CO-HEAD COACH

Quinn Lehmkuhl's Nordic skiing journey is marked by unwavering dedication, impressive achievements, and a profound love for the outdoors. Graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder, she spent four years racing on their D1 ski team, while earning a BA in Physiology with a focus on exercise, and a certificate in Public Health. Quinn, is also certified as an ACE personal trainer and Exercise Physiologist.

In her post-collegiate years, Quinn returned to her hometown of Tahoe City, California, and took on the role of co-head coach for both the Tahoe City Cross Country (TxC) development and comp teams. She currently co-leads the Tahoe Endurance comp team while also maintaining her position as head of the TxC development team.

Quinn's passion for skiing is deeply rooted, and she believes in the sport's ability to instill lifelong skills, highlight the rewards of hard work, and provide a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

CO-HEAD COACH

Julien Bordes has an illustrious athletic career as a former nationally ranked cross country skier, competing internationally for seven years and representing four professional teams. Originally from Tahoe City, California, he pursued a B.A. in Psychology at Alaska Pacific University, simultaneously competing for the university's prestigious Nordic Elite team.

Transitioning from athlete to co-head coach, Julien significantly contributed to the Tahoe Cross Country (TxC) Nordic program in his hometown. Currently, alongside co-head coach Quinn Lehmkuhl, he leads the Tahoe Endurance comp team. Julien is also a co-founder of CoeLab, an innovative athlete data management platform aimed at empowering athletes to reach their full potential.

Known for his contagious enthusiasm and genuine passion for coaching, Julien is dedicated to instilling a profound love for the sport in his athletes.

ASSISTANT COACH

Casey Jowers is deeply rooted in the North Lake Tahoe community, a place he proudly calls home. Serving as an Emergency Medicine Physician at Tahoe Forest Hospital, Casey has dedicated the past decade to providing prehospital medical direction for all emergency medical services in the region.

His commitment extends beyond the hospital, where he actively participates in medical direction for various local nonprofits, including Auburn Ski Club and Gateway Mountain Center.

Beyond his medical contributions, Casey is an avid Nordic skier, taking his passion to international races. His love for the sport reflects his dedication to the North Lake Tahoe community, where he actively works towards securing a bright future for this cherished locale and finds joy in coaching the next generation of Nordic skiers.

Casey is also a proud parent of two daughters who are third-generation residents of Olympic Valley, California.

LEAD WAX TECH

Based in Mammoth Lakes, California, Mike Karch, MD, has enjoyed a prolific career as an orthopedic surgeon, international disaster responder, entrepreneur, educator and author.

In addition to his role as founding member and senior partner in the Mammoth Orthopedic Institute, he founded the Mammoth Mass Casualty Seminar, which evolved into the International Disaster and Austere Medicine Seminar and is the co-founder of Mammoth Medical Missions.

Beyond his professional endeavors in Mammoth, Mike serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine and the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He’s also been a team physician for the United States Ski and Snowboard Team since 2002.

An avid outdoorsman, he’s competed in innumerable ultra-distance events. Residing with his wife and three children, they all share a love for the outdoors and a common commitment to giving back to their local community.