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Our Coaches

XCSupercamps attract some of the most experienced coaches in North America. Our team is comprised of award-winning coaches dedicated to seeing you achieve your personal best. Many have international or team coaching experience, all are multi-sport athletes, and all have unique perspectives to offer.

Our Communications Director, Michelle Deacon, is one of our Advanced ski coaches and the friendly voice on the other end of the phone. She brings a wealth of experience to the team as well as a passion for engaging others. Find her facilitating coaching courses, engaged in the community, and otherwise skiing as much as possible!

Our XCSupercamps Manager, Bryana van Leeuwen, remains behind the scenes at the helm of the camps.

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Bryana van Leeuwen

CANSI IV, NCCP Comp. Dev. (sailing), HBKin., CSEP-CEP

The friendly face behind XCSupercamps operations, Bryana is here to help you have the best ski experience possible.

Coaching Highlights

Over 14 years of coaching, Bryana has led three Masters groups and worked with Jackrabbits, community groups, junior race teams, university groups, and paranordic skiers. The best part is seeing the smiles and sense of community grow - skiing brings joy!

Racing

After competing for Nakkertok Nordic, Lakehead University, and Big Thunder Nordic, Bryana is now an enthusiastic loppet skier keen on backcountry adventures.

When not skiing...You can find her running, bikepacking, and sailing. She loves all things outdoors and can't wait to meet you at XCSupercamps!

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Michelle Deacon

CANSI IV, NCCP L2T, NCCP LF, BComm.

Michelle loves sharing her passion for skiing with adults and children, helping folks achieve their ski goals and seeing the (self) confidence that skiing brings to people’s lives. A lifelong multi-sport athlete, Michelle took up competitive skiing as an adult.

Coaching Highlights 

XC Supercamps (SUPER FUN!); nearly a decade with Foothills Nordic Ski Club – adult programs and youth skill development programs; supporting  new Community Coaches in their development; and Ski at School – a rewarding program that brings skiing to local school yards.

Fun Fact 

Michelle is a physical literacy keener. Developing it early fosters a lifetime of participation and achievement of potential. While more difficult to achieve as adults, Michelle tries to apply foundational physical literacy elements to coaching encouraging adult learners to constantly develop their agility, balance, coordination and rhythm – also the foundations of the best skiers!

I love skiing because of the pure joy and freedom it brings. Skiing is an endless dance on snow and you can participate if you’re 2 or 102!

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Anneke Winegarden

BScHK, MSc Exercise Physiology, CSEP CEP, NCCP Comp-Dev Certified

Coaching Highlights

I love it when descents feel like the most scenic rollercoaster in the world. I've coached all levels of skiers, from new Canadians learning what it feels like to glide on snow, to National Team athletes.

Favourite Trail Snack

Jujubes (but not the ones that freeze and break your teeth at -18).

Fun Facts

I've skied the Canadian Ski Marathon and the Gatineau Loppet skate 50km, both without training nearly enough, but managed to survive. My favourite adventure ski was a hut-to-hut multi-day trip in the Chic-Chocs (Quebec).  

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Colin Norman

CANSI IV, NCCP CCI-Advanced, Head Coach of Foothills Nordic Masters

Colin is passionate about all aspects of XC skiing: the friendships, the fitness, that perfect lightning on freshly fallen snow, that elusive perfect glide...and loves to help others experience the allure of skiing.

Coaching Highlights

Colin started skiing more than 40 years ago and has been coaching for the past 10. He is the head coach of the XC Masters with Foothills Nordic. The best recipe for fitness is to make it fun and the kilometres just seem to ski themselves.
 

Racing

Colin loves to travel to races and loppets throughout the world, and (so far) has competed in Austria, Italy, and of course Canada. What's next: Sweden? Norway?? Iceland??? Locally, you can find him munching cookies (his favourite trail snack) at the Kananaskis Ski Marathon.

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David Allen

CANSI III, B.App.Sc., MBA

David is a passionate multisport athlete and adventure seeker. He found XC skiing 15 years ago to cross train for ironman triathlon in the winter.

Coaching Highlights 

Sharing with others the "joy" that comes from improving their skiing, running, cycling or swimming whilst being in the great outdoors.

Favourite Trail Snack 

Coffee and a cinnamon bun - at the end of the trail.

Fun Fact about David 

He is from the Australian Outback, and has a peculiar love of winter.

 

I love being out in the forest on snow…. So un-Australian.

