Ski/Ride School: Instructors

You bet we love what we do, and we are here for you! With our PSIA and AASI certified instructors, you'll advance your skills while learning about the mountain from a true insider. Our instructors can show you the right runs for your level and tell you where to find the freshest powder. They can even fill you in on where to find the best entertainment or tastiest food around the area.

PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) and AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors) are the national organizations that set the standards for instructing on snow. We also have our own in-house training program which provides on-going training to our instructors in line with the most up to date skills and information from PSIA and AASI.

So connect with someone who shares an interest, skill or hobby you have - fly fisherman, wake boarders, carpenters, musicians, hiking and river guides, you name it! You'll find among our instructor staff an interesting variety of other educational degrees, skilled professions or certified sports. Check out their individual profiles for some of this information, or just get a quick peek at their instructing experience, favorite run on the hill, or summer hobbies.

Come join the fun! We are always here for you, ready to go!

Ski & Snowboard School - (406) 862-2900
Email - skiboard@skiwhitefish.com
Rentals - (406) 862-2946
Kids Center - (406) 862-1999

Related Links

Operating Hours & Dates
Race Team
Freestyle Team
Private Lessons
Adult Group Lessons
Kids Group Lessons
Adult Programs
Jr Programs
Tommy Moe Kids League


Skill Levels
Skill Levels
The Snowsports Center is committed to providing quality instruction for all levels of snow sports enthusiasts. The following chart will help you choose the class that best fits your skill level.

Ski Levels
1 First-time skier
2/3 Linking wedge turns on green runs
4/5 Beginning parallel turns on green runs
6/7 Parallel skier on blue runs
8/9 Confident parallel skier on black runs, in all conditions

Snowboard Levels
1 First-time snowboarder
2 Can sideslip, traverse and begin to turn on green runs
3 Linking turns on green runs
4 Linking turns on blue runs
5/6 Comfortable riding black terrain in all conditions
Bob
Bob Heim

Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee

Discipline: Alpine Skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1967

Certifications: PSIA Certified Level III, PSIA Children Accreditation

Year Started Instructing: 1998

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1998

Favorite Run: Good Medicine

Favorite Conditions: Powder

Off-Snow Hobbies: Rafting, hiking

Fun Facts: My wife and I have the same birthday.

Todd
Todd Priestley

Hometown: Springfield, Vermont

Disciplines: Snowboard, Alpine Skiing

Year Started Riding/Skiing: 2002

Certifications: AASI Snowboard Level II, PSIA Alpine Level I

Year Started Instructing: 2003

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2003

Quote: "You can't ride all day unless you start early."

Favorite Run: Paul's Powder Stash

Favorite Conditions: Pow

Off-Snow Hobbies: Household chores i.e. dishes, vacuming and dusting

Fun Facts: My brother and I share the same birthday.

 

AJ
AJ Coulter

Hometown: Whitefish, MT

Disciplines: Alpine and Telemark Skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1986

Year Started Instructing: 1986

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1992

Certifications: PSIA Alpine Level III, PSIA Nordic Downhill Level III, PSIA Adaptive Level I

Quotes: "If you stall you fall."

Favorite Run: Hellroaring Peak

Favorite Conditions: 8" to 10" of 14% moisture content snow

Off-Snow Hobbies: Fly Fishing Outfitter (Dry Flys)

Fun Facts: A smile, an intact body, and some skill or knowledge gain equals a successful lesson.

Kjell
Kjell Petersen

Hometown: Denison, Iowa

Discipline: Alpine skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1981

Year Started Instructing: 1986

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1997

Certifications: PSIA Alpine Level III, AASI Snowboard Level I

Quote: "Each day you touch snow adds two weeks to your life." -Kjellilama

Favorite Run: The one I am skiing on at the moment

Favorite Conditions: Dancing in new snow.

Off-Snow Hobbies: Photography, sea kayaking, mountain biking, hike and raft guiding

Fun Facts: People I would bring back to life to visit: Lewis and Clark, John Muir

Customer Comments: Ski Magazine's panel of expert judges named Kjell as one of the top 100 instructors of the year in 2005.
Bruce
Bruce Clark

Hometown: Whitefish, Montana

Discipline: Alpine Skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1958

Year Started Instructing: 1976

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2001

Certifications: PSIA Alpine Level III, PSIA Adaptive Level I, USSCA Level II

Favorite Run: Grays Golf Course

Favorite Conditions: Powder

Off-Snow Hobbies: Golf, flyfishing, water skiing, flying

Fun Facts: Of my 32 years of instructing, half has been coaching racers and half has been teaching.

