The Alpine DECL (Division Education and Clinic Leader) team is a group of highly trained instructors who are responsible for running the various Alpine clinics and assessments that the Division offers.
Members of this team have have been hand-selected from the Intermountain Development Squad; for more information on this process, take a look at the “Alpine DEVO Squad Selection” event listed on this page.
Biography
Originally From: Taunton, UK
Years Instructing: 12
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Benni Walch
Why do you work in the ski industry? Watching people step outside their comfort zone, making changes, gaining confidence and skiing better is inspiring.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Cycling is my other passion. I grew up racing road, track and time trials in the UK and competed at an International level. I now manage a bike shop in Jackson with fellow DECL’s Bart & George Flynn.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? My Grandma when she was in her 80’s. I have always been closer to her than my Mom, she has dementia and is no longer the vibrant lady she once was.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I grew up ski racing, with a lot of coaching, I realized my technical background was suited to teach, and during a semester off from college I got my PSIA Level 1 at Schweitzer Mountain in North Idaho (19 years old), and my USSA Coaching 100 the next year at Sunday River.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Skiing has always been a huge part of my life. Pursuing a career in teaching, coaching, and training folks to ski and teach skiing has been a passion, and a path to further develop my professional skills continuously. Witnessing folks work hard and improve is such a joy.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Paragliding
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The continual expansion of my ski and snowboard community. Never would I have imagined when I first started my path in this profession, that I would end up with dear friends and community all over the world. I am so thankful for this community of snow lovers and outdoor professionals.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Creating a conducive environment for learning is often the key to success. Building trust, nurturing those connections, and supporting people in their learning process is the most important aspect of my job.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Not sure these are truly hidden, but I wear a lot of hats, in addition to my work with PSIA (in no particular order)…
I am an AMGA certified Ski and Alpine Guide, and soon to be fully certified AMGA/IFMGA guide.
I am a mother to two beautiful young daughters
I am a former Big Mountain Freeskiing World Tour Champion (2004) and North American Tour Champion (2001)
I produced and directed a movie called ‘Going Greenland’ 2023, you can find it on Outside Watch and YouTube, or on the Banff World Tour film festival coming to a town near you soon!
I love to garden
I run a business called Ski Divas LLC, women’s ski camps and backcountry adventures around the world
Notes
Alpine L3 / Backcountry Accreditation / P&P Accreditation Trainer / ACE I
Home Area: Jackson Hole
Biography
Originally From: Maine
Years Instructing: 20
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Bode Miller
Why do you work in the ski industry? For the love of winter sports and the ability to share my passion.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Mountain biking, fly fishing , road biking.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Kobe Bryant in his prime it would be great to understand and learn how he challenged him self with self training and pushing team mates.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started as a ski instructor at smuggler’s notch my senior year in college (2012), and then moved to Jackson, WY to be immersed in the mountains. The first full time job I got in Jackson was a ski instructor.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I am passionate about skiing, I always have been. My main goal in life is to provide experiences for clients that they will remember. Additionally, a piece of this is to make skiing more efficient and enjoyable for everyone; whether it’s cruising groomers off of the chairlifts, running moguls on steep terrain, backcountry skiing in the National Park, or backcountry skiing out of a helicopter.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Bungee jumping. It seems really fun, and also terrifying at the same time.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The amount of people who are just as passionate about skiing as I am, and their commitment to building community and change within the industry.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? It’s okay to fail at something the first time around. More often than not you end up learning from those failures and challenges and become a better person because of it.
Please list your hidden talent(s): My snack game is on point.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started teaching skiing at my local hill Bogus Basin outside Boise Idaho when I was in highschool. It was my first job ever. My friends on the ski team convinced me to apply with them so we could all ski together for free and have a ride to the mountain.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? My love for winter the outdoors and the good company that comes along with it. My former coaches became my coworkers and best friends, seeing their passion to help me progress and achieve my goals made me want to help others. Nothing compares to the feeling of endless powder on a stormy day embracing Mother Nature at its finest and seeing the smile on others faces.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I would love to travel more of the world internationally. My first trip to Europe was amazing and the humbleness and hospitality of the folks in Costa Rica was eye opening.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The diversity of people and life experiences.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Getting up and trying again, the hardest thing to do is quit and walk away, no one’s perfect but you have your whole life to learn and continue to grow.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Cat like reflexes, I seem to skirt disaster and end up on my feet. Sleeping with my eyes open.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started off as a part time Ski Instructor Apprentice while I was in college. I needed a ski pass and it seemed like the best way to get one. Now here we are, 11 years later!
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? My love for the sport, simply put. That and being exposed to some of the best in the industry in my early stages. Learning how much amazing existed in the ski world, I pushed myself to do all that I could to be a part of it. There is always room for growth and for learning!
