CUSTOMIZED COACHING
LEARN FROM LEADING PROFESSIONALS
Customized Privates, Small Group Packages, Specialty Camps
Investing in your riding will elevate your experience on the trails! These sessions are catered to what you want to learn, your goals and your objectives. Single sessions, multiple lessons to specialty camps, we can create the optimal programming to suit you or your group.
Want to learn how to corner? Build confidence? Ride steep rock rolls? Face challenges? Elevate your riding for competitive purposes? New to mountain biking and looking for a solid foundation?! Our world renowned coaches have you covered.
Working with our professional, experienced coaches is the most efficient way to progress your riding skills. From the foundational basics to fine tuning skills, Strand Training's team offers tailored sessions to meet your individual or group needs. Choose your coach, choose your location, choose your goals!
We offer our coaching services in Whistler Valley, Whistler Bike Park (with lift line priority!), Pemberton and Squamish.
MEET THE TEAM!
Katrina Strand
Katrina comes from a highly educated and experienced background coaching riders of all levels and abilities since 2002. She spent over a decade racing and riding as a professional mountain bike athlete competing on the international stage at World Cup DH, World Championships DH, EWS and many multi stage events such as the BC Bike Race and Trans-Provence. During this time, she always set aside time to build up other riders and athletes. Katrina is all about collaboration, connection and building strong resilient minds and bodies on and off the bike.
Mike Sousa
Mike has been immersed in the mountain bike industry for over 10 years. More recently, he has leaned into the coaching world and developed a fascination and passion in welcoming others to mountain biking as well as assisting riders to reach their ultimate potential. In working with clients of all abilities, he has successfully coached through hurdles such as potent fears, injury history or phobias all while building essential skills. He often uses breathwork, mindfulness and therapeutic techniques that build trust and commitment. Mike offers a truly competitive coaching experience that is unique and powerful in taking clients to discover extraordinary new abilities!
Mike Caron
Since arriving in Whistler in 2011, Mike has become a key figure in the mountain biking community. A lifelong rider and Coupe Québec DH Champion, he brings a wealth of experience to his coaching, helping riders reach new heights with his thoughtful approach. Recognized as one of Whistler’s most respected coaches, his accomplishments include a bronze medal at the National DH Championships and coaching internationally in New Zealand.
When not on the trails, Mike is a professional chef with his own business 'Whistler Coastal Chef', offering luxury gastronomic experiences. His combined expertise in riding and culinary arts continues to leave a lasting impact on the Whistler community and beyond.
Claire Buchar
Claire Buchar is known for her dedication to the sport of mountain biking, having spent most of her competitive career as a privateer. She is a talented rider with a lot of heart. As a 12 time Canadian National Team Member, World Championships Bronze Medalist, Multiple Canadian National Champion, Media Regular and Certified Coach, Claire is a globally respected athlete in the industry and a true ambassador of mountain biking.
Julia Long
Born and raised in Whistler, Julia first started mountain biking when most were learning to walk. She fell in love with the sport from being apart of Whistler Secondary MTB team, where she was coached and mentored by Katrina Strand. She started racing cross country in her junior years but found the technical aspect of riding her forte, so she made the switch to competing in Enduro. Currently, Julia is competing on the world stage in Enduro as well as completing her BSc in Kinesiology/Psychology to have a greater understanding in human performance and health with a long term goal of helping athletes in the future. Through coaching, Julia has a strong drive to inspire and motivate others to conquer their barriers and find a love for riding.
Rebeca Santamaria
Rebeca was born in Spain where she dedicated more than 15 years to high level track and field.
When she finished her university degree in Education and her high performance athletic career, she decided to come to Canada to learn English and like many stories - she is still here!
It wasn't long after she arrived in Whistler she discovered mountain biking. As an educator, it was a natural step to become involved in coaching. She has has now worked with several summer camps around Whistler, motivating children and teenagers to improve, enjoy and value each pedal stroke.
When she isn't coaching, Rebeca is
committed to her work in education, as well as exploring a new competitive world - Enduro racing!
Jaxon
Meet Jaxon, the DEO (Dog Executive Officer) of Strand Training. He came to live in Whistler after being saved from a less than ideal situation where he now thrives in his elements. Jaxon loves to adventure on the trails, swim, tear apart the biggest sticks in the forest, wrestle with this little human sister Anna and lean in for a good cuddle. Jaxon loves mountain biking, and although he is known to take some pretty extreme lines, he has no ego and actually loves to go last to make sure all is in check!
Pascale Vaiani
Born and raised in Switzerland, Pascale moved to Whistler in 1999 to ski. In 2002, she went for her first ride in the bike park and was hooked!
Over the years, she travelled throughout North America and Europe to ride, and the various destinations and terrains challenged her both mentally and physically. This, along with the camaraderie, is what makes mountain biking such an amazing sport for Pascale. She has found great pleasure assisting others through this journey through mountain bike coaching.
Her passion for mountain biking and the outdoors eventually pulled her away from a long career as a pastry chef. However, as Pascale will say "There are many parallels between making a memorable dessert and coaching. You need to create the right environment with just the right amount of ingredients to produce a wonderful experience that will keep you back for more!"
Pricing
Whistler Valley / Pemberton / Squamish
Full-day (6 hours including 45-1 hour lunch break):
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1 rider $650
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2 riders $750
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3 riders $830
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4 riders $890
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5 riders $930
1/2-day (3 hours):
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1 rider $390
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2 riders $440
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3 riders $480
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4 riders $510
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5 riders $530
All prices in CDN and do not include GST
Multiple bookings and programs (3 or more bookings): 15% off
Youth bookings (18 and under): 10% off
Pemberton sessions add on: $25 / session
Squamish sessions add on: $50 / session
5 or more youth bookings, check out our Youth Custom Camps
Destination camp programming and pricing, contact us!
Whistler Bike Park
Full-day (5 hours):
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1 rider $695
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2 riders $795
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3 riders $875
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4 riders $935
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5 riders $975
1/2-day (2.5 hours):
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1 rider $475
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2 riders $525
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3 riders $565
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4 riders $595
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5 riders $615
All prices in CDN and do not include GST
Select coaches only (coaches are all Strand Training and Whistler Bike Park coaches)
Lift tickets not included. Add on lift tickets $65 adult/ $56 youth/ $40 child
This product is offered in conjunction with the Whistler Blackcomb Bike School, for other Whistler Bike Park lessons offerings please check out their website