Customer Comments: "Bruce is the boss."  -Jacques Benten

 

Steve
Steve Hill

 

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN             

Disciplines: Alpine, Telemark

Year Started Skiing: Entire Life

Year Started Instructing: 1978

Certifications: PSIA Level III, Examiner Alpine, Level III Nordic Downhill

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1978

Favorite Run: It’s a secret

Favorite Conditions: All

Off-Snow Hobbies: Dirt Bike

Fun Facts: I was once a water bottle model

Link
Link Neimark

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Disciplines Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 1971

Year Started Instructing: 1977

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2002

Certifications: PSIA Alpine Level III, USSA Race Coach Level II, AASI Snowboard Level I, PSIA Adaptive Level I, PSIA Telemark Level I, Senior Specialist

Quote: "If you get to the bottom of the run with a big smile on your face, then you are in good form."

Favorite Run: Elephants to Haskills

Favorite Conditions: Snow

Off-Snow Hobbies: Rock climbing, weight training, photography, adventure travel, surfing whitefish lake

Fun Facts: Spent last two summers teaching skiing in New Zealand. Ski Magazine's panel of expert judges named Link as one of the top 100 instructors of the year in 2005.

Customer Comments: "Thanks Link for the great ski lessons-fun, challenging, and effective. I feel fortunate that you are willing to share your expertise! -Beverly

Kelly
Kelly Bort

Name: Kelly Bort 

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA                   

Disciplines: Alpine, Nordic Track, Senior Specialist

Year Started Skiing: 1990

Year Started Instructing: 2000

Certifications: PSIA Alpine Level II, PSIA Nordic Track Level I, PSIA Adaptive Level I, Senior Specialist Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1997

Favorite Run: Good Medicine

Favorite Conditions: Powder or Corduroy!

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: I am an art quilter, I make hats for our local theater group. I traveled for two years in a VW camper!

Favorite Quote: “Skiing is a dance and the mountain always leads.”

 

Mike
Mike Davies

Hometown: McMinnville, Oregon

Discipline: Alpine and Telemark skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1985

Certifications: PSIA Alpine Level III, PSIA Adaptive Level I

Year Started Instructing: 2002

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2003

Quote: "Life is not measured in the amount of breaths we take but in the moments that take our breath away."

Favorite Run: Little Bavaria

Favorite Conditions: wind blown

Off-Snow Hobbies: walking, hiking, biking & lounging

Fun Facts: Born in Enid, Oklahoma

Kimberly
Kimberly Buls

Name: Kimberly Buls

Hometown: Kalispell, Montana                   

Disciplines: Alpine Skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1997

Year Started Instructing: 2008

Certifications: BS  Elementary Education/Masters in Education- Curriculum and Instruction(will complete in August 2009)  

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Those that my kids will discover!

Favorite Conditions: Heavy snow days!

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: I have three kids, 10, 8, and 1. I follow tennis with my son and ride horses and chase cows with my oldest daughter with my 1 year old in tow, usually in her backpack on my back

Favorite Quote: ”Love your children and let them know as much without obligating them to be grateful or even acknowledge that you relish their company. Do this in the fondest way warmth can be expressed: daily, habitually, cumulatively.” -Unknown

Dan
Dan Fox

Hometown: Mogadore, Ohio

Disciplines: Snowboard, Alpine ski

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 1992

Year Started Instructing: Snowboarding 1997, Alpine 2005

Certifications: AASI level II, PSIA level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2002

Favorite Run: my secret

Favorite Conditions: DEEEEEP!!!

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Born and raised in Ohio. Graduated with a 4 year degree in education. Have taught snowboarding in Ohio, Colorado and Montana. Enjoy archery hunting, fly fishing, mountain biking and hiking.

Favorite Quote: Follow me!

Shawn
Shawn Derby

Hometown: San Diego, California

Discipline: Snowboard

Year Started Instructing: 2003

Certifications: AASI Snowboard Level III, PSIA Alpine Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2003

Favorite Run: any ninja tree line

Favorite Conditions: anything fresh and untracked

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Certified dive master and instructor. Varsity collegiate rower (at 5’8”!!). Verified that the world is round…via New York, Portugal, and Russia. Learned Russian. Taught in inner city D.C. Been a desk jockey. Now I spend my time being a snowboarder, guiding hikes in the park, and pulling fish out of the river.

