Chris Kastner
Ski & Snowboard School Director
Titles & Awards:
Professional Ski Instructors of America National Alpine Team
PSIA Northwest Certification Vice President
USSA Coach
Years of MHM Service
1st year as Director and 5 years as an instructor 17 years ago.
Years of Industry Service
12 years in the industry coaching, teaching, managing and training of coaches and instructor staff.
Specialty
Inspiring a passion for the mountain experience and giving others the tools to do the same.
Basically, what is it that you do for Meadows?
Motivate, manage and train our ski and snowboard staff to provide the highest quality experience available.
Why this industry?
I had a plan to get my degree and go to work for my family in their construction business. While going to school
I realized how much skiing had meant to me growing up and how much I missed it.
My parents weren’t so keen on the
idea, but I blame my love for the sport on them. They were the ones that got me into the sport in the first place.
I found out that I had a talent for teaching and coaching people to enjoy the mountain environment and they would
come back time and again to share that experience with me. It is very rewarding.
Why Mount Hood Meadows?
It is an opportunity for myself and my family and I to live and recreate in one of the most spectacular places
in the world. Mount Hood offers year round skiing, wind surfacing and kiting in the Columbia Gorge, mountain
and road bike riding and many other activities that fit our lifestyle so well.
What distinguishes Meadows from other ski resorts / businesses?
Passion! Since leaving Mount Hood Meadows, I have been trying to re-create the family atmosphere that I once shared
with this group of instructors. Since returning after 17 years away, it is nice to know that something’s never change.
This staff is committed to sharing their passion with our guests and opening the opportunities to others who wish to do the same.
What is most satisfying about your job?
Working with people that have the same passion as I do or who are looking to find that passion! When our guests leave
Mount Hood Meadows, I hope that they leave with such a great memory that it lasts them through their work week and it
gives them something to look forward to!
Insider tip
Obviously my tip would be for everyone to come take a lesson with us. We can make your visit to Mount Hood Meadows more
memorable and the experience of skiing and snowboarding more fun for you with great tips that will give you the opportunity
to enjoy more of the Mount Hood.
Pet peeve?
Being late!
Yet to accomplish?
I have been very fortunate to accomplish the ultimate level in our profession, making the PSIA National Alpine Team for two,
four-year terms. But, what would make me even prouder would being able to coach any of my staff well enough to reach that ultimate goal!
Favorite Food
Sushi
Nicknames
A lot of people just call me “Kastner” or “THAT BLEEP BLA BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP”