Instructor Profiles
Meet Some of our Instructors!
Ursula Graef 
If "fun" and "learning" go together in your mind, then you will enjoy her coaching. Ursula has been a ski instructor for 20 years. She began teaching at Mammoth Mountain in California. The fall of 1991 was her first season at Schweitzer, and she is still here! She is very enthusiastic about continuing her learning so she can share it with you!!
The Facts:
Years teaching: 20
Certification: Level 3 Alpine
Can teach: ski, telemark
Specialty: all mountain adventure
To reserve a spot with Ursula contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Gary Carlson 
After retiring from his "day job," Gary joined the Schweitzer Snowsports School in 1996. Gary is responsible for starting the Nice Turns Adult Ski Improvements Program seven years ago with only six students. This program has become so popular that it now has about 100 students. Gary's words of wisdom are "Don't let your age be a deterrent to your aspirations."
The Facts:
Years teaching: 13
Certification: Level 3 Alpine
Can teach: ski
Specialty: Nice Turns
To reserve a spot with Gary contact us at lessons@schweizer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374
Spencer Huender 
If it slides on snow, Spencer can teach it. All ages, all abilities, all disciplines. Not only is Spencer one of our most requested instructors for skiing he is also trained to handle adaptive skiing equipment. When Spencer isn’t teaching (which is a rare moment) you can find him charging down his favorite run, Stiles.
The Facts:
Years teaching: 13
Certification: Former Level 2 Alpine & Level 1 Snowboard
Can teach: ski, snowboard, tele, cross country, adaptive
Specialty: adaptive bi-ski and outriggers
To reserve a spot with Spencer contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Mary Jo Knowles 
Are you looking for a instructor who has a nurturing demeanor. Well Mary Jo is your gal. She truly enjoys working with women to further their enjoyment of skiing whether they are new to the sport or interested in pursuing advanced skills. She takes the time to understand exactly what you need and any concerns you have about the day. Her favorite part of a lesson is seeing the grin of success on each students face.
The Facts:
Years teaching: 11
Certification: Level 2 Alpine
Can teach: ski
Specialty: women of all abilities
To reserve a spot with Mary Jo contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Larry Keister 
Larry Keister is one of our most sought after instructors from the more “mature” clientele. Larry will quickly have you mastering the skills needed to enjoy skiing. In a previous life he was a big wig in the military and now he works closely with our Nice Turns program, but with some advanced notice is also available for private lessons.
The Facts:
Years teaching: Over 20
Certification: Level 3 Alpine, Advanced Childrens Educator
Can teach: ski, cross country
Specialty: adults
To reserve a spot with Larry contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Susanne Grutzner 
Although Susanne claims to be a snowboarder we have spotted her occasionally on skis. Her teaching focus is to promote good riding skills and ultimately out ride the boys. In advanced lessons she likes to tear up K-Macs or cruise Cathedral on the backside. Oh, and good luck finding her on a powder day! We highly recommend reservations if Suzanne sounds like the perfect match.
The Facts:
Years teaching: 10
Certification: Level 2 Snowboard, Level 1 Alpine, Level 1 Telemark, Freestyle 1
Can teach: snowboard, ski, Telemark
Specialty: Susanne can do it all.
To reserve a spot with Susanne contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Tom Bry 
Tom is an incredibly talented all mountain skier. If you are looking for the next step in your skiing skills, give Tom a chance to take you there. Steeps? Deeps? Pure Carve? Moguls? Racing? Powder? Yeah, he can help you with that. Toms endless reserve of enthusiasm for mountain adventure will surely rub off on you.
The Facts:
Years teaching: Over 20
Certification: Former Level 3 Alpine & Level 1 Telemark
Can teach: ski
Specialty: taking experienced skiers to the next level
To reserve a spot with Tom contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Brian Lojek 
Brian is probably one the most energetic and creative instructors on the planet. If your kids get into a lesson with Brian we can guarantee they won’t want to stop skiing. Your kids will come away with the knowledge of every “secret” trail on the mountain. He is also a professional chocolate chip cookie tester-just ask him and bring cookies!
The Facts:
Years teaching: Over 20
Certification: Level 3 Alpine, Level 3 Telemark, Level 2 Nordic Track, Level 1 Snowboard
Can teach: ski, snowboard, telemark, cross country
Specialty: kids and adventures
To reserve a spot with Brian contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Liliana Barbieri 
In winter she works as a ski instructor and for the remainder of the year she transforms into an artist, graphic designer, gardener, and food enthusiast. Her teaching style offers a positive approach designed to enhance skill development for the young, young-at-heart, first-timers and advanced skiers. She has a talent to create a safe and supportive coaching environment to take your skiing to the next level and more challenging terrain while creating a memorable experience on the mountain to get you hooked on skiing. Prior to working at Schweitzer, Liliana taught skiing at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe, California. Come and share her passion for skiing at Schweitzer!