Favorite Quotes: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” -Albert Einstein

“Never try to teach a pig to sing…it wastes your time and annoys the pig.” -Anonymous

Jeanie
Jeanie Clements

Name: Mary Jean Clements 

Hometown: St. John, WA

Discipline:  Skiing and Snowboarding

Year Started Skiing/Riding: Skiing-1998, Riding-2007

Year Started Instructing:  2007

Certification:  PSIA Level I Alpine

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2009 (1st year!!!)

Favorite Run:  Moementum

Favorite Conditions:  Snowing powder

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Lived abroad for last 2 years around Europe and New Zealand. Emjoy baking, traveling, snow, and people!

Favorite Quote:  Work Hard to Play Hard!
Alex
Alex Bucur

Name: Alex Bucur 

Hometown: Sighisoara, Romania                               

Disciplines: Alpine Skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1969   

Year Started Instructing: 2008

Certifications: PSIA Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Hellfire, Inspiration

Favorite Conditions: groomed

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Digital Photography

Favorite Quote: Skiing is not a sport, it’s a lifestyle

Ericka
Ericka Stewart

Hometown: Corvallis, Montana

Disciplines: Alpine skiing, Snowboarding

Year Started Skiing/Riding:  Ski-1992, snowboarding-2001

Year Started Instructing: 2006

Certification: PSIA level II, AASI Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2006

Favorite Run: Hellroaring Basin on a powder day

Favorite Conditions: powder

Off-Snow Hobbies: I am passionate about traveling and being outdoors. In my free time I enjoy hiking, dancing and exploring new places.

Quote: What a wonderful world. - Louie Armstrong
Kris
Kris Robertson

Name: Kris Robertson  

Hometown: Kalispell, Montana       

Disciplines: Snowboarding

Year Started Riding: 1997

Year Started Instructing: 2003

Certifications: AASI Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2003

Favorite Run: Backside of the T-Bar, Teepee

Favorite Conditions: Powder!!

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: I’m studying art education at MSU in Bozeman and I spent last spring semester in Austria

Favorite Quote: “If the world could remain within a frame like a painting on a wall, then I think we’d see the beauty there and stand staring in awe.”- Conor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                      

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Michael
Michael Blauvelt

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Discipline: Snowboard

Year Started Riding: 2002

Year Started Instructing: 2005

Certification: AASI level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2006

Favorite Runs: Glory Hole, Russ’s Street

Favorite Conditions: sun, wind, rain, crusty snow

Off-Snow Hobbies: I’ve been skateboarding for 20 plus years.

Quote: I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.

Ron
Ron Bassett

Hometown:  Kokomo, Indiana

Disciplines:  Alpine and Adaptive skiing

Year Started Skiing:  1970

Certification:  PSIA Alpine Level II, Adaptive Level I

Year Started Instructing:  2002

Year Started Whitefish Mountain Resort:  1999

Favorite Run:  The one you and I are sharing.

Favorite Conditions:  all except ice

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies:  I am a fireman/EMT at Glacier Park International Airport.  Let me know when you’re arriving and I will try to say “hi.”  I also enjoy biking, hiking, fishing, and accordion (but I only play for myself).

Favorite Quote:  Be lazy – you’re on vacation.
Martha
Martha Hunt

Hometown: London, England

Disciplines: Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing   

Year Started Skiing: 1978

Year Started Instructing: 1988           

Certifications: PSIA III

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2006   

Favorite Run: The Canyon

Favorite Conditions: Pow, Pow

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: I left England to ski in the Alps and never looked back. Luckily between my passion for skiing and my skills cooking(Cordon Bleu Chef) I managed to fund a life living in ski resorts. I recently sold my restaurant in Crested Butte, CO and moved to Whitefish for my next adventure! When not on snow, Mtn Biking, Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Sailing can fill in the blanks. Martha's Latest Venture- 'Fondue to You' offers catered Fondue Parties and Personal Chef Services

Favorite Quote: “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- a glass of wine in one hand- chocolate in the other- body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO, What a Ride!!””

