We couldn't do what we do at the Bridger Ski Foundation without the incredible 100+ coaches on staff. They go above and beyond the job description. Here at BSF, coaching is about so much more than just ski skills. It's the enthusiasm you bring each day, the way you listen, plan, adapt, and inspire. Our coaches fill so many roles, from travel planners, to van drivers, chefs, counselors, cheerleaders, ski waxers, and more.
Here are the 2023 Coaches & Groomers of the Year, nominated by our program directors.
Abram has been coaching with the BSF Devo Team for the past four seasons while completing his undergraduate degree at MSU. Abram is a thoughtful and dedicated coach, always encouraging his athletes to push themselves while constantly working to make practices fun and engaging. We are sad to lose Abram after this season, but are excited to see where the next phase of life takes him! He’s always stoked to help athletes love skiing and embrace being outside. (He’s also incapable of passing up a good game of sharks and minnows.)
Kyle Hase was on of our rookie Intro coaches, and did a phenomenal job. Kyle is currently attending MSU where he is studying Economics and Sustainability. He brought so much positive energy to each and every practice! Kyle coached four days per week, and never missed a practice. He helped lead the Middle School group on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and kept this group engaged and having fun. Kyle is from Park City, Utah, and has been on nordic skis his entire life, and grew up ski racing. His favorite part of coaching was seeing the progression of the kids' skills throughout the season.
Jack just finished his freshman year at Montana State studying Marketing and Management. He grew up in Colorado, loving hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, skiing and snowshoeing (basically anything outdoors). Outside of coaching for BSF and the outdoors, jack is involved with the Montana State football team, and he loves watching college sports, and playing golf.
Julia joined the BSF coaching staff in 2019. She grew up skiing, running, biking, climbing and hiking in Frisco, Colorado, and skied with the MSU Ski Team. She graduated from MSU in 2015 with a degree in Exercise Science and a passion for health, wellness and fitness. She brings endless energy and enthusiasm to practice every day and is committed to mentoring athletes and helping them overcome challenges as they pursue their goals. Julia continues to seek out opportunities to grow as a coach, working at both the NTG camp in Soldier Hollow, UT, and World Junior Championships in Whistler, BC, this past season.
Weston just completed his 4th season coaching for BSF. He made great progress with the U12 Alpine athletes and was the driving force of getting in more ridge hikes with our skiers. Weston grew up racing in Big Sky and Missoula, and he also competed in freeride events.
Gabe grew up in Seattle, Washington, before moving to Bozeman. This is Gabe's second year with BSF. He coached the Freestyle Devo program and he showed up every day of the season to coach his athletes. At line up, there were athletes screaming his name as they wanted to ski in his group. Gabe has an infectious personality and is a great addition to our coaching staff.
Gabby grew up in Minnesota and began working for BSF in 2018 as an Intro coach when she moved to Bozeman to attend MSU. For the last two years, she has worked with the Nordic Adult program year round and has helped build out our program offerings. She prepares our adult athletes for a variety of goals, from community races to regional events. This past season she revived the adult trip to the Boulder Mountain Tour, and she can't wait to take an even larger crew next year. With her try-anything attitude and her interest in developing appropriate progressions for training plans, she has helped BSF attain more breadth and depth to our offerings. We are grateful for her energy and expertise!
Zoe came to MSU from Alaska and graduated last year with her degree in Health and Human Performance. Zoe has grown so much in her three years coaching for BSF. This past season, she juggled Devo coaching with her physical therapy internship. Zoe arrives to practice early and is always prepared. She is ready with smiles for the kids and full of motivation and positive energy. We wish Zoe the best of luck as she heads to PT school. Thank you, Zoe!
Coach Clarissa brought her "A Game" to each and every practice this season. She coached the Silver group this year, a fun group of 3rd-5th grade girls. Clarissa grew up skiing in Minnesota, and became a competitive biathlon athlete in high school and college. She loves to ski and share her joy and passion with the next generation. A highlight this year for the Silver group was celebrating Jessie Diggin's World Cup win with a festive USA-themed practice.
Joe Breault: In his first season with the BSF Trails crew, Joe quickly turned his skills on a snowmobile and experience operating equipment into a huge asset for our program. His reliability, attention to detail and community-minded approach to helping out this season were greatly appreciated!
Kimo Sullivan: Kimo brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked in Winter Park, CO, and most recently in Soldier Hollow, UT. With deep roots in the Nordic skiing and grooming world, his calm, methodical approach, and keen eye for details made this already amazing ski season a notch better.
