AST Coach Journal: Philip Pike

Hi everyone,

My name is Philip Pike, and this is my first season coaching with the Alberta Ski Team. While this is a new role for me, I’ve been coaching out of Lake Louise for the past nine seasons, so it’s been exciting to step into a new environment while still working with athletes who care deeply about skiing fast and getting better every day. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be part of this group and to contribute to what the team is building.

We’re currently down in New York at Whiteface Mountain, right in the middle of the NORAM season. This is our third trip east since the new year, and at this point it honestly feels like a second home. Between long travel days, time zones, and bouncing between venues, life on the road has become pretty routine. These trips are where a lot of learning happens — both on and off the hill — and they’ve played an important role in the athletes’ development so far this season. Not everything has gone perfectly, and some athletes have been struggling at times, but the response has been encouraging. There’s a real hunger within the group for more starts, more opportunities, and more chances to apply what they’re learning in a race environment.

We’re right in the thick of the season now, with athletes battling through the NORAM circuit and learning what it takes to be competitive at this level. It hasn’t been easy, but there have been a lot of positives to take away. We’ve seen success this year in both speed and technical events, which is a great reflection of the work the athletes have been putting in. Here at Whiteface this week, the speed races have gone well, and it’s been rewarding to see the athletes execute when it matters. We’re now shifting our focus to the upcoming technical events, and there’s a lot of excitement around the opportunity to build on the momentum we’ve created.

Looking ahead, we’re also really looking forward to coming back home for some local races at Norquay. After spending so much time on the road, getting back to familiar hills and routines will be a well-deserved reset for the group. It’s always nice to race at home and feel the support from the Alberta Alpine community.

I’ve been impressed with the work ethic, resilience, and attitude this team brings every day. I’m excited to keep building with this group and see where the rest of the season takes us.

See you on the hill,

Philip Pike

Alberta Ski Team Coach