Schniebs, Otto

Otto Schniebs has been dubbed the “Dean of American Ski Pioneers,” known for his advances in ski technique and instruction. Schniebs had a long career as a ski instructor and coach in several capacities. He was a ski coach at Dartmouth College and St. Lawrence University, even coaching some Olympians. Schniebs was a founder of the American Ski School of Boston. Schniebs authored three books on ski technique, American Skiing in 1939, Modern Ski Technique, and Skiing for All.

Schniebs was born on December 18, 1892, in Esslingen, Germany, and died in 1971. His legacy lives on through the hundreds of ski trails that have been named in his honor. His pioneering techniques and coaching are key parts of the story of ski advancement during the 20th century.