TRAINER BIOS
Trainers
SAM TAYLOR
Professional experience: 20 years teaching, coaching and training. I've worked in a lot of cool places - including Japan, Australia, Canada, Colorado, California and Utah.
What are your credentials? AASI Level 3. AASI-Western Trainer Accreditation. USSA L200 Coach. Children's Specialist 2. BASI Freestyle Coach. AASI-I Dev Team
Why are you a trainer? I love training, as we can nerd out and help each other improve over a long period of time.
Little known fact? I'm not ambidextrous, I'm Cross-Dominant.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Steep and Deep!
Recent Accomplishment? Making the AASI-I Development Team.
Learning style? Copy Cat!
Training style? I like to captain a Training Clinic, not lecture. I like to promote critical thinking and understanding. Most of all I make sure everyone meets their personal goals for the clinic.
Teaching style? I like to build a team environment, and make sure we snowboard as much as possible. I teach skills that will benefit my students immediate fun and progression. I don't get abstract, I keep it situational.
NATE CHAPPLE
Professional experience: Nate Chapple - 17 years teaching, 13 years as a trainer, 6 years on Ed Staff (as of winter 23/24)
Why are you a trainer? I like seeing the connections people make with the skills of teaching and their personal lives outside of the industry.
What are your credentials? S3, A1, FS1, CS1, ISES (Ed Staff)
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Technical trees, chutes, moguls and steep powder
Stress Relief? Travel
What is on the bucket list? Probably buckets. It's a list of buckets right?
Useless skill? Sudoku.
Training style? Reciprocal/Exploratory
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Any day riding with other people.
MARK FANCY
Professional experience: Retired school teacher. Have been a ski instructor for 21 years. Taught 2 years in the East and this is my 20th season at Park City.
Why are you a trainer? I love passing on what I have learned. By training other instructors I improve my own teaching and skiing skills.
What are your credentials? PSIA Level 3 Alpine
Little known fact? Owned and operated a large horse farm for 20 years.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Love any terrain with untouched powder or untouched corduroy.
Stress Relief? Sailing
Super Power? Woodworking. Have built 2 sailboats.
What is on the bucket list? To sail all of the East Coast from Maine to Key West
What are your other favorite activities? Cycling, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
J-SHAWN
Professional experience: My name is J-Shawn. I love snowboarding! My passion for snowboarding started before I could walk and my dad would zip me in his jacket and go skiing. I grew up skiing and started snowboarding at 12 and I've been doing that ever since! I graduated high school early and started teaching snowboarding in 2001 and I've been teaching at park city canyons village ever since! I alao fell in love with teaching and started pursuing certification to improve my skills and learn more. I eventually became an examiner for AASI intermountain region and a trainer for park city. I now also have 3 kids under the age of 7 that also snowboard and am so stoked to see them ride! I will always love snowboarding and riding and sharing ideas with others and can't wait to have a good time with anyone on the mountain that wants to join!
Why are you a trainer? I love to ride and share ideas with others and being a trainer is a really fun way to share the excitement of snowboarding with others!
What are your credentials? AASI examiner. Freestyle Examiner. Children's Specialist Examiner. PSIA level 1.
Little known fact? I used to own an ice cream shop called yellow snow ice cream.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Big mountain pow laps. Terrain park. And absolutely everything out there.
Recent Accomplishment? Recently added to the children's specialist team.
What is on the bucket list? Heli boarding Alaska.
Learning style? Watch then do.
Training style? Have fun!
Teaching style? Have fun!
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Early pow laps really fast then find pow laps in trees and send it off cliff drops. Grab an apres drink when the resort closes. Then go take park laps in the evening!
DAVE KEENAN
Professional experience: 18 seasons instructing; California, Australia, New Zealand, 15 years in Park City.
Why are you a trainer? To help spread the passion I have for the industry and help folks build their skill sets.
What are your credentials? Bachelor's in Kinesiology & Physical Education; Snowboard level 3; Freestyle 1; Childrens 3; Division Childrens Ed Staff.
Little known fact? I used to play trombone.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? ANYTHING! Big mountain free ride for sure.
Recent Accomplishment? Now father of 2 boys!
Stress Relief? Mountains.
Current Obsession? Hunting.
Super Power? Human Connection.
What is on the bucket list? Alaska Trip
Useless skill? I make really amazing quesadillas
Learning style? Got to do it.
Training style? Instructor lead topics and conversations.
