Coaching Staff
Coaching Staff
Dave Ziemer – Program Director/U16 Head Coach
Dave began his racing career here in the Midwest and worked his way up in the FIS ranks while racing for Burke Mountain Academy. During that time Dave’s accomplishments include FIS victories in Divisions across the country, winning the Jr. National Slalom Championship, and competing at the highest level nationally and internationally, and was named to the U.S. Ski Team Development Team. Dave attended the University of Utah and raced for the Utes helping them earn a NCAA National Championship.
Mark Halvorson – Associate Director/U10-12 Head Coach
Mark’s passion for the sport started at the age of 12 growing up and skiing at Welch Village. Over the years, Mark’s efforts, training, and persistence allowed him to compete in the World Cup, as well as winning two NCAA titles and All-America status at the University of Utah. Over the past few years Mark has been involved with Buck Hill as a D-Team Coach and most recently as one of our USSS U12 coaches.
Todd Nelson – FIS/U16 Flex Coach
Todd grew up training and racing with the Buck Hill Ski Team winning several races as a junior competitor, and continued his success racing for Buck in the FIS ranks. Todd represented the Buck Hill team while competing for many years on several Jr. Olympics teams. After his time with the team, Todd attended the University of Wyoming where he raced for the Division One Cowboys.
Brad Kastner – U14/16/18 Flex Coach
Brad was a former Buck Hill Ski Team member, and was the top ranked junior slalom racer in the country for several years. Brad also won many USSA and FIS races throughout his career as a competitive racer. Brad has developed and coached many of Buck Hill’s recent champions which include Lindsey Vonn and Kristina Koznick.
Tommy Anderson – U16/FIS Flex Coach
Tommy was a long-time member of the Buck Hill Ski Team and most recently a member of the NCAA New Mexico Ski Team. Over the last few seasons Tommy has been one of the top ranked slalom skiers in the country and has won FIS races throughout the country. Tommy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the coaching staff and we are excited to have him working with us this year.
Matt Hoffman – U14 Head Coach
Matt grew up racing in the Central Region and spent four years racing on the college circuit for St. Olaf College. Matt is a certified personal trainer and has spent over 10 years training athletes to help them reach their athletic potential.
Sam Nelson – U10/12 Flex Coach
A former Buck Hill Ski Team member, Sam competed for several years in the Central Division in USSA and FIS races throughout his career. Sam has been an integral part of helping our younger athletes build their fundamentals and get their start in ski racing.
Skye Sonnega – U14 Flex Coach
Martina Sailer
Martina returns to the Buck Hill Team where her ski racing career began. She is a former US Ski Team member and a member of the NCAA National Champion Denver Pioneers.
John Peterson – U16/FIS Flex Coach
John is also a former Buck Hill team member and a returning coach for this season. He is mainly focussed on the U14 age group and helped coach the team at Jr. Championships in 2020.