Instructors

Years Teaching XC: 21

Other Qualification(s): Ski School Director at TDXC! I am extremely proud of the depth of experience and education of the TDXC instructors team. XC Children’s Specialist; Physical Therapist.

Why I Teach: Alzheimer’s prevention 🙂 , development of healthy habits, nervous system regulation, connection to nature, sharing the joy of XC skiing!

Favorite Part of Teaching: Seeing former students fly by me on the trails 🙂

Fun Fact: I ski to work and home most days. I am so grateful.

Usual Days Instructing: Any and every day all season.

Anything Else? There are only 2 seasons: Winter and Waiting For Winter.

Years Teaching XC: 11

Other Qualification(s): Extensive citizens racing experience.

Why I Teach: It brings me joy to share my favorite activity with others.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Helping people learn and get better at something that is super good for you.

Fun Fact: I started skate at 40, racing at 50 and classic at 56, proving it’s never too late for XC!

Usual Days Instructing: Sunday through Saturday.

Anything Else? Glide is the goal!

Years Teaching XC: 20

Other Qualification(s): Worldloppet and American Birkie race participant

Why I Teach: We can all improve with lessons. I enjoy teaching people of all ages and all abilities, from 4 year-olds to master racers.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Seeing that “lightlbulb” go off at a point in the lesson, and the smiles and confidence it brings to the skier.

Fun Fact: I’m from Minnesota – it’s never to cold to ski!

Usual Days Instructing: Any day that ends in Y, when I’m in town.

Anything Else? Classic skiing is beautiful

Years Teaching XC: 20

Other Qualification(s): 5 years coaching at ASC, 7 years as clinic member with ex-olympian Glenn Jobe, 10 years masters racer

Why I Teach: I have spent many years promoting the sport of XC skiing. By helping teaching I hope to help students find more joy in the sport

Favorite Part of Teaching: I enjoy meeting people who are interested in improving their ski technique and sharing in that ah-hah moment when they feel the joy of new found efficiency in their skiing.

Fun Fact: Roller skiing during the summer really focuses ones technique awareness especially since you really don’t want to fall down!

Usual Days Instructing: For requesting private lessons, just call-in for availability.

Anything Else? Both skis and skiers benefit from a tune-up.

Years Teaching XC: 2

Other Qualification(s): PSIA/AASI Education Staff/Examiner Alumni

Why I Teach: Skiing combines many joyful things – the outdoors, camaraderie, exercise and fitness. I am so happy to be able to introduce skiers to this wonderful experience.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Helping people to feel comfortable and happy with the process of learning.

Fun Fact: I also coach/teach downhill skiing and specialize in Adaptive and Women’s clinics.

Years Teaching XC: 28

Other Qualification(s): PSIA Education Staff/Examiner, Masters XC and Biathlon racer, US Biathlon Coach, IBU World Cup Biathlon Range Official.

Why I Teach: I am passionate about sharing memorable outdoor experiences with our guests. I enjoy seeing many students become lifelong skiers!

Favorite Part of Teaching: Guiding students through unfamiliar sensations and maneuvers in a nurturing environment. Often I find that they are capable of much more than they thought!

Fun Fact: I’m a Sierra forest ecology nerd.

Usual Days Instructing: Weekends. Privates by request.

Anything Else? Putting skis on you feet is the most important part!

Years Teaching XC: 5

Other Qualification(s): I am particularly qualified to have fun gliding on snow both on and off trail, following animal tracks, and soaking in the natural beauty of winter. I have taught in the after school kids program, senior stride clinics and beginning skate clinics.

Why I Teach: Teaching is a way of connecting with my students and fellow instructors while continually learning to improve my own skiing and instruction skills. And having fun doing it.

Favorite Part of Teaching: I enjoy applying my teaching skills tool kit to complement each student’s learning style to achieve the skiing experience they are working toward.

Fun Fact: I am a guide for blind skiers as part of the Ski for Light organization event each year at Tahoe Donner. I am enthusiastic about snow shoeing with my dogs (or clients who want to snowshoe with a guide). I guide for the annual New Years’ Eve snowshoe event at Tahoe Donner.

Usual Days Instructing: Flexible. Privates, or better yet, let’s put together a custom clinic, and consider including a few friends; 1.5 hours a week for four weeks.

Anything Else? One of my favorite winter thrills is following animal tracks through the snow, wherever they may lead.

Years Teaching XC: 6

Other Qualification(s): I have coached several different sports and have also worked as a ski guide. I have guided multi-day back country ski trips. I have taught the after school biathlon session for the past five years.

Why I Teach: I take particular pride in being able to teach skiers of various ages and abilities. Whether I am teaching Business Law or cross country skiing my goal is to make learning fun.

