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Don Boyce Snowsports Director
Employed at Belleayre: Since 2002
Certification: Alpine Level III
Skiing has been one of the biggest joys in my life since my father first began taking me with him in 1959. I began teaching in 1978 with the Karl Plattner Ski School at Hunter Mountain. I’ve had the great pleasure of coaching hundreds of new skiers through their first days on skis. Learning to be a better ski teacher and trainer has played a huge role in helping me become a better skier. I enjoy teaching all levels from beginner to bumps and racing. I am passionate about working with the teaching staff here at Belleayre and I look forward to doing whatever I can to help staff members achieve their skiing and teaching goals in the coming season. |
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Chris Ericson, Director of Training
Employed At Belleayre: Since 1987
Certification: Alpine Level III
PSIA-E Educational Staff – Development Team
I have had the fortunate experience of being surrounded by people who have supported me throughout my years at Belleayre. 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 Certification. Having worked in all areas of the Snowsports School (SkiWee to the Upper Mountain), I understand the challenges we face in keeping our staff up to date and uniform in teaching and movement concepts. In the past few years we have taken steps to make clinics more accessible and focused while not forgetting that playing in the snow and having fun, is the best part of our job. |
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Rich Bowie
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." |
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Greg Dombroski
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1996
Certification: Alpine Level II
AASI Level I
I taught 3 years in the Lower Area, then moved to the Alpine Development program in 1999. I enjoy working with the same group of young skiers for the 11 week Alpine program. 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.
Our motto as a clinician is the same as that for my kids in Alpine Development - "Ski Safe - Have Some Fun - Learn Something". |
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Erik Donaldson
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1996
Certification: Nordic Downhill Level III
AASI Level I
I first skied in the back yard when I was eight. I don’t know if or how much the heels of my boots were locked down, but I do know that the bear-trap cable bindings didn’t release and that I just walked up the hill and performed straight run in the same tracks over and over. I started out instructing at Belleayre part time in the teaching circle 9 or 10 years ago (if anybody knows the date, please let me know.) Although I had level I alpine certification from ASIA a couple years before that, I hadn’t really taught anyone skiing before I started at Belleayre. I took the PSIA snowboard level I (before the name change to AASI) in 1997. I have been working full time at Belleayre for 6 years. Last season, I finally received level III in Nordic downhill (telemark) skiing. I am still working on level II in snowboarding, but I’ve racked up a few attempts at it. As a sideline to that I have three snowboard freestyle accreditation certificates: intro, park and half pipe. I hope to get the freestyle master accreditation if I can come close to pulling off a 270 on to a rail and a 540 over a tabletop – tough tricks for an old dog, but I’m working on it. I suppose my current strength in training instructors is probably verbal explanations of the technical side of skiing and snowboarding. My ambition in this regard is to be known as someone who can help instructors develop progressions which enable athletes to improve technique and confidence quickly and safely. |
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Eva Foster
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1999
Certification: Alpine Level III
Since starting Belleayre in 1999, I have taken advantage of as much training as possible, and have tought all kinds of people from toddlers to octarians. I got my Level 3 certification in March 2008 and look forward to helping my coworkers along the same path.
Whether I'm teaching a first time skier making their first runs, or a fellow instructor honing their skills in the bumps, 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!
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Rei Gonzalez
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1989
Certification: Alpine Level II
AASI Level I
I learned to ski at Windham Mountain 18 years ago and was then invited to
ski at Belleayre and never left. I have been associated with Belleayre
Snowsport School as an instructor for 17years and joined PSIA in 1989 as a
Registered Member.
I personally love to teach new ski instructors how to ski moguls whereby
they enjoy the experience and will be able to teach their students.
In addition, I like learning from other instructors who teach other
snowsport activities which expands both my teaching and skiing skills. |
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Caroline Harrow
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1990
Certification: Alpine Level II
I have been an Alpine Ski Instructor at Belleayre Mountain for 16 years. I was fortunate enough to have Bill Muller (of the Sno Pro Jam Bill Muller Award) take me under his wing. He taught me to enjoy the journey and truly love the whole mountain experience. Each year I attend the Sno Pro Jam to keep current on all PSIA advancements as well as “kick start” the season. I have taken advantage of the excellent Staff Trainer ski Improvement opportunities that are offered to us at Belleayre. Through the years I have taught everything from the Teaching Circle, Adult Weekend Workshop, School Programs, Moving and Private Lessons as well as being a Staff Trainer. I also taught a group in the Senior Program at Windham Mountain for three years. I have taken many clinics and read an enormous amount of material on the different aspects of teaching women and on helping skiers overcome fear. I feel that I bring an expertise in both fields to my clinic group and customers. |
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Kathy Jordan
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1993
Certification: Alpine Level II
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.
