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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Marty Hall and his wife, Kathy.
Marty Hall, Former UNH Skier and Pioneering Nordic Coach, Passes Away
2/26/2025 3:17:00 PM | Skiing
DURHAM, N.H. – Marty Hall, a former University of New Hampshire multi-sport athlete and a trailblazing figure in Nordic skiing, passed away following a lifetime dedicated to the sport.
Hall, a 2002 inductee into the UNH Athletics Hall of Fame, was a standout competitor for the Wildcats before becoming a pioneering coach who helped elevate U.S. cross-country skiing to the world stage. He served as the first full-time cross-country skiing coach for the U.S. Ski Team and led the program to its first Olympic medal when Bill Koch won silver at the 1976 Winter Games.
Beyond coaching, Hall revolutionized training methodologies, trail grooming, and race formats, leaving an enduring impact on the sport. He was instrumental in the development of the Birkie Trails in Wisconsin, home to the American Birkebeiner—the largest cross-country ski race in North America with more than 10,000 annual participants.
His influence extended internationally as well, serving as the chief coach for Cross Country Canada. In addition to coaching, Hall was a driving force behind the modernization of Nordic skiing, advancing equipment, waxing techniques, and spectator-friendly race formats.
Marty and his wife, Kathy, were passionate supporters of UNH skiing and contributed to various ski organizations, including the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA), the Birkie Trails, and Nakkertok Nordic in Ontario. Their generosity and dedication strengthened the sport at all levels.
Hall was a member of the UNH ski team for four seasons, serving as captain for two. He was the Wildcats' top skier each year and, in his final season, won the Skimeister silver medal at the NCAA Championships. His performance there earned him a spot on the U.S. National Biathlon Team, where he competed for two years.
A multi-sport athlete, Hall also competed in football and track during his time at UNH. He joined the football team in his second year, steadily improving over three seasons before taking a two-year break to serve in the U.S. Army (1961-63). Upon returning, he became the team's leading scorer in his final season. He was also a key contributor on the track team, earning three varsity letters.
Hall's vision, innovation, and relentless commitment to cross-country skiing shaped the foundation for success that continues today. His contributions to UNH and the broader skiing community were instrumental in advancing the sport, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come.
Hall, a 2002 inductee into the UNH Athletics Hall of Fame, was a standout competitor for the Wildcats before becoming a pioneering coach who helped elevate U.S. cross-country skiing to the world stage. He served as the first full-time cross-country skiing coach for the U.S. Ski Team and led the program to its first Olympic medal when Bill Koch won silver at the 1976 Winter Games.
Beyond coaching, Hall revolutionized training methodologies, trail grooming, and race formats, leaving an enduring impact on the sport. He was instrumental in the development of the Birkie Trails in Wisconsin, home to the American Birkebeiner—the largest cross-country ski race in North America with more than 10,000 annual participants.
His influence extended internationally as well, serving as the chief coach for Cross Country Canada. In addition to coaching, Hall was a driving force behind the modernization of Nordic skiing, advancing equipment, waxing techniques, and spectator-friendly race formats.
Marty and his wife, Kathy, were passionate supporters of UNH skiing and contributed to various ski organizations, including the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA), the Birkie Trails, and Nakkertok Nordic in Ontario. Their generosity and dedication strengthened the sport at all levels.
Hall was a member of the UNH ski team for four seasons, serving as captain for two. He was the Wildcats' top skier each year and, in his final season, won the Skimeister silver medal at the NCAA Championships. His performance there earned him a spot on the U.S. National Biathlon Team, where he competed for two years.
A multi-sport athlete, Hall also competed in football and track during his time at UNH. He joined the football team in his second year, steadily improving over three seasons before taking a two-year break to serve in the U.S. Army (1961-63). Upon returning, he became the team's leading scorer in his final season. He was also a key contributor on the track team, earning three varsity letters.
Hall's vision, innovation, and relentless commitment to cross-country skiing shaped the foundation for success that continues today. His contributions to UNH and the broader skiing community were instrumental in advancing the sport, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come.
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