Teaching style? Play based.
What is your ideal day on the mountain? first: coffee. second: quick laps in fresh snow. third: afternoon park laps.
HEATHER FIELDING-OWEN
Professional experience: Alpine Certified Level 3, PSIA Intermountain Ed staff.
Why are you a trainer? Being an Alpine trainer keeps me engaged in the discipline that I love. I enjoy connecting and getting to know fellow employees.
What are your credentials? I attended the University of Montana where a received a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts.
Little known fact? In the “off season” I wake at 4am to bake pastries for my coffee shop in the Adirondacks.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? I enjoy sliding on all terrain, but my heart belongs to Super Condor.
Recent Accomplishment? Hiked the Grand Canyon in the spring of ‘23.
Stress Relief? Massage, more skiing, repeat.
Current Obsession? Organizing my 6 year olds’ Legos.
Super Power? Morning person What is on the bucket list? See the northern lights from the Alaskan Northern Railway sleeper car.
Learning style? Visual and kinesthetic.
Training style? Learner(student)-centered, It is important for me to find out participants goal/intention for coming to training, also I like finding out what others are working on in their skiing ,so I can also lead with guided discover.
Teaching style? My style of teaching is Student-centered ,I stay mindful ,to approach learning, in many different ways. Task style will always be included, along with reciprocal, guided discovery, and problem solving.
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Great gear for any weather and great snacks.
If -“I was a sandwich”, I would be a sliced fresh baguette with Spicy mustard, Emmental cheese, and salami.
KYLE SHANNON
professional experience: Hi, my name is Kyle Shannon. I started teaching in 2002, at Mt Spokane in Eastern Washington. At the end of my second season I earned my snowboard level two. 2004 found me teach at Park City where I’ve been ever since. I have since added my AASI 3, FS1, CS1, and PSIA 1.
Why are you a trainer? I love helping people grow in a profession I have been passionate about for the last two decades.
What are your credentials? AASI 3, FS1, CS1, PSIA 1
Little known fact? I enjoy drawing.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Yes!!! Fluffy snow, make it steep, with or without trees! Firm and Sunny, carving or in the terrain park.
Recent Accomplishment? Taught two of my own kids to snowboard. Naturals is all I need to say. :)
Stress Relief? Remembering God’s in control, and anything outdoors that’s either athletic or relaxing like fly fishing.
Current Obsession? Improving my relationship with my bride of 16 years.
Super Power? Designing and building things, and fixing stuff.
What is on the bucket list? Eventually PSIA 3
Useless skill? Lol! If you think you have a useless skill, you need a lesson in sales.
Learning style? Kinesthetic/Visual
Training style? However is needed to best help transfer information to my peers.
Teaching style? Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic, all blended to varying degrees based on the students learning style.
What is your ideal day on the mountain? A powder day with my family and friends that are capable of enjoying all that downy goodness.
Why did the skier fall off the mountain? Because he couldn’t find the edges.
CHAD HAUGEN
Professional experience: Teaching skiing since 1996
What are your credentials? PSIA Level 3
Why are you a trainer? Paying forward all the amazing training I've had here at Park City/Canyons
Little known fact? I'm also a Registered Nurse.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Just about anything with snow on it!
Learning style? Currently Experimenter/Do-er/Kinesthetic/Shiny Squirrel!
Training style? Fun Maximization
Teaching style? Supportive empathetic cheerleader fun facilitator
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Love, love, love those nuking free refills days....priceless
Lisa Segal
Professional experience: Ski Professional for 25 years plus, currently a PSIA -E examiner, coach, instructor and event supervisor working through out the U.S.
Why are you a trainer? Sharing of information and mentoring
What are your credentials? *Technical Director Loon Mt./ Cannon Mt. Snow sports *Head U12 Coach Franconia ski Club. *U16 Coach Holderness *Head U12/Devo Coach Green Mt. Valley School, *25 years + PSIA E-Examiner, 20 years +USSA Level 300 Alpine Coach, *Head Farm Team Coach / Trainer at Park City
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? The bigger the bumps the better.
Current Obsession? Ryan Gosling ( before Barbie)
What is on the bucket list? Being comfortable with doing the uncomfortable
Learning style Visual
Training style? Interactive
Teaching style? Experiential Learning
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Sun on my back!
