Coaches – Madnorski

All Madnorski ski coaches are members of the US Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and have completed SafeSport training. Madnorski coaching staff maintains a five to one skier to coach ratio, to ensure the highest level of support for skiers at every level.

Jim Kyle

Jim has been a recreational skier since high school and became much more involved in the sport after being encouraged to ski the Birkie with a family member. In addition to skiing he enjoys staying active in the outdoors through running, biking and paddling. While this is his first year coaching skiers, he has worked with young people as a music teacher in the Madison schools for 30 years.

Tamara Bryant

Certified as a US Ski & Snowboard Level 100 Coach, Tamara has worked with the Trail Kids and Juniors since 2017 and became the Executive Director of the club in 2021. “The Madnorski ethos encourages all of us to challenge ourselves to reach personal goals, to show up, and to try. I love that as a club we can share the joy of skiing and connect to the outdoors as a community–see you on the trails!”

Jake Eaton

The other Jake is in his second year coaching with Madnorski. He caught the cross-country skiing bug while in high school in Vermont and has sought out snow ever since. A level 100 USSA certified coach, you can find him rollerskiing around the south side of town in search of smooth pavement. In addition to skiing, he enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, playing dungeons and dragons, and camping.

Zach LaFond Hudson

Started ski racing as a kid in Wyoming and found his way to skiing in the Midwest through the St Olaf College Ski Team. After racing around the country he washed up on the shores of Lake Superior and spent some time as an assistant coach for the Proctor Hermantown Nordic Ski Team. This is his second winter coaching with Madnorski.

Pam Felt

Pam has been skiing since she was two and completed her first-ever organized ski race of any kind at age 52. She started coaching for MadNorSki three years ago in an effort to keep up with her daughters (she’s still trying). A runner and gardener in the off season, Pam loves playing outside in the snow and the Club’s mission to inspire life-long skiers.

Don Fariss

Hard to capsulize 40 yrs of HS coaching & 50 yrs of ski racing…..

1977-82 XC ski instructor
84-87 Rhinelader H.S. Head Coach
90-98 US Junior Nationals Central Region Coach (92-96 Head Coach)
92-2005 Madison Nordic Ski Club Head HS Coach
06-23 Ice Age Assistant Coach
23-24 Madison Nordic Ski Club High School Coach
– US Birkebeiner — Birchleggings Club
– 2013 Coach of the Year, Wisconsing Nordic Ski League

The club is so happy to have Don back coaching with Madnorski!!

Dale Fanney

Wisconsin Nordic Ski League “Coach of the Year for 2024” — Dale Fanney — joins Madnorski Juniors Coaching team.

Brenda Baker

Brenda Baker, US Ski and Snowboard level 100 certified, has been a life-long skier and silent sport athlete. She has extensive background in childhood development and previous experience coaching youth swimming and soccer. The parent of two skiers, she is thrilled to serve as assistant coach on the Madnorski Junior Team.