Notes
Home Area: Methow Valley
Notes
Home Area: Snoqualmie Summit
Biography
Works at Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline Resorts
Biography
Why did you become, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI?
I had some friends that helped steer me to PSIA, and I also I wanted to really understand effective ski technique. Both how to ski better myself but also learn how to help others ski better. PSIA seemed like a great place to find what I was after so it was a pretty easy decision, and its been a great experience.
Home Hill?
Mount Hood: Mt. Hood Meadows Nordic, and Teacup Mt. Hood Nordic
What’s your favorite NW resort when you’re not at your home hill?
It’s straightforward for me, anywhere there are great trails and a fun place to visit, luckily there are many amazing ski destinations in the PNW.
What are your snowsports goals?
My goals are to keep learning about ski technique and teaching methods, the sport is definitely not static and it’s fun to see what new ideas are percolating in the instructor/coaching world.
What is your favorite way to spend some down time?
In the off season I mostly work on fitness, I like to run, bike, roller ski and lift weights. I also like to hike and spend time with family and friends.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of snowsports?
Generally, if I’m not skiing on snow, then I’m on roller skis, its my second favorite and I probably roller ski more days than I get to ski on snow. I am also learning to wing foil, it’s been humbling but a lot of fun to try and figure out. In addition I enjoy carpentry and general repair projects, there’s always something that needs fixing.
Who or what got you into instructing snowsports?
I had a lot of great instructors and coaches over the years, and to a degree I think they all inspired me to instruct. I also just wanted to understand more about effective technique in the sport that I thought about all the time.
If you weren’t teaching snowsports, what would you be doing to fulfill the itch to help others grow new skills?
I’d likely be teaching some other fitness activity, or guiding, I enjoy seeing people catch-on to things, I find that very rewarding.
Favorite ski/snowboard film?
I enjoy the Teton Gravity Research productions, I’m always amazed at how they push the limits of skiing and snowboarding. I’d say one of their best is Pressure Drop, their 25/26 movie and their 30th anniversary film.
Current go-to skis/snowboard?
I mostly ski on Rossignol and Fischer skis
Favorite Animal?
Dogs
Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Norway
Biography
Why you became, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI? To note: I was a cynic. I coached PSIA candidates to pass their exams long before I ever was personally involved: circa late ‘70s and the 80s. I thought the organization had nothing for me. But my Parks and Rec boss in Bend, Bruce Ronning, (former PSIA board member and Examiner/Clinician himself), suddenly required this of me for my kid’s ski coaching jobs. To make sure I followed through he paid for everything. I entered reluctantly, but then never looked back. It’s been a great ride.
Home Hill? I’m international and non-affiliated, but I call Bend/Bachelor my spiritual home even though my home address is Beaverton.
What’s your favorite NW resort when you’re not at your home hill? Perhaps the Methow, particularly Sun Mountain as it’s great skiing and I have so many long-term friends there or who come there.
What are your snowsports goals? My snowsport goals have always been twofold: 1) to get better as a skier. One never “arrives” and reaches the top as there is no top. 2) And to become a better coach/teacher. There is always more to learn about being effective, and always more research to support this.
What is your favorite way to spend some down time? I have no down time. Ha! I am playing the violin, or rock, ice or alpine climbing, or guiding, This is my choice and I love it and the lifestyle.
If you weren’t teaching snowsports, what would you be doing to fulfill the itch to help others grow new skills? Teaching climbing. But anyway. these days, more than teach snowsports, I teach others how to teach/coach snowsports. And that role is very, very gratifying.
Biography
Why you became, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI? I became involved in PSIA-AASI because I love teaching, and have found skiing to be an incredible conduit for connection, personal growth, and community and want to share it with others.
Home Hill? Methow Trails!
What’s your favorite NW resort when you’re not at your home hill? Don’t have a favorite, but always eager to explore new places and experience the trails where others find community.
What are your snowsports goals? To refine my downhill skiing!
What is your favorite way to spend some down time? Strength training, trail running, and spending time with my dog and my partner in the mountains
What are your hobbies/interests outside of snowsports? carpentry, trail running, ski mountaineering, training horses,
Who or what got you into instructing snowsports? I grew up skiing competitively, and spent many years training horses and coaching equestrian sports— all of which gave me a huge appreciation for technique, and finely tuned communication and interpersonal skills. I was also fortunate to have several mentors in the Nordic community who were PSIA Instructors and previous National Team members and encouraged and supported me in my early years as an instructor.
