Steven E. Gaskill, Ph.D.
Steve grew up climbing, skiing and kayaking in Colorado. He climbed nine of the 15 highest mountains in North America and kayaked the first descent of the Rio Maranon River in Peru - but is best known for a lifelong dedication to Nordic skiing.
Steve was head US and Olympic Nordic Combined Ski Coach from 1979-1985. He directed the US Olympic Committee coaching education program for three years and was then named head US Cross Country Ski coach. He has been awarded both international (1982) and national (1992) Nordic Ski Coach of the year for his work with elite and developing athletes.
After leaving the US Ski Team, he developed and ran a successful cross-country ski coaching program based in the Twin Cities. From this came the Team Birkie youth development program, producing eight Olympians and many juniors representing the U.S. internationally. His work laid the foundation for the club that Team Birkie is today and he was instrumental in founding the Minnesota Youth Ski League.
Steve taught exercise physiology at the University of Montana for 19 years before retiring in 2018. His research ranged from fitness and work capacity in wildland firefighters to the impact of physical activity on health and cognition. He has published scientific papers, technical reports and given presentations around the world. Steve has completed four books, the last two coauthored with UMT professor emeritus Brian Sharkey, one selling over 200,000 copies through 7 editions.