Philosophy? Do hard things, find friction
PATRICK KILDOW
Philippe Astié
Professional experience: I always loved skiing, but am a late blooming instructor - I dropped the suit and ties and other corporate trappings in 2005, and moved to PC with my wife and 2 sets of twins to be a full time instructor.
Why are you a trainer? I want to help others enjoy this career a much as I do - and to get exposed to the best thinking and skiing I can .
What are your credentials? Level 3 Alpine, Level 2 Tele, Level 1 adaptive and CS2
Little known fact? am trying - painfully for the unsuspecting listeners - to learn how to play the saxophone
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Love to ski Keystone with my wife, on an empty sunny day. Specially if the groomers did not have enough time and left the side of the trail alone
Recent Accomplishment? Over several days, I desert hiked with one of my sons to visit the seldom seen “harvest scene”.
Stress Relief? Dirt bike riding - and saxophone playing
Current Obsession? Exploring every possible kind of short turn I see my heroes make on youtube.
Super Power? French accent: instant credibility as a ski instructor. And if you want to improve, I give French style feedback - as painfully on-point as German feedback, but more funny to hear.
What is on the bucket list? I plead the 5th on that one…
Useless skill? I can juggle
Learning style? Buckets of “analytical", with dabs of “doer”.
Training style? I try bringing you the elements that are going to make a difference for you, whether it's technique, teaching or people skills . For that to happen, we go for a deeper understanding - not just what to teach or what to do and how - but also why ? Why we are teaching it, why we are teaching they way we do, why are we adapting the content this way or that way to a specific learner, etc …. (Did I say earlier that I have a (painfully) analytical mind ;- ) ?
Teaching style? Adapted to the client, the moment, the situation - there may not even be any "direct teaching . My favorite questions to get going is “good morning-What would make today a raging success for you"
What is your ideal day on the mountain? A powder day with the farm team Make up your own (Question and Answer, please!)
GENE GAUTIERI
professional experience: My name is Gene Gautieri my friends and clients refer to me as Geno. I have been teaching skiing for 44 yrs and am a certified level 3 instructor. I don’t have a long list of resorts I’ve worked at I tend to enjoy nesting if I like the people I’m working with. Experience in our industry has allowed me to rep for many companies as an area pro rep from skis , boots, marker cloths and binding’s and was the scott rep for many years. Enough of this I’ve been around working with the ski industry in many of the folds that make it possible.
Why are you a trainer? I enjoy how people learn and sharing the many ways I have been able to communicate the skills of skiing with guest and fellow instructors. I feel it’s our job to pass on the pearls of wisdom to the next generation or even the veterans looking to say something different about the sport they know and enjoy
What are your credentials? Level 3 alpine skiing instructor and trainer for ever.
Little known fact? I have a lot of addictions my family and friends, fly fishing, surfing, shooting my bow, my dog willow
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Down hill mostly lol I do enjoy all terrain skiing. Bumps crud. Pow
Recent Accomplishment? Made my wife smile today. Got a chin lick from willow
Stress Relief? Quite time at the beach , stream, on the mountain with friends or in the house nestled in
Current Obsession? Ocean fly fishing, developing a life plan for the next chapter in my life Super Power? I see things others miss. And I can verbalize details that make sense.
What is on the bucket list? Learn Spanish, how to play guitar, enjoy warm weather fishing , get another season like last year and do it with my wife
Useless skill? Cleaning up after my dog
Learning style? I know you’re prone to two blended styles but I have learned to enjoy learning in many ways. In the simplest terms I like to understand what , see how, do it many times, get feedback then proceed to repeat the steps to success
Training style? Make a plan everyone is in to, then jump in to feel , understand , and entertain the thoughts of others to find and discover answers
Teaching style? This depends on the learning style of the people I’m teaching and sharing information with
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Feeling like I’ve spent a day with friends enjoying expanding our comfort zone in a safe and fun way
What Is the difference between a good instructor and a great one ? A great instructor might review methods and success or failure mentality when alone and relaxed to develop the best practices and techniques to improve the experience of learning from them. This makes a great instructor in my opinion
KIM NAKAMURA
Professional experience: Kim Nakamura, ski instructor, local youth ski coach
Why are you a trainer? Share my thoughts and experiences with like-minded individuals.
What are your credentials? A3, CS1, Ed Staff
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? The entire mtn
Stress Relief? Skiing
Learning style? Kinesthetic
Teaching style? Kinesthetic/Visual/Auditory
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Anytime skiing with my son.
