Chris Ericson, Director of Training

Employed At Belleayre: Since 1987
Certification: Alpine Level III
PSIA-E Educational Staff –Examiner

As a “home-grown” instructor, I am happy to tell people that Belleayre is the place where I learned how to ski, taught my first lesson and raised my family in a sport that has brought so much joy to us.  The influence of Ralph Combe, Bill Hornbeck, and Craig Smith in my first years at Belleayre kept me wanting to learn more, teach better, and understand how both of those things would make me a better skier. I enjoy working with the public improving on their skills and bringing them to new exciting places throughout the Mountain.  However, some of my most rewarding experiences have been working with the Training Staff at Belleayre and developing a Snowsports School that is eager to learn and challenge themselves with PSIA and AASI Certification.

Employed at Belleayre since 2007
Certification: Alpine Level III
PSIA Ed Staff: former DCL (Divisional Clinic Leader)

I started teaching skiing at Otis Ridge in the Berkshires in 1975 and
have taught at Jiminy Peak, West Mountain, Gore Mountain, Diamond Peak (NV), Hunter Mountain, Bolton Valley (VT) and Belleayre. I worked with Don Boyce at Hunter and jumped at the opportunity to work with him and the great training staff here at Belleayre. I enjoy working with all
levels and love to see the excitement when someone "gets it."

I enjoy working with the same group of skiers for the 10 week programs, be it Alpine or Adult. I can plan to have a Group focus for the day, as well as give them an individual focus, to improve their skiing skills during the life of the program.

I am currently working with the Kids Kamp program, where the students are just as full of energy as the students in the Alpine or Adult programs, just a little shorter!.My motto as a Trainer for our Instructors is the same as that for my other students - "Ski Safe - Have Fun - Learn Something".

Eva Foster

Employed at Belleayre: Since 1999
Certification: Alpine Level III
Nordic Level II

Whether I'm teaching a first time skier making their first runs,  a seasoned skier honing their skills in the bumps, or anyone wanting to try telemark,  it's a thrill for me to help others grow in a sport that I love. It's all good - it's all about fun!

I began working at Belleayre as a volunteer while serving as the Town of
Shandaken Recreation Director.
I coordinated a ski program at Belleayre for the local youth. I soon
realized then that I had a great passion for skiing, despite the fact
that I had much to learn. After a couple of seasons of volunteering, I
was offered a part time position as a ski instructor, which I eagerly
accepted. Being an adult beginner, I greatly respected and appreciated
the patience and guidance of the instructors working with large and very
diverse groups. I also know first hand the anxiety, humility and
intimidating experiences of being an adult student. With professional
guidance from PSIA and many hours of instruction from Belleayre's
training staff, persistence and great personal drive, I obtained my
Level I certification in 2001 and Level II in 2004. I believe that my
personal experiences have provided me with a good ability to relate to
an adult attempting to master the sport of skiing. In addition, my years
of interaction with children of all ages, has given the skills to
effectively communicate with an enthusiastic young student. My teaching
style is non threatening and simplistic.
I enjoy teaching children as well as adults. The end result is the same
regardless of age. The satisfaction of accomplishment and the smile it
brings is rewarding whether on a youthful face or one that is seasoned
with time.

Nate Meckes

I began in Kids Camp just trying to earn a little extra cash. After two years of teaching at the Lower Mountain, I started teaching Belleayre's Freestyle Snowboard Team, and became the Head Coach the following year. With great help from Belleayre's training staff, I received my Snowboard Level II cert and took an adventure to Crested Butte Mountain Resort. With two years of professional development there, I passed my level III exam and returned to Belleayre to begin training new staff. Belleayre, though small, has some of the best teaching terrain and is a great beginning for any potential instructor.

Cheryl Thomas

Employed at Belleayre: Since 2007
Certification: Alpine Level III
PSIA Ed Staff: DCL

I've been teaching skiing since 1975. I've taught at Greek Peak, Sugarloaf (ME), Cortina Valley, Hunter Mountain, Bolton Valley (VT) and Belleayre. I love Belleayres' fantastic teaching terrain, variety of teaching opportunities, and terrific staff. My husband Rich Bowie and I have had the good fortune to work as staff trainers at Bolton, Hunter and Belleayre. We hope to still be skiing and teaching and learning at Belleayre for many years to come.