FINE LINES:
THE ANATOMY OF TELLURIDE'S 20-YEAR INSTRUCTORS

Telluride's instructors who are pushing
the 20-year mark (Level III Certified or beyond)

Written By: Edgar "Marty" Wilcox, III

Telluride is renowned for its strong terrain and even stronger skiers. Locals have the right combination of technique and athleticism that allows them to absolutely shred even the most difficult trails. Ever present amid those ripping skiers is a band of brothers and sisters wearing their bright red and yellow uniforms--the Telluride Ski School. 

The Telluride Ski School has always carried one of the best staffs in the entire skiing world. Ski lessons here are exceptional in quality and value. At the heart of this team are several individuals whose commitment to their guests, learning, and skiing is second to none. Professionals to the marrow, they have given their knowledge and energy to Telluride's guests--some pushing 20 years while others are closer to thirty seasons. These instructors are at the very core of Telluride's success. As inspired teachers, they learn from their experiences and grow better and better with each passing year.

While all Telluride instructors are part of its development and progress, there have been special efforts made since 1972 that scream to be recognized. Former director Annie Savath is presently one of Telluride's top mentors and should be credited with having a hand in many of our ski school's achievements. Annie, along with her husband Robert Savath, put together a team that included, among others, Jay Goodwin, Tom Richards and Jack D'Angelo.

D'Angelo, or J.D. as his friends call him, has been a member of the ski school staff for 31 years. In 1971, Jack bought land here and eventually moved from Aspen in 1974. D'Angelo certainly enjoys Telluride's natural beauty but more importantly he likes the "vibe," and the "groove." "One can find space here and freedom." In his trademark phrase Jack says, "It's all good!" He is particularly proud of his involvement with that early team that jump-started Telluride's Ski P.E. program. Children from our high school and elementary school use their physical education hours learning and improving their skiing skills on the mountain with some of Telluride's top instructors. Summers find Jack guiding and fishing on the West's prime rivers or bird hunting with his dog Pancho. He's still on top of the game and D'Angelo's skiing style is as smooth as ever.

Ski P.E. is a natural fit for our mountain and the school system. Eventually, other highly successful programs spun-off Ski P.E. such as Bump Club and T.A.R.T. (Telluride Alpine Race Team.) Local legends arose like Hugh Sawyer and Will Wasson who made a name for themselves by becoming some of the better coaches in the nation sending several Telluride locals to compete at the top levels in the world. Hugh and Will are still coaching and teaching, and because of their undying passion, they are still integrally involved with Bump Club.

Telluride Ski School's Women's Week was one of the first such programs of its kind in the country--another brainchild of Annie Savath. A customized week of ski lessons for women by women instructors, Women's Week helped hone and improve the teaching skills of local female instructors like Marti Martin-Kuntz, Teri Savelli, Catherine Peterson, Leigh Sullivan, and the "ultra-pro" Cindy Smith.

Cindy arrived in Telluride in 1980. She and some friends wanted to ski for 100 days in a row. After she discovered how challenging the mountain is, Cindy settled-in and joined the ski school that spring. Smith is totally enamored with Telluride. "The best part of Telluride for me is still how drop dead beautiful it is here. The mountain continues to kick my butt and the people this area attracts are fascinating to be with. The quality of life can't be beat." Cindy feels that her greatest asset for the ski school is her passion for the sport and the process of learning. "I really enjoy being with people and sharing all the sport gives to you." She is indeed a lasting role model for the school and she loves her job! The Telluride Ski School gives priority for lessons through an incentive program based on students returning. Cindy Smith has been either the top instructor or within the top five for 26 years in a row... WOW!

Twenty seasons of ski teaching adds up to a lot of turns. Along the way, other crew members stepped up to add fuel to the engine and keep the Telluride Ski School poised at the top the industry's standards. Instructors and supervisors like Randy Reese, Marty Wilcox, and John Briner are still giving their hearts and knowledge to help our guests make sense of their own skiing.

Briner was here when Telluride "unofficially" opened the mountain in 1972. He was up from Durango with friends and was lucky enough to ski the hill the day before it really opened. John has taken his love for teaching the sport of skiing in many directions and to the highest levels. He is currently an examiner for PSIA-RM (Professional Ski Instructors of America--Rocky Mountain). He is a retired telemark examiner and still maintains his full certification in cross-country. John Briner smiles, tongue-in-cheek, as he considers himself a counselor for the "Wolverton Camp for the morally deprived"--you'll have to ask him about that. For John, the best part of Telluride is: "It's a ski town with a great mountain, great weather, and great people." He feels his strongest contribution to the ski school is "teaching people more ways to enjoy the mountain and training other instructors."

Because of veteran instructors and their pursuits, the Telluride Ski School sets itself apart from other schools in many ways. It is one of the very few ski schools that creates a biweekly newsletter for its employees. Telluride's synchronized ski team, The Ghostriders, was created 18 years ago and recently finished second in the World Synchronized Skiing Championships. The Telluride Ski School's training program continues to evolve and is one that other educational curriculums learn from. Our newer crew relies heavily on the depth of understanding of the sport of skiing and the succinct communication skills of its 20 year instructors. They are always ready to help up-and-coming ski teachers pass on the love of skiing to their guests.

No, there is no expiration date or born-on date for ski instructors! That's a good thing for anyone taking a lesson from one of Telluride's veterans. They love what they do and they're great at it. Working together for so long has this team feeling like a true family. Each and every one of these hard workers loves to be "in the trenches." No one loves teaching and skiing more. Instructors like Dave Berry, Michael Saftler and Mike Ste. Marie are prime examples of this attitude.

Ste. Marie started here in 1980. At the time, Annie Savath taught him and others how to be instructors. Mike took a hiatus to work for several ski lift companies such as Dopplemayer, C-Tec and Poma. Eventually, he returned to the teaching ranks with passion and zeal. He loves the four seasons that Telluride presents and the fact that, "In Telluride, everyone tries to fit in and everyone cares for each other." For Ste. Marie, ski instructing is not only satisfying and rewarding, it is a privilege. When teaching, Mike allows his students to communicate what they need by being a good listener and accessing their goals. He recognizes the cause and effect aspects of skiing and uses his analytical style to help his guests. When he's not on the hill, Ste. Marie gets outside and enjoys the recreational aspects of this region.

Within an industry noted for a high attrition rate, it's a tribute to the present day supervisors and managers on ski school that so many seasoned personnel continue to be involved on the mountain. For instructors like Rod Smith, Heinz Rosch, and Larry Hopkins, the passion for skiing and people has not waned in the slightest. They continue to explore the new teaching and skiing techniques.

Larry Hopkins started skiing at age three. After 55 years, he’s still going strong. Larry first skied in Aspen and Alta. His family skied Vail when there were only three buildings in the entire area! Hopkins chooses Telluride because "There is no interstate and little driving. There is still a sense of community." He enjoys the fact that here, all the staff knows each other... from Ski Patrol to lift operations to ski school. Larry says that his understanding of the mountain is his best attribute. Having been in Telluride for 33 years full-time, he is aware of all conditions and exposures and prides himself on his knowledge of local history. Hopkins was also involved in the restaurant business here in Telluride. He gives kudos to his friend and mentor Stuart Mace for instilling his love for restauranteering. Larry Hopkins is a year 'round adventurer. He loves his motorcycles and is a rafting guide in the Grand Canyon.

The Telluride Ski School will always be one of the very best in the country. The ethics and attitude for being great have been instilled permanently. The bulk of credit for such an outstanding staff goes to those early warriors who had the vision and energy to demonstrate true professionalism over the long haul. Each and every ski teacher who is pushing Telluride's 20 year mark is Level Three Certified or beyond. They are the cornerstones of a developing tradition that is unequalled. When you take a ski lesson, consider yourself lucky if you spend time with one of these fine guides. They'll impress you with their gifts for teaching, you'll witness excellent turns, your skiing will be more fun than ever, and just as importantly, you'll make a new friend.