Coaches

Coaching Qualifications
Canadian Freestyle Ski Alliance

• TSM 2
• Park & Pipe Level 2
• Air Level 4
• Comp Dev Slopestyle

“There is nothing I like more than being on the mountain. Sharing with others my enjoyment for sport is what I do best.”

Ryan has attained many other qualifications, including his CSIA 2, CANSI 1, NCCP Mountain Bike 1, 80-Hour Advanced Wilderness First Aid, and CPR to name a few.

Ryan has been involved in the ski industry for over 10 years and has devoted much of his time sharing his passion and knowledge for the outdoors with others. He continually demonstrates his commitment and interest in freestyle skiing and is actively engaged to help further develop and grow the sport.

His positive energy and encouraging approach are reflected in his effective feedback, which has made him a valuable member of the VFSC team since 2009. Ryan is a very confident skier on and off-piste and enjoys all of the disciplines of freestyle skiing, although he excels most in slopestyle.

A graduate of the Algonquin College Outdoor Recreation Diploma Program in 2004, Ryan has almost a decade of experience developing and managing programs in many different indoor and outdoor environments. When he’s not coaching athletes you will find him supervising and training employees with the Cypress Mountain Snow School.

In the off-season, Ryan shares his passion for the outdoors on two wheels. His dedication and unbeatable instruction continues on his mountain bike on the lower half of the local mountains where he coaches and guides for Endless Biking.

“I love coaching freestyle because it’s the coolest thing in the world to watch kids progress…Originally, I just thought it would be cool and convenient to get paid to be in the mountains and ten years later, it has evolved into one of the best and most important roles of my life.”

Dee Maze has developed the club’s first ever female athlete empowerment program called “Girlstylerz”.

This is what she has to say about coaching: “I love coaching freestyle because it’s the coolest thing in the world to watch kids progress. I have been skiing since I could walk and being in the mountains is where I’m happiest. Freestyle was my sport growing up and coaching happened pretty organically for me. Originally, I just thought it would be cool and convenient to get paid to be in the mountains and ten years later, it has evolved into one of the best and most important roles of my life.”

“…VFSC is the only Metropolis club in B.C., so the athletes often have to travel from far and wide through Vancouver traffic just to ski for the day. We face a lot of barriers including the unpredictable coastal climate and conditions but our kids continue to show up, throw down and keep a sense of humour about it. This is why I would describe the Vancouver kids as having the most heart. They are inviting and inclusive and this has become the culture of the club. Not because we make them that way… it’s just who they are. Vancouver continues to foster some of the strongest athletes in the province and I’m stoked to have the privilege of working with such rad kids! I am stoked to be teaching close to the mountains in Vancouver where I can incorporate my love for the outdoors into my career.”

Parallel to her job as a ski coach, Danika is also an educator. Having studied early childhood education during her undergrad at Capilano University and recently just graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from University of British Columbia.

Coaching Qualifications
Canadian Freestyle Ski Alliance

• Head Coach Slopestyle Skiing – China Snow Sports National Team
• Head Coach Slopestyle Skiing – Freestyle BC
• Coached 4 current Canadian & Korean National Mogul Team athletes
• Air Level 4 (with Water Ramp & Airbag Operator Certification)
• Air Level 2 (Airbag & Trampoline)
• Mogul Level 3
• Park & Pipe Level 2
• Alpine Racing Level 1
• AFP Platinum Certified Judge

Evan Wilcox has been skiing since the day he quit basketball when he was 16. He is from Fraser Valley, B.C. and has represented the Hemlock Valley Freestyle Club and the BC Provincial Mogul team. He has also represented Canada as an athlete on the International Circuit in terrain park and half-pipe competitions.

Coaching Qualifications
Canadian Freestyle Ski Alliance

• Air Level 1
• Air Level 2
• Air Level 3

“I’m a huge Toronto Maple Leafs’ fan, I got my black belt in Taekwondo when I was 9 and I spend much of my free time playing music.”

Zac Hoffman received his education as a film student at Capilano University and has qualifications with Air. He is currently a freelance filmmaker and the director of Bumps: A Mogul Skiing Documentary.

His favourite candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.