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Speed Riding, definitely.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? All the incredible people I have had the privilege of working with and meeting from around the world. My greatest and closest friends have all come from this industry.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Patience, definitely patience. Great things don’t just happen. They require time, focus, dedication, and patience with the process. It is okay to struggle every now and then!
Please list your hidden talent(s): I am a classically trained musician and played professionally for several years.
Biography
Originally From: Portland, Oregon
Years Instructing: 29
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Myself
Why do you work in the ski industry? There is nothing better than sharing the stoke of skiing with others!
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Physiotherapy, cycling
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? My wife…
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Alta
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Started teaching skiing after college and never stopped.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? People, meeting new people takes you on new adventures everyday.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Ocean sailing.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? Commitment of ski instructors.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Urologic surgery.
Dustin Cooper
IM national Alpine Task Force representativeNotes
Originally From: Ogden, Utah
Years Instructing: Since 1986
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Anyone skiing with me!
Why do you work in the ski industry? Skiing and the people
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Mountain Biking and Waksurfing
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? It’s a long list…
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? The desire to put skiing back into my life after college and living in Washington DC.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? The love of teaching and the desire to be part of the conversation around change and direction in the industry.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Surfing.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The companionship and friendships I found along the way. The sense of community continues to surprise me to this day.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? We often learn the most when we fail.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Former Ski Jumper, Former Semi-Pro Road Cyclist.
Biography
Originally From: Seattle, WA-Alpental
Years Ski Instructing: 14
Favorite Skier: Anyone who will hike with me and they know what they are doing.
Why do you work in the ski industry?
I like to ski.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work)
Board, bike, soccer, climb, hunt, camp.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why?
My wife. I can relax, eat, and hang out with my best friend. (I know it’s cheesy, but it’s true).
Notes
Alpine L3 / Snowboard L2 – freestyle accredited (both)
Home Area: Sundance
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started my career as an instructor back in Junior High teaching my friends the same lessons I would learn earlier in the day when we would meet up after lessons- copy and paste style- Years later I would find myself at Sundance teaching professionally and entertaining the idea of becoming part of the PSIA-Intermountain Staff. The ensuing three years of try-outs and learning taught me a lot of about GRIT; and now almost 2 decades later it is truly a dream job come true- I love inspiring and guiding instructors who are headed down the same path of discovery and joy in our mountains opening the doors to a lifestyle of Mountain Living.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I have several mentors who include the likes of: Jerry Warren, Scott Nyman, Dave Lundberg, Rob Sogard and Mary Flinn-Ware who are among many of my dearest friendships in the industry along with so many Co-Workers, truly beyond imagination who have helped along the way. There is one little boy I would like to thank who in 5th grade drew a skier racing down the mountain and wrote in an inspired text for a “Reflections” contest- “When I grow up I want to be a Ski Racer and Teacher”… I never hit the racing mark but it does feel good to let that little “Corby” know we definitely made the grade on the instructor side!!
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Heli-Skiing- it’s always been a dream.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The friendships I have made from all over the world that have literally changed my life.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? How to learn- it’s the thing I am most grateful for to this industry; I understand myself and my children and wife so much better because PSIA taught me how to learn and how I learn.
Please list your hidden talent(s): I can crash better than you!
Fluent in Spanish
United States Soccer Association National C license
Husband/ Father
All things Yellowstone National Park
Log Cabin Builder
If there is another way I’ve probably driven/ tried it
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I have been surrounded by ski instruction since I was a child. My father still teaches. I was recruited to start teaching by the director Leif Grevle, who was my fathers ski school director when I was growing up.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? The ability to ski everyday and share the sport with others has been the guiding factor since I started.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Base Jumping.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The amount of people from across the world who travel to try skiing for the first time.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? That failure is good. It provides opportunities to learn and grow.
Please list your hidden talent(s): It’s not circus level, but I can juggle.
Biography
Originally From: Pocatello, Idaho
Years Instructing: 11
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Deno Dudunake and Glenn Evans
Why do you work in the ski industry? Love the freedom, strength, and joy of the sport and overall ski/ride family that’s created.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? I run a consulting business called Inspire. I love to explore, travel with family and friends, and pretty much anything to do with being in the mountains. A bit of sea time is perfect too. Time with my kids is always cherished. Skiing with them is the most motivating, inspiring, and uplifting ski time.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? My dad, Dennis Evans, just lost him this past year and he always loved making a family meal for all of us while telling stories and reminding us to just keep consistently moving forward towards our dreams.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? In Dec of 1998 I signed up at The Canyons to take a week long ski instructor training course.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Followed my instincts to do what I love.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I would like to try to see the northern lights from train travel in Alaska.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The life long friendships from staff members to clients that have been created when sharing the passion for skiing.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Goals can take time to achieve. I have learned to take failure(s) as an opportunity to reflect and learn from.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Baking pies, and many other types of baked goods
Landscape Painting
Cooking on multiple day camping/river trips
Notes
Home resort: Canyons
Biography
Originally From: White River Jct, VT now Jackson Hole, WY
Years Instructing: 11
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: I don’t have a favorite — I pull inspiration from all corners of the industry from racing to free ride to big mountain.