ROBERT MESSINA
Professional experience: In 2024 I will have been instructing for 50 years. First Certified in 1977.
Why are you a trainer? The guest will value learning from instructors with outstanding skills.
What are your credentials? Full Certified in the PSIA Eastern Division in 1979, Achieved Examiner Training Squad in 1983. DECL for 5 seasons
Little known fact? BaseBall switch hitter.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? The Pines, and anywhere uneven.
Stress Relief? Convertible drive.
What is on the bucket list? Visiting Sicily and the town of Canacate
Training style? Show how activity creates response and stability
Teaching style? One thing at a time, and enjoy.
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Explore with family and friends. Lunch on a deck.
GLEN SAMPSON
Who are you? Include your professional experience in the industry: My name is Glen Sampson and I am originally from San Francisco. I grew up snowboarding in Lake Tahoe and started skiing at 15 months old. My home mountain is Mt. Rose. However, my first job as a snowboard instructor was in Park City in 2010 and I have worked out of the Canyons Village ever since.
Why are you a trainer? It is truly satisfying to witness how my coaching improves people's riding, teaching skills, and lives. Since I first started snowboarding in the 90s, it has always been a passion of mine, and I am really excited to show my appreciation for those that guided me on my journey by paying it forward.
What are your credentials? Education Staff at PSIA-AASI Intermountain Division, Snowboard Level III, Children's Specialist II, Freestyle Snowboard Level I, Adaptive Snowboard Level I
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Steeps, Trees, & Gullies
What is on the bucket list? Japow
Learning style? Visual-Kinesthetic Learner
Teaching style? Whatever is appropriate for the students to be successful. I like to trick them into learning as much as possible.
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Riding with friends.
MARTIN DRAYTON
Who are you? Include your professional experience in the industry. My name is Martin Drayton, I’m originally from the UK, but an Utah resident for 23 years. I am a Full Cert under the BASI system (trainer/examiner for 20+ years) and this will be my 39th season as an Instructor. I have taught in both the US and in Europe. I am a former World Cup competitor in Boardercross, Slalom, and Giant Slalom
Why are you a trainer? I’m a trainer because I want to help instructors learn how to be the best they can be
What are your credentials? I am a full cert, ISIA qualified under the BASI system.
Little known fact? I am the sole member of the Trinidad and Tobago, snowboard team, I am also a Guinness World Record holder for slalom skateboarding, and former world champion.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Trees, steeps and carving groomers.
Recent Accomplishment? Returning to scale modeling after a 40 year absence, I have now won several awards and was invited to give a seminar at the US Nationals on building dioramas.
Stress Relief? Building scale models and playing with our new kitten.
Current Obsession? Building a tribute diorama to the 761st Tank Battalion, the first African-American tank unit to fight in World War II
Super Power? Super patience!
What is on the bucket list? Seeing the Northern Light in all it’s glory
Useless skill? I can wiggle my double jointed neck!
Learning style? I am a visual learner
Training style? I really enjoy using guided discovery, I like seeing the light bulb go on.
Teaching style? I always adapt my teaching style to suit the students needs
What is your ideal day on the mountain? A powder session in the trees, followed by a high speed carving session
What is your proudest achievement? Raising an amazing daughter, Maya.
Professional experience: I am a skier and a snowboard, always looking to spend time on the snow. I taught at Ski Roundtop, Mt High and Mammoth mountain before coming to Park City.
Why are you a trainer? I had great trainers who shared their passion with me, I caught the big and strive to be like them sharing what I have learned through my years on the snow
What are your credentials? Alpine L3 Snowboard L3 and Freestyle Specialist L2 Little known fact? I am an avid knitter
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Bumps, trees and air
Recent Accomplishment? Passed my level 3 snowboard and made the alpine development team with PSIA
Stress Relief? Skiing
Learning style? I am a doer!
Training style? I like to explore and experiment whenever possible
Teaching style? I want to guide my students to discover the truths we know about skiing and riding
JOHN HUDSON
Professional experience: I am the Trainer from Evanston, Wyoming! I have been a ski instructor with Park City since the Winter of 2016. I am an active member of PSIA and utilize PSIA trainings to increase my overall knowledge and experience.
Why are you a trainer? I have been a trainer in past employment and have been trained to do past jobs as well as this one. The trainers at Park City are exceptional. I want to be part of that time and help build the best ski school possible.
What are your credentials? Alpine Level 3 Certified Ski Instructor and Children's Specialist 1.
