Hello, My name is Mary Jo Knowles.
 
I live in Moscow Idaho until the snow flies then I leave home and move to Sandpoint. All I have to say is my husband knew what he was getting into when he married me. I can't say he understands this crazy passion, but he is very supportive.
 
I started skiing in Jr High riding the ski bus from Walla Walla to Spout Springs. Back in the day when you got a free lift ticket if you side slipped the hill (human groomers). My passion continue through college, I picked a college closest to a ski area, Southern Oregon State College in Ashland Oregon.(15 minutes from campus to the slopes). I finished College at Oregon State with a degree in Food and Nutrition, later working in the natural food business.
 
My life after children was spent living in the woods, growing big gardens, building a passive solar house, and living very simple. I wanted to take my family skiing so to make it affordable I started teaching skiing on weekends at a small family area, Bluewood. That's where I became hooked on teaching. It was a great challenge to improve my skiing and to learn how to improve other peoples skiing. Also the people that work in ski schools are so fun; it's like working with a bunch of puppies.
 
I left Bluewood after 4 years for Silver Mountain Ski Area, where I worked weekends for 2 years. When I had an opportunity to work full time as a ski instructor (my dream job) I came to Schweitzer, this is my 6th season.
 
I like working with children as well as adults. I was a Funatics coach for 2 seasons and have been a Diva's coach for 3 seasons. I am a level II certified instructor. I'm always working on improving my skiing and teaching. My goal with my students is to find what works. Getting to know each student as an individual and working with their learning style to get a movement or concept across.
 
If you want to be challenged in a positive learning environment and have a lot of fun in the process come on out and ski with me.
 
Mary Jo Knowles
CELL: 208 596 0474
E-MAIL: maryjoknowles@msn.com