Meet Our Coaches

Garrett brings 16 years of progressive coaching leadership to WSC, having developed athletes at every competitive level. His journey from coaching U12 athletes while actively racing FIS, to leading U16 programs, to serving as Head FIS Coach showcases his deep understanding of the athlete development pathway.

During his tenure as Program and Executive Director at Sunshine Ski Club, Garrett shaped performance standards and long-term athlete development strategies that produced exceptional results. At WSC, he brings that same depth of experience, professionalism, and athlete-focused approach to the next stage of the club’s growth.

Garrett joined WSC in 2023, bringing his energy and enthusiasm to the program. He was a key figure in helping WSC successfully host the U16 Western Regional Finals in March 2026, contributing his experience and leadership to one of the club’s most significant race events.

We are thrilled to announce that Garrett has been appointed Head Coach of Westcastle Ski Club for the 2026/27 season. In this role, he will continue to lead WSC’s athlete development pathway, mentor the club’s coaching team, collaborate with other clubs, and continue elevating the U14/16 performance programs.

Qualifications: 16 years progressive coaching | Former FIS athlete | Former Program & Executive Director | WSC Head Coach

JM brings more than 25 years of coaching experience and a deep technical background to WSC’s U12 program. His coaching career includes founding Alberta’s Ski Cross program, serving seven years as Provincial Coach with the Alberta Ski Team, and working at the national level as an Alpine Canada Return-to-Snow Coach.

As a Performance Level Licensed Coach and Level 3 Official, JM combines high-level technical knowledge with a strong ability to mentor young athletes. His focus is not only on skill development, but also on building confidence, race awareness, and the habits athletes need as they progress through the sport. His enthusiasm in helping host the 2026 U16 Western Regional Finals in March 2026 was immensely helpful.

JM also plays an important role in strengthening WSC’s coaching team. He actively supports coach development and certification, maintains strong connections within alpine racing across Canada, and brings that experience and perspective back to Westcastle.

Qualifications: Performance Level Coach | Level 3 Official | 26+ years experience | Former Alberta Team Provincial Coach

Jamie Lowe-Wylde – Head Nancy Greene Coach

Jamie brings five years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for skiing to WSC’s Nancy Greene program. A former FIS athlete, he trained and raced throughout North America, South America, and Europe before coaching athletes in the K1, K2, and entry-level FIS programs with the Lake Louise Ski Club. His experience as both a high-performance athlete and coach gives him a deep understanding of technical skiing, athlete development, and building confidence on snow.

Jamie loves every discipline of skiing, including alpine racing, freeskiing, backcountry touring, and skimo racing. His coaching philosophy combines strong technical fundamentals with terrain exploration, adaptability, and a genuine love of being on snow. He sees freeskiing and gate training as complementary, with the skills developed in each directly transferring to the other.

As both a coach and the parent of two athletes in WSC’s Nancy Greene program, Jamie understands the importance of creating an environment where children feel supported, challenged, and excited to return each week.

Qualifications: Canadian Ski Coaches Federation Level 1 Coach | Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance Level 1 Instructor | Former FIS Athlete | International Racing Experience | Five Years Coaching Experience

Lincoln Grandoni – U12 Performance Coach

Lincoln is a former WSC athlete who brings a thoughtful and athlete-focused approach to coaching. He began skiing with Westcastle Ski Club in the Nancy Greene program, progressed into U8 Performance, and continued racing through U14 before spending two seasons in freestyle skiing with a focus on moguls.

With a background in both alpine racing and freestyle, Lincoln has a strong appreciation for technical skiing, balance, terrain awareness, and safe skill progression. As a coach, he focuses on developing strong fundamentals while helping athletes feel supported, confident, and excited to be on snow.

Lincoln holds CSIA certification, Alpine Canada Entry Level Trained status, and has successfully completed more advanced certification with his Alpine Canada Development Level coaching evaluation – a meaningful step in the coaching pathway that reflects technical knowledge, safe training practices, effective athlete feedback, and a commitment to long-term skill development.

He has coached in WSC’s Nancy Greene program, assisted with the U10 Performance group, and now coaches with the U12 Performance program. His continued investment in coach education reflects the knowledge based, athlete-first approach he brings to WSC.

Qualifications: CSIA Certified | Alpine Canada Entry Level Trained | Alpine Canada Development Level Trained | Former WSC Athlete

Taylen Lovell – Nancy Greene Coach

Taylen is an Alpine Canada Entry Level Trained coach with 11 years of alpine racing and training experience. She began skiing at four years old, raced with NASA (Nakiska) through U12, and then joined Westcastle Ski Club, where she continued racing for four seasons. She completed her coaching course in 2024 and began coaching during the 2025/26 season.

Taylen has a natural ability to make every athlete feel seen and supported, even while leading a full group. She builds strong connections with young skiers through humour, patience, and genuine interest in their development. Athletes find her approachable and relatable, while parents and fellow coaches can rely on her sound judgment, responsibility, and consistent attention to safety.

Taylen has a deep passion for Castle Mountain and an extensive knowledge of its terrain. She uses that familiarity to help athletes explore the mountain, develop confidence in varied conditions, and build strong skiing skills. Her racing background, enthusiasm, and natural ability to connect with young skiers make her an exemplary member of the Westcastle coaching team.

Qualifications: Alpine Canada Entry Level Trained Coach | Former WSC Athlete

Maggie Sweet – Nancy Greene Coach

Maggie brings an enthusiastic, athlete-focused approach to WSC’s Nancy Greene program. Having started skiing at a young age and raced competitively for four years, she developed a love for alpine racing with a particular passion for the speed events, especially Giant Slalom.

After deciding not to continue racing, coaching became a natural way for Maggie to stay connected to the sport she loves. She is passionate about helping young athletes build confidence by exploring the entire mountain, believing that confident skiers become lifelong skiers. There is nothing more rewarding to her than watching an athlete ski a run they never thought they could, discovering new terrain while building skills that will stay with them for years to come.

Maggie joined the Westcastle Ski Club coaching team in 2025 and coaches with the Nancy Greene program, where she creates a positive, encouraging environment that helps young athletes develop confidence, strong fundamentals, and a genuine love of skiing.

Qualifications: Alpine Canada Entry Level Trained Coach | Former WSC Athlete

Mary Rast – Nancy Greene Coach

Mary is passionate about introducing young athletes to the sport of skiing in a fun, positive, and encouraging environment. Having grown up skiing with family and friends, she understands the lifelong memories and confidence that skiing can create and enjoys helping young athletes discover that same passion.

As a Nancy Greene coach, Mary focuses on building strong skiing fundamentals while helping athletes develop confidence, independence, and a love for exploring the mountain. She believes that every athlete progresses at their own pace and works to create an environment where young skiers feel supported, challenged, and excited to return each week.

Mary’s enthusiasm for skiing and working with children makes her a valued member of the WSC coaching team.

Qualifications: CSIA Certified, Alpine Canada Entry Level Trained Coach | Former WSC Athlete

Ben Parkinson – Performance Coach

Picture and Bio to come

Payton Pharis – All Mountain Coach Coach

Picture and Bio to come