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David Ariano

NCCP Club Coach, CANSI II

MD CCFP-EM, Dip. Sports Medicine

Originally from Brandon, Manitoba but now a local,  David has been XC Skiing for 45 years. He was a founding member of one of the earliest Jackrabbit programs at the Blue Hills Nordic Club and was a teenage instructor and certified as a CANSI Level 2 in the early 1980s, which he recertfied in 2023. For a few seasons, he raced for the Manitoba Ski Team. 

Coaching Highlights:

Currently David is the Head Coach for the Vernon Athletics  Middle Distance and Cross-Country running teams. In 2019 and 2021 he was a BC Provincial Coach for the XC Running Nationals. Other coaching experience: Jackrabbits and Track Attack, youth soccer (NOYSA), road cycling and Sprockids. He will be coaching for the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club U35 program in 2023.

"I enjoy coaching skiing because of the joy I see when skiers master a new technique.  I want to be part of that journey. When I coach running I like to see athletes fulfil their potential and improve their performance." 

Favourite Snack: At the end of a long ski day a nice poutine really hits the spot. Always a coffee before or after skiing.

 

Fun Facts: David lives in Coldstream and feels lucky to be a local. David works as an Emergency physician but feels he is semi-retired now and can devote more time to his passion for coaching. His whole family skis with his children having started in Jackrabbits and moved through programs until they were teenagers. He is a reluctant berry farmer. Past competitive history includes: track and cross country running, road cycling, triathlon, and xc skiing. Now he considers himself a multi sport athlete and enjoys running, rowing and cycling and of course xc skiing.

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Denys Lawrence

CANSI IV (Nordic), CANSI II (Telemark), CANSI President

 

Originally from Montreal, Denys is a multi-sport athlete who has lived and worked at SilverStar Mountain for over 20 years. An enthusiastic coach and instructor, he believes that while instruction can do much, encouragement can do more. An enthusiastic booster of all things Silver Star and Sovereign Lake, Denys is overjoyed to be part of the Supercamp team.

Favourite Trail Snack 

Clif Bars

Highlights + Racing

Backcountry skiing in Canada, Switzerland and Japan​.

2011 Masters World Cup at Sovereign Lake; competitive Outrigger and Dragon Boat

I love skiing because of the effortless glide, smooth rhythm, fresh air and exploring new trails.

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Gary Chambers

CANSI IV, B.Phys.Ed, AFLCA- RT, Group

Coaching Highlights 

Gary started his Nordic instruction path at the Strathcona Wilderness Center & Auscan International Ski School in Edmonton and later moved to Trail Sports at the Canmore Nordic Center.  Most recently Gary podiumed in World Masters Canmore 2022 and had top 5 results in all three races. Currently Gary has been coaching for XC SuperCamps, Bragg Creek XC Masters, & Space Dog Ski Club.

Favourite Trail Snack 

Peanut butter marshmallow square

Fun Facts

Gary is a passionate weekend warrior in all endurance sports with over 20 years experience as a CANSI Level IV XC instructor, and an accomplished mountain bike racer. Formally educated with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from University of Alberta , AFLCA Strength & Conditioning and Group Instruction accreditation, CANSI IV Instructor and course conductor. Gary also hosts the FitFarmer podcast sharing his passion for health and wellness on Real Ag Radio. Gary is excited to share his passion for smooth technique and high performance living with XC SuperCamps.

What I love about skiing is the perfect balance of quiet mind, pounding heart, and complete focus on the skis gliding.

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George Young

CANSI III, CSAI III, CSIA Course Conductor, CANSI II (Telemark), CSFA II

George has taught skiing since 1961 and is multi-certified in XC, DH, and Telemark skiing. He has skied extensively in Europe and all across North America. Calling Silver Star home for the last 40 years, George is proud to be part of the coaching team on the best high altitude terrain in the country. Sliding on snow is his way of life!

Fun Fact

George has skied in every month of the year, including some sand dune experience

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Greg Kilroy

NCCP II, B.Sc, XRay Technologist

Coaching Highlights

Greg's favourite coaching moments - apart from XC Supercamps - include traveling and competing in the American Birkenbeiner with the masters he had worked with all season, and guiding Jesse (visually impaired skier) at the Para World Cup in Canmore and Canadian Para Championships.

Favourite Trail Snack

Ritter Bar and TriFuel Sports Drink​

Fun Fact

Greg is two-time Ontario University Nordic Champion. In addition to nordic racing, he competes in trail and road running racing, and is an avid mountain biker. 