Mike
Mike Craft

Name: Mike Craft

Hometown: Whitefish, MT

Discipline:  Alpine, Snowboarding, Telemark

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 1992

Year Started Instructing: 1999 

Certification:  PSIA Level III

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1999

Favorite Run:  Hellroaring Basin

Favorite Conditions: Moguls, fresh snow, crud-it doesn't really matter 

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Enjoy riding my motocross bike, canoeing with my wife and exploring new areas

Favorite Quote:  "Every day on snow is a great day"

Addy
Addy Hines

Name: Addy Hines 

Hometown: Whitefish, MT                 

Disciplines: Alpine Skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1983

Year Started Instructing: 2001

Certifications: Level II PSIA Alpine

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2006  

Favorite Run: Elephants to Haskills

Favorite Conditions: Snow- some is just better

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Varsity volleyball coach, river guide, and kindergarten teacher

Favorite Quote: Make your own trail

Patrick
Patrick Connolly

Name: Patrick A. Connolly 

Hometown: Kalispell, Montana     

Disciplines: Ski, Snowboard

Year Started Skiing: Ski-1976, Snowboard- 2000

Year Started Instructing: 2006

Certifications: PSIA Level II, AASI Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2006

Favorite Run: Haskil Trees

Favorite Conditions: Deep Powder

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Barefootn’, Wakeboarding, Rock Climbing, Talking with kids, Water Skiing, Kneeboarding, Hiking

Favorite Quote: Measures in life keep you on track. (Patrick Connolly 2008

Bio: Mine is a story of a man re-inventing himself for the last half of life as a coach, teacher, and athlete. Contact me for the rest of the story.

Ron
Ron Morris

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Disciplines: Snowboarding

Year Started Riding: 1998

Year Started Instructing: 2002         

Certifications: Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2004   

Favorite Run: All

Favorite Conditions: Pow

Off-Snow Hobbies: Love the horses

Favorite Quote: “You are not defeated until you admit defeat.”

Chris
Chris Thompson

Name: Chris Thompson

Hometown: Charlottesville, VA

Discipline: Alpine

Year Started Skiing: 1972 

Year Started Instructing:  1981

Certification:  PSIA Level III

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Downhill 

Favorite Conditions: Any Snow  

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Running, Camping

Favorite Quote:  Life is Fun!

Aaron
Aaron Winkley

Name: Aaron Winkley 

Hometown: Whitefish, MT

Discipline: Ski

Year Started Skiing: 2008

Year Started Instructing: 2009 

Certification:  none

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2009

Favorite Run: Bad Med 

Favorite Conditions:  Powder

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Hiking and biking

Favorite Quote:  don't have a favorite

Clifford
Clifford Schimpff

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Disciplines: Ski

Year Started Skiing: 1983

Year Started Instructing: 2001

Certifications: PSIA I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2001   

Favorite Run: Faults 1&2

Favorite Conditions:  Powder

Off-Snow Hobbies:  Fishing, golf, and Bird Hunting

Holly
Holly Hendricks

Name: Holly Hendricks    

Hometown: Valle Crucis, NC       

Disciplines: Snowboarding

Year Started Riding: 1995

Year Started Instructing: 2007

Certifications:

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2007

Favorite Run: Elkweed

Favorite Conditions: Bluebird day with 6” fresh powder

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Has a Master’s Degree in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory, loves yoga

Favorite Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you’ve imagined.” Thoreau

Steve
Steve Weih

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Disciplines: Alpine

Year Started Skiing: 2008

Year Started Instructing: 2008

Certifications: PSIA Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Goat Haunt

Favorite Conditions: Packed Powder

Off-Snow Hobbies or Fun Facts: Banjo Pickin'

Favorite Quote: "Everywhere you go, there you are."

 

Rick
Rick Adams

Hometown: Edina, Minnesota

Disciplines: Alpine

Years Skiing: 40+ Years

Year Started Instructing: 2001

Certifications: Level II Alpine

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2007

Favorite Run: Good Medicine

Favorite Conditions: Deep Powder and Groomers

Off-Snow Hobbies: Former Navy Fighter Pilot, Successful businessman and frequent competitor in cycling, sailing, and ski races.

