lpt collective
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Welcome to the heart of our ski community—the people who make our vision come alive. Every LPT you'll meet here embodies dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to not just teaching, but also to the continuous learning journey of every ski enthusiast. As part of one unified collective, they champion inclusivity and mutual growth, ensuring every individual feels supported and inspired. Dive in, get to know them, and discover the spirit of collaborative learning that drives the very essence of the PSIC.
tracey fraser
Tracey began her ski teaching career in Ontario at one of the smallest hills in Canada, and has grown to become the Training Manager at one of the largest snow schools in the world; Whistler Blackcomb. Her roles, including Chairing the CSIA Women in Skiing Committee, twice representing Canada at Interski and teaching in China & Australia, have confirmed for her that skiing is for everyone, and it's our privilege to help others enjoy it! Passionate about inspiring others, she believes in succeeding by helping others succeed.
J-S Forget
J-S began his ski journey teaching at Mont-Tremblant at 16 and quickly became a top Privates Pro in Whistler. He furthered his experience in the southern hemisphere, teaching in Thredbo, NSW. Involved in race operations, coaching, senior programs, and mentorships, he is a CSIA L4 Course Conductor, Snow Park Course Conductor, and was a member of the 2023 Canadian Interski team. J-S is a lifelong student of the sport and he is always ready to learn something new.
mc baron
MC grew up skiing at Sommet Morin-Heights in QC and quickly advanced as a ski instructor, program supervisor, and coach. Armed with a Kinesiology degree, she headed to Whistler to ski bigger mountains. Now, she leads Athlete Development at Whistler Blackcomb's snow school, focusing on instructor excellence and outstanding guest service. Always looking to help the new talent in our industry, MC wishes to inspire more women to find their path as a ski instructor.
jason simpson
From the slopes of Ski Wentworth, NS, Jason has been a CSIA examiner for 30 years. He has
held key roles at Lake Louise and Whistler Blackcomb, and most recently was the Director of
Mountain Sports at Panorama for 11 years. Jason is a former certified pilot and flight instructor.
Currently he is exploring online coaching with Big Picture Skiing. He remains devoted to the
pursuit of effectiveness in the craft of alpine ski teaching. Jason holds CSIA L4 and CSCF L3
certifications.
tobin leopkey
Tobin grew up skiing Vancouver Island's tree lines and later ventured globally for outdoor pursuits. Although he’s juggled various roles, from entertainer to lodge manager, skiing remains his true passion. Getting his first certification at 16, Tobin founded Section 8 Snowsport Institute in 2005, championing instructor courses and ski camps worldwide. A CSIA Level 4 instructor and Alpine Canada Development Coach, Tobin blends learning with fun on every slope.
Wendy Reade
Wendy, with a rich history of ski teaching in Canada and New Zealand, thrives on connecting with people and unraveling the mountain's secrets. Her mantra revolves around excellence achieved through attention, intention, execution, and commitment—a philosophy resonating with PSIC's ethos. As a CSIA Level 4 and CSCF Level 3 certified professional, Wendy's passion is evident as she shares her profound skiing knowledge and experience with every individual she mentors.
Sandy gardner
With thirty-six seasons under his belt, Sandy's ski career began at Dagmar Ski Resort, later operating the Snow School at Skyloft Ski Club, and also coaching at New Zealand's Treble Cone Ski Area. As a Level 4 Course Conductor for twenty years and former EPC for Ontario, Sandy transitioned into global training camps through myskitrip.ca. Presently hanging his hat at Craigleith Ski Club, Sandy's enthusiasm shines as part of the PSIC training team.
guy hetherington
From the slopes of Smiggin Holes, Australia, to Banff's iconic Mt. Norquay, Guy's passion for skiing guided his journey. In Whistler, he sharpened his instructing prowess and dedicated himself to the snow school. Joining the Alltracks Academy in 2012 as the Director of Operations, Guy's vast expertise became instrumental in shaping ski education's future. Today, with Alltracks Academy, Guy's enduring commitment continues to influence snow sports globally.
jenny burrows
Jenny is an avid mountain sports gal, spending winters skiing, summers biking and being Mom to her 2 girls all 4 seasons! Jenny, a long-time Banff resident, has taught skiing at Lake Louise since 2004, specializing in instructor training programs. She also coaches mountain bike skills for Rundle Mountain Cycling Club and trains their Enduro development team. This year round passion for exploration and mountain adventure has allowed her to hone her skills and share them with other instructors and trainers.
sebastien baribeau
Seb boasts 42 years skiing, 25 instructing, and 18 as a course conductor! He has worked at numerous ski schools across Canada including Mount Orford, Lake Louise, Le Massif, Whistler Blackcomb and Whitewater. He's spent time at Courchevel in France and with the Rookie Academy in New Zealand. He holds CSIA Level 4, ISIA stamp, CSCF Coach Level 2, and Avalanche Association Level 1 certifications. He also represented Canada at the 2023 Interski.
jamie jack
Jamie's two-decade ski journey began in Scotland and took him across Canada, from Mont Tremblant in the east to Whistler Blackcomb in the west. As a Level 4 instructor, examiner, race coach, and ski tester, he's honed diverse skills. Beyond Canada, Jamie boasts international credentials: IASI Level 4, PSIA Level 3, and an International Trainer role with New Zealand's Rookie Academy. Jamie was also a proud member of the 2023 Canadian Interski team.
