Qualifications: CSIA Level 2, CSCF Level 2 Trained

Favourite Run:

Qualifications: Alpine (CSIA Level 4), Nordic (CANSI Level 3), Tele Level 2, CSCF Level 2, CASI Level 1

Favourite Run:

Qualifications: CASI Level 1

Favourite Runs: Whiskey Jack, Chute 5

My first season at Silver Star, Hooray!  What a change this will make from the dry-slope riding that us English have to suffer with (type DENDIX into google). With a British snowboard qualification and a background in sports coaching I hope to be able to share my knowledge and love for the sport with others and look forward to an awesome season!!!  P.S. I’m a massive Arsenal fan so if there are any football (soccer) fans out there, please come and have a chat.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1, CASI Level 1

Favourite Run:

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CASI Level 2, CSCF Level 1, CFSA Level 1

Favourite Run: Three Wise Men

  Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CANSI Level 1, CSCF Level 1

Favourite Run: Kirkenheimer

I have been skiing at Silver Star since discovering it on holiday in 1999 and have been teaching since 2005. Silver Star manages to combine a large, varied ski area with a small village with a real community feel.  I took lessons from the Silver Star Snowsports School which instilled a passion for the sport and a desire to pass this on. I was fortunate enough to change our life to enable my ‘real’ job as a consultant to the offshore oil and gas industry to take a back seat for four months of the year. I enjoy teaching all levels and love to see a student’s attitude change from ‘I can’t do that’ to ‘I did that’.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 2, CASI Level 2, CSCF Level 1 Trained, CSIA Snow Park

Favourite Run: Gowabunga on a powder day

Originally from Cairns, Australia, Annie has always loved being outdoors.  Having travelled the world skiing and snowboarding, she has returned to Silver Star for her second season.  Whether it is skiing Putman Creek or the magic carpet, Annie’s favourite part about teaching is seeing the thrill in someone’s eyes when they learn a new skill.  Besides skiing and snowboarding, Annie also has a love for scuba diving, which she does between her winters in Canada and Falls Creek in Australia.

Qualifications: Level 2 CSIA, Level 1 CSCF

Favourite Run: The Chute

I am from Vernon and started skiing at Silver Star when I was 10. I ski raced with the Vernon Ski Club through high school. I moved back to Vernon from the lower mainland in 1992, raised our family here and started ski instructing with Star Kids 4 years ago. I have 3 adult children who all ski or snowboard and learned to ski or ride at Silver Star. My wife Penny and I ski together most Sundays in the ski season.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 2, CSIA Level 1 Course Conductor

Favourite Run: The next one, 
Second Favourite: The last one. 


Qualifications: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Run:  Where’s Bob

Caitlin has been coming to Silver Star for 11 years all the way from Sydney, Australia, and has come to consider it a home away from home.  She just finished studying and is ready to have some fun on the slopes!  The amazing, relaxed atmosphere and the multi-cultural group of people visiting Silver Star are her favourite things about the mountain.  The adrenaline rush that one can get while skiing is what drew her to the sport, and the fun that can be had while skiing with friends is what kept her doing it. Having visited Europe, America, Canada, Indonesia, and of course Australia, Caitlin has found that skiing at Silver Star is the best way to live!

Qualifications: CSIA Level 2

Qualifications: APSI Level 1 (Children's Certificate), APSI Level 1 Disabled Adaptive Certificate

Favourite Run: Walnut Run

Claire is a friendly, enthusiastic and passionate ski instructor from Melbourne, Australia. With 23 years experience in the sport, she has worked six part-time seasons at Mt. Buller, Australia, combining ski instructing and trainee ski patrol. Claire is an avid traveller (20+ countries so far), enjoys experiencing new cultures (sailed on a tall-ship from England to Portugal), partakes in adventure and adrenaline sports (flying trapeze or white-water kayaking anyone?), and has skied in Austria, Finland, Japan and New Zealand (but obviously, Canada is the best!).  Additionally, Claire is a qualified occupational therapist, youth worker, outdoor activities instructor and springboard diving coach (and, former national level diver). With a history of teaching adults and children alike, Claire is an experienced instructor who loves helping people develop their passion for skiing!