Why do you work in the ski industry? I love skiing and love sharing that enjoyment with others.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Riding road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes, Wake surfing and foiling.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? My wife.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? By not being able to afford to ski.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? By having so much fun with my friends. And by being good at it.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Starting a Ponzi scheme or a religion/cult.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How small and tight knit the ski world is.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? The Golden Rule has been a compass for me.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Bowling, Darts and Trivia.
Notes
Home Area: Jackson Hole
Term: 2012 to 2015
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Instructing at Song Mt. in Central NY in college.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Hopelessly addicted to the turn! I also have a BS in Physical Education and an MS in Health Education. It was a natural fit for me, i.e. teaching a sport that I loved to do.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Riding my bike for a week in France and following the Tour de France.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? That there are many others out there with the same enthusiasm for the sport as myself.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Patience.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Not so hidden. Competitive triathlete with 9 national and world age group championship titles in both road and off-road triathlon; numerous 2nd and 3rd podium finishes over the past 20 years; competitive master’s cyclist with 15 podiums (2nd – 5th, but not the elusive national championship).
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Snowbird
Biography
Originally From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Years Instructing: 41
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Too Many to Name!
Why do you work in the ski industry? I love this sport and I want to share the love!
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? I love to ride my horse, bike, UTV and I own a Landscaping Business.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? My Mum and Dad, I would Thank them for the sacrifices they had to make so that I could Ski Race!
Biography
Originally From: Upstate New York
Years Instructing: 29
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Seth Morrison
Why do you work in the ski industry? Because it’s fun
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? I coach mountain biking and I’m learning to surf. I also love music
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Les Claypool. He’s a musical icon and seems like an all around cool dude
Biography
Originally From: Ogden, Utah
Years Instructing: 20
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Mikaela Shiffrin
Why do you work in the ski industry? I love being outdoors . Sharing my passion of skiing and the mountains with others is truly rewarding.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? I am an ultra runner and avid outdoorsman and currently work as a locomotive engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Abraham Lincoln I believe he was one of the smartest men to ever govern our nation.
Stephen Helfenbein
Alpine DECL, National Team MemberBiography
How did you get your start in this career field? I began teaching skiing while I was in college in order to maintain access to skiing.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I read an article about the former PSIA National Team member Scott Mathers. It portrayed a a super high caliber, versatile style of skiing which was the same thing to which I was aspiring. Once I realized you could make a career pursuing this goal, I was all in!
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Guitar lessons.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How long I would stay in it. I had no idea I would be in this industry for 30+ years.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Never get complacent. Assessing the weather, the terrain, your students, yourself. Never get stuck or seduced by a pattern. Something is always changing.
Please list your hidden talent(s): I haven’t found them yet. They are really well hidden.
Notes
Home Area: Alta
Biography
Originally From: LIme Lake, NY
Years Instructing: 16
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Miller, Shriffin, Maier, Auclair
Why do you work in the ski industry? It’s so much fun.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Surf, run, golf, for other work I own a small wine bar and bistro on Nantucket.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Plato, Churchill, ski friends after a powder day.
Jason Hunter
Alpine DECL, Board MemberBiography
Originally From: Eagle Butte, South Dakota
Years Ski Instructing: 24
Favorite Skier: The Ski Instructor on South Park and Harkin Banks
Why do you work in the ski industry?
It gives me an excuse to act like a kid.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work)
Snowboard, motorcycles, mountain bike and rock climbing.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why?
da Vinci, so he could tell me how stuff works.
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: PCMR
Colleen Jamieson
Alpine Education Manager, Board MemberBiography
Originally From: Bozeman, MT
Years Ski Instructing: 25
Favorite Skier: Marlies Schild
Why do you work in the Ski Industry: Enjoyment for the sport and the outdoors where I can inspire and encourage success in sport development and individual growth.
What else do you do besides skiing: Bike, Hike, Garden
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why: My grandpa, with out knowing him his passion and work in education, has become a part of my life and he would see that my skiing never faded.
Notes
Home Resort: PCMR (Park City Ski Education Foundation)
Alpine Level 3, CS1, USSA L300 Coach
Biography
Originally From: Ironwood, Michigan (upper peninsula)
Years Ski Instructing: 22
Favorite Skier: Gene Palmer
Why do you work in the ski industry?
