OUR COACHES
Quinn Lehmkuhl
CO-HEAD COACH - Comp Team
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 NCAA 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-heads the Tahoe Endurance competition team while also aiding in their development team planning and logistics.
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 lifelong love of the outdoors.
Contact Quinn at: quinn@tahoe-endurance.org
Julien Bordes
CO-HEAD COACH - Comp Team
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 his hometown's Tahoe Cross Country (TXC) Nordic program. He leads the Tahoe Endurance comp team alongside co-head coach Quinn Lehmkuhl. Julien is also a co-founder of CoeLab, an innovative athlete data management platform to empower teams 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.
Contact Julien at: julien@tahoe-endurance.org
Zack Karas
DEVO COACH
Zack Karas grew up in Colorado, fostering a love of everything outdoors and human-powered. He spent his early years competing on the national level in taekwondo, learning at an early age about the importance of proper training and developing a positive lifelong relationship to being a healthy athlete while always remembering to love the process - something he takes great responsibility in passing on to other athletes as a Devo coach.
After spending many years as a long distance thru-hiker, Zack transitioned to cross-country ski racing and bike racing after moving to Tahoe City almost 20 years ago. Some of his more recent podium finishes include the Great Ski Race, Tahoe Rim Tour, Alpenglow 20k and Mammoth Marathon ski races and Heart of Gold, Great Trail Race and Truckee Tahoe Gravel bike races. He enjoys exploring all Tahoe has to offer with his 2 boys who have been nordic skiers since pre-school.
Contact Zack at: zack@tahoe-endurance.org
Etienne Bordes
COACH/PHOTOGRAPHY
Etienne Bordes, a Tahoe City native, began skiing at the age of one and discovered his love for the sport through alpine skiing before transitioning to cross-country skiing. His love and dedication led him to compete in multiple Junior Nationals and U.S. Nationals events, but it was biathlon where he truly found his calling. Representing Team USA, Etienne has competed in five international events, including the Youth Olympics and Junior World Championships, earning three national titles along the way.
During summer training, he ventured into track events, where he claimed another national title, showcasing his versatility as an athlete. He also spent time living and racing in France, competing on the French national circuit.
Etienne has discovered a love for photography and filmmaking, using these creative outlets to share stories and capture the beauty of the sport. With his deep experience in skiing and a passion for inspiring others, he is excited to bring his unique perspective to Tahoe Endurance.
Contact Etienne at: Etienne@tahoe-endurance.org
