My Story
I didn't set out to build a website. I set out to solve a problem I kept seeing on the mountain — instructors who ski like they're always being evaluated. Every turn a demonstration. Every run a performance for an imaginary examiner. Technically correct but completely lifeless.
Somewhere in the pursuit of certification, a lot of instructors lose the thing that made them fall in love with skiing in the first place — the self-expression, the play, the willingness to just move. What's left is choreography.
The best instructors I've ever seen skied like themselves first and teachers second. Their skiing had a voice. And because it had a voice, their teaching did too.
That's what this system is for. Not to make you a better demonstrator. To make you a more complete skier — so that when you stand in front of a guest, you're drawing from something real.
2015/16
At SSNW, I quickly figured out what it meant to be responsible for the world’s most precious cargo, children!
2016/17
Teaching at SSNW and coaching in the Hyak weekend program.
2017/18
Moved to Steamboat Springs to pursue an education in Ski and Snowboard Business at the Colorado Mountain College (non-degree undergrad).
2019
Gap course at Mt. Hutt, New Zealand and started my freeride and park progression journey.
Attained NZSIA Alpine I certification.
2019/21
Moved to Colorado to teach at the Gold Peak Children's Center in Vail.
2020/21
Attained PSIA Alpine I certification. Failed Freestyle I certification; promised my revenge.
2021/22
Moved to Mt. Hood to bartend at Timberline and pursue my new passion for freestyle certification revenge.
2022/23
Moved to Kirkwood to work for Timber Creek Ski School—it was the place to be that year. “Certified Rookie of the Year” and “Biggest Send of the Year” awards. I ended my season where my love of reading began; broke my entire lumbar and shattered an elbow.
Passed PSIA Children’s Specialist I, Alpine Technical II and Freestyle Specialist I certifications.
2023/24
Coaching racing at Palisades and Extreme sports progression at Woodward Tahoe until I broke 3 bones in my left foot exactly one year after my back injury. Spent my summer in and out of the gym, library, and surgery room.
Passed Freestyle Specialist II certification.
2024/25
Taught skiing at Timber Creek Ski School, Kirkwood CA.
2025
Moved to Perisher, Australia. Upon coming home, I built the Instructor Grindset website to help instructors who want to get busy.
Enrolled in the Penn State University Snowsports Leadership Development non-degree Major. Attained Alpine II, Freestyle Specialist III certifications.
2025/26
Moved to Sun Valley, Idaho as lead freestyle trainer.
Attained Penn State University Snowsports Leadership Development Level I.
Future
Share my knowledge and experience with other North American snowsports instructors and show you the tools to uplift your creative willpower and teach consistently magic lessons.
Mission & Vision →