Paris Speirs - Women of Winter

As the current Head Mogul Coach for Team Buller Riders (TBR), Paris Speirs’ work in the snow industry spans both domestic and international contexts with her mogul coaching roles for Snow Australia and the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS).

It is this opportunity and ability to work with athletes around Australia and the world that continues to grow Paris’ passion for coaching.

“In this role, I must demonstrate independence, self-motivation, determination, passion, leadership, mentorship and strong organisational skills,” Speirs said. 

“These skills foster a supportive and effective coaching environment, maximising the potential of athletes in mogul skiing.

“What I love most about my job is that it feels less like work and more like a passion that I happen to get paid for.”

Also recently announced as the NG32 Development Coach, Paris will play a key role in shaping the future of mogul skiing through supporting Snow Australia’s Emerging Talent Program (ETP). 

“I get the opportunity to travel the world and ski with enthusiastic athletes who actively participate and want to learn from me,” she said.

“I take great satisfaction in not just helping them become better skiers but also helping guide their development as individuals. 

“Being part of their journey, both on and off the slopes is incredibly rewarding and something I don’t take for granted.”

Starting her own competitive career at five years old, Paris’ love for the snow has long since been a part of her life and is a core component of her family's lives too. 

“I began skiing at 18 months old, and it quickly became a central passion in my life - my favourite part of the year is always when I have skis on my feet,” she said. 

“From that early age, I committed myself to immersing myself in the snowsports world, doing everything I could to spend more time on the slopes. 

“Today, I’m thrilled to say I’ve reached a stage in my life where skiing is a constant presence, and I couldn't be happier.

“But my inspiration to start coaching stems from my father's experience as a mogul skiing coach at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, which ignited my passion for the sport. 

“I began competing at the age of five and specialised in mogul skiing by 12, which led me to participate in numerous overseas ski camps in Europe and the United States, training and competing on an international stage. 

“At 18, after wrapping up an international camp, my coach approached me and asked me to join him as a coach the following season to work under him. 

“That moment, back in 2019, marked a pivotal turn in my journey, and I often reflect on that decision as one of the best I've ever made. 

“It has allowed me to channel my love for skiing into helping others develop their skills and passion for the sport.”

With La Plagne, France her favourite place to ski, Paris has many highlights to recall, but it is her coaching experiences in Finland and Colorado that rise above the rest. 

"Some standout moments in my coaching career include assisting the coaching team in February this year at the Deer Valley World Cup as well as being assistant coach for the NSWIS development team in Ruka, Finland, in December 2022," Speirs said. 

"Both of these experiences have provided invaluable coaching lessons, especially while working alongside and under Nicole Parks. She taught me to back myself and never to underestimate my abilities. 

"Another significant highlight was organising my first overseas camp inclusive of Rocky Mountain events this past northern season. This camp was a great success that came with many valuable lessons which culminated in multiple podium finishes. It was awesome to also have the opportunity to have my dad coach alongside me for this camp. It felt like a full circle moment that I will be forever grateful for.

“However, the most cherished aspect of my career remains those intimate moments when the entire team gathers around the dinner table at the end of each day. 

“Sharing our favourite and least favourite parts of the day fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and contributes to the family-like culture of our team - these memories are what truly enrich my experience as a coach.”

With the community within snowsports pivotal to creating life long connections, Paris urges young women who are considering a career in coaching to trust in yourself and embrace curiosity. 

“What I love most about snowsports is the incredible sense of community that it fosters,” she said. “The snow has a unique way of bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for the sport. 

“Throughout my journey, both as an athlete and now as a coach, I've met countless people and forged some of my closest friendships. 

“The connections formed in this environment are truly special and something that will hopefully last a lifetime.

“My advice to young women considering a career in coaching is to trust in your abilities and intuition. 

“Embrace curiosity by asking questions and seeking guidance from those who have navigated the path before you. 

“Knowledge is invaluable, and asking questions is not a sign of weakness; rather, it reflects a commitment to growth and a desire to enhance your skills for the benefit of future generations. 

“Remember, the more questions you ask, the more you empower and educate yourself to succeed.”