Notes
Home Area: Methow Valley
Notes
Home Area: Snoqualmie Summit
Biography
Works at Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline Resorts
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 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.