EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hunter Steinkamp has spent his career in the snowsports industry as an instructor, coach, sales/marketing manager, and now a nonprofit leader. He began teaching skiing at Paoli Peaks in high school before moving into ski-area management there and later at Crystal Mountain. 

Hunter joined Crystal Community Ski Club at its inception in 2018 as a coach and became CCSC’s first employee in 2022. Since then, he has played a central role in building the organization’s operational and financial capacity, expanding programs, developing staff and coaches, strengthening community partnerships, and creating new opportunities for youth to participate in snowsports. Hunter has been thrilled to work with the team to see CCSC grow from a startup nonprofit into a regional nonprofit organization. 

Hunter is a PSIA Level III Alpine Instructor and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Level 200 Alpine Coach, and can be regularly found on the slopes coaching. He also serves on the boards of Norte Youth Cycling and PSIA-AASI Central.

Hunter is passionate about removing barriers to participation, bringing kids from all backgrounds into snowports, and helping each athlete “find their niche” within CCSC. For Hunter, one of the most rewarding parts of his work has been watching the club grow into a true community resource—and he has big plans for what’s next for CCSC..

ALPINE CO-DIRECTOR & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Andy has brought his passion and time to CCSC since it’s inception in 2018. Andy has worn many hats in CCSC - including coach, board member, and program director.

Andy is certified as a PSIA Level 2 alpine instructor and a USSS Level 100 coach. He has been instructing skiing since 2010, and spent many winters as a full time instructor for Crystal Mountain. Andy also enjoys league racing at Crystal Mountain and riding one of his bicycles during his free time. When it’s not ski season, you can find Andy working at the Cherry Hut (where he has been employed for over 20 years).

Andy said the following about his roles with CCSC: “CCSC allows the opportunity to share my love of snowsports with others and make a positive impact on the lives of the youth who participate in our programs.”

ALPINE CLUB RACING HEAD COACH & OPERTATIONS DIRECTOR

Joe Dasin is a ski instructor at Crystal Mountain Resort, as well as a coach and Alpine Co-Director with Crystal Community Ski Club.

Joe has over thirty years of experience in the ski industry in management and instruction, including Snow Sports Director, Race Director, On Hill Race Supervisor, NASTAR Pacesetter, and Alpine Trainer.

Because of his Level 3 Alpine Certification with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), Joe has the knowledge to instruct not only beginners but advanced students, and those striving to achieve their PSIA certifications. Other certifications achieved through PSIA include: Level 1 Snowboard, Children’s Specialist 2, and Freestyle 1. He is also Alpine Trainer Accredited, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Level 200 Alpine Coach & Alpine Official. Joe has attended over twenty PSIA National Academies and is ranked in the top 10 for most educational credits with PSIA Central Division. Joe prides himself as being a lifetime student and always willing to share his knowledge.

In his free time, Joe is an artist who enjoys creating sculptures from bronze, aluminum, steel, and other materials.

NORDIC RACE TEAM HEAD COACH

Karen is a PSIA Level 3 and Children’s Specialist Level 1 Certified Nordic Instructor. Karen started skiing outside her back door literally. “Our family broke a trail and we learned how to cross country ski this way.” She became serious about skiing when she moved back to Michigan from Japan in 2002. Her hometown VASA ski race is her favorite. Karen wants to share her love for skiing with others. She skis full and half marathons with the most challenging being the Noquemanon in Marquette. She also runs in races from 5k to 50 miles. She has competed in triathlons and organized the Tri4Kristie Memorial Triathlon for 5 years in Leland. Karen wants others to enjoy the magic of skiing like she does.

Karen is a 30-year educator and currently teaches elementary students at Leland Public School. She is the Middle School Cross Country Coach at Leland and manages a winter ski program at Leland for 4-12th graders aptly named the Leland Gliders. In addition, she coaches for Crystal Community Ski Club’s Nordic Program and is in charge of coaching the Middle School and High School race team. She is an avid runner, skier, biker, paddleboarder, reader, traveler, and outdoor enthusiast.

