Patrick Walsh’s journey into coaching began much like many others – with a deep love for skiing. What sets him apart, however, is his evolution from focusing on his own riding to dedicating his career to developing the next generation of skiers. Patrick started coaching in Canada 15 years ago at SilverStar, under the mentorship of Jeremy Cooper, while living the quintessential Australian ski bum life.
After a stint leading the Australian national team during the challenges of COVID-19, Patrick returned to Calgary. He received a call from Freeriderz Athletic about joining CFRZ as Program Director and Head Coach. While initially hesitant, conversations with Dave and Ozzie solidified his decision. Today, Patrick proudly declares this role as the best coaching gig of his career!
Coaching Philosophy
Patrick’s philosophy centres around “Winning Well.” While he’s highly competitive, his definition of winning extends far beyond medals and podiums.
For Patrick, winning is personal. It’s about helping each athlete define and achieve their unique goals—whether that’s landing a podium finish, learning their first backflip, or simply finding a supportive community of like-minded skiers. This philosophy also applies organizationally, with CFRZ striving to excel in every area, from sustainable financial practices to top-tier coaching development.
“Winning Well” prioritizes:
- Physical Safety: Minimizing risks ensures athletes can ski and enjoy fulfilling lives long after competition.
- Community Building: Fostering lifelong relationships through a welcoming, supportive environment.
- Passion Over Pressure: Encouraging athletes to pursue skiing because they love it, not out of obligation.
- Economic Accessibility: Finding ways to stretch resources and provide opportunities, keeping skiing attainable.
- Professionalism: Embracing the serious responsibility of coaching with a dedicated, professional approach.
Athlete Focus
Patrick works closely with all athletes during the summer and fall, but in winter, his focus shifts to those competing in Canada Cups and North America Cup (NAC) events. He credits the success of CFRZ to the exceptional coaching team he works alongside. “If this was just ‘The Pat Walsh Show,’ we would’ve fallen off a long time ago,” he says, emphasizing how critical a strong, well-supported coaching team is to organizational success.
Training & Events
As the season kicks off, Patrick is leading his team into the first North America Cup event of the year at Copper Mountain, Colorado. A recent warm November delayed the World Cup Slopestyle course build in Calgary, so the team made a training stop in Whistler to fine-tune their preparations.
Unforgettable Moments
When reflecting on his coaching career, Patrick highlights achievements like podiums, taking the overall NAC win in 2022, and countless new tricks. However, the moments off the hill often stand out the most. A recent favourite? Surfing with the team after the Mammoth NAC event. “If you’re traveling near the ocean, get a surf in!” he advises.
From shaping athletes on and off the hill to fostering a tight-knit community, Patrick Walsh exemplifies what it means to “Win Well.” Wishing him and the CFRZ team the best of luck this season!