Favorite Part of Teaching: If my student says at the end of a lesson, “I had no idea this could be so much fun and I cannot wait to come back,” I have succeeded!

Fun Fact: I bake scones every Saturday morning during the ski season. Also, I travel two or three weeks guiding bike trips across Europe every summer.

Usual Days Instructing: I have been accused of living at the Cross Country Ski Center in the winter. In other words, I am usually available.

Anything Else? Teaching skiing at TD Cross Country Ski Center is an honor that I do not take for granted.

Years Teaching XC: 7

Other Qualification(s): As a former XC athlete and biathlete who competed for Romania for 13 years, I taught cross-country skiing for 7 years and alpine skiing and snowboarding for 10 years in Romania, Austria, and the USA. My diverse background brings a unique perspective to snow sports instruction.

Why I Teach: I teach because I love helping others improve their skills and reach their goals. It’s rewarding to see my students grow, refine their technique, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Favorite Part of Teaching: My favorite part of teaching XC is seeing my students’ excitement and progress, and putting a smile on their faces as they overcome fear and learn something new. Knowing I played a role in their journey is incredibly rewarding.

Fun Fact: I love collecting healing and musical instruments, such as singing bowls and gongs. Each piece adds a unique resonance to my practice and brings a special energy to my sound healing sessions.

Usual Days Instructing: Tuesday-Wednesday for private lessons and the Kids Biathlon Program and some weekends for private lessons requests or the Adults Biathlon Program.

Anything Else? I love being surrounded by like-minded people at the TDXC Center who share the same passion for enjoying the snow. I believe the TD Ski School is the best place to work, with its great community and supportive environment.

Years Teaching XC: 3

Other Qualification(s): During my 30 year career as an optometrist I learned the value of connecting with people. I believe it’s just as important as teaching the skills.

Why I Teach: Whether your goal is to climb more efficiently to Drifter Hut or to simply move a few feet across the snow without fear of falling, my goal is always to help you achieve it while having fun!

Favorite Part of Teaching: I am very passionate about this sport and, as an instructor, nothing gives me greater joy than to watch you succeed with a smile and come back for more!

Fun Fact: I can go all day and, many moons ago, completed four Ironman Triathlons – Ironman Hawaii twice, Japan and Canada.

Usual Days Instructing: I am available almost any day. Make a private request and I’ll do my best to make it work.

Anything Else? During a huge storm in the winter of 2012, my husband and I took our first classic cross country ski lesson here and I was intrigued. The very next day I took my first skate skiing lesson and I was hooked! Come join me and have some fun!

Years Teaching XC: 3

Other Qualification(s): Having recently learned to ski myself (2020), I can relate to what new skiers are going through. Teaching swimming and coaching cross country and track has provided me with experience that crosses over to cross country ski instruction.

Why I Teach: Seems like I’ve always taught, and enjoyed it. I taught high school for 21 years and for part of that time coached cross country and track. I enjoy interacting with students of all ages.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Days or weeks after instruction, seeing my students out skiing on their own and enjoying it.

Fun Fact: I began my professional career as a wildlife biologist, thoroughly enjoy being out on skis, and experiencing our mountain environment in the winter.

Usual Days Instructing: Usually available any day of the week.

Anything Else? During part of the summer I work harvesting pine cones for forest reforestation.

Years Teaching XC: 8

Other Qualification(s): Certified by SwissSki as a youth instructor and coach.

Why I Teach: To help athletes go farther and faster with less effort.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Repeat students who develop a passion for the sport.

Fun Fact: Ask me about those seven years of collegiate ski racing.

Usual Days Instructing: Kids program and by request.

Anything Else? Those who only skate miss out on half of the sport.

Years Teaching XC: 35

Other Qualification(s): Member of the PSIA-AASI National XC Task Force, PSIA-AASI Western Region XC Task Force Lead, Clinician and Examiner.

Why I Teach: I enjoy the people and the atmosphere of XC Skiing.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Seeing former students on the trails moving along with less effort and enjoying the time outdoors.

Fun Fact: I spent 30 years as a middler school teacher and as a counselor. I have lots of patience and nothing will surprise me.

Usual Days Instructing: Weekends. Privates by request.

Anything Else? Skiing in a blizzard can be fun.

Years Teaching XC: 45

Other Qualification(s): Manager at Palm Springs Cross Country at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; head instructor Eastern Mountain Sports Telemark program at Wildcat Mountain, NH; instructor at Snoqualmie Pass XC, WA.; 2 years as the Assistant Manager of Squaw Valley XC; 2 years as the Assistant Manager of Atoma XC (helped design and cut 60km trail system); Far West Nordic Ski Association Board Vice President, President, and coach; 2 years as the University of Nevada, Reno XC Coach (and got to nationals); 5 years racing in Tahoe region (2nd place Billy Dutton Uphill); PSIA National XC Task Force.