WEBMASTER

Jeannie brings thirty years of IT experience from Indiana University to her role as Webmaster for CCSC.

With over 25 years membership in PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America, Level II), she has also joined the CCSC coaching staff and is working toward USSS certification.

In addition to Jeannie's alpine skiing background, she spent a few years as a certified USA Track and Field official, is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, and fills her spare time with golf, kayaking, cooking, a bit of artwork, and family.

Jeannie is addicted to improvement in any endeavor and wants to share that passion on the slopes.

LEAD - MASTER THE MOUNTAIN

Marco has dedicated much of his life to improving opportunities for youth in our region and across Michigan. Having grown up near Lansing, he worked with various youth centered programming before making the move north to work at Traverse City High School. Shortly after that he joined the staff of The Leelanau Ski Club (LSC), and hasn't left that world since.

The LSC morphed into the North Coast Snowsports Club (NCSC), and after many years instructing and directing that club the NCSC grew into Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC). Marco has been Directing the Master The Mountain (MTM) branch of CCSC since, having been integral in building programs that offers teen leadership programs, freestyle camps, fostering outreach and DEI efforts that bring various downstate partners to Crystal Mountain, as well as the top notch learn to ski/snowboard programming that the MTM program is most known for.

Marco also sits on our Scholarship Committee, ensuring that deserving area youth will have the opportunity to pursue their snow dreams regardless of financial barriers. His goal is to help youth find their own personal stoke, and for kids to discover the joy of skiing and snowboarding with friends. He dreams of this becoming a lifelong pursuit for these young people, and hopes to realize that success in a chance meeting of one of todays MTM members on the slopes in twenty years, with their snow-loving kids right beside them.

LEAD - ALPINE RACE TRAINING

Bringing decades of experience in the alpine ski racing world, Chris leads our training and curriculum development for Alpine Race Academy. Chris was part of the formation of CCSC and has been with us ever since. He is also the Director of Snowsports at Crystal Mountain and an Alpine Examiner and Tech Team Member for PSIA-AASI Central.

Chris raced Division 1 for Bates College, coached for CU Boulder, and has been skiing since he was 2.5 years old. Chris holds a PSIA Level 3 Certification, and a USSS Level 200 Certification. Between his experience as racer and highly-trained coach, Chris continues to help train coaches and develop a coaching philosophy that leads our athletes to success.

Chris is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the coaches and youth of CCSC. “I love skiing, ski racing, and coaching. CCSC allows me to share those passions with others and develop kids and coaches toward the future,” remarked Chris.

LEAD - JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR

e her passion for skiing.  She is the Jr. PSIA-AASI program coordinator and has been involved in local ski club programs for the last 15 + years. She enjoys encouraging, working with, and providing the framework for CCSC Jr Instructor participants to learn about ski/snowboard instructing and gratification that comes with helping individuals add new or improve their ski/snowboard skills and personal growth skills. 

Carolyn and her husband Kelly moved to Benzie County in 1998 and raised their two sons, who grew up on the slopes of Crystal Mt. in the winter. Early on their sons were either racing through the trees, soring off jumps, or propelling themselves through the downhill ski race course. Their passion for downhill ski racing continued through high school, into college, and beyond. Carolyn has enjoyed watching her sons, their teammates, and their friends gain skill and confidence from all the stormy to sunny days that were spent on the ski hill. Skiing together remains one of Carolyn’s families favorite activities!

Carolyn is a full time alpine ski instructor at Crystal Mt. with alpine PSIA level 2 and Children’s Specialist level 1 certifications. Carolyn grew up in Hart, Michigan and was part of the Hart ski club after school program which came to Crystal Mt. every Monday night from middle school through high school. Carolyn is a founding member of CCSC and enjoys being part of the team.  She marvels at how CCSC has grown with the variety of programs and is excited to see CCSC grow.

LEAD - JUNIOR PATROL

Jess is an outdoor enthusiast who has a passion for service; when not running a Camp on the shores of Lake Michigan you can find her out on the slopes (in winter) or hiking and biking in summer.