The Facts:
Years teaching: 4
Certification: Alpine Level 2
Can teach: ski
Specialty: Creating a memorable experience
To reserve a spot with Liliana contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Tina Sundquist 
Tina is a very patient person who understands the fears of her students. She is also great at encouraging her students and putting them at ease. Her sense of humor and enthusiasm for winter sports is catching and her classes are set up for success. Tina loves to ski E chute, Kohli Big Timber, and Snag Line. Her tip is; "think about other activities you do in your life and incorporate these in your skiing. Have fun and enjoy every stage of skiing you are at. Hire a coach and truly enjoy your choice of snow sports."
The Facts:
Years teaching: 25
Certification: Alpine Level 2, Telemark Level 1
Can teach: Alpine, XC, and Telemark;
Specialty: Patience
To reserve a spot with Tina contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Lisa Young 
A double threat in that she is happy teaching little ones or adults whether they choose to ski or board. She is very patient and will always greet you with a smile. She works hard to make her students comfortable by alleviating fears and having fun. When not riding her favorite run off the T-bar she can be found on her mountain bike, hiking, or playing with her dog Josie. To sum it up in ten words or less Lisa says, "Relax. Have fun. Look where you want to go."
The Facts:
Years teaching: 4
Certification: Level 1 Ski & Snowboard
Can teach: Snowboard, Alpine
Specialty: Kids & Female riders
To reserve a spot with Lisa contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Jim Zimmerman
Jim's grandparents are of Norwegian descent and started him skiing at the early age of 2. Before calling Schweitzer his home, Jim taught at Mammoth, Mt. Baldy and the Sierra tahoe area. When not teaching he can be found playing in his favorite powder stash and carving the steeps. Jim's favorite run is Pucci's Chute. Kids love Jim and his high energy, fun nature.
The Facts:
Years teaching: 15+
Certification: Alpine 2
Can teach: Alpine
Specialty: Advancing from a wedge to parallel skiing and moguls
To reserve a spot with Jim contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Bob Stiger
There is no place better to be than on a mountain especially in winter skiing. Bob would love to share his passion with you and your family. He can be a grandfather to the children, a coach to peak your skills or a calming influence for the fearful. He has been coaching skiing for over 30 years and has a large bag of tricks to help you enjoy skiing and reach your potential.
The Facts:
Years teaching: 30+
Certification: Alpine Level II certification and Accredited Children’s Educator II (ACE II)
Can teach: Adults and Children, Alpine and XC Classic
To reserve a spot with Bob contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Debra Rawuka
Debra has a deep love of all types of skiing. You can find her rockin' the bumps on Heather's Run or gliding quietly out on the cross country ski trails. She is a truly gifted women's instructor with a balance of enthusiasm and nurturing to help the client become they skier they've always wanted to be. From beginner kids to expert adults, Debra can improve the client's skiing ability while enabling them to enjoy the entire skiing experience. Prior to coming to Schweitzer, she taught at several resorts including Heavenly Valley, California and Mt. Ashland, Oregon. If you want to have fun and learn in a relaxed, friendly lesson, be sure to make a reservation with Debra.
To reserve a spot with Debra contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Richard Barrett
After more than 30 years of skiing passion and 12 years as a professional alpine instructor, Richard’s expertise is in what he calls “the foundational movements of skiing, which are the essential skills on which all others are built”. Whether beginner or expert, young or old, learning fundamental skills such as moving into the fall line and maintaining ski to snow contact, will improve your skiing and raise your enjoyment of this fabulous life-long sport.
The Facts
Years teaching: 12
Certification: Professional Ski Instructors of America Alpine Level 2
Specialty: Getting to the next level!
To reserve a spot with Richard contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
Kate Mansur
With a bright smile and cheerful encouragement, Kate Mansur is ready to help you improve your skiing or snowboarding. Kate is an experienced instructor specializing in children of all levels. Get your child off to a great start with proper skill development in a fun and safe environment. Or take their skiing or riding to the next level! She is an experienced Adaptive Instructor for Aspergers and Autistic children and is ready to help your child have a successful day on snow. Kate habla español también!
The Facts
Years teaching: 5
Disciplines: Alpine Ski and Snowboard
Certifications: Level 2 Alpine
Specialty: Children and Adaptive (Aspergers and Autism)
To reserve a spot with Kate contact us at lessons@schweitzer.com or 800-831-8810 ext 2374.