It’s great to do something you love for work.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work)
Construction work and fishing when I’m not working.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why?
Willie Wonka, he might let me ride the Wonkavator.
Notes
Alpine L3 / ACE L1
Home Area: Grand Targhee
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Worked in Breckenridge doing everything you could do in the industry except park cars.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Comradery.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Hard sayin’ tried lots…maybe skydiving?
What surprised you most about working in this industry? Versatility of myself and the network that developed.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? The answer is what works for the specific situation at the specific time.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Directness(perhaps not so hidden).
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Jackson Hole
Biography
Originally From: Mt. Hood, Oregon
Years Ski Instructing: I have a rusty 30 year pin.
Favorite Skier:
Past: Marc Girardelli…the most well rounded.
Present: Bode Miller…the smartest.
Future: Askel Lund Svindal…the most progressive
Why do you work in the ski industry?
Because I am lucky.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work)
Bike…on any surface.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why?
My dream would be to have bratwurst and pilsner with the true pioneers of skiing. Mathias Zdarsky and Hannes Schneider. I would listen to them debate ski technique, teaching methods, and equipment.
Notes
Alpine L3
Alpine Sport Education Manager
United States Ski and Snowboard Association
George Kolbenschlag
Alpine DECL, Communications V.P., Board MemberBiography
How did you get your start in this career field? Teaching Skiing in college for a ski pass.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Having a job that you love to go to work to every day.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Hmmmm…?
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The bond with others that we share the love of the sport with.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Empathy.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Cooking.
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Snowbird
Maggie Loring
Alpine DECLBiography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started teaching kid’s programs at age 14 in Maine.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I love helping people achieve dreams; whether it’s to have more fun today, or to become a better teacher for the future so they can inspire others.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? A bike trip in Europe somewhere.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The actual passion of those around me.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? To listen better (still working on that) so I can help more.
Please list your hidden talent(s): I’m pretty transparent. Nothing really hidden.
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Snowbird
Biography
Originally From: Salt Lake City
Years Ski Instructing: 16
Favorite Skier: Bennie Reich
Why do you work in the ski industry?
Camaraderie and fun.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work)
Bike and play with my family.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why?
Whoever’s buying?
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Park City Mountain Resort
Biography
Originally From: Maine
Years Instructing: 40
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Michaela Shiffrin
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Hiking,Fly fishing,Backcountry skiing
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Jackson Hole
Biography
Originally From: Arieseni-Alba, Romania
Years Instructing: 27
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Bode Miller
Why do you work in the ski industry? It’s what I’ve done, since I was very young. It naturally came to me.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Play Bass; Ride Motorcycles; Not Organized Tennis; Very Light Road Cycling; Worked for 14 years as Summer Lift Op for PCMR.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? I would have dinner with Winston Churchill.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Wenatchee Valley Community College Ski Area Management and Si Coaching program 1980 – 1982. Full time ski pro since then.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? The depth of challenges and enjoyment associated with teaching skiing.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Fly fishing.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? That I made a career of it.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Working with all types of people.
Please list your hidden talent(s): I am an expert tree faller.
Notes
Alpine L3 / CS2
Home Area: Alta
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Teaching PE ski classes in college.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Helping others realize their dreams in skiing and teaching.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Kiteboarding.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? That I could actually make a career of it.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Fail, fail, fail to succeed.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Baking and singing.
Notes
Alpine L3 / Tele L3 / Track L3 / Backcountry L3
Home Area: Snow King, WY
Biography
Originally From: Grand Targhee
Years Instructing: 15
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Reilly McGlashan
Why do you work in the ski industry? I work in the ski industry because snow is really fun to play in! And I enjoy sharing the stoke.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? I play, write, and record music.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? If I could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, it would be the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. I would want to ask him about the courage it took to discover the Northwest Passage.
Biography
Originally From: Henryville, PA
Years Ski Instructing: 33
Favorite Skier: So Many hard to choose!
Why do you work in the ski industry? To share the appreciation for the mountains and the sport
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Motorcycle Racing, Bicycling, outdoor adventure
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Valentino Rossi – One of the most influential MC racers of all time.
Notes
Alpine L3 / Tele L3 / ACE L1
Home Area: Deer Valley
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Looking for ways to work and snowboard at the same time.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? A passion for the sport and a drive to better my own personal skills and abilities. I wanted to follow in the foot steps of those who trained me as started instructing.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Backcountry skiing.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? Somehow my passion has only grown every season to keep skiing and riding.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? There is always something new to learn.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Knitting and Unicycling
Biography
Originally From: Silverton, CO
Years Instructing: 10
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Marcel Hirscher
Why do you work in the ski industry? For fun
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Tennis
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? My wife…she is the best.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Taught skiing at my home resort Mt. Rose in Tahoe.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Both my parents taught skiing and encouraged me to give it a try.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Sky Diving
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How cold it got in Jackson.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Failure is an essential part of learning.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Tae Kwon Do black belt.
