Head Freeride Coach

JOB TITLE:  Head Freeride Coach 

DIVISION: Snowsports Teams 

REPORTS TO: Team Solitude Manager     

LOCATION: Snowsports Ski & Ride 

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time/Seasonal/Hourly 

PAY RATE: $28.88 

POSITION:  

The Head Freeride Coach is responsible for the Solitude Freeride Team programs. They will deliver high-quality training and prepare athletes for performance in IFSA (International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association) competitions. An intimate knowledge of Freeride competitions and coaching principals are an essential part of the job. Our programs predominantly work with children ages 10 to 18 (U12 – U19) focused on competing at least once per season or trying to qualify for Junior Freeride Champs and build the foundation for an adult career. The right candidates will possess an organized work style, display enthusiasm and professionalism, and support team members to excel in their roles. This position requires exceptional communication skills, understanding of how to help athletes and parents establish seasonal goals, and the ability to design strategies to attain them.   

JOB QUALIFICATIONS  

• Available throughout the winter season including weekends, holidays, and evenings from September through April. Additionally, available for specific spring/summer training camps as needed. 

• Advanced level skiing skills and knowledge.  

• Level 100 IFSA certification (200 preferred) or the ability to obtain during the season.  

• Experience as an athlete in an organized race or freeride program preferred. Competition experience at the national level is a plus. 

• Multiple seasons coaching in an organized IFSA freeride club, US Ski and Snowboard, or high school program. 

• Avalanche safety education/certification, and/or the motivation and willingness to obtain these certifications during the first season of employment.  

• Familiarity with either US Ski and Snowboard, IFSA, or PSIA/AASI coaching methodologies and movement analysis. 

• A contemporary understanding of current IFSA rules, judging criteria, and athlete pipeline.  

• Excellent people skills are required to effectively communicate with athletes, parents, other coaches, mountain employees and guests on the mountain.  

• Have high standards for safety in all training environments.  

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist with all Teams department operations as needed, reporting to Teams Manager 

• Conduct athlete assessments 

• Provide weekly, monthly and season long training plans 

• On-snow management of the Freeride team from U12 up to U19 athletes including coaching athletes directly and managing effective athlete groupings for staff. 

• Equipment supervision, i.e.; drills, fencing, gates, radios, etc.  

• Maintain accurate records; release of liability, race forms, IFSA memberships, travel expenses 

• Assist athletes in registering for events 

• Excellent communication with parents, athletes, and management. Fast turnaround time on communication on various platforms ranging from phone and email to teams to TeamSnap, etc. 

• Provide feedback and coaching daily to athletes, maintain lesson plans and logs, and submit written year-end evaluations on each athlete.  

• Maintain accurate records, assure compliance with policies, and manage finances 

• Communicate any needs to perform job exceptionally to leadership  

• Assure that all facilities and equipment are properly maintained and stored.  

• Shoot video and conduct video analysis sessions with athletes regularly.  

• Travel may be required for races or competitions. Company vehicles will be utilized for transportation and ability to keep expense records will be required for reimbursement. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:  

Mountain Environment:  

• The primary outdoor environment requires tolerance to exposures such as cold, snow, wind, rain, sun, high altitude, extreme heights, extreme terrain, lightning, etc...  

• Strenuous physical activity requires excellent physical fitness and may include skiing in all possible variable snow conditions and hiking in challenging terrain with equipment.  

• Must be able to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, including while on skis and safely load, ride, and unload chairlifts while performing job duties. 

• Must demonstrate the ability to ski or snowboard groomed and ungroomed black diamond terrain in a proficient, controlled, and safe manner across varying snow and weather conditions. 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in this position.