Chad Coleman is now the manager of CVA’s Big Mountain ALPS Program. (Contibuted photo) CARRABASSETT VALLEY — A man with a passion for skiing, exuberance for outdoor activities, solid leadership skills and extensive first aid/safety training describes Big Mountain ALPS Program Manager Chad Coleman.

No stranger to the mountain, Coleman worked for Sugarloaf as a ski patrolman and in various other capacities since the summer of 2002. He has also captained various schooners and boats in Maine and Florida. Last season Coleman assisted CVA ALPS Program Manager Sam Punderson. After developing and molding the ALPS program since its inception seven years ago, Punderson is now camp director at Mowglis, his alma mater.

With his experience, love for the outdoors and enthusiasm for the future potential of the program, Coleman now holds the reins of the program.

“I am excited with the prospect of this new opportunity to manage the ALPS program. Last year was a chance to form relationships with the students and learn the ways of the ALPS team, as well as to be a part of CVA. I gained a great deal of experience, and I am confident in my ability to take the program to the next level this year and in the years to come,” Coleman said.

Starting this fall Coleman is implementing a curriculum that will foster leadership skills and add variety to the day-to-day operations of the ALPS program. “I intend to put an emphasis on different aspects of mountaineering. At the heart of this will be a curriculum based on definitive, up-to-date instruction and practical application of skills. Our weekly schedule will be based around a particular skill set, as well as physical conditioning, and on- mountain-time.”

Specific skills will include: * Outdoor fundamentals of clothing to wear, equipment required, physical conditioning, navigation, wilderness travel, and leave-no-trace outdoor ethics.

* Emergency prevention and response including leadership, safety, first aid, and alpine rescue.

* The mountain environment including mountain geology, the cycle of snow, and mountain weather.

* Snow, ice, alpine climbing, ski touring, and expedition climbing.

* Climbing fundamentals will focus on basic safety, belaying, rope and anchor management.

Adventure trips have always been an integral element of the ALPS program. Last year, trips to Big Bend National Park in Texas, The Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, Silverton, Colorado, The Grand Tetons in Wyoming, Newfoundland, Jay Peak in Vermont and Tuckermans in New Hampshire.

“Going forward we will continue to travel to new places, as well as revisit favorite adventure spots. Our three-week winter trip, where we will apply the practical aspects of the curriculum, will continue to be a season highlight. With the addition of some younger students into the program, it is my hope that the experienced ALPS team members will rise to the occasion; honing their leadership skills.

“Throughout my adult life I have formed a strong relationship with Sugarloaf and many of its employees, having worked in various departments there. I want to utilize this connection to help the team form good relationships on the mountain. For example, ALPS students will be getting involved with the Sugarloaf Ski Patrol by getting lift evacuation certified, as well as helping with opening procedures given our new winter schedule.”

Coleman and his wife, Jolie, CVA ’99, are living in Murfey Hall, CVA’s residential center at the base of the mountain. Jolie teaches Health and English at CVA.