Canadian Coach Profile
If you love skiing and want to share your passion with others, becoming a professional ski coach might be the perfect career for you. In this section, we will introduce you to some of the best ski coaches in Canada, who have trained and mentored many successful ski racers. You will learn about their pathway, backgrounds, achievements, tips and advice on how to become a ski coach yourself. Whether you want to work with beginners, intermediate or advanced skiers, there is a place for you in the Canadian ski coaching community. Read on and get inspired by these amazing stories!
How many years have you been coaching & tell us about your coaching pathway, teams/age groups you have worked with?
Since 2007. 16 years. U-6 to U-14. FIS Club level, NorAM, Europa Cup, WC. Started at the club level in Quebec and Alberta, worked at FIS level, provincial level men and women's side, Development team, FIS/EC European private team and national team.
Do you have a ski racing background?
Yes. I raced until 15 years old.
Do you have a coach mentor(s)? If yes, who and what have you learned from them?
Yes. Different people had played a mentor role in my career. People with advanced experience in ski racing at different levels with different backgrounds (national team coaches, club program director, provincial team coach, etc).
What is your academic and specific ski coaching education?
Academic: Diplôme d'études collégiales en technique de Compatibilité et gestion and Baccalauréat en Intervention sportive (Université Laval) profile coaching.
Coaching education : ACA Performance Level coach, NCCP Level 3, Reconditioning Level 1, continued education related to sport science, management, etc
How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
Teach, guide and support for the development of an athlete's autonomy. Give your best every day and make your best better! Alone you go fast, but together you go far! Listen to the athletes to understand them better. Coaching should be a two-way interaction between coach and athlete (not one way only). Reaching for excellence is the pursuit of the best self in all aspects: technically, physically, mentally, tactically, etc. The reason for being of the sport is being a tool for human development and growth.[JR1]
What is your most proud achievement as a coach?
When the athletes succeed in reaching their biggest goals that seemed impossible especially when the process has been challenging.Your favourite ski racer of all time and why?.
What would be your feedback to a young coach that wants to become a career ski coach?
You can learn from anybody. Get to know you and your strengths and challenge yourself in the desire to growth with every opportunity. Invest yourself in projects you believe. Act with purpose.
Who is your favourite ski racer of all times and why?
Aksel Lund Svindal. For me he is the definition of excellence. Because of his skiing performances, but also through his human being. Always on top of his art even after multiple setbacks and always there to help and work with his teammates and the newcomers to reach the top with him.
What is one word that would describe your current group of athletes?
Energy!
How many years have you been coaching & tell us about your coaching pathway, teams/age groups you did work have worked with?
21 years of coaching, degree in Science of sport, I have been coaching different age group in different clubs, I have been full time ski instructor for 2 years. I coached in a ski academy, Laval university ski team and 12 years with the Quebec ski team. 11 years with the women’s and 1 year as the men’s and women’s head coach.
Did you come from a ski racing background?
Yes many years of ski racing
Do you have a coach mentor(s)? If yes, who and what have you learned from them?
Yes sure. Martin Durocher has been my colleague and mentor for many years. I learned the concept of accountability and responsibility. We always valued creativity and initiatives. Pierre Ruel always been around to inspired me. I like his new school approach and his constant search of excellence. Tim Gfeller and Mark sharp are also very positive model, I always respect their input, their communication skills and their passion.
What is your academic and specific ski coaching education?
Degree in Physical and health education & sport intervention+ performance level
How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
I am a very passionate coach, I see myself as a guide and I support the athletes in their journey. I like to think outside the box and create training environments that will stimulate the learning of athletes and their curiosity.
What is your most proud achievement as a coach?
have been the leader of the Quebec team from 2011 to 2023. We had success but also a lot of adversity, I am proud of my loyalty and resiliency through years.
Your favourite ski racer of all time and why?.
Erik Guay, He inspired a generation of skiers, he’s accessible, still passionate and involved
One word that would describe your current group of athletes?
extraordinary potential, a united group of girls
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