Meet Our Staff - Thor Mountain School

Thor - Mount Peter Ski & Snowboard Instructor and more!

Thor
Mountain School & Ski Patrol
Employed since 2007-08 season


Ski or snowboard? Both- plus telemark skiing!


Where did you learn to ski? I learned to ski here at Mount Peter when I was four years old. Rob Gallo (now Mount Peter's Alpine Programs Director) was my instructor!


What is your favorite run? Rim Run


Tell us something about your role here at Mount Peter. I am an instructor for skiing and snowboarding.  I also run clinics for our Mountain School instructors. I started helping ski patrol last season and I am working on my OEC/EMT certification now.

Thor in the reflection of a friends goggles.

What is your favorite Mount Peter memory? When I was a kid, one year there were people here giving out free Mountain Dew. Probably nobody remembers that, it was a long time ago, but that was a lot of fun! 

Make Your Child LOVE Skiing and Snowboarding

Sliding down a snow covered mountain on a plank or two is the greatest thing on earth! To share the joy with your beginning skier or snowboarder here are some tips from Greg, a long-time snow lover, father of two, snowboard instructor and Mount Peter Mountain Services rep. 


Before jumping in the car, a few simple gear selections will help everyone enjoy the day. Temperatures range widely from daybreak to closing as the sun moves around Mount Peter. Dress in layers so you can easily add or remove insulation. A wicking material next to the skin followed by pile or wool is best. Avoid cotton. It holds moisture and makes your kid cold. 


Keeping your head warm with a hat and your body toasty is very important! Finally, mittens with elastic around the wrists are best. Pull them up and OVER the jacket sleeves – NOT mittens first, then jacket over…. Inevitably, kids pull the mittens off. It’s difficult to remove the jacket mid-mountain to put mittens back on.


As a father, I recommend lessons. In my case, a “neutral third party” got the message through to my kids when I could not. If you choose to invest in lessons, make the most of them. Visit the potty before the start so time isn’t wasted in the restroom. Likewise, be early for lessons. Beginners can be intimidated by the activity on the mountain; starting calmly and on time will help them get the most out of it. 


Remember, young kids are not as strong or coordinated as adults. They simply can’t move long, heavy skis or a board like we do… Instead, let them “feel” what they should do rather than explaining. Move their skis FOR them, bend their knees FOR them. Sometimes, they REALLY can’t do it or they’re just plain tired. Try to realize when this is and switch gears.


When we adults are enjoying the snow it’s easy to forget our kids get tired quickly. An hour of snow-time followed by an hour of lessons is not “a really good time” for some youngsters. After an hour and a half most kids are getting tired, hungry and not able to concentrate. Take frequent snack breaks, then get back out there. (There are some good ideas on this blog about extra goodies to bring that will help your day outside.)


Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Sometimes the best days on the mountain are spent drinking cocoa, making jokes and splashing snow while the lift rolls by. If you make the day about their fun now, you’ll secure your own fun (with them too!) for years to come. 


Make Your Child LOVE Skiing and Snowboarding was originally printed in Mount Peter's Fall 2011 Mountain Times newsletter.