Why I Teach: I love XC skiing and I love sharing the joy and fitness of XC.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Being with someone when they have the “aha!” moments of learning about skiing or learning about and being with snow.

Fun Fact: My first job in XC skiing was at the top of the Palm Springs tram. My most wonderful ski trips were skiing across Zion national park and traversing the Kiabab plateau north rim Grand Canyon. Most thrilling outing was skiing 40 degrees on skate gear and . . . Poulsen’s gully.

Usual Days Instructing: Friday mornings and Saturdays.

Anything Else? Devout rock climber (aka dirtbag climber) for 20 years; hopped freight trains to travel; Outward Bound instructor in NC, CA, OR, and WA; 3 months climbing in Peru; many years on various mountain rescue teams in AZ, NH, and CA; and now a clinical psychologist.

Years Teaching XC: 5

Other Qualification(s): I’m a botanist by profession and I’m into and inspired by all things nature.

Why I Teach: Sierra winters are beautiful and XC skiing is the best way to be immersed in it. I want to help everyone get out there to experience the joy of gliding along their favorite trail.

Favorite Part of Teaching: I love trying to find just the right approach that connects with each student, that helps them learn and grow the skills that get them confidently out exploring new trails and terrain. I love seeing that moment they realize “I get this and I can do it!”

Fun Fact: Knickers with argyle socks were still in fashion when I first learned to XC ski.

Usual Days Instructing: Typically Fridays and weekends, and other days by request.

Anything Else? I’ve been skiing at TDXC since the 1980s. Every day on the trail is different and it never gets old!

Years Teaching XC: 4

Other Qualification(s): I grew up learning to ski and later racing in the often “challenging” conditions in New England. In college, I won my age group at the Craftsbury Marathon in Vermont (because I was the only one to finish!). Professionally, I have a background in research and teaching, and took over as the supervisor of the kid’s program in 2023.

Why I Teach: Teaching has always been one of my passions, particularly when it’s teaching about my favorite sport!

Favorite Part of Teaching: Seeing skiers, especially those who are new to the sport, get excited about learning more and going farther.

Fun Fact: A distant relative of mine, William Eddy, was part of the Donner Party’s Forlorn Hope.

Usual Days Instructing: Kids programs and by request, but potentially more availability this season!

Anything Else? Classic skiing is the best!

Years Teaching XC: 7

Other Qualification(s): I spend most weekday afternoons in the winter coaching aspiring Alder Creek Middle School XC ski racers.

Why I Teach: I love to meet new people and help student’s discover the joy of cross country skiing. I’m also kind of nerdy when it comes to understanding and observing how small adjustments can make a huge difference in efficiency.

Favorite Part of Teaching: When student’s have an aha moment with a technique or efficiency breakthrough.

Fun Fact:When I’m not cross country skiing, you may recognize me as the lead of my barbershop singing group, The OK Chorale.

Usual Days Instructing: Typically Saturdays. Privates by request on weekends and most weekday mornings.

Anything Else? XC skiing is a sport that you never stop learning new things!

Years Teaching XC:10

Other Qualification(s): In the past, I have been certified through CANSI (Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors) and NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) Learning to Train. I have also completed the Level 1 and 2 Nordiq Canada Officials Course.

Why I Teach: I used to cross country ski race years ago in middle school, high school and university. I also spent many years volunteer coaching on year round training programs with the Yukon Ski Team. The experiences skiing gave me, the people I met along the way and the hundreds of kilometres of trails/landscapes I’ve skied across is what motivates me to share this with others. Cross country skiing is something you can learn at any age!

Favorite Part of Teaching: It’s fun telling my Canadian friends I do some ski instructing in California. I’ve gotten a lot of confused looks and people clarifying, “there’s snow in California?!”

Fun Fact: I spent 10 years in Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada) where I learned -40C is the same as -40F. Nowadays, my favourite temperature to ski is above freezing.

Usual Days Instructing: Last season I was working on Monday afternoons.

Anything Else? I’ve cross country skied in Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada, Alaska, Nevada and California and Tahoe Donner is still one of my favourites. I love the warm sunny weather and spectacular views!

Years Teaching XC: 12

Other Qualification(s): I have done masters Biathlon since the 90s, and taught Alpine skiing for 5 seasons.

Why I Teach: I love getting to be outside in a beautiful place with lots of interesting people. Helping folks learn and improve their skiing is the objective but having fun is always the goal.

Favorite Part of Teaching: When a student says, “That was fun, can we do it again?”

Fun Fact: For 25 years we have been a XC Skiing family – from pulling our son in a sled, through racing and now he, too, is a coach.

Usual Days Instructing: Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Privates by request other afternoons.

Anything Else? I began XC skiing in upstate NY, on streets, lakes and golf courses. If it was white-ish, I would ski it.

