Tom Johnston’s impact on the ski racing world reaches from the local club to the World Cup and Olympic levels. A Wyoming native, Tom took on the roles of JHSC Alpine Coach, member of the race crew, and Head of Alpine Events in 1986. His “cowboy” work ethic—grounded in hard work and straightforward communication—was an example to everyone. At JHSC, Tom raised the bar for race course preparation and safety standards, which he has since carried to a multitude of World Cup and Olympic venues. In 1998, Tom served as the Alpine Technical Advisor for the US Ski Team, and he has been involved in the Olympic Games in numerous capacities, including Chief of Course for women’s speed events in 2002 and Alpine Ski Technical Advisor in 2014, 2018, and 2022. As one of the foremost experts in the world on race hill preparation and venue safety, Tom’s legacy can be felt from the robust race culture that continues to grow and develop in Jackson to the Olympic alpine course. (Photo credit: Jonathan Selkowitz)