Biography
Originally From: Jackson, WY
Years Instructing: 12
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Jessie Diggins
Why do you work in the ski industry? Because I love working out side and getting to teach people new things
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? I am currently working on finding up a masters degree in elementary education.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Amelia Earhart – I’d love to ask her about what it was like to be a pioneering woman in a male dominated industry.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Freezing as a 5yo at Mt. Tremblant.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I love the teaching as much as the skiing!
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? When was the last time you did something for the first time?
What surprised you most about working in this industry? Wow! There are a lot of really good teachers and skiers out there!
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Patience. Toward both my students and my own learning.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Ultra runner & triathlete.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Started teaching skiing at Buck Hill Minnesota (where Lindsey Vonn got her racing start) and moved on to Snowbird to explore beyone Buck’s 300 feet of vertical.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I managed to be surrounded by people who loved to teach skiing, starting with Eric Bloomquist at Buck Hill to Junior Bounous at Snowbird and many more.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? HIke the length of the Highline Trail in the High Uintas Wilderness.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? Watching the evolution of ski hills and resorts focused on the ski experience morph into the corporatization of the industry.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? There’s always more to learn.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Shh! It’s a secret.
Notes
Home Resort: Snowbird
Biography
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Ann grew up as the child of parents who are ski bums at heart. When she was five years old, her father took a six-week sabbatical from practicing law to teach skiing at Keystone Resort in Colorado. That year, and every year afterwards, while her parents both taught skiing, she and her two siblings attended the Keystone ski school.
A ski instructor since 2003, Ann likes to say that she was raised with an unusual expectation for the number of days on snow each year. That number has increased to well over 200, as she currently spends her winters in Jackson Hole, and her “summers” working in Ski Portillo, Chile. Ann works for the intermountain division as the current Nordic Discipline manager, a Nordic DECL, and an Alpine DECL.
Originally From: Pittsburgh, PA
Started Ski Instructing: 2003-2004 at Copper Mountain in Colorado
Favorite Skiers: Nina Oqvist, Marcus Caston
Why do you work in the ski industry? It’s a never ending project–both as a skier and as a coach.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work) Run, ride bikes, travel. Instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School.
Notes
Home Mountain: Jackson Hole
Biography
Originally From: Ogden, Utah
Years Instructing: 43
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Mikaela Shiffrin
Why do you work in the ski industry? To ski
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Fly fishing
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Crystal Mt., WA
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I love helping people grow.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Helicopter skiing.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How alike most of the folks are.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Listen more, inquire more, be curious more.
Please list your hidden talent(s): I can relate to both silly kids, and overly serious adults.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? It was my high school job on the weekends and evenings.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? There’s something magical about sharing the experience of sliding down a mountain while simultaneously bonding with people from all over the world.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Ski joring!
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How many very different people you will meet and how any person can influence your perspective.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? You never know what someone else is going through at any given time. Be patient and empathize.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Most of my joints are hypermobile, and I can do the wave with my eyebrows.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started teaching as a weekend warrior in high school. I loved skiing, mountains and children and thought it was a great way to give back to the ski world I’d grown up in.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Life changes brought me back to a ski town and teaching full time in 2010. I was inspired to dive into the educational aspect of PSIA with the goals of becoming a regional educator and examiner for both alpine and children’s disciplines.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Skiing in South America.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The connections and lifelong friendships I’ve made throughout my 30+ years within in the snowsports community.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? There is always room for improvement. I believe to be a great skier and educator of skiing, I need to be a learner first and foremost myself.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Avid equestrian, thought I don’t think that is a “hidden,” rather known, talent.
Biography
Originally From: Stockbridge, MA
Years Instructing: 27
Why do you work in the ski industry? I love to share the outdoors with people and help them obtain their personal goals.
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? Events and catering
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? My grandmothers who were a huge part of who I am today.
Notes
Home Resort: Deer Valley
Biography
Originally From: Wilmington, North Carolina
Years Instructing: 38
Favorite Skier or Snowboarder: Glen Plake
Why do you work in the ski industry? Skiing changed my life and I enjoy helping others find enjoyment in the mountains and stretch their boundaries
What else do you do besides skiing/snowboarding? I spend a lot of time riding and maintaining a variety of bicycles; hobby robotics/electronics; I’m the Transportation Technology Manager for Park City Municipal.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Well anyone that is a passionate deep thinker with a sense of humor, so will go with Roger Penrose – Nobel Prize in physics – mathematician/philosopher. has posited there is no free will with both fervor and humor.