I just love being outside, and the full-body workout skiing provides. It clears my mind and makes me appreciate the majestic beauty around me.

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Gregory Munby

CANSI III, M.Ed

Greg is beyond excited to return as a Supercamp coach for his fourth season. You can find him out on the trails logging miles after a full day of coaching because he just can’t get enough of skiing! In the off-season, he enjoys whitewater kayaking, cruising around on his rollerskis, and trail running - ask him about his latest adventure and he's sure to have an epic story!


Coaching highlights

Any time I’m at SilverStar / Sovereign Lake!

Favourite Trail Snack

Grilled cheese and sriracha

Favourite quote 

“You can. End of story.”

 

I love skiing because of that feeling when you make it back to the trailhead at the end of a long day and the group is safe and stoked!!

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Guy Paulsen

CANSI IV (Nordic), CANSI III (Telemark), CSIA IV - Level IV Examiner, CSIA National Hall of Fame Inductee

 

To put it lightly, GP is a legend.

Guy is the first Canadian to attain top-level certification in all three winter ski disciplines: Telemark, Cross Country and Alpine. With over 30 years of teaching & coaching experience, Guy has represented Canada internationally at numerous skiing events. His strong alpine background has lent credibility to his Nordic & Telemark pursuits with the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors. Most importantly Guy is known for his expert and individual approach and enjoys skiing with campers of all ages & abilities.


Hometown

Nanaimo, BC

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Heather Lamson

CANSI III, Kimberly Nordic Club Masters Coach, MSc.

Heather’s passion for xc skiing stems from her love of being outdoors and type II fun. She enjoys analyzing technique and training methods and sharing skiing knowledge with others. In the off season, Heather enjoys mountain biking, bikepacking and field work in Kootenay region mountain lakes and streams.

Coaching Highlights

Heather has instructed adult skiing for over 14 years and currently coordinates the adult ski program at the Kimberley Nordic Ski Club. After skiing her first loppet in 2002, she fell in love with the tight Nordic ski community. She instructed at several locations prior to settling in Kimberley where she has coached Masters since 2012. She continues to race in loppets and Masters ski events and revels in learning from both failures and successes at events.

 

Favorite Race

Sovereign to Silver Star Ski Marathon… So many highlights of that race such as they had a coat check but for skis at the finish line!

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Ian MacDonald

CANSI II

Ian is a returning Supercamp coach who loves giving back to his club by coaching skill development clinics and helping with the junior racers for Nelson Nordic ski club.

You can always find him out on the trails working on his latest technique drills and searching for the best snow. 

 

He got his start with skiing through his racing career as a competitive skier and biathlete, and has competed with many other Supercamp coaches. 

When he’s not on skis, you can find him rock climbing in every spare minute he has!

Hometown

Nelson, BC

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Ingrid Granlin

CANSI IV, PSIA III, NCCP II, CC Facilitator

Ingrid grew up ski racing and exploring the backcountry in Smithers BC and has taught XC in California, Oregon, Alberta, Switzerland and BC. She now resides in Bend, Oregon where here she runs the programs at the Mt Bachelor Nordic center and specializes in teaching amazing women how to better their skating technique. Her favorite goal is to get students to the efficiency level where skiing becomes fun and not just a great workout!

When she’s not teaching the masses excellent Nordic ski technique you’ll find Ingrid exploring the Central Oregon backcountry on alpine touring gear, mountain bike or her trusty enduro motorcycle, Roxy.

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Jenia Tishkina-Norman

CANSI III, Foothills Masters Co-Coach with Colin

Coaching Highlights

Jenia has seemingly boundless energy and makes every grueling technique session fun through positive feedback delivered in a personal caring style. Not only will your skiing improve, so will your self-confidence.

Summer Passions

Jenia spends her summers chasing that elusive perfect kilometre and the runners’ high marathoning in Calgary and Berlin in 2022 and hiking in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. She is also an accomplished artist creating scenes depicting skiing and biking locally in the Bow Valley, and designing athletic gear. Her artworks over the years have supported the Kananaskis ski marathon, are worn at races and social outings,  and adorn many walls in our ski community.   

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Jessica Stichelbout

CANSI IV Course Conductor

Favourite Trail Snack

Dark chocolate

Skiing Highlights

Jess joined Karen Messenger on one of her Tour the Fun and skied the Dobbiaco-Cortina race in Italy/Austria.

Jess loves the feeling of gliding, the diamond snow crystal and the people she meets skiing!

Favorite race: Lake Louise to Banff loppet.