Tom Bazley
Growing up in England with a childhood dream of becoming an instructor, Tom chased the snow from the Canadian Rockies to South America, and now resides in Whistler, BC. His drive to help others succeed has led him to his current roles as a training supervisor and recruiter at Whistler Blackcomb snow school. As a CSIA Level 4, course conductor and training author, Tom is dedicated to sharing his expertise as a member of the PSIC training team.
natalie morel wood
Nat started teaching at Mont-Ste-Anne, Quebec, then moved to Whistler, BC, with her career taking her to Australia, N.Z., Japan, China, and Chile. A former member of the International women's Head R&D Team in Austria, she helped design women’s ski lines. She’s a 2x Interski Team member and CSIA Level 4 course conductor. Currently supervising Gap programs and courses in Whistler, Nat is eager to share her passion for skiing and inspire new instructors with "this is a pretty cool lifestyle"!
francois hebert
Francois, with 23 years in the ski industry, began at Mont Tremblant and has since excelled in roles like ski coach, Helicopter ski guide, and currently, Training Supervisor at Whistler Blackcomb. He's been instrumental in developing Vail Resorts' safety culture and won the CWSAA 2022 Safety Mogul Award. He holds numerous certifications including Level 4 course conductor and Level 3 CSCF. Additionally, as Head Coach and GM of Whistler Sailing Association, he's built a reputable sailing school.
MOrgan engel
Morgan’s joy of skiing is undoubtedly infectious for all around him. He brings 25 years of course conducting experience to the LPT Collective. Morgan's instructor career spans from Alberta's Hidden Valley to Whistler Blackcomb in BC, and New Zealand's Rookie Academy. Morgan’s certifications are CSIA level 4, ISIA stamp, ACA DL coach, active member with accredited NZSIA level 2, and PSIA level 3. He is also proud to have been a trusted advisor for CARV the past 5 years.
jamie kagan
Jamie's ski instructing career began in 2003 in Banff, and then Silverstar BC, where he earned his Level 4 certification. His expertise spans globally, including certifications with BASI, IASI, Swiss Brevet Federal, and the Euro Ski Pro. Currently, he's the Head of Education for IASI and co-founder of Sommet et Neige SARL in Haute Nendaz, Switzerland. This ski school and instructor training center focuses on excellence in training and global instructor placement. Jamie is excited to reunite with mentors from Canada in this new journey.
anne marie fitzgerald
Anne Marie started her ski journey later than most at the age of 13, with her first real lesson to follow nearly 20 years later. She is now a Level 3 with Entry Level Coach through ACA and CADS Level 1 under her belt. Anne Marie looks forward to continuing her development and skills through the PSIC pathway.
cameryn higgs
Cameryn grew up skiing at Whistler Blackcomb and transitioned from student to Head Coach of the AMA Whistler Athlete Development Program.
A mentor in the Women in Skiing Mentorship Program since its start, she holds her Level 4 CSIA, Entry Level CFCS and CADS certification. Cameryn dedicates herself to fostering inclusivity and safety in the ski industry, guiding skiers towards their professional and personal aspirations while tackling systemic challenges.
doug wilkinson
Doug started teaching at Whistler 10 years ago, winning Rookie of the Year. Moving to Sun Peaks in 2018, his focus has been Instructor Training as well as reaching the top of the Private Instructor rankings. A Level 4 Academy CSIA, Level 1 course conductor, Level 2 CSCF and Level 1 CADS, Doug seamlessly blends the technical with a friendly approach making every lesson a fun guest learning experience.
traci elliott
Traci, a University of Waterloo graduate in Kinesiology, has over 25 years of experience teaching skiing in Ontario, Banff, and Japan. She recently worked as a Snow School Supervisor at Chicopee, Kitchener. Known for exceptional customer service and handling large group lessons, Traci is also a member of CADS and the Waterloo Region Track 3 Ski Association. Off-slope, she's a Behaviour Coach specializing in Autism, applying her skills to support diverse learners in skiing.
allison sharpe
Allison, with 18 years at the North Toronto Ski Club, has been a vital part of the ski community, volunteering and training instructors. As a Snow School Director for seven seasons, she fostered engagement and skill development among members and instructors. Experienced in certifying Level 1 Instructors, Allison is now eager to contribute her passion for teaching and personal growth to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada.
melissa gwen
Originally from Wales, Melissa discovered her love for skiing at 13 during a school trip to Switzerland. After several more skiing adventures and a move to Canada, her skiing journey took a turn in 2013 when she achieved her Level 1 certification. Balancing a full-time construction job during weekdays, Gwen dedicates her weekends to part-time ski instruction at Nakiska. Now a Level 3 instructor and trainer, Melissa has successfully conducted multiple Level 1 exams, showcasing her expertise and commitment to the sport.
