Head Coach, Freestyle

What the role is all about

WinSport proudly operates one of the largest Freestyle Clubs in Canada. Our programs serve a wide range of athletes—from grassroots participants experiencing freestyle for the first time, to performance-driven competitors training on our airbag, trampolines, and advanced terrain parks. Our focus is on creating more opportunities for Calgarians to discover freestyle skiing and snowboarding at the introductory level, while fostering a passion that inspires lifelong participation in the sport. 

If you are a skilled and passionate leader committed to safe freestyle progression, athlete, and coach development, and have a creative vision to support the development of future opportunities, we encourage you to apply. This is a contract position with the potential to become a permanent full-time role.

The Freestyle Head Coach is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering exceptional freestyle experiences, while aligning with WinSport's strategic goals. This role primarily oversees the coordination and delivery of our Ski and Snowboard Freestyle programs, with a focus on maintaining and sustainably expanding programming throughout all seasons. This role will also support in the execution of our Alpine Programming. 

The Freestyle Head Coach will require strong leadership and coaching skills, quality organizational and communication skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of individuals and departments. 

You will strive to approach your work to align with our four key behaviors which are at the core of who we are and what we do at WinSport.

We are Safe

We are Welcoming

We are Inspiring

We are Creative

What you will be doing:

• Lead and supervise freestyle programming, including supporting the development and maintenance of schedules and providing lesson coverage when required. 
• Mentor coaches by helping them understand and implement effective coaching techniques that align with operational goals and the overall development plans of each athlete. 
• Lead, coach and mentor athletes through safe progression of skills including/up to single inverts. 
• Support the Program Lead in the talent identification and hiring process of coaches. 
• Assist with the design and delivery of engaging freestyle training and developmental experiences. 
• Support the development and execution of strengthening parent and athlete community connections with a goal of increasing participation and repeating customers. 
• Support the Program Lead in team member performance reviews, regularly assessing and providing feedback to coaches to help them improve.  
• Lead the safety and risk management of participants' use of Freestyle venues in accordance with provincial and operational guidelines. 
• Communicate professionally with guests and team members and mediate conflicts in a consistent, fair and solution-focused manner aligning to WinSport's communication standards. 
• Support program and participant growth through all four seasons by creating yearly training, progression and succession plans. 
• Lead and attend off-site activities including competitions and mountain days while ensuring alignment to WinSport's policies and procedures. 
• Support working with various internal and external partners to drive business growth and development including marketing, operations, Snow School, Alpine Programs and external freestyle clubs. 
• Support the Program Lead in coordinating internal and external facility usage to optimize use and maximize business efficiency while assisting in facility checks, audits, and opening/closing procedures. 
• Timely submission of expenses after trips, maintaining accurate financial records, and adhering to budget requirements. 
• Support the Program Lead in drafting staff manuals, policies, and procedures, providing clear guidelines and instructions to support safe and effective training. 
• Other duties as assigned.  

What you bring:  

• Strong leadership skills and experience managing coaches and athletes of all ages and skill levels. 
• Minimum 3 years of direct experience working in the freestyle industry required.
• Freestyle Fundamentalz and Freestyle Air 1, 2, 3 required; Air 4 considered a strong asset. 
• Exceptional understanding of freestyle techniques, training methods, and progression. 
• Proficiency in developing and implementing training programs tailored to athletes' and coaches' needs and goals. 
• Effective communication and administrative skills, particularly in scheduling and organization. 
• Reliable and conscientious in carrying out work-related tasks. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a consistently fast-paced environment. 
• Must be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude at work.
• Strong computer skills, proficient in the use of Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Flexibility to work an adaptive schedule which includes off-site activities (Evenings and Weekends which varies throughout the season).
• Certification in standard first aid and CPR C required.
• Valid Driver's License with a clear driver's abstract required.

You will be:

• Able to work outside on skis for long periods of time in various weather conditions as well as working in an office environment.
• Expected to lift, carry, push or pull objects weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Maintaining a high level of energy throughout the day.
• Working evenings and weekends as required based on operational needs.
• Able to attend offsite trips as required.

What we can offer you:

In addition to helping develop the next generation of winter athletes, WinSport team members also receive the following added benefits:

• Free WinSport Winter Season Pass
• Free parking
• Reciprocals at other ski resorts
• Discounts on food, beverage, retail, and programs
• Access to our Performance Training Center

Discover, Develop, and Excel with WinSport:

Working with WinSport means you will be part of one of the most unique sport institutes in the world. At WinSport we pride ourselves on providing exceptional services to support our guests in training and maintaining an active lifestyle. We are a key provider within the local Ski and Snowboard community providing people of all ages and abilities with a place to progress their riding. We will support you along your pathway as you discover, develop and excel in your role at WinSport.