Instructors

Meet the Adult Lessons instructors!

Katelyn Rose

I was born and raised in Fairbanks and I am a graduate of West Valley High School and UAF. I coached Lathrop High School’s ski team for three years and most recently I have been coaching high school skiers in eastern Massachusetts. Living in MA gave me a new appreciation for the beautiful snow and hundreds of kilometers of trails that we have here in Fairbanks. I love getting outside every day, especially in the winter, and I’m so excited to spread the joy of this lifelong sport!

Krista Heeringa

I was born in Fairbanks and learned to ski not too long after I learned to walk. I skied competitively for APU and UAA and have been grateful to be a part of the wonderful ski community of Fairbanks. Cross country skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the long Fairbanks winters. I look forward to sharing a few tips and tricks for getting comfortable on your skies and helping you find your stride.

Max Donaldson

I grew up in Fairbanks and am passionate about sharing Nordic skiing with others so they can explore this amazing state, and stay in great shape! I graduated from UAF in 2019, and was on the ski team for 4 years. When my time isn’t spent skiing, I enjoy hunting, exploring, and kayaking. I look forward to helping you find improvement with skiing so you can reap all the benefits!

Fred Harbison

Fred Harbison has been in Fairbanks for over 30 years. A transplant from the East Coast, Fred started skiing in high school when he attended Holderness School. He has been involved in racing, organizing, and supporting endurance events for decades in the Fairbanks community. But his real passion is coaching. Fred has, for the last 26 years, taught an Outward Bound style course for high school Juniors. He has coached Junior Nordics in the past, and teaches Wilderness Medicine and Expedition Planning for all types of groups. During his career at the Fairbanks Fire Department he trained countless new Paramedics.

Fred loves being outside with students! And his coaching philosophy is very simple. “If one of my athletes leaves a session not feeling enthused about skiing and fired up for the next class, I have done something wrong. Sport is about enjoyment. Period!”

Grace Burrell

My name is Grace Burrell and I am in my third year of college, majoring in Biological Sciences at UAF. Throughout most of high-school I skied with Lathrop and FXC-NSCF. For about 4 or 5 years now, I have coached the Junior Nordic kids and FXC. Last year was my first time coaching adults through the Junior Nordic program. My favorite ski races to participate in and cheer for are the Turkey Day Relays and the Sonot Kkaazoot. I’m excited to ski with you this winter!

Catey Burtness-Adams

I grew up here in Fairbanks and learned to ski at Tanana Middle School and Lathrop High School. I love skiing and Fairbanks’ innumerable trails offer a fun way to explore the community and surrounding areas. I am excited to help others learn to ski so they can get out and enjoy the winters here. Skiing technique can be challenging to pick up on your own. Lessons can help get you started, and it only becomes more fun as you get better.

Cody Koch

I am 44 years old and started cross country skiing occasionally as a child In South Dakota. I learned to instruct XC and downhill skiing at the Northern Warfare Training school in Black Rapids while stationed here. I have lived in Alaska for almost 20 years. My wife and I have four great young Alaska skiers that participate in Junior Nordics and the FXC Prep team. I started coaching kids 10 years ago for Weller Ski Club and 2 years with Junior Nordics. I am a Level 100 certified Coach with the US Ski and Snowboard Association. I love coaching and learning about skiing. It is truly the best way for you and the family to get out during Fairbanks Winters.

Donovan Granger

I have enjoyed skiing and helping others learn to ski here in Fairbanks for the last 20 winters.

I grew up downhill and backcountry skiing in Colorado. When I settled in Fairbanks in the early 90s with my family, I learned to ski on Nordic skis, chasing kids with the Weller Elementary School Ski Club and Fairbanks Jr. Nordics. I followed my kids and their friends, skiing and coaching through the elementary, middle, and high school years.

In the winter of 2006, I earned a PSIA Nordic Teaching certification and have had a great time skiing and teaching lessons with the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks. I would love to help you catch the skiing “bug” too! My goal is to share my passion for skiing with anyone who is interested in taking up the sport. It’s a great way to get outside and be active in winter, and a great way to get to know the trails we have in the Fairbanks area. I look forward to skiing with you!

Don Pendergrast

I moved from Georgia to Fairbanks in 1976 and was introduced to cross country skiing as a way to enjoy the winter. Skiing became the way I embrace winter, a season I look forward to. It has kept me from becoming too old and creaky. Skiing is healthy active fun, and if you can ski over your lunch hour you get into the sunlight, a huge mental health plus during our short days. I like to help others enjoy skiing and over the years I have taught kids through elementary school ski clubs and Junior Nordics, and adults at UAF and through the Nordic Ski Club. Skiing opens up the winter world whether you ski for recreation, fitness, backcountry exploration, or participate in community races; it’s what winter is about.

Join the Team!

Interested in joining NSCF’s team of Adult Lessons Instructors? Want to get paid to teach others an activity you love? Contact the Adult Lessons Coordinator for more information.