About Us

History

LYON SKI SCHOOL, Inc. has been in operation since 1963. The ski school was founded by Jean Lyon, ex-Canadian National Alpine Ski Team member and retired school teacher. LYON SKI SCHOOL, Inc. has provided award-winning ski instruction to students of all ages for over 50 years. Currently under the directorship of past U.S. Ski Team, World Cup and Professional racer, David Lyon, Lyon offers alpine skiing, ski racing and snowboard training for beginning, intermediate and advanced skiers.

In 1963, the US Forest Service approached Jean Lyon and asked her to develop a new ski school. Lyon Ski School began with the Snohomish Ski & Snowboard Training Program, developed as a means of providing the children of the Snohomish School District an opportunity to participate in the sport of skiing. At that time, Jean also developed Ski Vite, the first Mighty-Mite race program in the state.

In 1966 Lyon Ski School expanded to the Mukilteo and then Lake Stevens School districts. In conjunction with the school district programs, Lyon Ski School developed a “drive-up” family program which attracted families from throughout the Puget Sound area. Lyon Ski School enjoyed tremendous growth in the 70’s resulting in the Lake Stevens program being given to another ski school, in an effort to maintain continued quality for Snohomish, Mukilteo and drive-up programs. The school districts programs are still in operation today, growing to include the Monroe and Northshore School Districts in the late 1990’s.

The 1990’s were a time of transition and growth for Lyon Ski School. Ownership and directorship of the school was passed from Jean Lyon to her son David in 1994. In 1996, Lyon Ski School introduced Snowboard instruction to its curriculum. In 1999, David reformed and renamed the dwindling Ski Vite Race Program and the Team Lyon Alpine Race Club was born.

In 2003 Lyon Ski School absorbed the Christian Snow sports School and initiated a Friday night Christ-centered program of ski and snowboard lessons. The philanthropic efforts of the ski school were also greatly expanded in 2003. School district programs were adjusted to benefit the PTA’s of the schools they serve. Over $3000 was donated to public schools in this first year.

Lyon Ski School has opened the door to the world of Snow sports to over 25,000 students. We hope you and your family will join us this season.

<< back to top

Our Director

LYON SKI SCHOOL, Inc. is currently owned and operated by David and Tami Lyon. David is a 3-time NCAA All-American from the University of Wyoming where he raced and then coached. A past member of the U.S. Ski Team, David raced on the World Cup and Professional Tours. Dave has been named as one of Ski Magazine’s Top 100 Instructors, and has been recognized by PSIA-NW for his outstanding Service to Youth. He has been named Alpine Coach of the Year by the PNSA division of The United States Ski and Snowboard Association as well as being recognized for his volunteerism. Dave is a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America National Demonstration Team and consultant to the Northwest Technical Team; setting exam, teaching and skiing standards and training & educating professional instructors throughout the country and abroad.

Tami holds BA degrees in Public Relations and Speech Communications from California State University, Chico and a MA degree in Communication from the University of Wyoming. She is a 2-time recipient of the Washington State Golden Acorn Award for her service to her community and has been recognized by PNSA for her volunteerism.

<< back to top

Professional Staff

Our professional teaching staff is all certified members of P.S.I.A. and A.A.S.I., who receive over 40 hours of training in Child, Teen and Adult learning and teaching methods annually. The teaching staff hold Risk Management certification from Lyon Ski School, Inc. and current First Aid /CPR certification.

Our volunteer chaperone staff is made-up of teachers, coaches, bus drivers and parents of the Snohomish, Mukilteo, Northshore and Monroe School Districts. Chaperones receive extensive training on safety and accident procedures as well as School District and Ski School rules and expectations. Lyon Chaperones are committed to the welfare of the children they serve, chosen for their dedication to kids and love of the mountain environment.

<< back to top

Parent Partnership

We consider every lesson an opportunity to make new friends and share our love of the mountain environment. We want you & your child to have a great time, so we’ll ask you often how we can better serve you. We work in partnership with you to tailor you and your child’s lessons to your distinct needs. We love to ski & ride and want you and your children to love it too!!!

<< back to top

Safety & Risk Management

LYON SKI SCHOOL, Inc. believes that the students who participate in our program are our most important consideration. We provide an environment where personal growth is enhanced through the development of a positive self-concept. We make an extraordinary effort to insure a safe and healthy environment for our students. Our philosophy extends beyond teaching skiing and snowboard technique, to teaching life-lessons through a sincere respect and concern for our students. We feel it is our commitment to the students that has earned us a strong reputation in the community and a leadership role among those in the ski industry.

<< back to top