Collectively, our team has years of experience teaching on-the-snow. Whether you’re hoping to learn to ski, further develop your skills or just learn more about the mountain and have fun, our instructors aim to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
“I’ve been teaching skiing for the past 22 years and I can confidently say that it is the love of my life. Growing up outside of Portland, Oregon, I have been chasing snow and ski teaching across four continents – Switzerland to Japan, from Colorado to Chile and Argentina. Now I have settled for the best corner of snow country in the world – Homewood, California – the hidden snowy gem at the lakeside of Lake Tahoe where I get to dedicate my passion for the sport by serving as the Director of Snowsports at Homewood Mountain Resort.
I also dedicate energy to the education and certification of the profession of snowsports instruction, working as a PSIA-W (Professional Ski Instructors of America) examiner, western demo team member, and member of its Board of Directors. I am always excited by equipment innovations in the industry, but probably more so by the ongoing advancement of technique in the sports of skiing and snowboarding. There’s both art and science to good teaching, and at Homewood, I think that you will find instructors as passionate as I am about making skiing and riding fun, easy, and endlessly rewarding.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned expert, playing and learning with an expert coach is an experience like none other. I welcome you to take a lesson with our Team. It’s full of hard-working professionals, passionate about making sure that you are able to experience for yourself the love and magic of skiing and snowboarding at Homewood.”
“Come enjoy great, simple, and easy to understand lessons, groomed for your fun and learning experience, no matter your age, gender, or skiing experience. Take a private lesson on your next adventure to Homewood Mountain Resort. Video analysis available (1/2 or full day, RSVP only) for private lessons.”
Garry’s Qualifications:
- 55 seasons of Alpine ski teaching experience
- Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), Certified Alpine Ski Instructor (38+ years)
- PSIA Children’s Specialist I
- PSIA Senior’s Specialist II
- Homewood Mountain Resort Free Lesson Instructor
- Homewood – Adventure 55, Lead Ski Instructor
- Homewood Mountain Resort Staff Trainer
- Homewood Children’s Snowsports School Supervisor/Coordinator
- Homewood Adult Snowsports School Manager
- Boy Scouts of America, Merit Badge Counselor – Snow Sports
- Recipient PSIA/AASI-Western, 2014 Nic Fiore Award
“Hi, I’m Laura LaPlante from Meeks Bay, California. Thanks for coming to Homewood Mountain Resort (HMR) to play with us on this beautiful mountain. Having grown up skiing at HMR, I know the mountain, the weather, the trails and those special spots where you want to be. In my twenties, most of my time was spent nordic and alpine ski racing, training to be a tour guide, and getting certified as a ski instructor. All this training proved very useful while I lived and worked as a ski instructor in the Alps. During those years, I truly loved being able to utilize my French, Spanish and German languages to connect with people all over the world while guiding them to improve and enjoy skiing. This experience immensely broadened my skills as a coach. Now, I specialize in teaching women, children, senior, and adaptive lessons. I’m also certified to instruct nordic track and nordic downhill techniques. For me, skiing is a dance between your ski edges, the snow, and gravity. It is a way of life – dynamically – staying in balance.”
“I was introduced to winter sports by way of cross-country skiing. It was a winter after school play activity during my youth in the 1950’s.
Those were the days before numerous organized ski schools and many professional winter sport organizations. As I said, it was play and it was experimental. We strapped wooden skis without metal edges on to our leather boots and figured out how to slide on snow.
With an Industrial Engineering Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University and a US Navy Commission in hand, I set out to see the world in 1962.
In 1964, as a recreational alpine skier, I first experienced a winter at Homewood Mountain Resort. Back then HMR was actually two separate ski areas, Tahoe Ski Bowl {south side} and Homewood {north side}. Even in those days one could see the benefit of joining the two areas as one, as it is today.
During my thirty-eight year career in aviation I also persued my avocation in the winter sports industry. For fourteen of those years I was fortunate so as to also experience winter sports touring close up. I was a customer service representative, concierge and mountain guide for a USA based company operating in Switzerland and Austria. I met many wonderful folks and families from all over along the way.
Upon retiring from flying in 2000, I settled in the Reno/Tahoe area; and I set a goal to become a professional ski instructor. I joined PSIA and certified through them as an Alpine and Adaptive instructor with specialized credentials as a seniors’ and children’s professional.
From 2000 through 2004 I had the rewarding experience of working with special need athletes at Disabled Sports USA at Alpine Meadows. In those days it was named TASS [Tahoe Adaptive Ski School].
Since 2004 I have been a member of Homewood Mountain Resort’s Ski School. Here, again, I have met and skied with winter sports enthusiasts of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels.
So, I have traveled a full circle and I still love to “play” on skis …….. Only now these days, it is as a senior rather than as a youth; and the equipment, the clothing, and the mountain access are all light years better.
Let’s PLAY !”
“Whether it’s embracing the sheer drop of a line on our mountain, or clicking into a pair of skis for the first time in your life; Natalie wants to help you experience the next adventure that you will always remember. PSIA & AASI Level 1 certified, this lady has the enthusiasm and the training to take your skiing or snowboarding to the next step.”
“I’ve been teaching skiing for 30 years, have Level III certification as well as extra certification for teaching children and older skiers. I’m also a trainer at Homewood as well as traveling to other ski areas to train instructors working towards more certification. I enjoy teaching all ages but as a senior myself I also enjoy helping other seniors learn how to properly use the newer skis and techniques to prolong their time on the slopes on a day to day basis as well as prolonging their skiing years. Come ski with me at Homewood for a big mountain but family feeling experience!”
“I’m a Tahoe City resident with extensive skiing experience with a variety of terrains and conditions. I’ve lived and skied in California, New England, Europe, and the Western US. I am a PSIA Level 1 certified instructor and am beginning my second year of teaching at Homewood. I teach skiing to pass along my passion and love for the sport to all ages of new skiers, and to those looking to improve their skills. I previously taught youth soccer and roller hockey across several age groups from beginners to high school in the Bay Area. I am an enthusiastic instructor that effectively connects with children of all ages as well as adults. I design my lessons with the objectives that students have a great day on the mountain and achieve their goals while learning and having fun.”
“Steve has been a snowsports instructor at various resorts in California for over 20 years, and enjoys sharing his passion for boardsports and seeing his students progress. He is also a musician, surfing instructor, downhill mountain biking competitor, and outdoor enthusiast.”