If you weren’t teaching snowsports, what would you be doing to fulfill the itch to help others grow new skills? Endurance and strength training to help others develop new skills and experience new things!
Favorite ski/snowboard film? I don’t have a favorite ski/snowboard film, but I will always cry watching the U.S. Women win Gold at the 2018 Olympics, and have added the footage from the 2024 Minneapolis World Cup to the list of highlights that will continue to give me goosebumps.
Current go-to skis/snowboard? Rossignol!
Favorite Animal Dogs
Favorite place you’ve traveled to? Finland
Biography
Why you became, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI? I became a ski instructor because I have always had a deep love and appreciation for nature. I was raised by an outdoor family who instilled in me a passion for the mountains and all the activities they offer. Becoming a ski instructor allows me to share that passion with others and help them experience the joy and beauty of the mountains in a safe and enjoyable way. I also became a ski instructor because I have a love of sharing knowledge and helping others have a positive experience with nature and sport. I find great fulfillment in teaching others how to ski, sharing my passion for the mountains, and helping them develop their skills and confidence on the trails. It brings me joy to see the smiles on my students’ faces as they conquer new challenges and engage with nature.
Home Hill? My home hill, is Bear Basin Nordic in McCall, Idaho.
What are your snowsports goals? My personal snow sport goals revolve around continuing my education and learning about the nuances of the world’s elite skiers. I am constantly seeking to expand my knowledge and understanding of the sport, and am dedicated to honing my skills as a ski instructor and staying up-to-date on the latest techniques and advancements in the industry to provide the best possible guidance and instruction to my students.
What is your favorite way to spend some down time? My favorite way to spend down time is being with family, friends, and spending time with my pets.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of snowsports? I love being outdoors, riding bikes, photography, hiking, and creating art.
Who or what got you into instructing snowsports? Peg Havlock who was the director at Bogus Basin Nordic center hired me as a new instructor, she was a supportive mentor and guide in my early years.
Favorite ski/snowboard film? I love any ski film with my friend Lynn Weiland. Hot Dog, The Good the Rad and the Gnarly, Legend of Ahhs, or Black Diamond Rush.
Current go-to skis/snowboard? My current go to skis are a pair of Fischer Speedmax Heliums.
Favorite Animal? Reindeer
Favorite place you’ve traveled to? Reine in Northern Norway
Biography
Why did you become, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI?
I took my L1 to get a raise and that was the sole reason I joined PSIA-AASI, but before I was through the exam I was hooked on how the organization developed instructors. I loved being part of a community of instructors who were hungry to improve and were willing to show their weaknesses so we could all elevate together. I’ve been “all-in” since that exam working on my craft and growing the professionalism of our ski school.
Home Hill?
Mt Bachelor.
What’s your favorite NW resort when you’re not at your home hill?
When not at Mt Bachelor you can find me in the Cascades backcountry on my tele skis.
What are your snowsports goals?
Regionally I would like to create more Nordic instructor training and examination opportunities, including pre-exam clinics. Locally I’m organizing a Nordic instructor training group to practice skills together such as guided movement analysis to elevate our skills and build confidence in instructors for taking exams. I would love for all the instructors I work with to be L1 or beyond by the end of this season. In my teaching I am excited about expanding my skill set learning Nordic games and play used with youth instruction and adapting it for my adult learners. In my personal skiing I am forever working on a more fluid and efficient diagonal stride!
What is your favorite way to spend some down time?
Tucked away in my silversmith studio, rocking tunes and turning silver into wearable art.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of snowsports?
I’m incredibly lucky to have made my hobbies my professions. When the snow melts I’m racing mountain bikes.
Who or what got you into instructing snowsports?
In need of socialization in the winter during the pandemic I was hired as lodge staff at Mt Bachelor Nordic. Sydney Powel, the director, knew my background in teaching technical sports and encouraged me to participate in the instructor training. At the first training I realized my skills seamlessly applied to instructing on snow. I started apprenticing as an instructor and by the end of my first season I was full time instructing.
If you weren’t teaching snowsports, what would you be doing to fulfill the itch to help others grow new skills?
I scratch the mentoring itch year-round as an off-road cycling coach. In this role I work with both professional and amateur cyclists to prepare them physically and mentally for the demands of the sport. In the field I teach technical bike handling and cognitive strategies to build confidence. In the office I design individual training plans, crunch athlete data, model race strategy and tactics, advise fueling and nutrition plans, and attend to all the details in a collaboration with my athletes so they can be successful in their goals.