Qualifications: CSIA Level 2, CSCF Level 1

Favourite Run: Doognog

I am 27 years old and have been teaching skiing since the age of 15.  This is my second season ski instructing at Silver Star. I have also taught skiing in Australia and in Ontario, where I grew up.  I love working and playing outdoors. When I am not ski instructing I enjoy free skiing on the mountain, backcountry skiing and playing hockey with friends on the pond.  I am excited for a great season.  See you on the slopes! 

Qualifications: CASI Level 2, CSIA Level 2, CASI Evaluator Level 1

Favourite: Stardust

Dan has shared his passion for snowboarding and skiing since 1996.  Originally a Mount Baker (WA.) local, he has taught at a number of resorts around BC.  Dan joined the Silver Star team three years ago and is still getting used to champagne powder and sunshine of the Okanagan.    

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Run: Spirit Bowl on a powder day

Qualifications: CSIA Level 4

Favourite Run:

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 2, CASI Level 1, CASI Coach 1

Favourite Run: Any of our groomed runs that have a fresh dust of light powder.

Qualifications: CANSI Level 3 XC, CSIA Level 1

Favourite Run:

Qualifications: CASI Level 2

Favourite Run: Terrain Park Laps

I’ve been riding for more years than I can count, and teaching since I was 14! I just got back from a summer (or winter if you like) abroad in Australia, at Perisher.  I love all kinds of snowboarding, whether it’s free riding in the champagne powder in the Powder Gulch, carving the groomers off the Comet or (my favourite) throwing down in the Park.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 2, CSIA Course Conductor

Favourite Run: Lower Big Dipper

I have been teaching for almost 20 years with the last 8 at Silver Star. My favourite moment in skiing is when you and I, working together, find the change that allows you to explore the mountain with more confidence. Whether it's skiing the green runs more confidently, moving on to the blues & blacks, or challenging the double diamonds it’s all about the fun and the learning moments. Why Lower Big Dipper you ask? This run is great for your first blue run challenge or enhancing your advanced carving skills. Either accomplishment will bring a smile to your face. Look forward to seeing you on the mountain.

Qualifications: Level 3 CSIA ski instructor Level 2 CFSA mogul coach

Favourite Run: Quicksilver bumps layered in fresh powder

Emile started skiing at a young age in Australia.  After moving to Canada and ski raced for a short time, it was suggested that he might want to check out the freestyle scene after being spotted skiing in the bumps instead of doing course inspection for a race.  After a few mogul competitions, coaching seemed the direction to take. Ski instructing gave him the opportunity to pass on his passion to anyone wanting to tackle the gnarly mountain moguls.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 1, CSIA Level 1 Course Conductor

Favourite Runs: Constellation, a hidden gem of a run, Milky Way when freshly groomed, Doognog, Freefall, or anything on the backside on a powder day.

Fearghal has worked and skied around the globe, combining his passions for teaching, skiing and travelling. Family holidays took him from home in England to the European Alps and Colorado. Following initial instructor training at Lake Louise and Sunshine Village Fearghal instructed in Niseko, Japan and at Mt Buller, Australia. This summer, he skied the club fields on New Zealand’s South Island; South America is next on the list. Fearghal returns for his 2nd season at Silver Star as a supervisor in Star Kids.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSIA Level 1 Course Conductor, CANSI XC Level 2, Tele Level 2, CSCF Level 2

Favourite Run: Kirkenheimer

George has taught skiing since the eary 60’s and spent 4 years living in Europe where he skied extensively throughout the Alps. Having skied in every month of the year and tried sand dunes to stretch his sense of the absurd, he loves to pass on his joy in what a pair of skis will do – flat , uphill or downhill! George has promised not to grow up until he’s at least a hundred!

