Mission Statement: Silverfork Skimo's mission is to cultivate the talents of young skiers, providing them with the training, educational resources, and support necessary to achieve their highest potential in competing in national and international amateur ski mountaineering competitions, and further to support their desire to recreate safely in the mountains. We are dedicated to fostering a positive and challenging environment where young athletes can grow both in their sport and as individuals. Our goal is to nurture and develop future champions who aspire to represent our country at the highest levels of amateur competition in the United States and abroad at world championships, and the Olympic Games.
Sarah Cookler - EXecutive director & Head Coach
Sarah Cookler is a prominent ski mountaineering (skimo) coach and athlete based in Utah. As the head coach for Silverfork Skimo, she leads a dedicated team of of 40+ young athletes who are consistently among the most competitive nationally and internationally.
An accomplished skimo athlete herself, Sarah was a member of the 2019/2020 National Team and has a background in emergency medicine as a physician assistant, which complements her coaching and race-directing responsibilities. She is also actively involved in promoting backcountry safety and avalanche education, ensuring that her athletes are well-equipped to navigate and enjoy the mountains safely.
Tricia Petzold - Secretary
Tricia Petzold, MD, is a distinguished member of the Silverfork Skimo Foundation Board of Directors. With a robust background in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Petzold brings a holistic approach to health and wellness. She is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Utah, where she teaches integrative and culinary medicine. Her career spans roles in emergency medicine at Snowbird Medical Clinic and Park City Hospital, and she is the founder of Pinnacle Health in Salt Lake City. Dr. Petzold is dedicated to treating the whole person, focusing on lifestyle and culinary medicine to optimize health and prevent chronic disease. Dr. Petzold’s passion for backcountry skiing and skimo as well as her extensive volunteer hours with Silverfork Skimo as the parent of a former team member, make her ideally suited to serve on the Board.
Jared Richards - board member
Jared Richards is a seasoned entrepreneur and attorney based in Salt Lake City, Utah and also serves on the board of Fight Against Domestic Violence. His experience with organizing and operating charitable organizations combined with a passion for youth development and backcountry skiing are a valuable addition to the Silverfork Skimo Foundation Board of Directors