Little known fact? Inverted in Alta Chutes 2, Jackson Hole WY January 2023
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Groomers to Off piste.
Recent Accomplishment? Tried out for the DEVO Team, Great Experience will keep working on it.
Stress Relief? Turn Off Social Media and the News
Current Obsession? Ben Hogan's Golf Swing
Super Power? All Seeing
What is on the bucket list? 360 at 60
Useless skill? To Much Trivia
Learning style? Learn by Doing
Training style? Guide, check for understanding, active participation.
Teaching style? Guided with Direction and explore
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Lots of Snow Make up your own
You drive from Evanston WY everyday? Yes
DOTTIE BECK
Professional experience in the industry: I guess you'd call me a "lifer". This is my 34th season at Park City Mountain. (It was known as "Park City Ski Area" when I started). I've been coaching local race programs for decades, starting with Learn to Race (Head Coach for a few years) and currently coaching the Park City Farm Team (20 years). From 2008-2016 I worked back to back winters (Park City in Northern Hemisphere and Coronet Peak/The Remarkables, Queenstown, New Zealand in Southern Hemisphere). I started in the kids school and NAC!
Why are you a trainer? The people! I love spending time with the staff and trainers, especially the new hires. I learn as much from them as they learn from me, and their energy and excitement is infectious! It reminds me why I do this.
What are your credentials? I'm a PSIA Level 3 instructor, NZSIA Childrens Specialist, USSS Level 300 Alpine Coach, PCM Staff Trainer, and have experience teaching and coaching at the NAC.
Little known fact? I was a flight attendant, based in New York City (during the Studio 54 days) in my past life.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Any trees off the Ridgeline from Mollys to West Scotts, Peak 5, and all the secret Farm Team lines.
Recent Accomplishment? Cassidy (Bright) and Patrick Kildow got me through the ropes course at NAC. I have a climbing background, but I'm terrified of heights (vertigo!). I even did the bungee dismount. (Not as scary as bungee jumping in New Zealand!)
Stress Relief? Hiking, skiing, and paddle boarding with the dogs!
Current Obsession? Golf. The most frustrating sport I've ever tried...and tried, and tried. (Now I understand the definition of insanity.)
Super Power? I'm secretly still a 7 year old.
What is on the bucket list? Skiing in Japan. Sailing in Croatia. Hiking in Portugal. (The real list if much longer...)
Useless skill? English smocking.
Learning style? Visual
Training style? Exploratory
Teaching style? Guided discovery
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Snowing 1-2"/hour. Everybody else is in the lodge having hot cocoa.
What is your skiing (riding) spirit animal? Ermine!
CASSIDY BRIGHT
Professional experience: Hi! I’m Cassidy Bright and I’ve been a Ski Instructor for 10 years! I’ve been lucky enough to have taught in 3 countries and 3 states and have spent my longest time at one resort here at Park City.
What are your credentials? Alpine Level 3, Children’s Specialist Level 2 and Adaptive Level 1.
Why are you a trainer? The trainers/mentors I had were instrumental to my success in this industry! I am excited to support other’s on their journeys of self, ski and professional development!
Little known fact? I love platypus and waited 2 hours at the Sydney Aquarium to see them in person. It was wonderful!!
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Moguls!!!
Stress Relief? Hiking my dog Wyatt and Knitting
Current Obsession? Looking for new places to Ski/Bike/Paddle, Bonsai Trees and Indian Food.
What is on the bucket list? Biking the White Rim Trail and Skiing in Japan.
Learning style? Doing and Feeling.
Training style? I enjoy creating collaborative environments where open discussion is greatly encouraged and getting in as many runs as possible!
Teaching style? Task and Reciprocal.
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Snowy day! Especially on that day going into the trees and appreciating the beauty and silence.
JON NUTTING
Who are you? professional experience: Jon Nutting taught all over the world Europe NZ Italy & France CA & Utah
Why are you a trainer? To spread the passion and help create a community of snow sliders & bring the stoke
What are your credentials? AASI level 3 BASI level 2 examiner in the western Division CS1
Little known fact? Made amazing friendships along the way. Have a passion for Golf as well
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? All mountain powder steeps trees Park
Recent Accomplishment? Shot under Par very recently on the golf course
Stress Relief? Riding with friends listening to music and have a dance
Current Obsession? Watching the weather!