Qualifications: CSIA Level 4, CSCF Level 3

Favourite Run: Bondiablo

Gerry started skiing in Montreal 70 years ago, and this will be his 53rd year teaching!  He has taught for many ski areas in Canada and the USA.  He came to Vernon in 1966 from the Banff area, and was the Ski School Director for Silver Star from 1972 to 1982.  Gerry's high energy, enthusiasm, and love of teaching skiing is infectious.  His specialty is helping skiers of all ages to overcome their fear and start to enjoy his favourite sport.  "I look forward to meeting you and helping you with your skiing, in complete control."

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 1, Course Conductor Level 1

Favorite Runs: Far Out continuing on to Silver Fox is a fantastic green run giving lots of terrain for a skier just starting to explore the mountain.  Gypsy Queen is a first choice blue run for having a variety of pitches and a great fall line.  Bon Diablo can't be beat after fresh grooming, add a touch a of new snow and this run is fantabulous!  Any Double Black, let's go!!!

Gillian started skiing in Field, BC at the age of four. She has worked in the snowsport industry in various capacities since attaining her CSIA level one  in the season of 80/81. Recently she has had the opportunity to learn about the vast selection of skis by participating in the ski test for Ski Canada Magazine. Her passion is skiing moguls and off piste but has ventured into racing on occasion especially during the “Over The Hill Downhill” at Silver Star. One of her accomplishments was skiing 100,000 vertical feet in one day at a Rick Hansen fund raiser event at Whitewater. Gillian says “more important though, is how much fun a person has skiing regardless of the vertical. There are not enough words to describe how wonderful it feels to have inspired a student in developing a passion for the sport.”

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 1, CANSI Level 1

Favourite Run: The Face

Glen has skied at Silver Star since his teens.  He is constantly inspired by the young guys he works with. Hitting The Face with freshies is a fave run.  Helping people make this their best ski day ever is the reason to be here.  Look where we are….. It’s beautiful!!

Qualifications: Canadian Senior Alpine Coach - Level 4, CSIA Level 3, 4 Diplome Nationale/French National School of

Favourite Run:

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Run: Bon Diablo

My passion for skiing started in the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Dolomites. While racing, I badly injured myself and had to stop.  After several years indoor working in an office this passion knocked again at my door. Travelled to New Zealand, skied powder at Broken River for two seasons, the desire to learn from “the best” showed me the way to Silver Star where I am achieving a lifetime dream: the opportunity to work outdoor teaching skiing in a unforgettable place.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Entry Level Certified, Development Level Trained

Favourite Runs: Holy Smokes / Bon Diablo when groomed

I am from England and have been skiing since the age of 3 and ski racing since the age of 7. I came to Silver Star to learn from the best, be the best, and turn my clients into the best skiers they can be! I love the sport and spend every day on the snow. I want to share my passion with everyone and show them why I love doing what I do, which is skiing and having fun with the most interesting people every day, thanks to what Silver Star has to offer. I hope to ski with you all, and if I don’t, I’ll see you out there making some turns.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 2

Favourite Run: Back Bowl area, as there is such a variety that you will find something to suit your mood

James returns to Silver Star for his 5th winter where he will once again be assisting in the running of the Star Kids Centre.  Over the last 5 years, James has built up a variety of teaching techniques due to his experience in the skiing industry but also in the scuba diving world and by working as a swim teacher.  This winter James is looking forward to renewing friendships with previous clients but also make lots of new friends who he would love to share his love of skiing with.  His aim for this winter is to work towards his Level 1 CANSI Telemark instructor certification.

