Nonstop: Hey, Harry, how’s it going? Where are you right now? How’s the season been?
Harry: I’m all good, thanks! I’m in Fernie right now, just back from a week or so at Lake Louise. This season’s been a challenging one for snow, that’s for sure. But we made the most of it and every powder day that came our way. Looking back, it was an amazing winter, and we got some great outcomes with the Nonstop riders across both the 11-week instructor course and the 2-week camps. It was a busy one for me personally, training for my Level 4 alongside everything else.
For a glimpse into one of those classic Fernie powder days, check out this photo archive from a mid-February storm cycle Harry was coaching on.
NS: It feels like yesterday, but back in 2016 you joined our 11-week Instructor Course in Banff. And, this February gone, you led your first CSIA Level 1 exam on our OG Fernie course, passing 8 new instructors. That’s a pretty full-circle moment — how did that feel, thinking back to where you started?
H: It was a special moment for sure, getting to hand out that first set of CSIA badges to this year’s Nonstop riders. I still remember getting my Level 1 in Banff and the amount of work that goes into it. I know how amazing this journey has been for me since then, so being part of that starting point for this group was pretty cool.
If you want to see a bit more of that moment, check out our Fernie crew landing their Level 1 pins.
NS: When you joined the Nonstop course in Banff, what were your biggest goals or expectations? Did you imagine yourself on this journey, coaching others one day?
H: I just wanted to have a great season, meet people, and get my certs. Coaching skiing is something I’ve wanted to do since I first put skis on at seven years old, so as soon as I started the 11-week program, I knew this was the direction I wanted to take. That’s what makes it even more special coming full circle now and helping others who are starting out with similar goals.
NS: I remember meeting you during your course and spring lappin’ together at Lake Louise. I think we had a few beers on the sundeck too, if I recall correctly! What’s one memory from your course that still sticks with you today — something that made a big impression or maybe even shaped the way you ski or approach coaching?
H: Yeah, I remember that day too, what a great time!
I honestly don’t know if I could pick one memory (plus, it’s 10 years ago now! Which is wild… where does the time go?)! But I think my lasting memories from Banff are just the people and how we would laugh every day. Obviously we were skiing hard, but we had such a good time doing it! I don’t think there was ever a day went by where we weren’t in stitches about something!
NS: Who or what inspired you most during that first season with Nonstop?
H: Just seeing the Nonstop coaches out there doing it day in, day out — that was a big one for me. They were living what, at the time, felt like the dream: coaching skiing for a living, being on snow every day, and genuinely loving what they did.
Spending time around that kind of energy rubs off on you. It made the path feel real, and gave me a clear sense of where I wanted to get to.
NS: If you could give your past self one piece of advice at the start of your Banff course or instructor journey, what would it be?
H: Enjoy every moment, but don’t overdo it. It’s a long 11 weeks, and it’s easy to burn the candle at both ends — whether that’s skiing flat out every day or saying yes to every social that gets thrown your way. Give yourself time to rest as well. Sometimes taking a quieter day actually sets you up to enjoy the rest of it even more.
And on the instructor front, I’d say fully commit to your goals, be patient, and work (and ski) hard. If you do that, you’ll go far.
NS: After your gap year in Banff and a stint at uni, you went on to ski and teach in Europe, Australia and, more recently, in New Zealand and Canada. What did your parents think when you started to pursue skiing instead of getting a so-called ‘proper’ job? Don’t worry, we’re in the camp that this is a legit career!
H: My parents have always been incredibly supportive, which has made a huge difference. They’re both teachers, so they understand the challenges that come with coaching and have always recognised that it absolutely is a ‘proper’ job. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support, and I’m eternally grateful for it.
I think, like a lot of people, there was probably a bit of uncertainty at the start, but once they saw how it was developing and what it could lead to, they were fully behind it.
NS: And remind me, where have you worked as an instructor?
H: I’ve been lucky — I’ve worked in few different places now. In Europe I’ve worked in Italy and Alpendorph in Austria. I’ve done a season down under at Mt Buller in Australia. And more recently, I’ve been switching between New Zealand (Mt Hutt, now Porters) and Fernie in BC, Canada!
If you’re curious where a qualification can take you, we’ve broken it down in our guide to the best places to work as a ski instructor.
NS: Sick! Three continents, five countries, that’s not bad! How have those experiences abroad shaped you? Any favourite places you’ve skied or worked?
H: Yep, skiing has taken me to some pretty incredible spots. I think it’s great to experience as many cultures and ways of life as possible.