Super Power? Don’t sweat the small stuff keep your eye on the goal. Captain Fun
What is on the bucket list? Been lucky enough to go heliskiing numerous times but really want to ride in Alaska
Useless skill? Always been a gear geek can tell what snowboards other instructors ride
Learning style? I’m a visual leaner with some audio as well
Training style? Create a safe interactive group where everybody is involved. talk on the chair lifts so we can ride more. Being open to over points of view. You can always learn something new
Teaching style? Improve on the move! You can give the best demo or explanation but you can’t turn the board for them so keep them moving & introduce new skills when they mastered the current one
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Waist deep powder riding with a solid Crew hand many days like this in Park City and showing new instructors where some of the secret spots that I was shown when I started here.
How long are you going to do this for? When stops being fun and I can’t ever see that happening & collecting memories along the way
JOSH REINHART
Who are you? Include your professional experience: Josh Reinhart I have been teaching professionally since 1998
Why are you a trainer? I enjoy passing on knowledge to the next generation of snowboarders
What are your credentials? Intermountain Ed Staff, Snowboard Level 3, Children’s Specialist 2, Freestyle Specialist 1, Adaptive Snowboard Level 1 Little known fact?
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? I’m enjoy riding steep, varied terrain with trees.
Stress Relief? Snowboarding, whitewater kayaking, and mountain biking
What is on the bucket list? Travel to other countries to snowboard and kayak
Learning style? Visual and kinesthetic, I need to see it and then do it!
Teaching style? Whatever works best for my student
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Pow day with wife and friends.
MICHAEL TERANES
Professional experience: I started and have continued my career as a professional ski instructor through Park City Mountain and The Canyons.
Why are you a trainer? To give the same experience I had as a New Hire.
What are your credentials? PSIA Alpine Level III
Little known fact? Recipient of the Department of the Interior (National Park Service) Civilian’s Award for Bravery
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Super Fury
Recent Accomplishment? I started my own construction company (Rustic Park City LLC) and grown it into a successful business.
Stress Relief? Bumps
Current Obsession? Chasing a spot on the Development Team
Super Power? Ability to follow through
What is on the bucket list? Tour the world’s fine art museums
Learning style? Visual/Kinesthetic
Training style? Less talky talky. More slidey
Teaching style? Miles and Smiles
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Knee-high tracks all morning. Fluffy bumps all afternoon
JON DEBOER
Who are you? Include your professional experience: Jon DeBoer, 37 years as a ski instructor
Why are you a trainer? I enjoy opening an instructor's eyes to their potential. What are your credentials? PSIA Level 3 30+ years Little known fact? I used to ride a hard plate snowboard
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? King's Crown or Phantasm
Recent Accomplishment? Kept up with my wife on a bike ride!
Stress Relief? Mountain biking
Current Obsession? Golf
Super Power? Pairing food with wine....
What is on the bucket list? Bike in Italy and Spain
Useless skill? Cross one eye at a time
Learning style? Need to read it, feel it, then understand it.
Training style? Experimental
Teaching style? Use my large frame to emote visual
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Untracked 8 to 10 inches on top of a trail that was groomed overnight
DON SEARS
professional experience: Started instructing at Snowbasin; been at Park City for 35+ years.
Why are you a trainer? It is fun, and challenging, to get upper level skiers to advance.
What are your credentials? Level 3 ski instructor for over 35 years; DECL for 10 years.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? everything; can work on perfection on easy terrain, have fun on challenging terrain.
Stress Relief? spend time outdoors, hopefully remote location.
Current Obsession? finish painting inside of my condo, before we start skiing.
Super Power? attitude. Stay positive.
What is on the bucket list? fly fishing in Kamchatka, Russia.
Learning style? visual, exploration.
Teaching style? Hopefully collaborative
What is your ideal day on the mountain? exploring whatever the conditions are, with good friends!
What would you like your trainees to understand? "It takes a lot of time and effort to change your skiing. Make a committment!!
STEVE WOODWARD
Professional experience: I stated teaching skiing 26 years ago the first year of The Canyons. I’ve been a trainer since 2003 and a member of the Intermountain ed staff since 2011.
Why are you a trainer? I enjoy coaching and teaching and watching folks progress along their journey!
What are your credentials? PSIA L3, CS L1, PSIA Intermountain ed staff
Little known fact? I started skiing at Squaw Valley when I was 9 in leather lace up boots that were probably 3 sizes too big.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? I like it all! Except rocks in the snow!
