James Pitcher

James Pitcher

Ski and Snowboard Instructor

Followers of James Pitcher1000 followers
location of James PitcherEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Manager

  • Education

    • PSIA/AASI

      2003 - 2017
      Snowboard 3 & Divisional Trainer, Ski 3, Children's Specialist 2, Freestyle 1 Snowsports Instruction
    • The Open University

      2017 - 2021
      Master of Business Administration - MBA Business Administration, Management and Operations Merit
    • The University of Glasgow

      2002 - 2006
      Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Immunology 2.2

      Activities and Societies: Glasgow University Ski and Snowboard Club Studied Immunology - B.Sc (Hons)

  • Experience

    • Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre

      Jan 2003 - Jan 2009
      Ski and Snowboard Instructor
    • Arriva Group

      Jul 2006 - Oct 2007
      PCV Driver
    • Loon Mountain Resort

      Jan 2007 - Jan 2008
      Ski and Snowboard Instructor
    • Sierra-at-Tahoe

      Jan 2008 - Jan 2009
      Snowboard and Ski Instructor
    • Glasgow Science Centre

      May 2008 - Nov 2008
      Science Communicator
    • Snow Factor

      Oct 2009 - Jun 2010
      Ski and Snowboard Instructor
    • Copper Cannon Camp

      Jun 2010 - Oct 2010
      Camp Counsellor
    • Cypress Mountain

      Dec 2010 - Apr 2011
      Ski and Snowboard Instructor
    • Snowsport England

      Jan 2011 - Nov 2019
      Tutor
    • Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre

      Jun 2011 - Dec 2014
      Head of Snow School
    • Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort

      Dec 2013 - Apr 2014
      Ski and Snowboard Instructor
    • Sierra-at-Tahoe

      Dec 2014 - Mar 2015
      Ski and snowboard Instructor
    • Interski

      Apr 2015 - Apr 2015
      Instructor and Trainer
    • FISTRAL SURF CO LIMITED

      May 2015 - Jun 2015
      Diner Supervisor
    • Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre

      Jun 2015 - Nov 2015
      Duty Manager
    • Sierra-at-Tahoe

      Dec 2015 - Apr 2016
      Ski and Snowboard Instructor, Snowboard Trainer
    • Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre

      Apr 2016 - Nov 2016
      Leisure Assistant/Bar person/Duty Manager/Ski or Snowboard Instructor and Trainer
    • Rockfish Plymouth

      May 2016 - Nov 2016
      Waiter
    • Snowsports James (UK)

      Jun 2016 - now
      Small Business Owner

      Working as an independent contractor training and examining snowboard Instructors in the UK, primarily for Snowsport Scotland / UKSS.

    • Sierra-at-Tahoe

      Dec 2016 - Apr 2017
      Instructor and Trainer
    • John Nike Leisure Sport

      May 2017 - Nov 2019
      Head of Snow School
    • Glencoe Mountain Resort Ltd.

      Nov 2019 - Nov 2023
      Activities Manager

      - Manage snow school department; hiring and training staff, managing bookings and scheduling.- Manage rental department- Deliver ski and snowboard lessons- Deliver ski and snowboard instructor courses- Manage summer activities; sno-tubing, bike and protection rentals, bike maintenance. - Assist with marketing; social media and range of websites- Ensure health and safety and environmental legislation is complied with

    • Snowsport Scotland

      Nov 2019 - now
      Tutor

      - Snowboard and alpine ski instructor training and assessments- Refresher events- Mountain induction events- Sidecountry leader training- Club Piste Leader training

    • Float The Highlands

      Aug 2022 - now
      Highland liaison and Logistics

      Part of the team that made Float the Highlands happen - offering one of the gnarliest and steepest Onewheel races in the world! Giving Racers the rare opportunity to rip down Glencoe Mountain, the home of UK National Mountain Bike Events. This gives racers a chance to show of their skills at high speed, while overcoming multiple obstacles on the descent.I handled pre and during event operational management; everything ranging from physically establishing the event village to setting out the race course and ensuring it was consistent from one day to the next.I compered the Flight Fins airtime challenge, and was instrumental in ensuring the event was safe and enjoyable for the competitors. Show less

    • Scottish Ski Club

      Nov 2023 - now
      Social media secretary

      Updating and maintaining the Scottish Ski Club's Facebook and Instagram pages, initiating regular 'Throwback Thursday' posts and ensuring a regular flow of information to members and followers.

    • Midlothian Snowsports Centre

      Dec 2023 - Oct 2024
      Snowsports Operations Manager

      Managing a ~£1.5m annual budget, 100 staff and an ageing infrastructure amid ongoing disruption throughout the Alpine Coaster project.Operations Manager through a massive expansion including new junction, road and car park in preparation for launching the Alpine Coaster.Brought the longest Alpine Coaster 2.0 to the UK, bringing in £1m+ revenue and 150,000+ annual customers. Sold out all days advertised as open.

