WVA Alpine
The philosophy of WVA’s alpine program is to offer a safe, high-quality alpine training and race experience embedded in an individualized program of athlete management. The alpine program serves the individual needs of each athlete by providing first-rate coaching, personal attention, and a supportive environment for competitive alpine skiing development, physical conditioning, and mental well-being. We believe that individual success on the ski hill leads to success in life.
Our coaching staff focuses on developing a strong and sound fundamental base for ski racing, including directed free skiing and drill progressions throughout the season so that students become accomplished skiers on their way to achieving race success.
WVA offers alpine training programs for U12, U14, U16, U18, U21, and post-graduate athletes. Waterville Valley Resort, located right in WVA’s backyard, offers numerous world-class training venues. These venues, combined with experienced and professional coaching, enable our athletes to reach the highest level of athletic excellence.
WVA Alpine Coaches
Tom Barbeau
WVA Director of Human Performance & Head Middle School Alpine Coach
Tom is a graduate of McGill University with a degree in Ergo Physiology. Before coming to WVBBTS he spent several years working with the Canadian National Ski Team. Tom has coached at three Olympic Games. He has a Master’s Certification in the Burdenko Method and oversees the condition program for all alpine athletes. He is a Level 500 internationally certified coach.
Tom works with athletes on conditioning and recovery throughout the year using the Burdenko Method.
Mamie Phelan
WVA Head U16 Coach
Mamie is a dedicated and passionate ski coach with extensive experience at various competitive levels, recognized for a commitment to athlete development both on and off the slopes. An alumna of Gorham High School and the MWV Ski Team, she graduated from Nichols College in 2011 with a BSBA in Marketing, where she also founded and presided over the Nichols College Ski Club. From 2008 to 2016, she coached at Cranmore Mountain. In 2017, she became the Head U14 Coach at Mt. Snow Academy, and a year later, she moved to Truckee, CA, to work as the FIS Women’s Coach and Admissions Manager at Sugar Bowl Academy. During her tenure in California, she coached at the 2019 Alpine Junior World Ski Championships and the 2020 Youth Olympic Games with the first female Filipina youth Olympic alpine athlete, and supported various international and national competitions. In 2021, she returned east to be closer to family, coaching for both Proctor Academy & Stratton Mountain School before landing at WVA in 2023. Her hobbies include road biking, mountain biking, hiking, surfing, painting, drawing, photography, and reading, with a strong interest in mindfulness, breath work, and sports psychology
Jason Guilbert
Head FIS Mens' Coach
Jason is a WVBBTS and WVA Alumni. He attended the University of New Hampshire, where he was a four-year member of their alpine ski team. Jason began coaching in 1999 and has held several positions, including Head Alpine Coach & Program Director at The New Hampton School. Jason is a Level 300 coach and has coached at various levels in the WVBBTS program from U14 to FIS.
Patrick Purcell
Head FIS Women's Coach
Patrick is a highly decorated alpine coach with over 45 years of experience and a level 500 US Ski & Snowboard certification. Prior to joining WVA, he has previously coached for the US and Canadian Women’s Europa Cup Teams, the Dartmouth Ski Team, and most recently with NYSEF. Known for his innovative and athlete-centered coaching style, he aims to foster a motivated and trust-based community at WVA. Patrick's wife, Elizabeth, also works at WVA as a dorm parent, bringing her extensive experience from various educational institutions. The couple has two children, and Patrick enjoys rock climbing in his free time
WVA Alpine
Waterville Valley Acamdey Alpine Programs