James Barrett "Jim" Galanes grew up skiing in Brattleboro, Vermont, when the best American skiers were training in the Putney/Brattleboro area. The three time national champion competed in three Olympics – 1976 on the Nordic Combined team and 1980 and 1984 on the Nordic team. His best Olympic finish was 8th in 1984 in 4x relay with Bill Koch, Tim Caldwell, and Dan Simoneau.
After his competitive career, he turned to coaching, first with the US National Team from 1986-1992 and then at the Stratton Mountain School from 1992-1995. From 1995-2006, he headed up the Alaska Pacific University program, training ground of Kikkan Randall. This unique program provided training for Nordic skiers of all levels and allowed high level athletes training opportunities within their community.
Jim recently returned to Vermont to work at Edgewise in Stowe on building the Nordic business. His homecoming corresponded to the Museum's Kick and Glide exhibit, on which he collaborated with the Museum. He wrote: "To this day, I feel that Vermonters are responsible for laying a foundation for the training, technique, and teaching theories and philosophies that are moving our sport forward toward excellence today."