Telemark Examiners & Clinic Leaders

Why you became, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI?

I decided to take a one-year break as a ski bum in Telluride, and that one year turned into a lifelong career. All of my trainers at the mountain were very supportive, and I eagerly attended as many training clinics as I could during my first year. I became an eager student and tried to learn everything I could about skiing, telemarking, and snowboarding through the organization. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of interpersonal and teaching skills I developed along the way. The PSIA-AASI has made me a better person, and I feel so grateful for the organization. I hope to give back as much as it has given me.

Home Hill?

Mt. Bachelor.

What’s your favorite NW resort when you’re not at your home hill?

Stevens Pass. I just love the steep tree runs and off-piste stashes there.

What are your snowsports goals?

I would love to work my way towards my level 3 snowboard someday, but currently  I am working on becoming the best alpine and telemark clinician I can be.

What is your favorite way to spend some down time?

I enjoy spending time with my family: my wife, two girls, and a dog. We love camping and exploring the outdoors. We also love lazy weekends at home, working in the yard and having movie nights.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of snowsports?

Outside of snowsports, I enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, climbing trees, and anything else that involves being outside. I’ve gotten back into weightlifting recently and love throwing kettlebells around. I enjoy playing chess and other board games. I love cooking and making cocktails, and I am always on the lookout for new recipes.

Who or what got you into instructing snowsports?

I have my parents to thank for being a lifelong skier, starting at the age of two. I grew up as a child of ski schools in Taos and ski racing programs on the East Coast. Between my parents, my coaches, and the mountains, I developed a lifelong love for the sport. I took a long time away from skiing but rediscovered my passion when I fled to Telluride for a season. To me there are so many skills needed to be a good instructor, so I find it infinitely interesting. Whether searching for that perfect turn or getting to know your students, each day brings unique challenges that make this job enjoyable.

If you weren’t teaching snowsports, what would you be doing to fulfill the itch to help others grow new skills?

In the off-season, I work as a consulting arborist. I love teaching others about trees and nature and working with the Pacific Northwest International Society of Arborists (PNW-ISA) as an educator.

Favorite ski/snowboard film?

“All I Can” (2011). It features phenomenal skiing from some of my favorite athletes, beautiful cinematography, slick editing, and a poignant message on climate change. And let’s not forget that classic JP Auclair segment that we all dream of replicating someday.

Current go-to skis/snowboard

I’m a huge Rossignol fan. It was the first ski I could remember skiing on when I was a kid (I loved the logo), and I still have so much fun on them. Right now, my daily drivers are the Rossignol Experience 86.

Favorite Animal

Wolf. But I do feel like the mountain goat is my spirit animal, we’ve had some interesting run-ins.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Switzerland. I was fortunate enough to ski there a few seasons ago, and boy, those Europeans know how to live. The mountains are gorgeous, and I just loved the numerous small huts strewn throughout the areas. It’s so cool to see entire cultures built around the mountains.