recreational and competitive sports programs. Through AVSC, youth experience the mountains in winter, build character skills that can serve them for a lifetime, and challenge themselves. For more information, visit Teamavsc.org.