Favorite Quote: “A dream is just the first step”

Brett
Brett Urbach

Hometown: Symrna, TN

Discipline: Snowboard, Freestyle skiing, Snowbiker

Year Started Riding/Skiing: Snowboard-1990, Ski-1997, Snowbike-2002

Certification: AASI Level 3, Snowboard, PSIA Level II

Year Started Instructing: 1990

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1996

Favorite Run: Anywhere in the Canyon

Favorite Conditions: Pow

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Include Sewing, Mt. Biking, Motor Cyclery, Wake Surfing and Guitar Hero 3, I teach wakeboarding and wakesurfing in the summer

Favorite Quote: “I can’t believe you made this sport so easy to learn!” Chris Kvamme

Joel
Joel Anderson

Name: Joel Anerson 

Hometown: Lewiston, ID

Discipline:  Snowboard, Ski

Year Started Skiing/Riding:1998

Certification:  AASI Level II

 

 Year Started Instructing: 2005 

 Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2009

Favorite Run:  Anything Steep and Deep

Favorite Conditions:  POW!

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Mountain Biking

Favorite Quote:  "Everybody Wang Chung Tonight!"

Bill
Bill Cubbage

Name: Bill Cubbage 

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Discipline:  Snowboard, Ski

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 1974

Year Started Instructing:  1985

Certification: AASI Level III, PSIA Level III  

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: Rookie Season!

Favorite Run:  The run my students have the most fun on.

Favorite Conditions:  Powder + Steeps =FUN!

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: I love Ice hockey, swimming with my kids, photography, and music.

Favorite Quote:  "If you don't shoot, you can't score"

Sam
Sam Cordi

Name: Sam Cordi

Hometown: Whitefish, MT                 

Disciplines: Alpine

Year Started Skiing: 1987

Year Started Instructing: 1987

Certifications: Level III, Divisional Clinic Leader(PSIA NW) Examiner in Training(PSIA NW)

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1990

Favorite Run: All of them

Favorite Conditions: Crud

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Surfing  

Favorite Quote:

Haley
Haley Couser

Name: Haley Couser  

Hometown: Coeur D’Alene, Idaho                  

Disciplines: Snowboard 

Year Started Riding: 1997 

Year Started Instructing: 2008

Certifications: AASI Level I 

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Hollywood 

Favorite Conditions: Powder covered terrain 

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Biking, rafting, kayaking, running, walking, and playing volleyball 

Favorite Quote: Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.- Albert Einstein

John
John Derby

Name: John Derby 

Hometown: Boise, ID          

Disciplines: Freestyle background

Year Started Skiing: 1989

Year Started Instructing: 2007

Certifications: Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Big Horn

Favorite Conditions: Powder Moguls

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Flyfishing, bird watching, rafting

Favorite Quote: Blizzard of Ahhhssss….

Teddy
Teddy Dilley

Name: Teddy Dilley 

Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota             

Disciplines: Alpine

Year Started Skiing: 1974

Year Started Instructing: 1981

Certifications: PSIA Level II, College of Big Mtn. Level III

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1983

Favorite Run: Fault 1 to Hogans Trees

Favorite Conditions: Powder and Sunshine

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Riding, Golf, Water

Favorite Quote: "Don't wait, the time will never be just right."

Michael
Michael Hanson

Name: Michael Hanson 

Hometown: Waseca, MN

Discipline:  Ski

Year Started Skiing: 1999

Year Started Instructing:  2009

Certification: 

 

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2009

Favorite Run:  Good Medicine

Favorite Conditions:  Blue Bird

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Backcountry Hiking

Favorite Quote:  "There is no try, only do!"

Andy
Andy Pollard

Name: Andy Pollard

Hometown: Stroud, England                                                

Disciplines: Alpine Ski and Ski Touring

Year Started Skiing: 1993

Year Started Instructing: 2000

Certifications: BASI Level II

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008   

Favorite Run: Ones with Snow

Favorite Conditions: Warming my toes by an open fire after a hard day skiing

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts:  

Favorite Quote: “Nothing good comes easy”

Mic
Mic Gilles

Name Mic Gilles 

Hometown: Paris, France                                          

Disciplines: Ski

Year Started Skiing: 1999  

Year Started Instructing: 2008

Certifications: PSIA Level I, AASI Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008   

Favorite Run: Don’t Know Yet

Favorite Conditions: Pow

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Climbing, running, biking, I speak French

Favorite Quote: Knowledge is the only resource that multiplies when it is shared

Nathan
Nathan Hafferman

Name: Nathan Hafferman 

Hometown: Columbia Falls, MT       

Disciplines: Snowboard

Year Started Riding: 2001

Year Started Instructing: 2003

Certifications:  AASI Level III

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2003  

Favorite Run: Back 9

Favorite Conditions: Blower Pow, Cold Smoke so deep a snorkel is required

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Motocross, fly  fishing, rock climbing, snowmobiling, all things exciting

