January 6, 2008 (Duntroon, Ont.) – An outstanding coach and one of Canada’s greatest XC builders, Heinz Niederhauser died yesterday while skiing at Duntroon during the Haywood NorAm competitions. Niederhauser was well known for his leadership, energy and commitment to the sport, and Canada’s cross-country ski community is mourning his loss.

“He was a great friend,” said Marty Hall, “I started coaching against Heinz in the mid-70s – I was the US coach and he was the Canadian coach – we fought hard in competition, but had huge respect for each other and a true and everlasting friendship was to grow out of all the years we spent getting to know each other, sharing experiences, telling stories and trading secrets. We will miss him – he had such energy for everyone he met on the ski trails.”

To honour Niederhauser Ontario recently created the Heinz Niederhauser Award for Outstanding commitment to Coaching in Ontario. Here are some of Niederhauser’s accomplishments over his coaching career courtesy of Cross Country Canada:

1970s
* Developed and coached the SOD X-C Ski team program
* Instructed and examined CSA Instructor and Coaches courses.
* Conducted clinics for HS teachers and athletes at all HS from Aurora to Huntsville.
* Developed a small Training Centre for the SOD team in Raymond.
* Initiated the “Bracebridge Langlauf” the “Raymond Invitational” and brought Seneca College, King City, into the SOD loop
* Technical Director, X-C CSA, responsible for National Ski Team program and coaching development.
* Assembled the first National ski team sports science committee at Laurentian University.
* Developed National Junior Team Program.
* Involved in the implementation of the national Coaching Certification program.
* One of the “3 Founding Fathers” of the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI)
* Held first Glacier Skiing training camp for the Nat. Team in Canada (Bugaboo glacier).

1980s
* Started and coached the Ottawa Racers Ski Club and developed the Mooney’s Bay Facility
* Worked as Ontario Master Coach training Divisional coaches.
* Ontario Team Coach
* Member of National Ski Team Committee.
* “Chief of manual grooming” at 87 pre- and 88 Olympics.

1990s
* Founder and coach of Mt. Pakenham Nordic Ski Club later changed to Lowney Lake Nordic
* Involved with NCD program.

2000s
* Coaching with Lowney Lake Nordic, Kanata Racers, NCD and Ontario Team