Favorite ski/snowboard film?
It’s a toss-up between: Nexus – a film about women carving paths for themselves and supporting other women in the snow sports world, and Kikkan – a film about her Olympic career and how she was instrumental in turning the US Women Nordic Team into the powerhouse it is today.
Current go-to skis/snowboard?
I picked up a pair of Fischer Superlite Crown skis mid-season last year and they have changed my life! Mt Bachelor Nordic spans elevation and aspect of the volcano creating a wide variety of snow temps, grain, and moisture at any given moment. Nailing my kick wax can be a challenge and it’s tough to adjust my kick wax mid-lesson! I let go of my waxable classic ski snobbery and got a pair of scaled skis to teach on. The skis ALWAYS work; they are the jack of all trades. They’re good in bullet-proof tracks and good when the groom is buried under fresh.
Favorite Animal?
Crows. There is a murder of them at Mt Bachelor who on storm days slide down the snow-covered windshields of vans. Watching them play in the snow brings out the kid in me too!
Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
South Island of New Zealand! You can ski in the morning with parrots flying around, mountain bike mid-day in the lush forest, then hike the beach in the evening to watch penguin play. It’s magic!
Biography
Area: Methow Valley Ski School
Biography
Why you became, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI?
Back in the 60’s my family had a small ski hill in Northern Illinois. Endless hours of fun led to wanting to join the teaching team when I was in high school. Fast forward to living in McCall, Idaho where I’ve been teaching alpine and cross country for over 30 years. The thrill of helping people enjoy snow sports never gets old.
Home Hill?
Palette Lakes Ski Club and Bear Basin Nordic Trails, McCall, Idaho
What are your snowsports goals?
Never stop learning.
What is your favorite way to spend some down time?
Cooking good food, spending time with friends and family. River rafting, hiking, and biking are all close by.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of snowsports?
I’m an acupuncturist and work part time. We also have a sailboat on Vancouver Island that we enjoy spending time on.
Who or what got you into instructing snowsports?
My family’s ski area was involved with PSIA so it was a natural progression.
Favorite ski/snowboard film?
Current go-to skis/snowboard
Usually Rossignol
Favorite Animal
Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Wherever I go, there I am and having the best day possible!
Biography
Why you became, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI?
After teaching for a couple of years I met Liv Nurman from Leavenworth. She became a mentor and I joined PSIA in 1976 took and passed what was then called the Associate level Cross Country exam in the spring of 1977. She later encouraged me take the Full cert exam and try out for the 1st PSIA Nordic demo team. We had to be both Telemark and Track instructors. I was appointed to the Team and served 1 term where we presented the ATM Nordic for Classic and Telemark at Interski in Sesto Italy. During that time I also took and passed the level 1 and 2 Alpine exams.
Home Hill? Mt Spokane Nordic SnoPark where we have @ 70 kilometers of groomed trails. In addition to XC skiing I also enjoy Telemark, Alpine and AT skiing. My go to XC skis are the Solomon S Lab skate, classic or skin depending on the day.
What are your snowsports goals?
As for my snow sports goals, I think I have pretty much accomplished them. I still enjoy being a DCL and examiner helping others reach their goals.
PSIA-AASI has been a great resource for teaching snow sports as well as a great group of outdoor enthusiasts. I also met my wife Tammi when she took XC Ski lessons from me during the 1977-78 season.
What is your favorite way to spend some down time?
In my down time I’m usually working in the garden or smoking some meat on the smoker.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of snowsports?
In the off season I switch over to hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, Alpine climbing, fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and duck hunting. I still teach rock climbing and have taught all of the sports I enjoy.
Who or what got you into instructing snowsports?
I started teaching XC skiing in Spokane the winter of 1973-74 after my Dad told me that a new outdoor store was looking for instructors. I started out as an instructor and then became the ski school director and eventually owner.
Favorite ski/snowboard film?
As for favorite movie, it’s probably Warren Millers 1979 Winter Fever. It’s one of the 1st ones where he featured both Telemark and Cross Country skiing. Although I along wit the Demo team were in a brief cameo 3 years later.
Current go-to skis/snowboard
My go to XC skis are the Solomon S Lab skate, classic or skin depending on the day.
Favorite Animal
My favorite animal is my Chesapeake Bay Retriever Odin.
Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
I have been fortunate enough to travel and work in a lot of places, however one of my favorite off season places I’ve been is the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. In season it’s probably the Outer Limits trail on Mt Spokane where you ski from Washington into Idaho and back with views of the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains.