Meet Your Coaches
Jason Elstad
Snowboard Head Coach
Program Director
Where are you from?
West Germany until I was 7. Montrose, Colorado for the rest of my childhood.
Now Portland for over 22 years.
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Steep and deep long powder runs, bobsled runs in the trees, park/pipe
Why are you a coach?
One of my favorite things in this world is seeing the smile on someone's face when they learn something new
Do you have any pets?
Two puppers: Charles Peanut Butter and Sylvie
Favorite food?
Whatever your mom is making
When and where did you learn to snowboard?
34 years ago in Crested Butte, Colorado
What is your teaching style?
Hands on, empathetic, and demonstrative
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
Travis Parker
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Hangout with my family, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mountain Biking, Attempting to surf
Where are you from?
Portland
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Powder, Half Pipe, All Mountain Free Riding
Why are you a coach?
I coach because I love snowboarding and want to spread the stoke to the younger generation. This will be my 20th year coaching and keep coming back because the rising energy is so great with the kids and love to help them become better snowboarders, learn the mountain and have a great time doing it.
Do you have any pets?
Dogs and cats. It’s a furry zoo over here :)
Favorite food?
Pizza on the bus trip to the mountain of course
When and where did you learn to snowboard/ski?
Learned on Mt Hood in High School
What is your teaching style?
I like to ride with the team, give tips, find fun features and session them. Make sure riders have a good riding foundation and help them progress.
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
Terje Hakonsen
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Surf and Paint
Snowboard Assitant Head Coach
"Super" Dave Young
Jake Gaynor
Snowboard Coach
Where are you from?
Raised in Northern California, Portland for 24 years, lived all over the worlld
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Steep powder, all mountain and back country
Why are you a coach?
My wife made me do this because I don’t like participating in organized anything, much less snow sports. Blame my wife.
Do you have any pets?
We have two dogs, a cat, six chickens. Probably some rats I don’t know about
Favorite food?
This is the hardest question to answer. I mean, is this best meal ever? One food for life? Desert island? If I had to live off one thing for the rest of my life I would say tacos. Tacos and coffee.
When and where did you learn to snowboard?
1989 on a snowboard, 1980 on skis
What is your teaching style?
Have fun first and build confidence to go faster and bigger
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
John Cardiel, Temple Cummings, Terje Haakonsen, the Roach Brothers
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Skateboarding and arguing with strangers on the internet
Where are you from?
Delaware
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Backcountry, free ride, freestyle
Why are you a coach?
Share the stoke - it’s the one consistent driving force in my life. Everyone deserves lifelong joy like this.
Do you have any pets?
Dog. Ramen.
Favorite food?
My Sourdough Pizza.
When and where did you learn to snowboard/ski?
12 years old (37 years ago) Colorado
What is your teaching style?
Encouraging, supportive, positive
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
Craig Kelly (but I live me some Austin Sweetin)
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Mountain Bike, Surf, Van Adventures, Travel with my family
Snowboard Coach
Jason Callough
Jessica (Jess) Dalpiaz
Snowboard Coach
Where are you from?
Salt Lake City, Utah
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Heli, natural powder Jumps, Park
Why are you a coach?
To share the love of the sport with the next generation. Be outside in the snow!
Do you have any pets?
Two cats: Kylo and Sketchy
Favorite food?
It changes! Indian food right now :)
When and where did you learn to snowboard?
Salt Lake City Utah in the 90's
What is your teaching style?
Observation; clinical diagnosis of how to make you/trick/turn better.
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
Jamie Lynn; Janna Meyen
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Play tennis, Read books, Exercise
Where are you from?
Evergreen, Colorado
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Steep & deep trees, fresh corduroy, backcountry
Why are you a coach?
Skiing and my coaches have been such a huge part of my life—I just want to pass the gift on, the stoke, and hopefully keep up with the next generation
Do you have any pets?
No </3
Favorite food?
Whatever is in front of me
When and where did you learn to snowboard/ski?
Loveland Ski Area
What is your teaching style?
I’m all about form, fun, and confidence—dial it in, trust yourself, and get steezy
Favorite skier of all time?
Eileen Gu
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Think about snow.... (+ hike, fish, read)
Ski Coach
Syd Perkins
Joe Blount
Ski Coach
Where are you from?
Portland Oregon
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Steep and deep, park riding in all forms, I really like carving.
Why are you a coach?
I fell in love with freestyle skiing when I was in high school because I had an awesome coach. Love to give back, love to ski.
Do you have any pets?
No
Favorite food?
Food after a sick day
When and where did you learn to snowboard?
My dad thought me to ski when I was 4. I got into freestyle skiing when I was 14.
What is your teaching style?
Fundamentals. With emphasis on fun. If you wanna send it we can send it also.
Favorite skier of all time?
Sammy Carlson, local hero
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
I like to do it all! Surfing is fun
Where are you from?
Delaware
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Backcountry, free ride, freestyle
Why are you a coach?
Share the stoke - it’s the one consistent driving force in my life. Everyone deserves lifelong joy like this.
Do you have any pets?
Dog. Ramen.
Favorite food?
My Sourdough Pizza.
When and where did you learn to snowboard/ski?
12 years old (37 years ago) Colorado
What is your teaching style?
Encouraging, supportive, positive
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
Craig Kelly (but I live me some Austin Sweetin)
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Mountain Bike, Surf, Van Adventures, Travel with my family
