EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Responsibilities:‍ ‍Organizational strategy, operations, finances, partnerships, fundraising, staff, and program development

Also:‍ ‍Head Alpine USSS Coach

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..

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Responsibilities:‍ ‍Daily operations, programs, oversees frontline staff

Andy Cook has been part of Crystal Community Ski Club since the beginning in 2018, bringing his passion for snowsports, youth development, and the community to a variety of roles. Over the years, Andy has served as a coach, board member, and program director, giving him a broad understanding of CCSC and its programs.

In his role as Director of Operations, Andy oversees the day-to-day operations of CCSC and works across programs to help create a positive experience for athletes, families, and coaches. His long history with the organization and experience in multiple roles give him a unique perspective on the club and its continued growth.

Andy has been teaching skiing since 2010 and spent many winters as a full-time instructor at Crystal Mountain. He is a PSIA Level II Alpine Instructor and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Level 100 Coach. Outside of CCSC, Andy enjoys league racing at Crystal Mountain and riding his bicycle.

For Andy, one of the most rewarding parts of being involved with CCSC is the opportunity to share his love of snowsports with others and make a positive impact on the lives of the young people who participate in CCSC programs.

ALPINE CLUB RACING HEAD COACH & OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Responsibilities: Supervises Alpine Race coaches and practices, leads travel crew at club races 

Joe Dasin brings more than 30 years of experience in the snowsports industry to Crystal Community Ski Club, with a career spanning ski instruction, coaching, race management, and ski area leadership. His experience includes serving as a Snowsports Director, Race Director, On-Hill Race Supervisor, NASTAR Pacesetter, and Alpine Trainer at Crystal Mountain and other ski areas.

Joe has been an important part of CCSC’s Alpine program, using his extensive experience in ski racing, instruction, and athlete development to help build and strengthen the club’s competitive Alpine programming. In his role as Alpine Club Racing Head Coach and Operations Specialist, Joe works closely with athletes and coaches while also supporting the development and day-to-day operations of CCSC’s programs.

Joe is a PSIA Level III Alpine Instructor and a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Level 200 Alpine Coach and Official. He also holds PSIA certifications in Snowboard, Children’s Specialist, and Freestyle, and is Alpine Trainer Accredited. A lifelong student of the sport, Joe is passionate about continuing to learn and sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of skiers.

Outside of skiing, Joe is an artist who enjoys creating sculptures from bronze, aluminum, steel, and other materials.

NORDIC RACE TEAM HEAD COACH

Responsibilities: Middle and high school Nordic athlete development and race travel 

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.

LEAD - MASTER THE MOUNTAIN

Responsibilities: Supervises Alpine Learn-to-ski/ride coaches and participants 

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

Responsibilities: Alpine Race Academy coach development

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

Responsibilities: Junior Instructor programming and developing the next generation of instructors.

Crystal Mountain has been a very important part of Carolyn’s childhood and adult life. She grew up in Hart and looked forward to getting on the school bus every Monday from middle school through high school when her school ski club headed to Crystal Mountain. In 1998 she was hired as a ski instructor and Crystal Mountain again became the center of her winter time activity.

Carolyn is a full time alpine ski instructor at Crystal Mountain with an alpine PSIA level 2 certification and a Children's Specialist level 1. She is currently the Jr. PSIA-AASI program coordinator and has been involved in a local ski club program at Crystal Mountain for the last 15 years as a parent helper, board member, and ski community member. She also served as parent helper for the Frankfort/Benzie High School team logistics for 5+ years. She says, “As an instructor and parent helper, I always enjoy the excitement on a skier’s face when they have just finished a ski run, accomplished a race course, or ridden the chair lift for the first time. It is very special to see an athlete’s skills and confidence build with each run.”

After being part of CCSC from the very beginning, Carolyn is excited to see its continued growth. 

LEAD - JUNIOR PATROL

Responsibilities: Junior Patrol - safety education, medical skills, and leadership development

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!

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.

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.

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 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 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 Level 1

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.

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 Level 2, USSS Level 100

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 Level 1