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Banks Gilberti, Amanda Porino, Trevor Wagner

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SVSEF has a number of staffing additions and changes for the 2019-2020 season. We’re excited to have these stellar individuals on board – read more about them below, and watch for a few more  additions, coming your way later this season.

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ALPINE

 

Trevor Wagner – PG/FIS Assistant

Trevor Wagner joins SVSEF with an extensive background in the alpine realm. Originally from Seattle, Trevor raced for Sierra Nevada College before a foray into coaching. Following four years with the Squaw Valley Ski team, he joined the U.S. Ski Team women’s alpine staff in 1998, and headed up the women’s SL/GS for a stint, beginning in 2005. He has coached at the World Cup, Europa Cup and Development Team levels, and has been on-staff for a number of World Championship and Olympic teams. In addition to his coaching experience, Trevor has a background in venue prep, having worked for U.S. Ski & Snowboard to prep World Cup and NorAm venues. Before joining SVSEF this December, Trevor will continue to work for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, prepping Copper Mountain and Beaver Creek venues in October and November 2019. 

 

Dane Spencer – FIS/USSA Assistant

Dane Spencer, who has coached with SVSEF in the past, returns as a FIS/USSA assistant coach. He will also build and manage the equipment program for the older alpine teams. Formerly a U.S. Ski Team athlete, Dane transitioned to coaching with the Development and Europa Cup teams; SVSEF is excited to have Dane back on staff, as a coach and resource to its athletes and coaches. 

 

Chuck Harris – Western Region Contact Coach, PG Coordinator

Chuck Harris shifts this season from head USSA coach to the FIS team. As the Western Region contact coach, he will serve as the main point of contact with the Western Region in regards to projects and selections, as well as in support of the SVSEF program. His role with PG athletes will consist of coordination and logistics for travel, as well as athletic progression and local training. For his foray into this position, Chuck is currently on staff for the Western Region Chile project.

 

Gladys Weidt – USSA Head Coach

Gladys Weidt joins SVSEF following a successful stint as the head U16 coach for Sugar Bowl Academy in California. Originally hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, Gladys moved west to continue her skiing career in more favorable temperatures. She skied in Colorado during high school and post grad, and proceeded to ski for the University of New Mexico. Coaching and sharing her passion for racing and skiing was something she knew she wanted to do; she wanted to “be a life-long learner, teacher and supporter.” “Having the opportunity to be part of an athlete’s development and growth in a sport we love is something that I am incredibly passionate and excited about,” said Weidt. With her enthusiasm and positivity, paired with her racing experience and continued education (she holds alpine level 200, level 1 referee, CPR and first aid and wilderness first aid training and certification), Weidt is well-equipped to transition to this new role for SVSEF.

 

Lindsay Mann – Mountain Awareness Director/USSA First Year Lead

Last season, Lindsay Mann hit the ground running when she moved to Sun Valley from Jackson and took a position at SVSEF that was two-part; she was both an alpine USSA coach and the person responsible for developing a new Mountain Awareness Program (MAP). As the MAP coordinator, Lindsay worked to build the foundation of a program that would impact athletes across all SVSEF teams and programs. With a very successful first year, during which she orchestrated multiple field-based and classroom sessions, as well as day trips, an avalanche course for SVSEF staff, and information sessions for parents, Lindsay’s program is growing, and with it her role. Now the Mountain Awareness Director, Lindsay will focus on developing the program further. With Gladys Weindt’s assumption of the USSA Head Coach role, Lindsay is stepping in as USSA First Year Lead, a new position that aims to support alpine athletes with the transition to USSA and the complexities of that team.

 

BIG MOUNTAIN

 

Conor Davis – Program Coordinator

Conor Davis, who was the Big Mountain program head coach during its inaugural season last year, is shifting into a role as Program Coordinator. Conor will support the efforts of the head coaches of Big Mountain’s two new distinctive teams; the National Competition Team and the Regional Team (working on a name update – stay tuned). An alumni of SVSEF’s alpine and cross country programs, Conor has applicable experience in the big mountain realm from his days on the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour (now called the Swatch Freeride World Tour). Conor competed professionally for seven years on the circuit, which took him all over the world for events.

 

Alden Carter – National Comp Team Head Coach

Running the show for the National Comp Team is Alden Carter, who returns to SVSEF for another season with the Big Mountain program. Steady and collected, Alden has been a solid leader and mentor for athletes in Big Mountain, and will lead the charge for those looking to make their mark at the national level of competition.

 

Banks Gilberti – Regional Team Head Coach

Banks Gilberti grew up in Hailey, skiing on Baldy until age 15, when he enrolled at Carrabassett Ski Academy. He competed professionally out of Breckenridge, CO, for eight winters, frequenting the Dew Tour and X-Games. Following his time on the circuit, Banks opted for a more creative path that led to the world of ski films and backcountry exploration, which have allowed him to have a travel-filled, adventure-packed career. Joining the SVSEF Big Mountain staff as head coach of the Regional Team will be yet another vantage point for the talented athlete. “I think this large variety of experience is what coaching is all about,” said Banks. “I’m excited to be able to share the knowledge I’ve accumulated through my experience with the next generation of shredders at SVSEF, as well as help our athletes gain an understanding and appreciation for being a well-rounded skier and human being.”

Banks is eager to build a cohesive, tight-knit group, and to help his athletes push their skiing to new levels. “The most important goal for me is creating an environment for kids to feel comfortable with any type of skiing that is thrown their way,” explained Banks. “A big part of developing skills in or out of the backcountry is trusting the people around you. This trust and reliance comes from time spent with a group and the experiences you share together. A big priority for me is building a close-knit crew that feels like an extension of family, rather than just a team.” 

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

Amanda Porino – Director of Events

Assuming the role of Director of Events is Amanda Porino, who replaces former director CC McCarthy as she resumes schooling in pursuit of a teaching degree. Amanda’s first introduction to Sun Valley was through the Janss Pro-Am over nine years ago –  now she’ll head up the same event, as well as other SVSEF functions throughout the year. Amanda helped the organization to reinvigorate the SVSEF Ski Swap in 2018 as a volunteer; we are looking forward to seeing how her proactivity, leadership and positivity propel SVSEF forward in the realm of events.

With 17 years of experience in the investment and financial planning business, Amanda will continue in that field in addition to her new role at SVSEF. Having relocated three years ago from Bend, Oregon, she is married to Steve Porino, SVSEF board member and NBC World Cup ski commentator, and knows firsthand the benefits of SVSEF – she has two kids in the program; Carly, 17, and Reece, 14. “I love the fact that we put our kids in the hands of these people for hours and days on end and I think they are, without a doubt, the best role models for our kids, on and off the hill,” noted Amanda. The couple’s third child, Beau (3.5), who is loving Spuds at Dollar, will surely be a welcome addition to SVSEF when he’s old enough. 

 

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