Favorite trail at Sovereign/SilverStar: This is a hard pick! Upper Paradise > Aberdeen > Alder point loop.

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Jocelyn Marcotte

CANSI II

Jocelyn coaches primarily in Gatineau Park with Skinouk SKI+. He enjoys seeing progress and witnessing the occasional «Eureka» moment when a student suddenly understands something he/she had been struggling with.

Favourite Trail Snack 

Granola bars, any one that isn't too hard to chew when frozen.

Fun Facts

Jocelyn loves endurance challenges! He has completed the Gatineau Loppet and the Canadian Ski Marathon multiple times and cycled across Canada in 2013.

I enjoy the cool clean winter air and the silent stillness that winter brings. The silence only punctuated by the sound of my breath and that of my skis on the snow. It's so satisfying to travel from one point to the other through my own efforts.

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Karen Evans

CANSI III, CSIA II

Karen has coached for 15+ in cross country and downhill skiing. She coaches because it's fun and a great way to share a love of skiing and the outdoors.

 

Words of Wisdom

We only have today. Be out there.

First & favourite ski event

The Sovereign 2 Silverstar (spring 22) Great people, great conditions, excellent vibes, so much fun "Finishing is Winning….” and we all felt like winners.

 

Favourite day ski adventure

Up cross mountain in the afternoon, a tour around the top (paradise, the connector switch-backs, coming round the mountain... and returning down paradise after the lifts are closed and with nature providing a beautiful sunset. 

 

I love the sense of life and vitality I get from a balanced stride & glide.

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Karen Messenger

CANSI IV, former Biathlon Canada Dev. Team member, B.Ed/Outdoor Recreation

Favourite Trail Snack

Energy balls from the Whitewater Cookbook, made with homegrown mint.

Proud creator of the "Tour de Fun" - loppet skiing across Central Europe, Scandinavia and North America - I have the t-shirt to prove it!

I have too many favourite loppets for this short bio, but I'll mention a few: Vasaloppet, Norwegian Birkiebeiner, Arefjallsloppet, Marcialonga, Lapponia, La Transjurasienne, Yllas-Levi, Lake Louise to Banff, etc. Of course, I love the Gatineau Loppet because it was my very first loppet (it was 10 km skate and at about 9.9km to go, I wasn't sure that I would even make it!) -  sometimes you get maple taffy after the race, and it fits in really well with a visit with my family in Ontario.  

 

I just love being out there and being in the moment. Especially now that I have a little skier of my own, being able to go out for a long ski and just enjoy the kick and glide, the sounds of nature, the music in my head, and get a great workout - it's such a treat!

 

Favourite trail on the mountain:  Paradise - the name says it all! I also love the Triple Ski Day: classic ski enjoying the sunrise, telemark ski all day, and round out the day with a sunset skate ski!

 

When I'm not on the ski trails, you can find me in my yellow canoe, "Sunshine".

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Keith Nicol

CANSI IV (Nordic), CANSI III (Telemark), CSIA III

 

You may know Keith from his column in Ski Trax Magazine, or from his popular cross country ski videos on You Tube.

Coaching Highlights 

In addition to XC Supercamps, Keith teaches at Mt. Washington Ski Resort on Vancouver Island

Favourite Trail Snack 

Mars bar

 

Fun Fact 

Keith has been on four Canadian Demo Teams representing Canada at INTERSKI. He was also the first CANSI instructor to achieve the top level track and tele skiing simultaneously.

I love skiing because of the flow of both skating and classic skiing, and sharing that with skiers who want to improve.

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Mae Hooper

CANSI IV, NCCP II

 

Mae is a Vernon local, spending a large part of her week on Sovereign’s trails chasing down her daughter, Hannah. Hannah recently went to World Juniors as a member of the Junior National Team. You can always find them putting in miles on the mountain with the biggest smiles!

Coaching Highlights

A really happy customer makes the time, effort, enthusiasm for the sport and high level of care all worthwhile.

Favourite Trail Snack

Almond Fudge Cliff Bar...to keep up with Hannah on her distance skis. We’re slow to start but endurance comes with age!

Racing Highlights 

Sometimes Mae will do a replay of the 2011 World Masters and really kick it into gear at the bottom of Carl Wylie, pretending she's in the race again and Mike Bell is cheering on the course. He was saying just the right words to make Mae go for that silver medal: “You’re killing it Mae!”

Something I am really excited about at the moment- diving in and learning about sea kayaking with the Level 2 Sea Kayak course to develop confidence to explore the incredible areas of Vancouver Island!