Qualifications: CASI Level 1

Favourite Run: Anything groomed

Jamie is a physical education teacher with 4 years’ experience teaching in Australia and the UK. He took up snowboarding 4 years ago through school ski trips and decided he wanted to utilize his teaching skills & become an instructor.  Jamie has since experienced riding in some of the best resorts in Europe, including in the French and Austrian Alps. He loves being able to see clients experience the thrill of snowboarding and the sense of achievement when they get the hang of turning & riding confidently. Jamie enjoys playing and watching most sports (especially Australian Rules football), and likes to keep fit and try new sports such as ice hockey.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 2, Level 1 Park Certified, Level 1 Course Conductor

Favourite Runs: Doognog, Free Fall

I have been at Silver Star for 6 years now.  I love ripping down the double blacks on a perfect Okanagan powder day, especially the steep runs.  I get the biggest buzz from seeing my clients achieve beyond what they thought they could.  When not ski teaching I work as a Plumber back in the UK and love to jump on my mountain bike and recently rock climbing.  Anything to keep the adrenaline pumping.  Best day on snow was cat skiing in the Selkirks in epic bottomless powder.  Ripping through the trees with the snow falling so hard that our tracks were getting filled in behind us.

Qualifications: Australian (APSI) Level 2

Favourite Runs:  Telus Park laps, Kirkenheimer

I’m 100% Aussie, 40% hippie and have super powers to save the world (on a snowboard)!  I started snowboarding when I was 12, and have continued to love and respect the sport every year since.  I started teaching in the Australian winter 2010, and have been chasing the snow ever since!  This will be my second season instructing at Silver Star, and my 4th winter straight!  My favourite moments are watching my students learn and progress, to loving the sport just as much as I do, and being able to share that with them!

Qualifications: CASI Level 1

Favourite Run: Just Dandy

After completing a degree in Civil Engineering, Jess has decided to follow her passion for snow sports which was ignited on a trip to New Zealand’s southern alps.  This will be her 3rd season working at Silver Star and her 1st in the snowsports school and she is relishing the opportunity to share her love for snowboarding with every guest she teaches.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 2, CSCF Level 1

Favourite Run: Robin’s Hood

Jo has spent the last 8 winters teaching skiing in Canada, the last 4 of which have been at Silver Star. She has been lucky enough to ski all over Europe, USA and Canada, even teaching a couple of seasons down in New Zealand.  Jo is very excited to see many familiar faces back in Star Kids this year.  Her best teaching experience involved teaching the British Army to ski at Sunshine Mountain!

Qualifications: DSV-Instructor, B-Trainer Breitensport Ski Alpin, IVSI label

Favourite Run:

It is my first time ever in Canada and I’m pretty excited to be here. Silver Star is an amazing mountain.  I’m from Germany and I grew up in a small village next to the Alpes. I have been involved in my local ski club back in Germany and have taught there for two years. Growing up I watched all the Warren Miller movies and decided to come to Canada end enjoy some of the amazing country. In coming to Canada has helped me achieve one of my biggest childhood dreams: Becoming a skiing instructor in Canada. I would like to give my passion to every single person I will teach. Skiing is everything for me. When I ski I forget the whole world around me and just enjoy every single turn and it is so much fun.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Runs: Gowabunga, Caliper Ridge, and Exhibition

I have been skiing at Silver Star for five years. Before that, I skied at Crystal Mountain and was a part of the Nancy Greene ski team.  I love teaching and seeing first timers acquire new skills and confidence in only one lesson! My other interests are piano, field hockey and art.  I’m really looking forward to a great year at Silver Star!

Qualifications:

Favourite Run:

Qualifications: NZSIA Level 2

Favourite Run: First tracks Whisky Jack

Lenka loves ripping it down the mountain with other instructors on session in first tracks, seeing a beginner achieve so much in a lesson, hearing them say that skiing is fun and getting a high five at the end of it all, and large lattes from Bugaboos!  Some of her favourite moments skiing include: Having a group of my guy friends on university ski trip individually ask me for tips (after they'd all teased me about my 'fancy qualification'); Perfect synchronized skiing with eight of my course mates in Queenstown (formations and everything) then me falling over at the hockey stop at the end; and, getting to go back to ski with my family in Tignes, France whenever I can - the resort I learned to ski in and would never get bored of.