ari gabo
Ari started out as a classic Australian holiday skier. His passion for the sport developed on his yearly trip to the Australian alps, providing an opportunity to ski in rain, wind, sleet and hail. Seeking better snow, he ventured to Canada, where he earned his Level 4 certification, snow park certification, CADS Level 1, and development level race coach qualifications. Now part of PSIC, Ari is eager to inspire a new generation of skiers, particularly focusing on expanding the sport within underrepresented communities.
brennan hagey
Brennan, a lifelong skier and lover of all sports, began his journey in the ski industry 18 years ago at Big White in BC. After moving back to Ontario and becoming a CSIA course conductor and FSO coach he worked at Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort eventually becoming the Director of Recreation before moving into a Snow School Manager at Mt Seymour, in BC. With over 25 years of coaching skiing, golf, tennis and baseball, passing along the love for outdoor adventure and athletics is his passion.
dani glennie
Dani has been ski instructing for 23 years and currently resides near Asessippi Ski Area in Manitoba where Dani teaches and trains.
With a passion for skiing and winter fun on the prairies, Dani loves to pass on her knowledge to the new generations to enjoy the sport she loves so dearly!
gary colling
Gary Colling, Assistant Head Coach at Chicopee Ski Hill, boasts a distinguished career in skiing. A Level 3 PSIC, currently pursuing Level 4, and a Level 3 CSIA and AOA DL coaching certification, Gary excels in nurturing ski talents. His journey began at Glen Eden, evolved at Whistler Blackcomb, and included a significant stint as a boot fitter for national team members in the '90s. Passionate and fun-loving, Gary embodies excellence and joy in ski instruction.
dave webb
Dave is a passionate ski instructor whose journey began at Happy Valley in Walkerton, ON where he started skiing with his family. His aspiration was clear when he wrote his grade 5 speech about becoming a professional instructor. After graduating from Brock University, he completed his first instructor course at Mount St. Louis Moonstone in 1991. With Level III CSIA/Level II CSCF certifications, Dave has taught at Whistler Blackcomb, Beaver Valley Ski Club, Sir Sam’s, and Chicopee, conducting Level I courses for 21 years.
larry Caruso
Larry, a University of Waterloo graduate, has 54 years of teaching experience, beginning at Alpine Ski Club and currently as a session leader and adult trainer at Toronto Ski Club. He is a certified Level 3 Instructor, Level 2 Coach, Level 1 Course Conductor, and served as an Ontario board member with the portfolio of Level 1 Course Coordinator for three years. Inducted into the Ontario Ski Hall of Fame in 2023, Larry has been a Rossignol Product Ambassador for 33 years.
chris o'kane
Chris's lifelong love of skiing began in Onaping, Ontario. He took lessons at Hockley Valley Resort and started teaching as an apprentice instructor at 13, becoming a professional instructor at 15. Mentored by Snow School Director Brian Donato for 10 years, Chris has been a course conductor for a decade, known for his good humor and clarity. He guides athletes and instructors across Canada, runs L1-L3 courses, works with MySkiTrip (MST), and skis with friends. Chris is always eager to share his passion for skiing with others.
jeff marks
From Alberta's Marmot Basin to Banff's Snow School and then crafting a novel snow school approach in Niseko Village, Japan, Jeff's ski journey is extensive. After his return to Canada in 2011, he dedicated 12 years to the CSIA, rising to the role of National Program Director. Representing Canada at three Interski events and leading as the 2023 Head Coach, Jeff continuously showcases his deep-rooted passion and profound expertise in skiing.
mark sedgwick
An ardent skier and respected global thought leader, Mark's 30-year journey encompassed an Executive role at Whistler Blackcomb, as it became the most visited resort on the planet. Now at the helm of the PSIC, Mark's diverse global ski education has enriched his expertise. Mark's ski education spans three pathways: Austrian, Australian and Canadian. He's proudly represented both Australia and Canada at Interski, showcasing his ever-evolving passion and knowledge.
ed cambridge
Ed is a long-time ski teacher in Ontario, from Chedoke to Chicopee to Glen Eden and now with Alpine Ski Club in Collingwood. His passion grows from ski experiences both as a child and now as a parent of two enthusiastic skiers! He has a passion for training ski pros and has been an instructor trainer at several Ontario resorts and clubs. Ed aims to create fun, memorable skier experiences with clear, simple instruction and is dedicated to lifelong learning and inspiring others in their snow sport journey.
perry schmunk
Perry, Canadian delegation head at Interski 2023 and former Managing Director of the CSIA, has a notable history of leadership, including Mayor of Tofino and Snow School Director at Whistler Blackcomb. His impactful roles span from marketing and management in the hospitality industry to driving growth and navigating change at the CSIA through the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.