The Team

Great Coaches Build Great Teams – And We Have the Best!

At Foothills Nordic, we believe that exceptional coaching is at the heart of every successful athlete and team. Our coaching staff is one of the most dedicated and qualified in the country, including 2 full-time professional coaches, 2 full-time seasonal coaches, 65 part-time coaches, and an incredible group of volunteer parent leaders. Whether you're just starting out or you're aiming for high-performance goals, our coaches are here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. With their expertise, passion, and commitment, our team will help you reach your full potential and exceed your personal goals in cross-country skiing and biathlon. Join us and experience the difference great coaching can make!

Man in red jacket with blue headband and sunglasses in snowy mountain landscape.

Tyson Smith

Biathlon Head CoacH
EMAIL | INSTAGRAM

Tyson’s journey with Foothills Nordic began at a young age, competing in his first cross-country ski race, The Cookie Race, at just five years old. While he finished last, Tyson was still the champion when it came to eating cookies. Over the years, he became involved in Foothills Nordic’s ski and biathlon programs, where he quickly realized that improving his skiing didn’t mean sacrificing his love for cookies. By the age of ten, Tyson claimed victory in his first Cookie Race, and from there, he continued to excel. He went on to represent the club at provincial and national levels in both cross-country skiing and biathlon. Now, as a coach with FNSC, Tyson is dedicated to creating biathlon programs that foster success for athletes of all ages and skill levels, from recreational skiers to highly competitive biathletes.

    • Head Biathlon Coach, Foothills Nordic Ski Club (Current)

    • Team Alberta Head Male Coach 2019 Canada Winter Games

    • Team Alberta Head Male Coach at 2015 Canada Winter Games

    • Team Alberta National Championships coach from 2013-2016

    • Head Coach at 2015 Biathlon Alberta South Korean Biathlon Exchange

    • First year nordic ski racing: 1992

    • First year biathlon racing: 1995

    • Canadian National Team biathlete 2005-2012

    • Team Alberta biathlete 2000-2012

    • First year coaching: 2012

    • 2016 Biathlon Canada Coach of the Year

  • NCCP Competition Development Certified

Man in red jacket and headband standing in snowy mountain landscape with houses and trees in the background. Snow covers the rooftops and trees, and mountains rise under a partly cloudy sky.

Georg Jalkotzy

Cross Country Head Coach
Email

Georg’s journey with Foothills Nordic began in first grade when a school friend invited him to join the club. His earliest memories on skis are of struggling to stay upright on the icy, windy grid at Canada Olympic Park. As he progressed through the cross-country program, Georg became increasingly drawn to the personal growth and challenge of competition. One of his favorite events each year was the Alberta Cup finale at Mount Shark, where the prize for podium finishers was blocks of parmesan cheese—a tradition that remained unchallenged until he raced in Italy and France on a European tour, where prosciutto was the coveted prize. Georg went on to represent Foothills Nordic at the provincial and junior national levels. After transitioning from racing to coaching while living in Quebec City, Georg now shares his passion and expertise with the next generation of skiers.

    • Head Cross Country Coach, Foothills Nordic (Current)

    • Assistant Cross Country Coach, Foothills Nordic (2023)

    • Youth Cross Country Coach, Foothills Nordic (2019-2022)

    • Head Cross Country Coach, Foothills Nordic (2011)

    • Assistant Cross Country Coach, Skibec (2009-2010)

    • Introduction to skiing through Foothills Jackrabbits program in mid 90s

    • Canadian Junior National Team 2006-2008

    • Competed at World Junior Championships 2006, 2007

  • NCCP Competition Development Certified - In Training

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Two athletes competing in a biathlon event, skiing with rifles on their backs, wearing number bibs, helmets, and sunglasses.
A coach speaking to a group of children wearing winter clothing, participating in an outdoor winter sports event on a snowy field. The children are wearing numbered vests and appear to be engaged in a skiing or similar activity. Several adults and tr
Two women cross-country skiing in snow environment, wearing colorful sports gear and headbands.
Man in red jacket and headband standing outdoors with snowy mountain and trees in the background.
Group of young cross-country skiers embracing each other in snow, wearing race bibs and winter sports gear.
Two biathletes skiing on snow, wearing competition outfits with rifles on their backs, in a winter landscape.