The Coaches

Raul brings decades of international experience to Cypress Ski Club. He began skiing at 4 years old at Antillanca Ski Area in Chile’s Lake District Region. At 8 years of age he began his racing career in Antillanca, moved at 10 years to Santiago and culminated as the Chilean GS Champion and SL Vice-Champion in 1971. After retiring from competitive racing, Raul was not ready to leave the sport and began his second career as a ski coach. He has coached in Chile, Spain, Andorra, USA, and Canada. He is passionate about equipping children with life long skills through skiing. Raul and his wife Michele have three children, Daniela, Martín, and Micaela, who all ski raced. 

Cypress Ski Club Program Director since 2012.

• Level 1 Coach, Chilean Ski Federation 
• Level 1 Coach, Spanish National Ski School
• Development Level Ski Coach Certification, Alpine Canada Alpin
• ACA-NCCP Coach Evaluator and Facilitator, Alpine Canada Alpin
• Level II Officials Alpine Canada Alpin

Ferdinand was born and raised in Grenoble, France, known as the ‘Capital of the French Alps.’ He began his coaching career in France 2008 and spent 11 years working with skiers from U8 to FIS categories. He trained as both a coach and a strength and conditioning specialist to provide comprehensive support to his athletes. In 2019, he crossed the Atlantic to join the Cypress Ski Club. Ferdinand is passionate about working with young skiers, helping them progress, and teaching them to push their limits. He strongly believes in the values of sports to shape and inspire young people.

Cypress Ski Club since 2019. U16 Head Coach 2019-2022, U14 Head Coach 2022-present.

• Masters Sport Science and Physical Conditioning, Université Grenoble Alpes
• Diplôme d’Etat de ski Alpin
• Diplôme d’Etat d’entraîneur de Ski Alpin
• Entry and Development Coaching Diploma, Alpine Canada Alpin

Mikael was born and raised in the French Alps, in a small mountain village called Megevette. After spending years racing for his local ski club, he started teaching skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing to people of all levels — from first-timers to experienced riders. Passionate about movement and performance, he also earned a degree in Sport Science and Physical Conditioning, which led him to work as one of the ski coach & physical trainer for his hometown ski club.

In 2024, he seized the opportunity to move to Vancouver to begin a new chapter in his career – first joining Cypress Ski Club as a U12 coach, then stepping into the U14 head coach role during summer and fall dryland training. This year, he’s continuing that journey as the U14 Head Coach for the 2025/26 winter season.

Through sports, Mikael has learned resilience and the joy of pushing limits. He strongly believes that a great club shapes great athletes.

Cypress Ski Club since 2024, U12 Coach 2024–25, U14 Head Coach 2025–26

• French Diplôme d’État in Alpine Skiing and Related Disciplines
• Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Science and Physical Training

Maureen grew up in the French Alps, where she learned to ski at a very young age. She began competing in U8 and continued to participate in the national circuit in France until her FIS years. Skiing became a significant part of her personal growth, teaching her about herself and the challenges of life. This experience naturally led her to coaching, where she finds sharing her passion with the younger generation to be the most rewarding aspect of her career. For over 11 years, Maureen has taught skiing to both beginners and advanced skiers. She believes that the U12 category is crucial, marking the beginning of athletes’ independence. In her role, she guides them on a journey where skiing and sport become expressions of self-discovery and learning.

Cypress Ski Club since 2022, U10 Coach 2022-23, U14 Coach 2023-24

• Diplôme d’Etat de Ski Alpin Francais
• Entry and Development Coaching Diploma, Alpine Canada Alpin
• Master’s in Communication and Event Management
• Bachelor’s in International Hospitality Management

Originally from France, Sarah has been living in Canada since 2019. With a profound passion for skiing in all its forms, including ski touring, skiing is an integral part of her daily life. Sarah enjoys working with children, nurturing their passion for the sport. In addition to skiing, she has played basketball and coached in France, embracing the sport in all its aspects. She often reflects on Nelson Mandela’s words: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

Cypress Ski Club since 2020, Head Coach since 2022. 

• Masters in Science and Technology in Physical and Sport Activities, Université Grenoble Alpes
• Entry Level Ski Coach Certification, Alpine Canada Alpin

Coni was born in Chile and discovered skiing alongside her dad, sparking an early love for the mountains and a passion for teaching children. At 22, she moved to Canada, living between Whistler and Vancouver, where she earned her first instructor certification, CSIA Level 1.
Back in Chile, Valle Las Trancas became her home. She spent nearly a decade coaching at ski schools, developing her skills in technical instruction, safety, and progression-based teaching, while completing courses like AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Certification. A stint in Andorra introduced her to club-style training, shaping her approach to long-term athlete development.
Since 2022, Coni has focused on structured club programs in Chile, including Club Deportivo de Montaña Las Trancas and Club de Esquí Chillán, and in 2025 worked as a Freeride Junior Coach while earning the IFSA Level 100 Coach Certification. This season, 2025–2026, she returned to Vancouver as All Mountain Head Coach, leading program organization and athlete development.

Cypress ski club since 2025, All Mountain Head Coach 2025-26

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – Commercial Engineering 
• CSIA Level 1
• ENISSCHAG Level 1 & Level 2 – AIARE Level 1 Avalanche course
• IFSA Level 100 Coach certification