Every day is a good day on the snow. My favourite is when it is quiet and you are going through the forest and huge snowflakes are falling. I love how cross country skiing empowers you in your life – it makes you so strong!

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Mike Bell

CANSI III, XC Supercamps "Original," B.Phys.Ed / Exercise Physiology / ED Cert UBC, U of M and Gonzaga U

Mike is a past Olympic coach of the Canadian National Nordic Team & former CANSI XC Interski Demo Team Member (Captain) / Examiner. Mike has become a driving force with the BC Masters XC Ski Association. His wax technician abilities at the XC World Masters in recent years has proven to help his athletes and students to continuously improve their skills.

Favourite Quote

“Ski smart and ski smooth!” 

Hometown

Kelowna, BC

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Murray Wood

CANSI IV, CANSI I (Telemark), CANSI Level 1 Course Conductor

Big HELLO from Murray Wood here at Silver Star …

Looking forward to seeing you this winter at our Supercamps. We have lots in store for you this season, but most of all it’s the opportunity to get out on the snow with you and have a really good time reaching and obtaining your goals.

This past spring I went through the PMBI Mountain Bike level one course and spent the summer teaching downhill and cross country level one here at SilverStar.

 

Don’t forget to add some specific core works to your schedule and we shall see you on the snow … Very Soon ..

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Pat Pearce

CANSI III, B.Phys.Ed., Masters of Education Leadership (San Diego State)

Pat started skiing in 1978 in the backcountry after coaching high school sport across the board during her education career. She took an interest in nordic skiing as her children grew up and started competing. Her motivation to work on her technique started when she skied her first 50km loppet in 1984 and decided she wanted to ski faster!

Coaching Highlights

After a successful career of coaching youth in both individual and team sports, Pat has turned her coaching interests to Masters.

She has an infectious enthusiasm for nordic skiing and gains much personal satisfaction in sharing that energy with others. Pat was one of the founding leaders of the XC Masters program at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and coached the Greyhounds group for several years.

 

Fun Facts

Pat loves competing as a Nordic Ski Racer and she takes her training and racing seriously. She has competed and medalled in the Masters World Cup events since 2011 at Sovereign. She has also chased medals in many of the World Loppet’s across Europe and North America over the last 12 years.

The Pearce family has 3 generations currently skiing, coaching and racing at Sovereign. Our family loves outdoor activities and in particular winter sport.

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Pat van Mullem

CANSI III

Coaching Highlights

Various awards over the years including, “2018/2019 Jessica Eaman Volunteer Coach of the Year” award from Sovereign Lake.  The awards have all been awesome, but the most rewarding is guiding a new skier to success and seeing their eyes light up with a new-found joy in XC skiing.

Favourite Trail Snack

Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem tablets

 

Racing Highlights

Pat's wife showed up unexpectedly to cheer him onward at various points along the 90KM course while he skied the Swedish Vassaloppet.

Boy, there are so many things I love about skiing, in no particular order:  the quiet & solitude, it’s a winter wonderland, the XC community, the challenge of the sport, the healthy lifestyle, fitness, the ballet dance like quality of the movements, and the XC worldwide culture.

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Reidar Zapf-Gilje

CANSI III (Nordic), CANSI I (Telemark), NCCP III (old system)

From his early days of skiing in Norway, Reidar has followed his passion in Canada in XC ski racing, coaching, instructing and ski trail design. The highlight in racing was the World Masters in Canmore, where he won 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medals in four races. Highlights in ski trail design included legacy trails for the Whistler Olympic Park. 

Coaching Highlights

XC Supercamp is awesome! Meeting and coaching keen skiers on the best early season snow and trails in North America is heaven. In my focus on coaching ski technique improvements, I like to leave my skiers with the vision of quick-and-easy floating up the hill. “Climbing hills is easier than you think” is my motto!

 

Favourite Trail Snack

Not having a sweet tooth, I prefer nuts and dried fruits and berries (unsweetended). For longer ski outings I pack ryebread with Geitost – the Norwegian secret to XC ski success.

 

Favourite Ski Trails at Silverstar/Sovereign Lake

Of the 105 km of Nordic Trails (one of Canada largest), there is lot to chose from. A favourite of mine is the cross mountain trek starting with a quick-and-easy climb up from Silverstar on “Comin’ Round The Mountain” and then cruising along “Lars Taylor Way” to the Sovereign Lake trails. It is a trek I like to take my group on. 