Notes
Home Resort: Canyons
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s I used to take new instructor hiring clinics at Park City. It was a cheap way to get coaching and skiing. One year I figured it might be fun to actually start teaching.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? During my first season I got a lot of training and thought the trainers and examiners had a great job and it looked like a lot of fun!
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? My wife and I want to take our boat up the inner passage to Alaska and back.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How much I grew to enjoy the coaching part of skiing.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? The more I teach the more I learn.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Fish laugh when I wet a line.
Andy Baker
Alpine Emeritus DECLBiography
Alpine L3
Originally From: Sanford, Maine
Years Ski Instructing: 21
Favorite Skier: Scott Schmitt
Why do you work in the ski industry? – Introducing people to the mountains, to a sport for the ages.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work) – Mountain bike, sea kayaking, hiking.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – French President Sarkosy
Notes
Home Area: Alta
Biography
I am Carl Boyer, and I started skiing at Pajarito Mountain in New Mexico in 1963. My ski teaching career began in 1973 with the University of Utah Ski School, the nations first university level ski instruction methods course, dating to 1949. I became Associate Certified (Level II) in the Intermountain Ski Instructors Association (now PSIA-Intermountain) in 1975, continuing as the Technical Director for the U of U Ski School from fall 1975 through the spring of 1979.
I began teaching skiing full time at Snowbird Mountain Resort in the fall of 1979, where I am currently employed. I achieved Alpine Level III certification in 1985, then Alpine Divisional Education and Certification Leader status in 1991. I also hold Snowboard Level I, Accredited Children’s Educator I, and basic Park & Pipe Accreditation in PSIA/AASI Intermountain.
I have served on the Board of Directors for PSIA/AASI Intermountain since 2002; serving as Member at Large; Communications VP; President; and Administrative VP.
My major at the University of Utah was Geology, and I worked many summer seasons in field geophysics. I currently restore special interest automobiles, specializing in Citroens from the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Notes
Alpine L3 / Snowboard L1 / ACE L1 / Park & Pipe Accred
Home Area: Snowbird
Term: 2014-2017
Biography
Originally From: Arlington, Virginia
Years Ski Instructing: 11
Favorite Skier: Doug Coombs
Why do you work in the ski industry? – Fun and fresh air.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work) – Bike mechanic, play guitar, run, bike, bowl and soak..
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – My brother. He lives 2000 miles away. And then we could make some runs afterward.
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Jackson Hole
Biography
Originally From: Red Sox Nation
Ski Teaching Career began in: 1988
Favorite Skier: Alberto Tomba
Why do you work in the ski industry? – Free skis.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work) – Real Estate agent and golfer. (Is that the same thing)? Perform my duties as Wyoming Governer of Red Sox Nation.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – Bruce Springsteen….Duh!
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Jackson Hole
Term: 2013 to 2016
Biography
Originally From: Cleveland, OH
Years Ski Instructing: 18
Favorite Skier: Ethan Smith, Skier Extraordinaire
Why do you work in the ski industry?
– Someone got me addicted and I need my fix. Sharing the passion and making skiing easier for the people floats my boat.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work)
– Travel, real estate, wine tasting, and loving my cat…Trixie Licorice Canasta.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why?
– Bette Midler. She is the most genuine and straight talking person I can think of. And she’s glamorous.
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Non-Affiliated
Biography
Originally From: Pennsylvania
Years Ski Instructing: 33
Favorite Skier: Ingemar Stenmark
Why do you work in the ski industry? – Free skiing , big money and the lifestyle.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work) – Bike, scuba dive, river run, fly fish, dirt bike and ride horses.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – My whole family.
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Alta
Biography
USSA National level coach, ACE Trainer
Alpine L3 / ACE L3
1984 – 1986 Solitude Ski Resort Instructor,
1986 – 1996 Snowbird Ski Resort Instructor, Children’s On Snow Supervisor and Devo Coach for Snowbird Race Team,
1996 – 1998 Deer Valley Children’s On Snow Supervisor,
1998 – 2003 United States Ski and Snowboard Coaches Education Program Manager,
2003 – Present Deer Valley Ski School Recruiting/Adult Programs Manager.
Professional Achievements in Snowsports
PSIA Junior Education Team member and coach
1992 – 1996, Intermountain Division Examiner and Clinic Leader
1991 – 2004 – Behavior Science and Health from University of Utah
Notes
Home Area: Deer Valley
Term: 2013 – 2016
Biography
Originally From: New York
Years Ski Instructing: 40
Favorite Skier: Ingemar Stenmark
Why do you work in the ski industry? – People.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work) – Real Estate.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – Bennie Reich. Because he has the knowledge, image and moves that we all should have!!!
