CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Chip Cochrane has been coaching Alpine skiing at Carrabassett Valley Academy for almost 30 years.
Carrabassett Valley Academy is a school comprised of students from all over the world who come to for a middle and high school education while competing in skiing and snowboarding and snowboarding.
"It was in 1982 that the founders got together and stated CVA," said Cochrane. "A small posse at first and then would do classes in the evening."
Born and raised in Maine, Cochrane grew up skiing the slopes of Sugarloaf. He has never known anything different.
"I grew up skiing with my brothers in Maine and made it all the way up to the national team. My brother and I were both down hill ski racers," said Cochrane.
An accomplished skier Cochrane made it to the World Championships in 1982. His eyes were set on the Olympic stage, but he was plagued with injuries.
But coaching at Carrabassett Valley Academy has allowed Cochrane to share his expertise with some of the most talented young athletes in the world.
"Bode Miller came up through CVA. I coached Bode for three years."
Bode Miller is one of the most successful Alpine Skiers of all time. He is an Olympic gold medalist and two time overall World Cup Champion.
"A great gifted and natural athlete," said Cochrane. "CVA helped him to where he was going."
Cochrane was inducted into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame in October. On the slopes of Sugarloaf, he is coaching the next generation of Alpine skiers. With the Olympics around the corner, he tries to share his experiences and how to be the best competitor on and off the mountain.
"I think there is more to ski racing than just ski racing. It teaches young athletes and young people how to persevere in life. There are life long skills you are building out here and life long friendships," said Cochrane.