While in high school, Bob helped start the ski club in 1968. He took his first formal ski lesson that year at Mission Ridge from instructor Von Smith. Bob had an obvious natural talent for skiing; at the end of his first 8 week lesson, Von invited Bob to be a ski instructor. Bob was unable to take the ski instructor opportunity at that time, but spent his winters teaching skiing to his children and others in church youth groups. Along with his natural talent to ski, Bob has a gift for teaching. In 1996, he was able to join the PSIA team at Mission Ridge and passed his level 1 Ski Certification the first year. In 1997, he started snowboarding and passed level 1 Snowboard Certification.

If you haven't been to Mission Ridge you are missing the riding and skiing experience of a lifetime. The top of the mountain is minutes away in the new high speed quad chair (half the time of the previous chair). Mission Ridge has a total of 4 lifts and 2 tow ropes for a capacity of 4,910 skiers per hour.  With 36 trails and a 2,200 ft. vertical rise, Mission Ridge has something for everybody.

Mission Ridge has a long successful history for their clinics and the knowledge and skill level of the instructors, which Bob is a product of. Bob believes that the Burton® LTR (Learn To Ride) system is the only way to go if you’re wanting to learn to ride or brush up on your riding skills. The boots, bindings and boards are designed for learning to ride. Mission Ridge has the Burton® LTR system for all their students.

Bob enjoys teaching first riders on the beginner’s hill. Most of the time, Bob has his board off helping his students with the correct technique to side slip or make toe side and heel side turns down the hill.

Bob enjoys teaching snowboarders and skiers at all levels and ages. Bob lives by the philosophy that anybody CAN learn and everybody SHOULD learn to ride, ski or both. It's a great family sport and is an excellent way to keep in shape during the winter months.

Request Bob Mackey for a private lesson. All lessons are through the Mission Ridge Sports Center at www.missionridge.com. Availability is limited and Bob's classes fill up fast - make your request TODAY. You can e-mail Bob with any questions.