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Snowbird
Kent Lundell
ASEA National Rep, Alpine Emeritus DECLBiography
City of Origin: Huntsviile Utah
Teaching History
2008-2014 Snowsports Director Powder Mountain
2002-2008 Ski Teacher & Trainer Deer Valley
2000-2002 On snow manager Snowbasin
1999-2005 PSIA-I Certification Chairman
1998-2000 Alpine Manager Canyons
1982-1998 Ski Teacher and Trainer Park City Mountain Resort
1990-2014 PSIA-I DECL
1978-1982 Ski School Director Brian Head, Utah
1976-1978 Ski School Asst. Director Park west Ski area
1973-1976 Ski School Supervisor Park West Ski Area,
1972-1973 Ski Instructor Park West Ski Area
1971-1972 Ski Instructor Sundance,
Year that kent became a DECL: 1990
Position at resort: Snowsports Director
Year Elected to Board (2001 -2010)
Notes
Intermountain ASEA representative since: 2011
Divisional Education Clinic Leader
Alpine L3
Home Area: Powder Mountain
Stew Marsh
Intermountain Alpine DECLBiography
Originally From: Syracuse, N.Y.
Years Ski Instructing: 40
Favorite Skier: Alf Engen
Why do you work in the ski industry? – I do it because of my passion for teaching and skiing. Seeing improvement and smiling faces is the reward I aspire to create.
What else do you do besides skiing? (hobbies, work) – Avid waterskier, mountain biker, golfer and traveler.
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – Ingemar Stenmark, because of his accomplishments and knowledge of skiing and racing.
Notes
Alpine L3
Home Area: Snowbasin
Biography
Originally From: Boise Idaho
Year Started Teaching: 1989
Why do you work in the ski industry? – It is fun. The people we meet and work with
What else do you do besides skiing? – Biking, golf, raffting, being a DAD!
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – John KraKauer (author) Interesting/good conversation.
Notes
Home Resort: Deer Valley
Biography
Originally From – Parma, Ohio
Favorite Skier – The Hermanator
Why do you work in the Ski Industry? – To get rich $$$$
What else do you do besides skiing? – Golf, Play guitar, play with my 2 boys
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – Whoever’s buying
Notes
Home Resort:
Biography
I have a long history in the Snow Sport industry as an instructor, supervisor, guest services manager, and snow sports school director.
I have served PSIA/AASI-I as the Administrative VP for four years and am currently, serving my second year as the President of PSIA/AASI-Intermountain and I am an active Alpine DECL in the Intermountain Division
I have been a member of PSIA/AASI-Intermountain since 1991. From then to the present, I have worked in the Intermountain Division as the Ski School Director at Snowbird and the Ski School Director at the Canyons. I have worked as an instructor and trainer at Powder Mountain and Park City Mountain Resort where I currently work part time.
Prior to moving to Intermountain Division, my Snow Sports teaching began at Spout Springs-Oregon in 1966. From then until moving to Intermountain Division, I worked as a full time ski instructor/trainer at Spout Springs- Oregon, White Pass-Washington, and Sun Valley- Idaho. I spent ten seasons as the Ski School Director at Bridger Bowl-Montana, one season as the head coach for the BSEF Buddy Werner race program, two seasons as a recreational race coach and trainer for the Bridger Bowl Ski School, and four seasons as the Ski School Director at Breckenridge-Colorado.
In 1973 I served as a Clinic Leader for PSIA-NW and attended the first National Academy at Mount Hood, Oregon. In 1976 I became a Clinic Leader and Examiner for PSIA-NRM and I served in that capacity until moving to Colorado in 1986. I functioned as a Clinic Leader and Examiner for PSIA-RM until moving to Utah where I have been an active DECL for PSIA-I from 1991 until the present. I am a former PSIA-National Team Member and former Certification Chairperson for PSIA-NRM. I was an examiner for the first in the Nation PSIA level 2 and level 3 Snowboarding exams held in Breckenridge and A-Basin. I was a coach for the 1981 Alpha Course in Sweden and have been a coach at eight National Academies.
Notes
Home Area: PCMR
Term: 2011 to 2014
Biography
Originally From: New York
Why do you work in the ski industry? – I love it and don’t know how to do anything else!
What else do you do besides skiing? – Whitewater, super-aunt, run, ride and cook
If you could have lunch with any person in the world who would it be and why? – Dolly Parton-she rocks! Or Cher.