Years Teaching XC: 4

Other Qualification(s): TD Sisters in Skate program!

Why I Teach: I love helping students improve their skills and watch them move more efficiently and happily up and down slope! It’s also incredibly fun to watch someone’s confidence soar as they get better at something that was once hard or scary.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Watching something “click” in my students mind and body after I’ve given them a suggestion/tip for improvement. It’s an amazing feeling to suddenly see them ski with less effort and happiness!

Fun Fact: I can tell the difference between a King and Coho salmon by smell.

Usual Days Instructing: Wednesdays.

Anything Else? I put raisins and M&Ms on the trails in front of my 4 and 2 year olds so they love skiing too 😉

Years Teaching XC: 8

Other Qualification(s): Willing to be silly for learners…Singing, grunting and laughing all tap into relaxation and FUN, FUN, FUN!

Why I Teach: This is where FUN Mary gets to come out…oh, and also at Ping Pong on Thursday nights at the Vet’s Hall.

Favorite Part of Teaching: The AHA moment. Seeing the fear diminish as they acquire a comfort level.

Fun Fact: My son, Drew, is the head coach for the ACMS XC team at ASC.

Usual Days Instructing: Sunday and Monday.

Anything Else? We have A LOT of skis and poles in our garage!

Years Teaching XC: 8

Other Qualification(s): Lead instructor for Ladies Sisters In Skating beginner clinics. XC skiing since the days of wool knickers and wood skis.

Why I Teach: For the FUN of it. Classic or skating, new or improvers. A fun learning environment can help breakthrough the tension of learning something new.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Each lesson offers a bit os a puzzle on how best to connect students with new skills. When you pull an activity of of your bag or make up a new one that fosters a breakthrough moment with a student is pretty special.

Fun Fact: I usually flaunt a swath of purple hair tucked under my ski hat.

Usual Days Instructing: Tuesdays and Saturdays. Privates by request other weekdays.

Anything Else? I also work in the Rental Shop. We have a good variety of beginner and demp/performance equipment for rent. So I have a lot of suggestions if you are thinking of purchasing new equipment.

Years Teaching XC: 9

Other Qualification(s): I have first hand experience learning to ski as an adult. I learned Nordic skiing when I moved to CA from Charleston, SC. I applied the skills and knowledge from other activities such as dance, Pilates, swimming, cycling and running to Nordic skiing. These experiences enable me to help cross country ski students access their inner skier.

Why I Teach: To pass on the joy of skiing. To spend time on the amazing Tahoe Donner Trails.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Witnessing improvement and joy when skiing becomes easier and more fun during a lesson.

Fun Fact: I love skiing with my dogs. I have 4 chickens but they don’t ski.

Usual Days Instructing: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Other days available by request.

Anything Else? I started my career in mind/body medicine in the 1980s.

Years Teaching XC: 31

Other Qualification(s): I am also PSIA certified level 3 Telemark skiing and level 2 PSIA Alpine skiing. And I love to go backcountry skating. I also used to work for Cal adventures leading groups of people on backcountry ski tours.

Why I Teach: I love to share the joy of skiing and help people be proficient and efficient on their skis so they can have more fun.

Favorite Part of Teaching: When students find joy in mastering new skills.

Fun Fact: I also love to backpack in the high Sierra in the summer and road ride and mountain bike and I’m also an acupuncturist and oriental medicine doctor.

Years Teaching XC: 5

Other Qualification(s): I have two kids (ages 7 and 12) that I have helped teach, and encouraged to ski, and in turn they teach me to be goofy around kids and tap into what makes them want to go for it on skis.

Why I Teach: I am happiest out in nature, and love pointing out the many ways that our winter is special and beyond beautiful!

Favorite Part of Teaching: Hearing the hoots of excitement of kids making it down the practice hill, or any other hill!

Fun Fact: My first actual ‘date’ with my husband was on x-country skis, after one of the rare snowfalls in hills above Arcata, CA.

Usual Days Instructing: Wednesday and Thursday for the Nordic Kids program

Anything Else? Count me as one of those skate skiers that doesn’t have other x-country gear. Someday…it’s on my list.

Years Teaching XC: 10

Other Qualification(s): I taught the “Learn to Skate” clinic for six years at Tahoe Donner with a 100% success rate! I also enjoy backcountry skiing.

Why I Teach: I love being outdoors and active and sharing that feeling with others!

Favorite Part of Teaching: Watching pre-lesson jitters quickly turn to confidence and smiles.

Fun Fact: In the summer I lead guided history walks at Donner Memorial State Park. I also stay busy playing music with a country/folk/rock band in Truckee.

Usual Days Instructing: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. I live just five minutes from TDXC and can be there quickly when requested.

Anything Else? I still have my original wooden skis that I learned to ski on!