Favorite Quote: Look before you slash

Emily
Emily Hayes

Name: Emily Hayes 

Hometown: Portland, OR                  

Disciplines: Snowboarding

Year Started Riding: 1998

Year Started Instructing: 2007

Certifications: AASI Level II

Year Started Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2007

Favorite Run: The Canyon

Favorite Conditions: Pow

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: World gallivanting, knitting, kayaking, rock climbing

Favorite Quote:

Steve
Steve Black

Name: Steve Black

Hometown: Helena, MT

Discipline: Alpine

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 1974

Year Started Instructing:  1997

Certification:  PSIA Level II

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2001

Favorite Run:  Glory Hole

Favorite Conditions:  Powder

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: 14 year's kid's ski instructor

Favorite Quote:  "Safety, fun, and learning."  In that order!

Erin
Erin Morrison

Name: Erin Morrison 

Hometown: Park City, Utah  

Disciplines: Snowboarding and Alpine

Year Started Skiing/Riding: Skiing-1991, Riding-2000

Year Started Instructing: 2008

Certifications: AASI Level I, PSIA Level I

Year Started Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008  

Favorite Run: Marmet to Hollywood

Favorite Conditions: Sunshine

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Played professional soccer in Sweden, Head Coach of the Whitefish High School women's soccer team, also a graphic artist.

Favorite Quote: “Guts N’ Nuts”

Maggie
Maggie Owens

Name: Maggie Owens 

Hometown: Marshall, NC     

Disciplines: Ski

Year Started Skiing: 1986

Year Started Instructing: 2008

Certifications: PSIA Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Don’t know yet

Favorite Conditions: Powder on a blue bird day

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Backpacking, fly fishing, rafting- being outside! I taught high school and coached volleyball and track for the past 5 years.

Favorite Quote: Don’t worry be happy

Garth
Garth Dickerman

Name: Garth Dickerman

Hometown: Bethlehem, NH

Discipline:  Skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1986 

Year Started Instructing:  2009

 

Certification:  Ptarmigan Bowl

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2009

Favorite Run:  Favorite Conditions:  Clear Skies!

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Hiking, mountaineering, guitar.

Favorite Quote:  Our problems cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.

 
Shawn
Shawn Lenzner

Name: Shawn Lenzner

Hometown: Birnamwood, WI

Discipline:  Alpine

Year Started Skiing:  1993

Year Started Instructing:  2008

Certification:  PSIA Level I

 Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2009

Favorite Run:  Upper Langley

Favorite Conditions:  POW POW

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Hunting the vast wilderness areas of Montana and Idaho. I also like to fish them.

Favorite Quote:  "There is no waiting for friends on a powder day!" 

Riley
Riley Johnson

Name: Riley Johnson

Hometown: Lewiston, ID

Discipline: Snowboarding

Year Started Riding: 1998

Year Started Instructing: 2009 

Certification: None  

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2009

Favorite Run:  Elk Weed

Favorite Conditions: Blue Bird Powder 

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: BMX,  road biking, going to concerts, camping, and going to the beach.

Favorite Quote: 

Kyle
Kyle Quintia

Name: Kyle Quintia

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Discipline:  Sking/Snowboarding

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 1994

Year Started Instructing:  2006

Certification:  AASI Level II, PSIA Level I

 Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2006

Favorite Run:  ALL

Favorite Conditions:  Steep N' Deep

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Concerts, fishing, rafting, hiking, doing nothing.

Favorite Quote:  "With all of our running and all of our cunning, if we couldn't laugh we would all go insane." 
Lori
Lori Rust

Name: Lori Rust 

Hometown: OH-CO-CA-MI-NC-MT              

Disciplines: Alpine, Nordic, Adaptive, Senior Specialist

Year Started Skiing: 1969

Year Started Instructing: 2001

Certifications: PSIA Level II Alpine, Level I Nordic, Level I Adaptive, Level I Senior Specialist

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2000

Favorite Run: They’re all great

Favorite Conditions: Gotta love the Pow

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: I like to ride… on the pavement with my motorcycle or bicycle, on the dirt with my dirt bike or mountain bike, on the water in a raft, kayak, sailboat or canoe, and on the snow with my skis or snowmobile. It’s all about the adventure!

Favorite Quote: Skiing is like dancing, and the mountain is the lead. Come dance with me!

