Mike Gallagher

Mike Gallagher learned to ski from his father, who was a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division. Mike won the 1959 US Junior cross-country title and later attended the University of Colorado. He also competed frequently in cycling, racing often in New England. After his hi-level racing career ended, Gallagher became a coach, coaching the US National team from 1980-86 and serving as the Olympic cross-country coach in 1980, 1984, and 1992. He also coached high school cross-country skiing for 17 years and worked for Mountain Top Inn and Mountain Meadows teaching skiing. An innovator in the ski world, Gallagher also worked with several ski companies (Splitkein, Hexell, Edysbyn and Elan) to develop better fiberglass skis, and supported Bill Koch in his development of the skating ski technique.