John, a native Coloradoan, began a twenty-year career of coaching and organizing youth ski programs in 1971, while a graduate student at the University of Denver. As head technical coach for the women’s’ Olympic and World Cup Alpine Teams, his athletes won every major international title, including the Nation’s cup, and Olympic gold (1980-84). This period is the most successful four years in the history of US Alpine skiing. Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm and Denver Mayor W. H. McNichols, Jr. honored John on November 13, 1982 as 'John McMurtry Day' for his contributions to the state, city and skiing.

As a result of an exhaustive testing program, John identified the first scientifically based physiological, biomechanical, and psychological parameters necessary for elite athletic performance in alpine skiing. Using his master’s thesis as the reference, John wrote and edited the United States Ski Team Alpine Training Manual (1976). This manual has become the reference for sports-specific conditioning and training of elite and recreational alpine skiers.