Customer Comments: “This is the BEST day I have ever skied!” “I had no idea skiing could be so much fun!” “I wanted to thank you for taking such great care of my daughter while she learned to ski… she is hooked and can hardly wait to ski again. You really gave her a boost in self-confidence. She is still giddy over her achievements and experience!”

Andy
Andy Siblerud

Name: Andy Siblerud 

Hometown: Kalispell, MT

Discipline: Ski, Snowboard 

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 17 years

Certification:  PSIA Level I

 

Year Started Instructing: 2008 

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Goat Haunt 

Favorite Conditions:  Face shot pow pow

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: anything outdoors

Favorite Quote:  Speak Softly and carry a big stick!

Leah
Leah Taylor

Name: Leah Taylor 

Hometown: Rome, NY        

Disciplines: Snowboard

Year Started Riding: 1997

Year Started Instructing: 1998

Certifications: AASI Level II

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort:   

Favorite Run: Window Pane

Favorite Conditions: Powder!

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Work for the Forest Service in Misty Fjords in AK during the summer

Favorite Quote: “Well behaved women seldom make history.”

Kali
Kali Tholen

Name: Kali Tholen 

Hometown: Boise, ID          

Disciplines: Snowboarder

Year Started Riding: 2001

Year Started Instructing: 2008

Certifications: AASI Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2008

Favorite Run: Magic Carpet Ride

Favorite Conditions: Pow

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Crocheting and Yoga

Favorite Quote: Dream- The possibilities are endless

Scot
Scot Henderson

Name: Scot Henderson

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Discipline:  Ski, Snowboard

Year Started Skiing/Riding: Ski-1989, Riding-2005

Year Started Instructing:  2006

 

 

Certification:  PSIA Level 1, AASI Level 1

 Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2006

Favorite Run:  Elkweed

Favorite Conditions:  Deep Pow

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Ultimate Disc

Favorite Quote:  Her winter storm whispers white beauty with cool music as my gorgeous sky goddess sings delirious

Robert
Robert Winckler

Name: Robert Winckler 

Hometown: St, Helena, CA

Discipline: Ski/Snowboard

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 1976

Year Started Instructing:  2008

Certification:  PSIA Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain

Resort: 2008

Favorite Run:  Hellroaring Peak

Favorite Conditions:  Deep

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Flyfishing

Favorite Quote:  "You don't know till you know."

Trish
Trish Wolf

Name: Trish Wolf 

Hometown: Great Falls, MT               

Disciplines: Alpine and x-country skiing

Year Started Skiing: 1960

Year Started Instructing: 1972

Certifications: PSIA Level III, Children’s accreditation, Adaptive Level I, Senior Accreditation, USSA Coaches Level I

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1983

Favorite Run: Big Face

Favorite Conditions: Love the Variety

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Anything outdoors- being in the elements- gardening, hiking, biking, YOGA

Favorite Quote: Do what you love(money) happiness will follow

Kathy
Kathy Robertson

Name: Kathy Robertson 

Hometown: Somers, MT   

Disciplines: Alpine

Year Started Skiing: 1979

Year Started Instructing: 1979

Certifications: PSIA I and PSIA II

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2000 

Favorite Run: Depends on conditions

Favorite Conditions: Sunshine and powder

Off-Snow Hobbies and Fun Facts: Gardening, and Traveling

Favorite Quote:

Sarah
Sarah Nuckolls

Name: Sarah Nuckolls

Hometown: Pine Bluff, AR

Discipline: Skiing 

Year Started Skiing/Riding: 1984

Year Started Instructing:  2005

Certification:  PSIA Level II

Year Started at Whitefish Mountain Resort: 2000

Favorite Run:  Faults, Slingshot

Favorite Conditions:  Powder

Fun Facts and Off-Snow Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, boating, travel

Favorite Quote:  "If you really want to succeed at something, immerse yourself in it." -KP



Top of page...


Whitefish Mountain Resort
P.O. Box 1400
Whitefish, MT 59937

Guest Services/Information:
(406) 862-2900
toll-free (800) 858-3930
info@skiwhitefish.com

Text Telephone (TTY) Phone #:
(406) 862-1929

Lodging & Central Reservations:
3840 Big Mountain Road
Whitefish, MT 59937
(800) 858-4152
cenres@skiwhitefish.com

Snow Phone:
(406) 862-SNOW (7669)

Media Relations:
(406) 862-1948
pr@skiwhitefish.com

Advertising:
ads@skiwhitefish.com

Technical Questions:
webmaster@skiwhitefish.com