As a second generation patroller, Jessica started out as a Mountain Host on Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol with her father before becoming a patroller and reaching the Senior Alpine level. At Crystal she serves as an Outdoor Emergency Care (medical) instructor, Outdoor Emergency Transportation (toboggan/ski) instructor and hill leader.

Jess enjoys sharing her passion for skiing, safety and helping others through our Jr. Patrol program, where she develops teens through learning medical skills, safety awareness, and personal growth. Her favorite days on the slopes are spent with family and patrol friends, making as many runs as possible!

PSIA, USSS Level 100, Children’s Accreditation

Over 10 years race coaching (Head coach for Leelanau Ski Club), over 40 years teaching skiing at various resorts, over 40 years training and evaluating instructors for the Professional Ski Instructors Association

I have always enjoyed working with young athletes, helping them create a solid foundation for their sport. When I taught my first client I showed her something that worked well for her and the look on her face was worth a thousand words: she was excited and I was hooked. I want to put that same look on the faces of the CCSC members as well. I think that I can help the athletes within CCSC develop that solid foundation and a life-long love for the sport.

PSIA-AASI Alpine L3, Cross Country L3, Telemark L3: Children’s Specialist 2, Freestyle 1, Alpine Education Staff EX2, Cross Country Education Staff, EX1, Telemark Education Staff EX3, Children’s Specialist Staff EX2

46 years as a coach and instructor, 52 years in the snowsports industry

After five seasons working at Nub's Nob and with the Tip of the Mitt community, I'm excited to return to the area to work with the CCSC. I am looking forward to learning and sharing knowledge with CCSC coaches, athletes, and the surrounding community.

PSIA Alpine Level 3, PSIA Education Staff

Teaching and coaching snow sports for over 50 years. Working with all levels of skiers from junior racers to high level USSS racers.

I have spent most of my adult life coaching skiing/racing and have experienced some of the most memorable times in my life revolving around ski racing. My passion today is to pass on the same enthusiasm I have with the next generation of skiers. CCSC allows me the opportunity fulfill my passion and share the enthusiasm with these future skiers and racers in our program.

USSS Level 100, PSIA Alpine Level 3, PSIA Alpine Examiner

20+ years of racing, 10+ years of coaching

Coaching is what I enjoy and what I want to do. Creating enthusiasm for ski racing, ensuring a life long love of skiing.

PSIA L3 Alpine, Children’s Accreditation L1

20 years experience

I enjoy the coaching experience through watching athletes grow and become better at their chosen disciplines. I learn something new each and every day I participate within CCSC.

PSIA Freestyle L2, PSIA Alpine L1

7 years instructing, 5 years coaching

Hello, I'm Will, I have spent the majority of my life on Crystal Mountain skiing as an athlete or coaching and instructing others how to ski. I started my skiing career racing in middle school with North Coast ski Club and have since continued participating in the sport as an athlete, coach, race crew, instructor, and anywhere else to stay out on the Ski Hill.

PSIA Level III Alpine, USSS Alpine Coach

5 years with Crystal Mountain Snowsports Teaching; 3 year with Crystal Community Ski Club Coaching

Crystal Community Ski Club played a major role in my development as a high school ski racer, helping me achieve many successes both in and away from the course. Coaching with CCSC allows me to give back to the community that supported me by teaching and mentoring the next generation of athletes.

PSIA Alpine L1, USSS Level 100

I am a chiropractor and business owner in Manistee since 1998 who has a passion in supporting health and wellness through my work in my practice and through community programs. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoy athletics that require precision and purpose in training. I am so happy to have earned my certification so that I can serve the organization not only as a board member but as a coach to help continue its reach and development.

PSIA L1

I have been skiing for 11 years and it will be my 7th year racing this winter. Currently, I help coach cross country at the local elementary school, Betsie Valley. However it is my first year coaching snow sports.

I am a current high school student who loves to be outdoors in the snow. I found my love of racing through CCSC and knew I wanted to work there when the opportunity turned up. In my free time I like to play softball and ski with my friends.