Freestyle Ski Coach

What the role is all about:

At WinSport, we are seeking passionate individuals committed to sharing their stoke for skiing in and out of the park!

You may be a great fit and we encourage you to apply if:

• The idea of sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with young riders engages you!
• It sounds like fun to cultivate positive relationships with your athletes and within your team as you celebrate their progress over the season.
• It would be fulfilling to help athletes understand their goals and work towards achieving them.
• You want to be part of a team that maintains a safe, welcoming, inspiring and creative environment where both athletes and staff will flourish.

In this role, you will be providing high-quality lessons to freestyle athletes ages 6-17 from fundamentals to advanced, contributing to their skill development and love for winter sports. You will work in a dynamic, supportive setting, delivering lessons safely and engagingly, centered around developing athleticism, confidence, respect, and self-discipline in an environment that is positive, challenging, and safe for progression.

Consistent freestyle programs run Monday to Saturday through the season excluding holidays. Season-long, January start and Spring programs are available, running to the end of the season. Some opportunity for additional work with freestyle camps running over the holidays.

Key responsibilities include leading check-in and out, providing duty of care for athletes, seeking to understand athlete goals, and developing a season-long training plan to keep athletes engaged and progressing throughout a long season. You will teach exceptional lessons that focus on both freestyle and all-around skiing skills inside the park and out, providing meaningful feedback pertaining to progression and assisting in successful program execution.

As a Freestyle Ski coach, you strive to approach your work to align with our 6 values which are at the core of who we are and what we do at WinSport.

• Safety
• Integrity
• Belonging
• Collaboration
• Inspiration
• Sustainability

What you will be doing:

• Engaging experiences:

• Deliver clear, concise, and intentional lesson content that aligns with guests' needs, age, stage, goals, utilizing a constructive, positive first feedback approach.
• Provide exceptional customer service and guest-focused experiences aligning with WinSport’s key behaviors: safe, welcoming, inspiring, creative.
• Teach and inspire guests to connect with the sport of freestyle skiing.
• Coordinate, communicate and record participant level changes with team members, leadership, and guests to maximize positive and safe learning experiences.
• Commit to coaching season-long programs to maximize our guests’ experiences, their development and connection to their coach.
• Understand the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model and how this applies to the group(s) you are coaching.

• Communication:

• Interact with guests and team members positively, in ways that align with our core values: safe, welcoming, inspiring and creative.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of WinSport’s Snow School products, communicating them effectively to make informed recommendations to guests.
• Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for guests of all ages, abilities, and personalities.

• Operational Effectiveness:
• Lead check-in and check-out for athletes participating in your lessons and support the overall check-in/out process including maintaining a welcoming environment.
• Maintain high personal and professional standards, arriving on time, in uniform, ready and equipped for the day ahead and adapting to changing conditions.
• Assist with the accommodation of guest needs with a mindset focused on guest service, problem solving, and adaptability.
• Collaborate with Shift Leads and other coaches and instructors to ensure the successful execution of ski programs, maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
• Demonstrate proactive problem-solving skills and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of guests.

• Safety/Risk Mitigation:
• Actively contribute to a safe and welcoming environment by identifying and mitigating hazards, adhering to and teaching the Alpine Responsibility Code and practicing proper park etiquette, and ensuring compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
• Safely lead ski lessons tailored to guests' skill levels and goals, following Freestyle Alberta coaching pathway training and/or CSIA/PSIC principles and WinSport's safety protocols.
• Maintain Team Member and Guest areas to the highest standard of safety and appearance on and off the hill, including entrances, exits, check-in and out areas.
• Actively be aware of the inherent risks associated with skiing, particularly within the context of terrain parks and make decisions that prioritize the safety of both yourself, other Team Members, and guests.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping, including waiver confirmation, attendance, maintaining class cards with accurate descriptions and recording secure pick-up codes or completing and verifying self-sign form completion for child safety.
• Maintain duty of care at all times ensuring the safety and well-being of participants in your care by providing proper instruction and progression, supervision, emergency preparedness, choosing appropriate terrain, bathroom breaks, and when taking breaks indoors.
• Other duties as assigned.

What you bring:

• Freestyle Fundamentalz qualification or higher required.
• Required NCCP courses/modules (Making headway in sport, Making ethical decisions & SafeSport.)
• Strong communication skills in English.
• Strong customer service skills. Previous experience in a customer service role is considered an asset.
• Able to work as a team and independently.
• Reliable, punctual, and a positive attitude.
• Coachable and able to adapt to feedback.
• Air 1, 2, 3, or 4 are considered an asset.
• CSIA/PSIC certifications are considered an asset.
• Previous experience instructing is considered an asset.
• Previous experience as a freestyle athlete is considered an asset.
• Previous volunteer experience is considered an asset.
• Fluency in other languages is considered an asset.

You will be:

• Prepared to work in all weather conditions.
• Healthy and prepared to be outdoors skiing every day.
• Able to lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 20lbs occasionally.
• Able to assist with chairlift loading/unloading.
• Consistently available for regular coaching days throughout the season.

Employment Dates & Times

• Seasonal position beginning in November. Projected winter season is November 20^th to March 28^th. Projected hill opening date is weather dependent.
• On-snow and off-snow training between November 7^th to 28^th. Training dates are based on the projected hill opening date and are subject to change.
• Part-time hours available, coaches with instructional certifications may instruct as well (apply for Instructor position for your discipline as well if interested).
• Lessons are offered Monday to Saturday during normal operating hours.
• Increases for additional certifications: e.g. Air 1-4, Comp Intro, etc.

WinSport Team Member Performance Expectations and Behaviours

• Collaboration
• Takes responsibility for their part of shared work
• Communicates clearly with teammates and partners to support team and guest outcomes
• Steps in to support others when needed
• Safety
• Follows safe work practices consistently
• Notices hazards and speaks up early
• Adjusts behaviour when conditions change
• Integrity
• Does what they say they will do, follows shared standards, and owns their responsibilities
• Is honest about mistakes and works to fix them
• Asks for help when needed to meet commitments
• Sustainability
• Focuses on priority work and avoids unnecessary rework
• Uses time, equipment, and resources responsibly
• Adjusts approach when plans or conditions change
• Inspiration
• Brings positive energy, enthusiasm, and joy to every guest interaction
• Helps guests feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated
• Listens to guest feedback and responds with care and action
• Belonging
• Treats guests and teammates with respect and care
• Practices active listening in daily interactions
• Includes others and avoids behaviours that exclude or dismiss

What we can offer you:

In addition to helping develop the next generation of winter athletes, WinSport team members also receive the following added benefits:

• Free WinSport Winter Season Pass
• Consistent weekly schedule (coaching the same groups)
  Reciprocals at other ski resorts
  Discounts on food, beverage, retail, and programs
  Access to our Performance Training Center

Discover, Develop, and Excel with WinSport:

Working with WinSport means you will be part of one of the most unique sport institutes in the world. At WinSport we pride ourselves on providing exceptional services to support our guests in training and maintaining an active lifestyle. We are a key provider within the local Ski and Snowboard community providing people of all ages and abilities with a place to progress their riding skills. We will support you along your pathway as you discover, develop and excel in your role at WinSport.