Allan Tencer

Tool(s) of the Trade: Alpine skis

Experience: 20 years teaching, Alpine level 3 certification

SLC Alpental award, 2006, “Best Use of Duct Tape”

Educational Background – Bachelors in mechanical engineering (1971); Masters in mechanical engineering (1973); PhD mechanical in engineering (biomechanics – 1981) thesis – “Mechanical Properties of the Human Lumbar Spine” McGill University, Montreal Canada.

Background: I love to solve puzzles! A skier who comes to the SLC to improve his or her skiing is a biomechanical puzzle to be solved. By that I mean that every skier brings a set of skills to the mountain. These skills (pressuring, edging, and turning the ski while trying to maintain balance) blend together to create a distinct pattern of movement down the hill through the snow. I love to find and change that key movement which helps to unlock the potential of every skier to handle more challenging terrain and conditions, from the beginner who takes their first chair ride to the advanced skier who can now handle deep snow or bumps.