The Man Behind the Legends: Honoring the Life of Coach Erich Sailer

The ski world is mourning the loss of a true pioneer. Legendary Austrian-American coach Erich Sailer has passed away at the age of 99, leaving behind an incredible legacy that shaped the very foundation of modern ski racing in the United States. For more than five decades, Sailer's fierce passion and sharp eye for technique turned the unassuming slopes of Minnesota’s Buck Hill into a powerhouse of international talent.

Widely regarded as the most influential junior ski coach in U.S. history, he trained an estimated 25,000 athletes during his career. His list of protégés reads like a who's who of the sport, including Olympians like Lindsey Vonn, Kristina Koznick, Julia Mancuso, Sarah Schleper, and Resi Stiegler.

Sailer’s journey to becoming a legend began in the 1950s after he immigrated to the U.S. He quickly made his mark, pioneering summer ski racing on the American continent with training camps at Oregon’s Mount Hood and Montana’s Beartooth Pass. These programs set a new standard for athlete development and drew hundreds of aspiring racers who were serious about their progression.

But it was at Buck Hill, what locals jokingly called “Buck Bump,” that Sailer forged his most enduring legacy. Arriving in 1960, he transformed the small hill into one of the most respected ski racing programs in the country. Within a year, his team went from never winning a race to sending athletes to Junior Nationals. Over time, Buck Hill produced 15 U.S. Ski Team members and multiple Olympians, proving that greatness can indeed come from the smallest of hills.

Sailer's work earned him a long list of honors, including induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2005. To his colleagues and athletes, he was simply known as the “Yoda of Ski Coaching”, a mentor whose influence extended far beyond the technical skills of the sport. He was a force who instilled confidence, resilience, and an unwavering love for skiing.

Among those feeling the profound loss is Lindsey Vonn, one of Sailer’s most accomplished protégées. In a heartfelt tribute, she wrote, “Erich was more than my ski coach. More than my father’s ski coach. Erich was my family… There is no doubt that I would not be the person or skier I am today without him. He single handedly did more for skiing than any other coach in America and perhaps the world.”

Erich Sailer’s life was a masterclass in dedication and impact. His legacy endures in every racer who learned to love the sport under his guidance—the true mark of a life well lived.