John Abbott

Coaching Experience: This will be my 3rd season coaching the U12 team at SNSC. I only coach one day per week, and on some days even that seems like a push--then within minutes of seeing our team, I get so psyched to ski with them! They are so excited to see each other, improve push each other to new things and explore every inch of Smuggs, I can't imagine spending my day doing anything else!

Skiing highlight: One thing I share with our team is that I'm a relatively new alpine skier. I spent 30+ years riding every wave of the freeheel skiing movement and was a die-hard telemarker--until I wasn't. While competition is central to SNSC Freeski-- it's also about sharing the bliss of moving through challenging terrain with friends and exploring the mountains in one of the most unique ways possible. The pursuit of skiing powder snow in big mountain ranges has taken me to amazing places in the Americas and abroad--and I always love coming home to ski Smuggs!

For the Love of it: Floating and turning effortlessly in deep powder snow is, for me, the most free and transcendent experience I think I'll ever have. Skiing is one of the most exciting and genuine ways to commune with nature, your friends, and the people you love.

Favorite Smuggs run: Anywhere in the side country when the stars align. For the benefit of our athletes, I'd have to say shack to shack on Sterling. It's what they love the most--any day, any time, any condition!