Our Coaches

SVR is exceptionally proud of our coaching staff. Year after year, our club attracts and retains some of the best coaches in the province. A majority of our coaching staff are former Snow Valley Racing athletes and have represented SVR at various competitions throughout Alberta and Western Canada. As SVR alumni, our coaches have a unique love and passion for our organization. 

The Snow Valley Racing program director oversees the operations of the organization. We are excited that Chad Mansell will be returning to SVR for the upcoming 24/25 season. This will be Chad’s fourth term serving as Snow Valley Racing’s program director, and he brings over 27 years of experience to the role. He has worked with athletes of all ages (from Entry Level to FIS) as a Certified Performance Level Coach.

Chad is also an ACA Facilitator and Evaluator for Entry Level and Development Level Coaching Courses. He has a strong history of working with successful athletes at all levels and abilities and is passionate about helping young coaches develop into knowledgeable professionals. 

When he’s not in the race office, you can usually find Chad outside in the mountains, on a lake with his family or in a forest somewhere. Chad loves archery, hunting, waterskiing, and spending time with his family (Margaret, Ivan, Milo, and Goose the dog). 

Gabriella and Ben Holzer are the Entry Level and U12 Head Coaches. The Holzer family has a long line of SVR alumni and a special passion for our ski racing community. Gabi and Ben both raced with the club for 13 years prior to beginning their coaching careers. 

Gabriella Holzer 

Gabi is a Development Level Certified coach, and will be returning to SVR this year for her sixth season of coaching. Growing up as an athlete, racing deepened her appreciation of skiing, instilled a strong work ethic, and provided her with countless memories. Now as a coach, Gabi passes on her love of the sport to her athletes by encouraging them to work hard, ski fast, and have fun! 

Outside of coaching, Gabi attends the University of Alberta and is working to complete a kinesiology degree. She intends to pursue a career in athletic or physical therapy, with the goal to one day work with professional athletes. When Gabi isn't off skiing or studying, you can find her hanging out with her dog Bo while watching sports (especially hockey, Go Oilers)! 

Ben Holzer

Ben is a Development Level Trained coach embarking on his fourth season with SVR. He has coached athletes from Dream Team to the U12 level. Ben has been racing and coaching his entire life, which really makes Snow Valley Racing his second home.

Ben is dedicated to passing on his love for ski racing to his athletes by emphasizing hard work and empowering them to build confidence on the snow. His aim is not only to develop exceptional skiers, but also to inspire a lifelong passion for skiing in his athletes. 

In addition to coaching, Ben is studying kinesiology at the University of Alberta with plans to pursue occupational therapy. His strong athletic background includes a career in football, basketball, and volleyball, reflecting his deep-seated passion for sports and competition. When he's not on the slopes, Ben enjoys watching sports, attending concerts, and seeking out the best views during his travels.

Delaney is a Performance Level Trained coach entering her ninth season of coaching. She grew up racing with Snow Valley before transitioning to the Nakiska Alpine Ski Association (NASA).

Throughout her coaching career, Delaney has worked with athletes across a wide range of ages (U6 to U19) and competitive levels. She particularly enjoys the technical side of ski racing and helping athletes understand not just how to improve their skiing, but why certain techniques work. She encourages athletes to think critically, ask questions, and take an active role in their own development. Above all, she strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where athletes feel comfortable challenging themselves, making mistakes, and having fun while developing a genuine love for skiing.

Outside of coaching, Delaney holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, specializing in biomechanics research. She also loves playing music, doing crossword puzzles, her dog, and enthusiastically meeting other people's dogs (please bring your dog to training).