Michael Otenbaker

Michael Otenbaker currently serves as an Alpine Ski Racing Coach at Vail Resorts, where he leverages his extensive technical expertise and passion for athletic development to elevate the performance of competitive skiers. In this role, Michael works closely with high school, JDT, and USSS/FIS-level athletes, focusing on refining their mechanical skills, technical proficiency, and race strategies. His coaching philosophy emphasizes a data-driven approach, integrating advanced analysis techniques such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize athlete aerodynamics and equipment performance. By applying his background in manufacturing process improvement and CAD software like Rhino 3D, AutoCAD, and SOLIDWORKS, Michael helps athletes understand and improve their equipment setups, ensuring precision and efficiency on the slopes.

His experience with Orca and other simulation tools allows him to assess and enhance skier biomechanics and technique, leading to measurable improvements in race results. Michael’s expertise in machining and manufacturing processes also enables him to collaborate with technical teams on custom equipment modifications, ensuring athletes have access to optimized gear tailored to their unique needs. His comprehensive skill set, combined with his USSS Level 100 coaching certification, positions him as a valuable mentor and innovator within the alpine racing community. Passionate about continuous improvement, Michael is dedicated to fostering athletic excellence through a blend of technical innovation, strategic coaching, and a deep understanding of the biomechanics involved in high-performance skiing.