Pierce Whalen

ALL MOUNTAIN RANGERS LEAD COACH

Pierce was born in Hood River, Oregon, and raised as a ski racer on Mt Hood. A child of the Columbia River Gorge, he grew up with a great desire for adventure and has been mountain biking, floating whitewater, and kitesurfing since a young age. Early in his ski racing career, Pierce qualified for several USSA and FIS championship teams, and was also the Oregon State High School Race Champion. After high school he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to pursue a life in the mountains while attending Westminster College. He spent 12 years in Utah, exploring the Wasatch and falling further in love with skiing. After winning the Alta Town Race Series, he switched his focus towards competing in the adult IFSA Freeride circuit. There, he had multiple podium finishes, won Sickbird awards, took 1st at Grand Targhee, competed in the FWT Challengers Series, and held a career-high Region 2 Season Rank of 22nd. In 2023, he left the city, moved to Whitefish, and started with FVSEF as a Ranger Coach. Now, he begins his role as the Lead Ranger Coach. His philosophy on coaching is safety and fun come first, greatness will follow.