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Jack Jordan
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1992
Certification: Alpine Level II
This will be my 14th year of teaching skiing at Belleayre. I achieved my Level II PSIA certification in 2000 and became a part-time ski instructor the same year I became a high school principal. I missed teaching and loved to ski so working as a ski instructor fulfilled both my passions. Besides instructing our paying customers, I thoroughly enjoy working with our instructors to help them become better teachers and skiers. I feel my educational background (35 years as a teacher, principal and superintendent) have prepared me to be able to offer my expertise to our lower area instructors. As a Staff Trainer, I feel that I work best with our newer instructors sharing the many teaching experiences that I have learned over the years. |
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Phil Mones
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1987
Certification: Alpine Level III
I am entering the 19th year of teaching at Belleayre and as a member PSIA. I have always enjoyed watching people learn and expand their horizons in the world of skiing, whether it be the never ever student or the instructor(s) with whom I work or ski with. There is a need for all of us to be versatile in our skiing, in an effort to add to our ever growing skills pool. I have always tried to convey this in a fun manner, so that we all become better as a result. In the years that I have been at the mountain, I have seen the way that the mountain has grown and taken many positive turns towards that fun that we often need and clamor for. Let's keep it going. |
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David Petrie
Employed at Belleayre since 2000
Certification : AASI Level I
After skiing at Belleayre for many years, I decided to try
snowboarding. I had a private lesson with a great instructor, and I've
never looked back! I started out working for Belleayre part-time, and
went full time in 2003.
I enjoy teaching, be it a beginner or expert lesson. Having
an eye for movement analysis, patience, and years of experience are an
Instructor's best traits, which make the customers' experience the best
it can be.
I look forward to another exciting season at Belleayre,
working with our great Instructors, and making some new friends. |
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Jamie Rizza
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1996
Certification: AASI Level I
I am a level 1 instructor with plans on taking the level 2 test this season. I have been a staff trainer for 3 years and really enjoy working with all the other riders! Some of my strong points I believe are movement analysis as well as freestyle training. I also feel that my bag of tricks for teaching is quite large due to the time I’ve spent teaching large classes. |
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Marty Ruglis
Employed at Belleayre: Since 2004
Certification: Alpine Level II
I first taught skiing at Maple Ridge Ski Center for the Schenectady Ski
School from 1984 - 1997 for Freddie Anderson, and obtained my Level II
Alpine certification in 1994. After a job relocation, I taught at the
Buffalo Ski Club from 1997 - 2001, and have been fortunate to be at
Belleayre since 2004. Skiing has always been a family sport for us: my
wife and oldest daughter are Level I; middle daughter is Level II Alpine
and Nordic; and my son has taught snow boarding at two different
mountains. It is still one of the few activities that we can all
participate in and have fun together. Being an instructor at Belleayre
is a great way to stay connected to the real essence of teaching and a
wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and a sport that has brought me so
much enjoyment. I take pride in working with other instructors on
skiing skills and the process of individualizing instruction to meet the
needs of our clients. |
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Craig Smith
Employed at Belleayre: Since 1976
Certification: Alpine Level II
I started teaching skiing at a mountain in Andes called Bobcat Ski Area in 1966. After several years there, I moved over to Belleayre. I feel that my specialty is working with and training new instructors and those working towards Level II Certification. In addition to working at Belleayre, I am a Clinician and Examiner for the Amateur Ski Instructors Association (ASIA) and have been a guide for European ski trips for the past 20 years. I have enjoyed working as an instructor and Staff Trainer at Belleayre watching the programs grow and become successful. |
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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 pportunities, 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.
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Mimi Weisbond
Employed at Belleayre: Since 2002
Certification: Alpine Level II
I am a total technique junkie. Over the years I have skied the Arlberg, New French, Alta Powder, and Aspen (no poles!) Techniques. Then, as a first time Instructor at Windham, I learned to ski and teach PSIA’s American Teaching Method, which has morphed into our contemporary American Teaching System.
And while I love to learn, I really love to teach. I get truly excited by sharing the joy and seeing the lightbulbs go on. I’m grateful for all the help and training I’ve received over the years, and am grateful for the opportunity as a Staff Trainer to pass along as much as I can. After Windham, I taught at Stratton for 2 years. This will be my seventh season at Belleayre, and I can’t think of a happier place to be. |
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Links for Instructors and those interested in becoming an instructor.
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