Notes
Home Resort: Jackson Hole
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I began my career in 2013 at Stowe Mountain Resort teaching kids groups and seasonal programs. After two seasons there I began traveling to Chile to work an additional season at Ski Portillo.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I left an unfulfilling job and spent a month riding my bike from Seattle to San Diego with two friends. Over the course of the month I realized I wanted to spend my time outside experiencing the natural world, and not just on my days off. By the end of the trip I had an interview at Stowe and never looked back.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Backflip on skis.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The diversity of professional and educational background represented in ski schools everywhere. I have been fortunate to work alongside so many impressive and fascinating individuals.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Working in the East I got to ski a lot of great snow, but I also learned to find joy in this sport regardless of what Mother Nature was inclined to deliver. Every day on skis can be an amazing day with a bit of creativity and the right attitude.
Please list your hidden talent(s): I can juggle snowballs, speak two languages well and another two poorly, and open a beer bottle with pretty much any object at hand.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? After my family had hit hard times and became unhoused, my Aunt Lorie took me in. She was a Ski Instructor in Big Bear and told me that I would be great at that job. I thought she was insane due to my previous skiing experience being 2 hours! Somehow, I was hired and through a memorable “Crash Course In Skiing” lesson with Lorie the day before, I was able to scrape by the ski assessment test and start my journey teaching skiing!
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? The people you meet and the connections you build while being in a beautiful outdoor environment were enough to get me hooked! It was impactful instructing internationally and in 3 different PSIA divisions. I got to meet and learn from all different types of Ski Instructors. It really showed me what is possible with this job and how I want to shape myself as an instructor.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I really want to get into bikepacking!
What surprised you most about working in this industry? None of it “gets old”. Our job is so dynamic and fun that every day is something to look forward to.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Taking time to reflect and having appreciation for yourself and all that you have already achieved!
Please list your hidden talent(s): I love to knit!
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? I started teaching skiing after graduating from college and moving to Jackson, Wyoming. I thought I’d try it our for a season but the community and joy of the job kept me coming back.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I was inspired by my mentors in the field that helped who showed me the career path in snow sports and the opportunities in the field. And of course by all of the folks I’ve skied with over the years and always remind me that skiing is fun and that I have the best job in the world.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Pow skiing in Japan!
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The community
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? I love trying new things and being a beginner- it’s such a good reminder to always push out of the comfort zone and remember what people are going through when they try skiing for the first time.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Pizza making (not that hidden though, I love hosting pizza parties!)
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? My dad convinced me I should give instructing a go to see if I liked it…turns out I love it!!!
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Other high achieving women in our organization inspired me to believe I could achieve more.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Kite surfing.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How much everyone is rooting for you to succeed.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Achievements are more about discipline than motivation.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Professional violinist; many are surprised to learn that I started instructing as a Snowboarder
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? My mom said I should.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I’ve enjoyed teaching since entering university and have been teaching something to someone ever since.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Surfing.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How deep the rabbit hole goes. No matter how good of a teacher or skier someone is, there is always another skill set to unlock.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Be yourself.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Random facts.
Ryan Guthrie
Alpine DEV TeamBiography
How did you get your start in this career field? I was looking for work when I moved to Jackson 8 winters ago and I love skiing, so I figured I would apply for a job at JHMR as a ski instructor.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? Once I started working as a ski instructor, I knew immediately it was something that I really enjoyed doing and wanted to continue to do. I knew that I need to train to get better at the job, and knew it was important to go through the certification process. Through that process, my skiing improved significantly and my approach to teaching skiing became much more clear. That process led me to want to share that with other instructors.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Flying a plane.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The impact that our work has on our guests. We have the ability to make lifetime memories for people, and that is pretty special.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? I am grateful to have learned patience. Things worth doing take time.
Please list your hidden talent(s): I’m pretty good arm wrestler.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Growing up in Colorado, I had always wanted to move to the mountains. While making a career transition, I finally made the move to the mountains and had the opportunity to be a part time instructor. After one season I was hooked and I have made snow sports my priority ever since.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I was always hungry to learn more and increase my certifications. In my third season teaching I was fortunate enough to earn a Logan Scholarship to National Academy and it was that opportunity that inspired me to pursue the career that I have today.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? A back flip on skis!
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How many career paths you can create within the ski & snowboard industry.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? People don’t always remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Maybe not so hidden, but I can find my way around a golf course pretty well.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? Always had a strong love for skiing and got started in the industry as an instructor apprentice.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? To be the best instructor I can for my students and myself.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Sky Diving.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? The amount of genuine relationships that were built.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? How to relate a students personal interest into skiing.
Please list your hidden talent(s): Fly fishing perfection.
Biography
How did you get your start in this career field? After growing up in a ski town, it was the natural progression.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? To teach everyone how to love snowsports.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? It’s been an exciting journey so far. There are not many things I haven’t already tried.
What surprised you most about working in this industry? How much I would love it.
What lesson are you most grateful for learning? Work ethic.
Please list your hidden talent(s): State champion in juggling.
Other Directories:
