Jesse Gantt

Apart from my personal experience as an international FIS-level athlete, I am a USSS/USSA certified coach, a coach for the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association, a former coach at Burke Mountain Academy, and a ski technician with numerous certifications from various brands, manufacturers, and master-level boot fitting courses.

I started my ski racing career with a last minute decision to join my middle school ski club. To say that sparked a passion in me for this amazing sport might just be the most epic understatement. The next year I joined my local race club, the next year the state traveling team, the next I competed in national USSS/USSA competitions, and the next I competed in FIS International races. I attended programs and coached at Burke Mountain Academy. I had the incredible fortune to train with the US National Ski Team - D Team. Like most young athletes I formulated my ski racing career in GS and SL, but I consider myself a specialist in SG/DH/Combined. While a traumatic accident ended my ski racing career I am absolutely thrilled to utilize my knowledge, skills, and passion now as a coach for several High School racing programs and looking forward to taking on a small number of private coaching clients this upcoming season.

First, ski racing is an incredibly dynamic sport where we not only develop baseline skiing skills and techniques, but also adapt them to a myriad of terrains, conditions, weather, and emotional/mental challenges. Athletes can expect our sessions to challenge them in all these areas, helping to develop the whole person through skiing.

While change is constant and flexibility is essential in this dynamic sport, athletes can expect that every session will include:

Assessments: At the beginning and end of our day. This may incorporate skills tests, drills, and observed freeskiing with or without video. These assessments, whether written or recorded, will be shared with athletes and their families so they know where they started, where they ended, and what comes next in their development plan.

To be challenged: Once we assess your strengths and opportunities for growth, we'll challenge you using various methods (structured and/or observed freeskiing, drills, skills tests, running gates, etc.). Individual sessions can often be intense but incredibly focused. Rather than addressing a long list of areas at once, we will develop 1-3 focus areas at a time and quickly move on as progress is made. The most focused and driven athletes can sometimes identify 10+ areas of development to work on in one session. From there, ongoing clients can expect us to drill down into mastering our focus areas while continually observing what comes next in your individual development path.

Mentality: High-level skiing is hard work, but it can also be fun and rewarding. I pride myself on being a bit of a goofball, a music lover, and a connoisseur of good vibes. I don’t demand positive attitudes; I cultivate them, nurture them, and harvest them. This way, when you find yourself at the top of challenging terrain or trying to shake nerves before your next race, you’ll have something to remind you that you’re doing what you love!

The rest is up to you. Ultimately, the best a coach can do is set the table and prepare the menu for you. It will always be your job as an athlete to participate in the meal. You will get out of coaching what you put into it, and the best athletes will always prepare, assess, commit, attempt, reassess, adapt, and recommit in skiing, in instructional interactions, and in life.