All Mountain Freeride Coach

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for coaching small groups (3-12) of Freeride ski team athletes (ages 9 - 18), with a focus on safety, fun, and skill development. The Freeride Ski COMP Team Coach will be responsible for coaching athletes through the appropriate developmental phases following USSS and PSIA coaching methods, preparing athletes for Freeride Ski competitions. Coaches are also responsible for teaching and following all prescribed safety protocols and group handling protocols while coaching Ski Team athletes.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE/ SKILLS AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Required: Excellent English communication skills.
• Required: Excellent customer service and organizational skills.
• Required: Ability to proficiently ski Advanced and Expert terrain, utilizing proper ski fundamentals in all conditions.
• Required: Ability to work under pressure, cross-train, multi-task, prioritize tasks, and follow direction from Management.
• Required: Ability to work with and maintain productive working relationships with Ski Team Supervisors and coaches.
• Required: Ability to teach/coach Advanced and Expert-level skiers, including basic to intermediate Terrain Park, jump/drop, and aerial maneuver (no inversions) progressions.
• Required: Must be able to pass a background check.
• Required: Alpine skis (professionally tuned), bindings (calibrated by a certified professional ski technician), and boots (binding compatible/certified). Equipment must be appropriate for all conditions and manufacturer-certified (i.e. not outdated).
• Required: Minimum one season of previous experience as a Mt. Rose Ski Team coach and/or Freeride competitive athlete. Familiarity with PSIA, USSS, and/or formal experience with technical skiing skills development, including the SkillsQuest training curriculum.
• Required: Active IFSA L100 certification (at 26/27 season start), strong understanding of IFSA competition standards, operations and judging criteria. Current SafeSport certification.
• Preferred: Experience with ski racing, including coaching, competing, race crew, and/or administration.
• Preferred: PSIA L2+ and/or IFSA L200+ certification within the last 5 years.
• Preferred: Must be able to work all scheduled training days (midweek and weekend) for the duration of the Ski Team season.

CONTACTS

• INTERNAL: Primary: Ski Team Director, Freeride Team Coaches — Secondary: All Mountain Program Supervisors/Coaches,Ski School, Rosebuds
• EXTERNAL: Ski Team Athletes & Families, Resort Guests

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must be able to work 20+ shifts minimum throughout the season.
• Must maintain a current SafeSport certification or complete SafeSport training by the assigned deadline (paid for by the employer).
• Assist in general operation of all ski school and/or resort activities. Performs other related tasks as necessary.
• Understand, observe, and facilitate all Ski Team safety, group handling, and training operations rules, requirements, processes, and protocols, including the Skier Responsibility Code and Park SMART (applicable to Terrain Park qualified coaches only) with Team coaches and athletes.
• Establish rapport with Ski Team athletes and families, including training day debriefs with athletes and their parents. Develop camaraderie among Ski Team coaches and athletes in a fun coaching environment, and facilitate the development of lifelong skiers.
• Communicate issues, needs, and questions effectively to other Coaches, Supervisors, Director, and/or Ski Patrol.
• Manage on-snow incidents utilizing proper protocols, including communicating with Ski Patrol and Ski Team management.
• Travel to and coach at regional competitions (and potentially at non-regional competitions as required - no international travel).
• Facilitate dryland training as required.
• Deliver athlete/team training at the direction of the Freeride COMP Team Supervisor and/or All Mountain Program Director; accountable for athlete skill development, including running appropriate drills.
• Know and adhere to schedule, time & attendance expectations.
• Assist with equipment recommendations and maintenance for Freeride athletes.
• Administer the Freeride Ski Comp ‘Athlete Development Curriculum’ to support development of athlete skiing ability, including integration of IFSA judging/scoring criteria. Explain/demonstrate prescribed skills/drills to athletes, provide feedback, and coaching to support athlete development.
• Read and apply training day Ski Team coach preparation e-mails.
• Facilitate correct placement of athletes in groups/Teams/Program.
• Support training operations on-snow (AM coach prep, athlete arrival - check-in, athlete coach/group, launch, AM training session supervision, lunch check-in/out, after lunch launch, PM training session supervision, end of day check-in/out, coach debrief, athlete/coach group changes/updates/notes).
• Support athlete goal setting, tracking athlete goals/progress, and developing athlete evaluations.
• Facilitate on-snow communications utilizing corporate and team radios. Follow all communications protocols.
• Assist in the general operation of Ski Team/Ski School activities and special events, including races, competitions, end-of-season evaluations, fun races, etc.
• Assist in Rosebuds, Ski School and/or other departments during holiday periods or as needed (i.e. shovel crew).