Head Snowboard Coach and Freeride Program Director, Andy Lex, began his experiential education career at the age of 17, when he started leading trips in the Wyoming backcountry as a rock-climbing guide. After high school, Andy moved to Steamboat, Colorado, to pursue his passions of snowboarding, kayaking, and rock climbing. Andy spent two summers working for High Cascade Snowboard Camp in Mt. Hood, Oregon, as a terrain park builder (digger) and would sneak back to coach when not guiding in the Rocky Mountains. While in Colorado, he worked for Burton Snowboards managing their Demo Tour and served as a product tester. At the age of 23, Andy took a hiatus from ski-town life to attend Colorado State University, where he earned a BS in Business Administration.
After graduation, Andy fulfilled a life-long dream and moved to Jackson, Wyoming, to work in the mountains and on the rivers. Andy started coaching snowboarding for The Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club’s Freeride Program in the winter of 2008-09. With the guidance and support of past FRP Directors and his fellow coaches, Andy was promoted to Head Snowboard Coach – USASA/USSA Coordinator. In the fall of 2016, Andy and his wife Nina left Jackson to pursue graduate school. Andy earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. Andy believes that there is no club program better than their coaches and emphasizes the importance of investing in coaching development. He feels that great coaches can mentor, provoke, stimulate, and engage their athletes.
Sport-specific Experience and Certifications
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USASA Level 200 Coach
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Head Snowboard Coach: JHSC USASA/USSA Coordinator
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USASA Nationals coaching experience
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USSA Revolution Tour coaching experience
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High Cascade Snowboard Camp: Digger, Coach
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National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Field Instructor, Wilderness First Responder
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American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 4: Whitewater Kayak, Swiftwater Rescue, and Stand Up Paddle Board Instructor
Education
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B.S. Business Administration, Colorado State University
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M.S. Educational Leadership & Policy
Personal Philosophy
Andy’s educational guiding principles include transformational learning, peer leadership, and respect
for people, place, and environment.
Andy’s personal philosophy is gratitude and tenacity.