 

Fun Facts

In the summer, Reidar’s cross training includes competing in master track and field events. He is the past winner of Master Male Athlete of the Year in Multi-events in Canada (pentathlon and decathlon).

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Sandy Cook

CANSI IV, CSIA III, CANSI I (Telemark), CSCF II, HonBSc (Kinesiology), BASc (Mechanical Engineering)

A Supercamp "original," Sandy is an avid skier, mountain biker, road cyclist and paddler. Sandy has been a resident at Silver Star for nearly 20 years – raising her family and being involved with the Snowsports School for most of the time.

 

Many years were spent teaching and coaching in the east while attending university for kinesiology and engineering.

 

She enjoys trail running and spending time with her new grandchildren!

One of my many favourite trails is Alder Point and I love back country touring; kayak touring, - basically the undeveloped outdoors!

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Sheila Kealey

NCCP Comp.Dev., Expert in sports nutrition, Masters in Public Health (Health Promotion)

Coaching Highlights

I have over 20 years of coaching experience, and Supercamp 2017 was a definite highlight so I’m thrilled to be returning in 2018! My current nordic ski coaching includes uOttawa Nordiq Head Coach and Nakkertok Nordic Coach.

Favourite Trail Snack

One of my homemade energy bars.

 

Fun Fact

I still love to compete!  Beyond skiing, I love good food (I have co-authored a Cookbook/Food Guide and share recipes on my website) and am involved in health research. My experience as a researcher keeps my coaching, training, and nutrition communication grounded in science, which I communicate on twitter and my website.

 I love skiing because I love being outside on ski trails and beyond soaking in the beauty of nature, I like challenging my body’s balance, agility, and fitness. I want to share this passion with Supercamp guests and show them that with the proper mindset, coaching, and challenges your body can keep doing amazing things

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Troy Hudson

NCCP T2T, General Manager Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

While Troy has been off the market as a coach for the last few years he brings passion, enthusiasm

and a huge smile to his clinics. Troy also enjoys being out on his bikes, throwing down some riffs on his trumpet, climbing in the mountains with his two kids or most likely out on his sailboat during the non snowy months. Troy has the good fortune to be the new General Manager at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club as of January 2015. He looks forward to hosting you on the outstanding system of ski trails. Bring your A game, or your B game, as he is happy to work with all abilities, but most of all…bring your smile and a willingness to learn.

 

Hometown

Golden, BC

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Val Tinker

CANSI III (Nordic), CANSI I (Telemark), CSIA III, Mechanical Engineer

Val has an extensive background coaching in Canada and overseas. He is fluent in Russian and a graduate from the Moscow Automobile /Highway Institute as a Mechanical Engineer. His broad background and passion for winter sports and as an elite level mountain biker has been an excellent addition to skiers of all abilities.

Coaching Highlights

Val coaches because he enjoys the interaction with participants and other coaches during the camps and helping people achieve their personal goals.

Favourite Trail Snack

chocolate

Val’s skiing adventures include some unusual skiing in the summer, skiing gravel pit slopes on old dh skis, skiing wood chip pile….it is hard to stay away from skiing for too long!

What Val loves about skiing...

In one word – everything. Up or down, freedom of speed not regulated by anyone but me, fresh cool air and , of course, the friends who come along.

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Wendy Grater

CANSI IV (Nordic), CANSI I (Telemark), Paddle Canada Moving Water Instructor

Wendy has a deep love of any outdoor activity, particularly if it involves sliding on snow or water. She has competed at over 15 World Masters events, is the Ontario Director of the Canadian Masters Association, and on the Board of CANSI Ontario. She has twice ski toured across Baffin Island’s Auyuittuq National Park. She owns and operates Canada’s premier wilderness travel company, Black Feather – the Wilderness Adventure Company.

 

Coaching Highlights

As well as coaching at Supercamp, I work as a CANSI course conductor, leading level I and II courses. I am founder and head instructor at the Georgian Nordic Ski Club’s Women on Skis day, which has been an annual event for 20 years. I also coach the instructor teams at the North Toronto and High Park Ski Clubs.

 

Favourite Trail Snack

Peanut butter Granola bars from Beamer’s Café in Canmore! Wash it down with Licorice spice tea!

Recent Skiing Adventures

Recently, I did a ski tour in Norway … the Troll’s Trail. This 8 day tour was incredible, skiing in the birthplace of Nordic skiing. The trail climbed above treeline into the fjells, and each night we stayed in a cozy hut or inn. To top it off, we skied the 54km Birkebeiner Loppet. What a way to celebrate skiing!

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