Qualifications: CASI Level 1, CANSI Level 1

Favourite Run: Eldorado

Lisa began nordic skiing and snowboarding in 1992 in Fort McMurray, Alberta.  It was her Team Alberta North and high school coach who inspired her to take the certification courses and begin a career instructing snow sports. Since then, she has been assisting young and young at heart at Cypress Mountain, Silver Star Mountain, and Whistler to improve their abilities. Lisa has endeavored in kinesiology, and at night works with Seniors in Community Care.  She is ultra-patient, caring, and a mother of three preteens...all who learned to ski at Silver Star!

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Runs: Big Dipper, Constellation, Bon Diablo, Zyper

I started skiing when I was 5 and have been skiing ever since. I have loved my past 2 seasons instructing in Star Kids and am looking forward to this next season. I love sharing my passion for skiing with others and my favourite part of the lesson is when the guest is enjoying skiing as much as I do and you can see it written all over their face!

Qualifications: ISIA Stamp, CSIA 3, CASI 1, CSCF 1, CADS 1

Favourite Run: Kirkenheimer

Being a chef in the summer back home in Denmark and then get this opportunity to live and play in Silver Star all winter is amazing!  The full-on training towards CSIA level four and teaching full time Skiing and snowboarding plus volunteering to teach adaptive snowsports with SSASS one afternoon a week makes for a super interesting and varied winter.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Run: Gypsy Queen

Matilda is a nineteen year old girl from Linköping, Sweden and has been skiing since she was 6 years old. This is her first season in Canada and before this year she has mostly spent time on the Swedish mountains. She has also skied in Italy one holiday and  she is really excited to be working on the other side of world this year in Silver Star. Matilda is also a golf instructor of many years and when she doesn't ski or play golf Matilda likes to nordic ski and sing. Matilda has always loved teaching and can't wait do start share her experience with you! 

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 2 Trained

Favourite Run: Holy Smokes

I learned how to ski at Spring Hill, Manitoba which has a 125 foot vertical.  I loved it right away but I knew there was more, so I took a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 1978.  Now that is a ski hill; bottomless powder to boot.  In the years to come, I took many trips out west and came to SIlver Star where the snow, the view, the temperature, and the people are excellent.  I moved to Vernon, and who could blame me?  There was and still is true passion for skiing here, which being an instructor, I love to pass on.  Just thinking about the wind in my face as I am sliding down the mountains makes me SMILE every time.

Qualifications: CASI Level 3, CASI Level 2 Evaluator, Certified Race & Freestyle Coach

Favourite Run: Stardust

Mellen Junkins is a CASI Level 3 snowboard instructor, CASI Level 2 evaluator; she had been instructing for 14 years and trains the snowboard instructors at Silver Star. 

Mellen began snowboarding and teaching at a small family resort in Quebec, then continued to teach at a private hill in southern Ontario while completing a B.Sc.H. After moving westward to beautiful Banff, Canada, Mellen chose snowboard instructing as a full-time career; chasing winter to the southern hemisphere in the snowfields of Australia. Mellen has taught in luxurious Vail-Beaver Creek, Colorado; in the powder of Niseko, Japan; and has run CASI courses all over Ontario, B.C. and Soldeu, Andorra. 

Mellen has just one component left to complete in the CASI Level 4, and can usually be found on the moguls of Silver Star's double black diamonds: with a big smile and furry hood flying.

