His ultimate goal has been reached. Mark Engel of Truckee will be competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard recently announced its selections for the U.S. Olympic Alpine Ski Team and Engel’s name was on the list. There are 22 athletes who qualified for the team. The Winter Olympics begin Feb. 9.
It’s been a big week for the 26-year-old Engel, a slalom skier. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort recently announced its partnership with the local product for the 2018 winter season.
In its first official sponsorship of a professional athlete, Tahoe Donner will work with Engel in activating programs that enhance snow sports and recreation in the community.
It seems only fitting that Engel and Tahoe Donner collaborate.
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“My skiing career started at age 2 when I made my first turns at the Tahoe Donner Ski Area,” Engel recalls. “My first memory of Tahoe Donner was making airplane turns with my Dad on Snowbird! Airplane turns are a fun drill to learn how to turn where you put your arms out like an airplane and lean the wings (your arms) to your outside ski to feel it start to turn.”
Engel’s turns are far more sophisticated now. Since December, he has been racing in FIS World Cup slalom events throughout Europe in hopes of qualifying for the Winter Olympics.
Despite a hectic schedule, Engel found time this past weekend for a meet-and-greet to thank the folks at Tahoe Donner for their support over the years.
“We’re excited to support a local U.S. Ski Team and Olympic athlete who was raised in Tahoe Donner and took his first turns here,” said Robb Etnyre, Tahoe Donner general manager. “Mark is more than an incredible athlete. His character and values represent the ideal role model for young racers in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. We’re proud of Mark’s accomplishments and will be cheering him on in Korea next month.”
Born in Sacramento and raised in Truckee, Engel grew up living in Tahoe Donner and worked at its various amenities. Engel learned to ski at Tahoe Donner and at age 7 joined the Alpine Meadows club program, before advancing into the Sugar Bowl Academy team by 11.
Being one member of a family of skiers was helpful. Engel’s older brother was a serious freeskier and his older sister was a ski racer until college, but stopped racing to focus on becoming a nurse. They were certainly role models, but one Olympian provided his true inspiration.
“I was always inspired by Bode Miller growing up. He skied differently than any other skier on the World Cup and always represented to me what believing in yourself and your own abilities can do for you,” Engel said.
As a Tahoe Donner ambassador, Engel will participate in select Tahoe Donner events throughout the year to promote various on-mountain ski programs supporting its Downhill Ski Resort.
Upon Engel’s return to Truckee from the winter games, Tahoe Donner will host a celebratory welcome home event for the Truckee community. Details will be announced after the Olympics. The alpine team will have its first Olympic competition on Feb. 11 with the men’s downhill.
“Tahoe Donner has been a foundation in many aspects of my life growing up,” Engel said. “I look forward to working with an organization that has provided me, and the greater Truckee community of ski racers, with such a rich and rewarding experience.”
