

LITskiracing Academy Owner Chris Knight
Owner and Head Coach
Over the course of his career, Chris Knight (CK) has been highly successful coaching World Cup and Olympic skiers. He coached Lindsey Vonn for 3 seasons (2015 -2018) during which she became the best female alpine skier in history and the first female athlete to win 20 crystal globes. She also accumulated 15 World Cup wins, 24 World Cup podiums, and a bronze medal in downhill at the 2018 Olympics.
While coaching on the U.S Ski Team, CK worked privately with both Lindsey Vonn (2015-2018) and Julia Mancuso (2006-2012). He also held various positions with the team, including Head Coach of the women’s combi team (2013-2014), Assistant Coach of the women’s speed team (2009-2012, 2014), Head Coach of the women’s tech team (2006-2008), and Assistant Coach of the women’s tech team (2003-2005). Prior to joining the U.S. Ski Team in 2003, CK coached Great Britain's Chemmy Alcott and Australia's Zali Steggall. While coaching Steggall, she won an Olympic slalom bronze medal in 1998 and a World Champs gold medal in slalom in 1999. CK is a level 500 coach and has a Masters Degree in Sports Science.
Maruša Ferk Saioni
Team Manager
Marusa has been working together with Owner Chris Knight for 3 years, 2 as an athlete and last year as team manager. Marusa will become a Mum in September so will spend a lot more time organising LITskiracing camps, training, races and sponsors.
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Coach Valentina Dietre
Junior FIS Coach
Valentina is our Italian connection to LITskiracing and an invaluable member of the team. Highly qualified as a ski teacher, trainer and technical delegate Valentina has an exceptional knowledge and connection to our home base, Val di Fassa.
This will be Valentina's 3rd year working together with Chris Knight in the team.
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Patrick Bastiani
Junior Coach
Patrick is Italian. He was racing at FIS level and finished his active career as an athlete in 2018. He is a ski instructor level II since 2018 and was working as a ski coach for U16 in Ski Team Paganella from 2019 - 2023. He has also experiences with ski preparation (2020-2023). This will be Patrick's first year with our academy as a ski coach.