Living and working abroad definitely shapes you. I remember moving out to Australia at 22 and it feeling like a pretty big step at the time, but it ended up being one of the best things I could’ve done. You learn to adapt quickly, meet people from all over, and start to realise the world’s actually a lot smaller than it feels at the start.
There are a lot of standout spots along the way, but more than anything it’s the variety that sticks with you — jumping between hemispheres, different snow, different terrain, and different cultures. It keeps things fresh, and it’s a big part of what makes this kind of career so rewarding.
NS: You returned to Nonstop in Fernie in 2024 to train for your Level 3, which you subsequently achieved, and have been in Fernie for your northern winters ever since. What is it about Fernie that’s kept you here?
H: That Level 3 training phase was awesome, learning from the likes of Jens who has done it all.
Fernie is such a cool hill. The terrain you’ve got access to here is like nowhere else I’ve skied, and it never feels overcrowded. Even on a powder day, you can find yourself lapping some pretty serious terrain without the chaos you’d expect elsewhere. It’s a pretty unique spot and has its quirks, but that’s part of the charm — it’s got a proper feel to it.
NS: You’ve been coaching on Nonstop for the last couple of winters. How does that feel? The blue jacket looks good on you!
H: Coaching with Nonstop is easily one of the coolest jobs I’ve had. The riders coming through are, without fail, just awesome people – and I love getting to spend extended periods of time with them. It’s great to build that deeper bond and we get to see some real progression along the way.
I also love the freedom we have when coaching Nonstop. I find myself in some amazing terrain with guests, and it’s so rewarding seeing the stoke that people have after sending something they’d have never dreamed of just a few days before!
NS: And I hear you’ve just landed a new job as Head of Snowsports at Porters Alpine Resort in NZ. That’s awesome! How does that feel? Are you pumped, nervous?
H: Yeah, it’s pretty mad to think about, to be honest. It’s more exciting than anything, but there’s definitely a bit of both in there. It’s a big step and a new challenge, but that’s what makes it interesting. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into it.
NS: While we’re on NZ, what’s it like down there? And doing back-to-back winters?
H: New Zealand is probably my favourite country on the planet. It’s an incredible place — the scenery, the people, everything about it. The weather can be a challenge at times — it’s easily one of the windiest places I’ve come across — and it doesn’t quite get the same snow as the Rockies, but the seasons there are like nothing else. I love it.
Doing back-to-back winters can be tough, but if you look after yourself and make sure you get proper rest in the off season, it’s hard to beat. You get to travel the world, experience different places, and get to ski 10 months out of the year!
NS: What’s the most important lesson you try to pass on to the riders you coach now?
H: Learning is hard, and that’s something I always try to get across. You’ve got to be open to trying new things and not be afraid of it feeling worse before it gets better. A lot of what we’re doing is rebuilding movement patterns that have built up over years, and that takes time. If it feels different, that’s usually a good sign — it means something’s changing. And change is good!
NS: I know you had your sights set on the Level 4 this season — how did that play out? And what is it drives you to continue progressing and challenging yourself in this career?
H: I just got my Level 4 last week out in Banff, which was pretty epic. It’s been a long journey, but a really rewarding one at every stage.
What keeps me motivated is getting to work alongside such talented skiers and coaches, especially with Nonstop. There’s always someone better than you, always something new to learn, and that’s what keeps it interesting.
NS: That’s huge — congrats, mate. Well deserved.
H: Thanks, I really appreciate that. Nonstop’s played a big role in the whole journey. It’s where it all started for me — getting my Level 1 and 2 out in Banff, training for Level 3 in Fernie, and now reaching Level 4 alongside coaching on the Fernie programs as well.
It’s already opened a few doors too. I’m heading out to Italy with Nonstop to coach on the Spring Technical Camp in Cervinia, which I’m pretty hyped about.
NS: For someone thinking about doing an instructor course or pursuing a career in snowsports, what advice would you give them?
H: Go for it and don’t be afraid to get stuck in. Put your hand up for everything and take every opportunity that comes your way. There’s no such thing as bad experience. You’ll have tough days and tough lessons, but they’re all part of it. Keep a good attitude, take it as it comes, and remember — even a tough day on snow beats a day in the office.
NS: Thanks, Harry. It’s been awesome catching up. Enjoy the NZ season — we’re excited to keep following your coaching and skiing!
H: Cheers, mate! Been a pleasure! See you on the next one!
Three continents, five countries, Level 4 — and coaching with Nonstop where it all started. What began as one season has turned into something much bigger, and Harry’s still right in the middle of it.
If you’ve been thinking about doing the same, our ski instructor courses are where it all begins.