Recent Accomplishment? Granddad
Stress Relief? Laughing!
What is on the bucket list? Sailing the inside passage to Alaska
Training style? Focus on one thing at a time to own it. Most everything is a work in progress.
Teaching style? Inclusive
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Skiing with fellow instructors who like to explore and learn together!
SSBS developing trainers
JULIE BURKHOLDER
Professional experience: Vermont native, and youngest of 5 kids. I have a degree in Elementary Education from NVU-Lyndon. This is my 12th year instructing; 2 years at Stowe, 10th year at PCM
Why are you a trainer? Learning from other successes and mistakes is much easier than doing that all on our own.
What are your credentials? AASI Level 2 + CS1 Little known fact? I didn’t start snowboarding until I was in college.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Steep trees!!!! Recent Accomplishment? Making birdie on a few holes at Glenwild this summer.
Super Power? Staying calm in stressful situations.
What is on the bucket list? Snowboard Japan!
Useless skill? I fold clothes like a PRO!
Learning style? Watcher; feeler
Training style? I like to listen to others, then put pieces together
Teaching style? Guided learning is my favorite way to teach a new skill.
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Up early, lots of new snow, everything is quiet, tress everywhere.
GUS KLEIN
Professional experience: 6 winters instructing skiing and snowboarding at PCMR
Why are you a trainer? To create an open and fun learning environment for my coworkers and peers
What are your credentials? AASI snowboard level 3, PSIA ski level 1, children’s specialist level 1, adaptive snowboard level 1
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? All of it!
Current Obsession? Sun dried tomatoes
Super Power? Falling asleep
Useless skill? Big burps
Learning style? Seer, doer
Teaching style? Experiential learning- try it out! See how it feels
FRANCESCA CLAPCICH
Professional experience:. Hi! I'm Francesca Clapcich, I was born in Italy and moved to Park City few years ago. I've been teaching for only couple of years but I was able to achieve PSIA Alpine L1,L2,L3 and CS1 in one season.
Why are you a trainer? If you don't share what you learn then why learning so much??
What are your credentials? PSIA Alpine L3, PSIA CS2, USSA L100
Little known fact? I'm a professional sailor, two time summer Olympian and offshore sailor.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Love a good rip on Assessment when fresh groomed Recent
Accomplishment? I just won The Ocean Race (sailing around the world race) last summer.
Stress Relief? Skiing! Current Obsession? Finding a pair of 14.5 decent boots for my 16 month old daughter
Super Power? Patience What is on the bucket list? Become a member of the PSIA national team one day!
Learning style? Feeler
Training style? I love to work on details and make sure to use enough repetition to become more skilled
Teaching style? Whatever it takes to make a connection with the student
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Any day on the mountain is an ideal day in life!
Who are you and professional experience: Hi! I'm Kris Potasky. I have been skiing my entire life, but started teaching professionally in 2016 when I moved from MA to UT. I'm a University of Vermont graduate and spent most of my life skiing in New England.
Why are you a trainer? I love to share my passion for skiing and pass on my knowledge to fellow skiers. I've had so many amazing trainers here at Park City Mountain that were instrumental to my success. I'm thrilled to be able to help others on their journey.
What are your credentials? Alpine Level 3, Children's Specialist 2 Little known fact? I was a Pediatric Dental Hygienist for 30 years.
Favorite terrain to ski or ride on? Everything in Utah! Recent Accomplishment? Passing my Alpine Level 3
Stress Relief? Hiking, paddleboarding or snowshoeing with my dogs Current Obsession? Travel. I went to Amsterdam, Paris and Argentina this past summer
Super Power? Patience
Bucket list? Teach skiing in New Zealand or Argentina
Learning style? Visual/kinesthetic. I need to see it and then do it.
Teaching style? Whatever works for my students, but a lot of positive feedback
What is your ideal day on the mountain? Hiking Jupiter with friends
Training manager
COLLEEN JAMIESON - TRAINING MANAGER
Can’t do without: Water - Life Blood, Entertainment, Hobbies, and Career.
True Story: I attended the FIS Ski World Championships in Cortina during COVID
Little Known Fact: I have ridden the train across the county.
Favorite Season: Spring and Fall, they signify transition and change in opposite beauty.
On the Bucket List: Greece
Prefers: Sweet over Salty
COLLEEN JAMIESON
Manages and organizes our training programs, Including the teams getting you ready for the job ahead!