Peter Dodge '78 to Retire as Men’s Alpine Coach at End of Season

HANOVER, N.H. — Peter Dodge, a member of the Dartmouth Class of 1978 and the Big Green head coach of men's alpine skiing, has announced his retirement following the 2021-22 season. While officially this is a retirement for Dodge following his 33rd year coaching his alma mater, he does not think of it in that way.

"I don't think that 'retirement' is the right word," Dodge said. "It is just time to shift gears. I spent one-third of my life as a ski racer and one-third as a coach. I hope to have another third doing whatever is next. I just feel after 33 years, it is time for a change. It is something that had to happen at some point, and this just feels like the right time. I did not want to leave the team after such a challenging time through COVID. I am super excited about this year's team and want to leave the program well positioned for success going forward."

There have been plenty of successes throughout his tenure, having coached a total of 22 skiers who have earned 48 All-America honors, including 10 NCAA champions. Five of his skiers also went on to compete in the Winter Olympic Games — Bill Gaylord (Great Britain), Brad Wall (Australia), Patrick Biggs (Canada), David Chodounsky (United States) and Trace Cummings Smith (Estonia).

And the success has shown no signs of slowing down with five of his skiers combining to garner All-America honors a total of 12 times over the four-year span of 2016-19, including a career-high four such honors and an NCAA individual championship won by Tanguy Nef in the giant slalom in 2019. Dartmouth nearly swept the podium in the event as well with Brian McLaughlin and Drew Duffy taking second and fourth, respectively. The year prior, McLaughlin (giant slalom) and Nef (slalom) swept the NCAA individual titles in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Not only was Dodge named the Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association (EISA) Alpine Coach of the Year for the third time in 2018, he was also recognized by the United States Collegiate Ski Coaches Association (USCSCA) as its National Alpine Coach of the Year.

"Peter epitomizes the excellence of Dartmouth Skiing as a student, athlete, coach and mentor, "said Peter Roby '79, the interim athletics director. "All of us associated with Dartmouth Athletics appreciate his numerous contributions and friendship and wish him every success in the next phase of his life."

In 2007, Dodge's skiers contributed to Dartmouth's third-ever NCAA championship by claiming second in both the slalom and giant slalom. There was also a stretch of five consecutive years in which a Big Green skier won an individual slalom title (2002-06), each one by a different skier, two of whom were future Olympians in Wall and Chodounsky. A few years prior, Dave Viele won back-to-back NCAA giant slalom titles in 1999 and 2000.

The United States Ski & Snowboard Association (USSA) named Dodge the Development Coach of the Year in 2005, and prior to that, its Domestic Coach of the Year in 1999. Countless numbers of his graduates have remained in the sport, moving on to success at the World Cup level as well as the Olympics. Many others have continued in coaching roles at the club, collegiate and international level.

"I have been incredibly proud to follow my former skiers who have gone on to have successful careers as architects, doctors, artists, financial advisors, teachers, coaches, etc.," Dodge stated. "I believe the dedication to a team and a sport manifests itself in a very bright future. Ski racing has been the focus for me over the years but the most satisfaction has come from being part of a small team and building a positive culture. Very few skiers will ever make the U.S. Olympic Team, but the life lessons learned from being a Dartmouth skier carry on."

Dodge returned to Dartmouth in August of 1989 after nine years as a professional racer. Named the Pro Skier of the Year and leading money winner in 1982-83, he also was the U.S. National Pro Slalom champion in 1985 and 1987, overall champion of the South American Pro Tour in 1984 and the Peugeot Pro Tour in 1983, and the Rookie of the Year on the World Pro Tour in 1980. Dodge was also a member of the U.S. Ski Team from 1976-79.

Dodge currently serves as chair of USSA College Working Group and NCAA Skiing Committee. He also served as President of the EISA for 10 years from 1997 to 2006.

Dodge will remain in his post officially through June 30 to assist with the transition for the program. He won't stray far from his alma mater as he intends to be available to assist with Dartmouth Carnival races and the NCAA Championships hosted by the college in 2025. He also plans on continuing to coach on a project or camp basis as well.

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