Qualifications: APSI Level 2

Favourite Runs: Silverwoods

I’m From Melbourne, Australia.  I was 18-months old for my first time on skis with my family at our lodge at Mount Hotham.  Skiing as much as I can since then, I have taught in Shiga Kogan, Japan, and Lake Tahoe, California and have visited many more.  I like to keep my lessons light and fun.  I hope to teach you a thing or two about shredding the mountain.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 1

Favourite Run: Kirkenhiemer

Mick has taught back to back seasons both here and Australia since 2001.  Having skied in many parts of Canada, North America, Europe and Australia, I still love to come back to Silver Star each season and catch up with all my skiing friends both at the school and in lessons.  I especially love those moments when people realize that they can actually ski and start to enjoy the mountains as I do.

Qualification: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Run: Big Dipper

At the age of 10, Nathan immigrated to Vernon, BC.  Being a fantastic athlete he quickly pursued the great life style Canada had to offer.  He fell in love with skiing and in the 07/08 season he got his CSIA level 1.  He started teaching at Silver Star and has enjoyed every bit of it!  When Nathan isn't teaching, he goes to another extreme and in the summer months is a Big Game Hunting Guide in the Yukon!  As he has just finished up his second season in the great north as a guide he is very excited to come back to teach at Silver Star for his 4th season!  You could say he is living the dream!

Qualifications:

Favourite Run:

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 2, CASI Level 1, CSIA Level 1 Course Conductor

Favourite Run: Big Dipper/Gypsy Queen on a powder day, Over the Hill Downhill course when it’s time to go fast!

Pat has over 30 years of teaching/coaching experience in the snowsport industry (with 10 of those years being at the ‘Star).  Having had the opportunity to run ski schools in both Canada and Australia, he has a wide range of experiences that he that he can call upon to help you get the most out of your time at Silver Star.  “My main goal is to help you experience the passion that I feel when I’m out on the mountain. No matter the weather, it’s just a great place to be” .

Whether a beginner or a seasoned double black skier, Pat welcomes you to come and explore the mountain, and your potential, with him.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1, CASI Level 1, CANSI Cross Country Level 1, CANSI Telemark Level 1

Favourite Run: Kirkenheimer

I started teching in Vail in 1972.  I worked for the Vernon Ski Club running and coaching the Snowmite program for 13 years with my husband Don.  I have been running the Ladies Day / Men's Day Programs for longer than I can remember, and I love doing it.  Skiing is a big part of our family's life, especially on powder days!

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CANSI Level 1, CSCF Level 1

Favourite Run: Glade Runner

First visited Silver Star in 1999 and fell in love with the resort and people.  Subsequent years led to longer holidays and my experience with lessons led me to change my life to enable me to teach here in the winter and continue working in Accountancy or IT during the summer.  I have now been teaching since 2005 and enjoy sharing my passion for skiing and the variety each day offers. My most memorable skiing moment is the first time I put ski boots on. My most memorable teaching moments are when a person realizes their ambition but mostly when fear is replaced by a smile.

Qualifications: CASI Level 1

Favourite Run: Powder makes everything my favourite run!

I am originally from Edmonton (very flat), which was not a great mix for my love of mountains and deep steep tree lines. So I have been travelling around BC for the past 3 years looking for great snow. This season I ended up in Silver Star which I’m super excited about because I have the opportunity to pass on my love and passion of snowboarding to everyone who comes in for a lesson. I get stoked about getting people hooked on snowboarding and learning to appreciate being outside!

Qualifications: Level 4 CSIA, Level 3 CANSI XC, Level 2 CSCF, Level 2 Course Conductor CSIA, Level 1 APSI Telemark, Back-country Avalanche Certification

Favourite Run: Chute 5

With fifteen seasons of ski teaching and coaching behind him, Rodger has worked hard to make a life of being on snow. Back for his seventh season at Silverstar, Rodger’s simple and concise explanations in addition to his crisp demonstrations will get the most out of your skiing potential. Currently working full-time as a ski school trainer and instructor, Rodger is also coaching the Under 16 Ski Race Team with the Vernon Ski Club. Looking forward to skiing with you!

