About KSEF
Deep roots. Strong community. Bright futures.
Born on the mountain. Built by families.
For more than four decades, Kirkwood families have built a place for athletes to ski, race, and belong. Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops young people and adult athletes through alpine ski racing.
Our programs serve skiers from age 6 through adult: Jr. Devo, U10, U12, U14, U16, Full-Time Elite, Masters, and Holiday Camp, with Night Training during the season. Athletes train on Kirkwood’s terrain and compete in U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Far West, and Tahoe Race Series events.
What matters here
Respect. Compassion. Grit. Fun. We work hard, learn from difficult runs, and cheer for every athlete on the team. Our mission is to build skiing skill, confidence, resilience, and character in a community where families feel known and supported.
Good coaching. People you can reach.
Our coaches help athletes grow as racers and as people. Athletic Director Kylese Markt leads athlete and program development. Program Administrator Dana Keith helps families with registration, scheduling, and the details of joining the team.
Ask Kylese about your athlete’s program · Ask Dana about joining KSEF
Every family helps build this team
Early drives on SR 88. Course setup. Parking lot barbecues. Cheers at the finish. Families and volunteers make these days possible. Join us for Head2Head, the Martin Luther King KSEF Welcome Back event, and The Legendary Banked Slalom.
Find events & volunteer opportunities · Learn about scholarships & giving
Building toward Bronze in 2028
Our goal is to become a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Bronze Certified Club by 2028. That work is part of our commitment to a strong, well-run program for athletes, coaches, and families. We have not yet earned that certification.
Show up. Do the work. Take care of each other.
That’s the standard this community sets. Athletes get back in the start gate after a tough run. Families make the early drive. Volunteers build the course and stay to take it down. Coaches keep teaching, through every kind of mountain day.
Those habits stay with us long after the snow melts. They are the heart of KSEF, and there’s room for your family here.
New to the team? Dana and Kylese will help you find the right program. Returning family or KSEF alum? Come say hello, lend a hand, and help welcome the next generation.