    • Newmilns Snow & Sports Complex

      Dec 2024 - now
      Centre Manager

      - Lead and supervise a team of staff members, fostering a positive and productive work environment.- Understand and provide input into the setting and achieving of business income targets via innovative sales strategies, incentives, and product design and development.- Manage daily operations, ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures, Health and Safety, and Governmental Legislation.- Oversight and management of facilities, ensuring utilities and services are managed and maintained effectively.- Manage on-site risks, ensuring that risks are identified and mitigated with urgency, maintaining a site risk register, and pre-empting risk with proactive maintenance.- Analyse performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.- Communicate effectively with staff, customers, and stakeholders to ensure clarity of objectives and expectations.- Develop training programmes for staff to enhance their skills and improve service delivery.- Monitor centre activities to ensure high standards of service are maintained at all times.- Prepare reports on centre performance and present findings to senior management. Show less

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Artificial Slope Ski Instructor

      Snowsport Scotland
      Jan 2008
      View certificate certificate
    • Artificial Slope Snowboard Instructor

      Snowsport Scotland
      Jun 2003
      View certificate certificate
    • PSIA/AASI Children's Specialist Level 2

      PSIA - AASI Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors
      Mar 2017
      View certificate certificate
    • AASI Level 3 Snowboard Instructor

      PSIA - AASI Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors
      Jun 2009
      View certificate certificate
    • AASI Snowboard Resort Trainer

      PSIA - AASI Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors
      Dec 2011
      View certificate certificate
    • Level 4 Snowboard Coach

      Snowsport England
      Oct 2011
      View certificate certificate
    • PSIA/AASI Freestyle Instructor Level 1

      PSIA - AASI Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors
      Jan 2011
      View certificate certificate
    • BASI Level 1 Ski Instructor

      British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI)
      Jan 2007
      View certificate certificate
    • BASI Level 2 Snowboard Instructor

      British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI)
      Jul 2007
      View certificate certificate
    • PSIA Level 3 Ski Instructor

      PSIA - AASI Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors
      Mar 2018
      View certificate certificate
  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to James Pitcher
      Locker Room Talk PSIA / AASI Mar 2016 Featured in Spring 2016 issue of 32 Degrees magazine (page 15); 'Locker room talk' section. Includes a breakdown of my certifications, 4 quotes and a picture of me riding at Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre.
    • Awarded to James Pitcher
      Mahalo Star Ryan Thompson and John Rice Mar 2016 The award was given for this reason: "Such a team player, after hurting your ankle, your work in the Learn To Ride centre and privates has been greatly appreciated. A committed member of our team with great ideas for the future of our school"
    • Awarded to James Pitcher
      Instruction 301: How to travel the path from level III to examiner PSIA / AASI Sep 2015 Featured in Fall 2015 edition of 32 Degrees; pages 86 - 88, with cover photo. Includes 3 quotes from me, and a selfie taken at Sierra at Tahoe resort.
    • Awarded to James Pitcher
      Look back in brilliance PSIA / AASI Mar 2015 Featured in Spring 2015 edition of 32 Degrees; page 52. Look back in brilliance: Snow pros share advice they'd give their younger selves. Includes a quote and a picture of me riding at Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre.
    • Awarded to James Pitcher
      Working the Catwalk PSIA / AASI Dec 2014 Featured in Winter 2015 edition of 32 Degrees; pages 68 + 69. Working the Catwalk: How to avoid (or embrace) terrain traps in your lessons. Includes three quotes and a picture of me riding at Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre.
    • Awarded to James Pitcher
      Mahalo Star Kelley Edwards and John Rice Jan 2014 The award was given for the following reason: "You are new to Sierra this year, but you joined our team like you have worked with us for years. From teaching UK groups to Private lessons you bring a lot of skill and humor to lessons. We truly appreciate all your hard work and we are happy to have you as part of our team" Kelley Edwards"Your efforts and commitment have been recognized as an integral part to the success of Sierra at Tahoe. On behalf of management, I appreciate your… Show more The award was given for the following reason: "You are new to Sierra this year, but you joined our team like you have worked with us for years. From teaching UK groups to Private lessons you bring a lot of skill and humor to lessons. We truly appreciate all your hard work and we are happy to have you as part of our team" Kelley Edwards"Your efforts and commitment have been recognized as an integral part to the success of Sierra at Tahoe. On behalf of management, I appreciate your contribution and want to thank you for your support and enthusiasm" John Rice Show less
    • Awarded to James Pitcher
      Golden Horseshoe Award Booie Alward Apr 2007 The Award requires a nomination and seconding by senior staff. There were only two awarded in the entire winter season to my knowledge. I received mine for hard work and commitment to the job during the busiest month of the year, which I worked every day of.