Qualifications: CANSI Level 4, CSIA Level 3,  TELE Level 1, CSCF Level 2

Favourite Runs: Rusty Whistle and Alder Point

Sandy has lived at Silver Star for 16 years and has been involved with the ski school most of those years. Many years were spent teaching and coaching in the east while attending university for kinesiology and engineering. Other sports include paddling, running and biking – both mtn and road.

Qualifications: CASI Level 1

Favourite Run:  Sore back

I am the oldest of six kids and I love to have fun.  I am a grade eleven student at Vernon Secondary School.  Some of my interests outside of snowboarding are fishing, hunting, and building.  My favourite style of riding is big mountain with lots of pow!

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Run:  Manantiales, La Parva, Chile on a powder day

I’m from Chile were the most of the Ski Resort don’t have trees!  I have been teaching skiing for 4 seasons in La Parva Ski Resort in Chile.  This will be my first season in Silver Star and my first double season, and I am looking forward to having a great experience.  I love the mountain and all the sports that you can practice here.  I am looking forward to seeing you on the runs!

Qualifications: CSAI Level 2, CSCF Level 1, AST Level 1

Favourite Runs: Black Bear and Spirit Bowl

I started skiing in Italy when I was 14, since then I have skied throughout Europe, Western Canada and in New Zealand.  The biggest thrill for me is that moment when my I see that big grin … it could be the first green or double black, or the realisation (or remembering) that skiing really is fun …. we all make that grin – for us lucky ones, we do it every day.  Amongst other things, I used to shear sheep and train sheep dogs for a living.  In my day, I would comfortably clip 300 ewes a day. 

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 2, CADS Level 1

Favourite Run: All of Them!!

I have taught in Canada and overseas.  I am a 25 plus year member of the CSIA/CSCF.  I have been fortunate enough to have run several ski schools of my own over the years and I still find Silver Star one of the best areas around.  To help someone experience the joy in skiing is the best! 

Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CSCF Level 1

Favourite Run: Three Wise Men, steep and deep.

I came to skiing later in life, so I can easily remember the highs and the lows of learning how to ski.  That perspective helps me in my teaching.  Lessons helped me to become a better skier and they can do the same for you.  I have been teaching at Silver Star for more than 10 years.  It’s a thrill for me to use that experience to help you become the skier you want to be.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 1

Favourite Run: Gypsy Queen

Taylor is excited to be teaching for her second season at Silver Star. She likes freestyle and big mountain skiing, but is also interested in racing and is a Didier Cuche fan. When she's not skiing, Taylor plays Midget A Rep softball and is on her school's tennis team.

Qualifications: CASI Level 1, CASI Level 2 TEACH

Favourite Run: Gowabunga!

Originating from the lovely English countryside of Warwickshire, very far from any mountains, Tom learned to snowboard in 2008, while working at Mt Norquay in Banff.  During the 2008/09 season, as part of a Degree in Sports Development and Coaching Sciences, Tom attained his CASI Level 1.  After completing his degree in 2010 and attaining his CASI 2 teaching qualification, Tom worked the 2010/11 season in the French alps of Chamonix.  His goals for his first season at Silver Star, are to have fun, gain full CASI Level 2 certification, and to pass on my passion for snow riding to all ages and abilities.  Tom is hoping and dancing for lots of snow this season.

Qualifications: CSIA Level 2, CSCF Level 1 (Trained), DILIGAF Level 3

Favourite Run: Spirit Bowl

Will “Pork Chop” Childs originates from Grimsby, a small fishing town on the east coast of the UK. He learned to ski in Scotland at the late age of 12. After many years in the corporate world, Will and his wife decided to have a change of lifestyle and came to Canada (permanently) with the goal of skiing for as much of the year as possible. Now in his 7th season with the ski school he really enjoys the "rush" of making people smile. Wills most memorable moment on a pair of skis - being caught in an Avalanche while heli-skiing on the pan handle of Alaska, scary stuff!