Nick Courtens
Skier, rafter, gardener, coach, and the friend who always stepped up
Nick grew up in Harlemville, New York, trained in horticulture at Longwood Gardens, and arrived at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail as an intern in 2010. He became its Curator of Plant Collections and one of the rising names in North American horticulture. He coached big mountain skiing at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, and spent every spare hour in the backcountry, on a bike, with a fly rod or on the river.
“He was always the one to step up and organize everything”Riley Campbell, a friend, to the Vail Daily
After we lost Bindu, it was Nick who started the fundraiser that created the first Bindu Spirit Award, and Nick who helped organize the Bindu 5K. He also brought the valley together to remember Lily. Since 2023, his name has stood alongside Bindu's.
Nick is also honored through the Nick Courtens Fund at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
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Nick Courtens Community Member Award
For a student-athlete who shows meaningful care for, and stewardship of, their community