It’s been 50 years and counting for Mohan skiers and boarders
Rob Stimmel has skied all over the United States, Canada and Europe.
The 55-year-old Kenmore resident has experienced stunning scenery and pristine slopes. He could easily pick a favorite spot, but he’s not pointing his skis in any particular direction.
“Wherever the snow is fresh and deep, and there’s sunshine. If you love skiing, you love skiing,” he said last week. “It’s not just a place — it’s a mindset to love skiing.”
Stimmel has been extremely fond of skiing for the last 43 years, and this year the Mohan Skiing and Boarding director leads that organization into its 50th year of existence. Bothell’s Sally and Dick Strand started the Northshore Ski Club in 1960, John Mohan took over 15 years later and Stimmel — a former club student and instructor — bought the school in 1999.
This Saturday and Sunday, about 45 Northshore School District skiers and snowboarders will hop onto a luxury bus and travel to Snoqualmie Summit Central for a day on the slopes. It will be the beginning of a six-week program, which will feature lessons and camaraderie at the top-notch ski spot, according to Stimmel.
All ages and skill levels will be represented.
“We all start at the same place and all end at the same place,” said Stimmel, who attended Kenmore Junior High and Inglemoor High. “But the route you take can be totally different — everyone has their own experience.
“Probably the biggest thrill for me is when you’re out there teaching, and you can actually see that you can affect change,” he added. “When you hit week three and the lights come on (when a student improves), it’s a pretty incredible feeling that you can help them grow.”
Stimmel is proud that Mohan operates under Youth Sports Services, a nonprofit 501C3 corporation, and that he offers his trips to skiers in nine other school districts, including Seattle, Kent, Tahoma, Renton and South Kitsap. In all, about 2,500 students will participate in Mohan’s programs.
Speaking of John Mohan, he’s a training instructor at the school when he’s not teaching finance and art at Northwest University, Stimmel said. The school features about 200 instructors, including Northshore’s Dave Valenti, a former world-class aerialist and current smart-style adviser by helping prevent injuries and bringing out the athletes’ maximum enjoyment in the sport.
It’s no surprise that Stimmel is at the head of the pack when it comes to making the most out of every day, every minute on the slopes — wherever that may be.
“It’s a great sport. You can always get better — at 55, I’m still learning,” said Stimmel, who also bikes several thousand miles a year.
“The mountains,” he added, whether they’re snow-covered or bare. “That’s my favorite place to be.”
For information, visit www.skimohan.com.
