Andrew Manuel, Program Director
Andrew grew up in Newfoundland Canada before making the move to Banff in 2006 to chase a snowboard dream. He has been a snowboard educator ever since, racking up 36 winters back and forth between Banff and New Zealand. During this time he has had a wide range of roles and been fortunate enough to work with a huge pool of amazing riders from all across the globe. Riders he has worked with have moved on to become national team riders in multiple nations, top level coaches, backcountry guides and industry professionals. Andrew is as happy on a board teaching 360’s to groms as he is helping riders work through their first doubles on a big line and has supported athletes at all levels of events from grassroots right up to multiple Junior World Champs
Career highlights:
-Guiding snowcat and splitboard tours in Hokkaido Japan.
-Coaching the Canadian Team at the 2019 Uni Games in Siberia.
-Coaching Kiwi athletes at the 2023 JR world Champs in New Zealand
-Coaching the New Zealand Jr Freeride Team to Podium success at the Freeride Jr world champs 2x.
-Helping countless young rippers start out at a grassroots level
-Certifying well over 500 coaches and instructors.
Certifications:
-Canada Snowboard Competition Development coach. Master Coach Developer.
-Canadian Ski Guide Association, LVL 1 guide, glacier skills course.
-Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors. LVL 4 +Park 2 Instructor. Evaluator LVL 1,2,3+Park 1+2
-Canadian Avalanche Association, Operations 1, AVSAR course, Avalanche Practitioner member
-80hr Wilderness first aid
-FIS Certified Judge