Apr 04, 2025 - Kristīne Cera has known she belongs on the snow since she was six. Her route into Alpine Skiing was somewhat untraditional, using a plastic bag to glide down the slopes as a young girl. It wouldn’t be long until a coach realized her potential and invited her to train – she returned the faith by dedicating her life to the sport she loves.
Born in Latvia, Kristīne has always felt at home in the mountains, but it wasn’t until she enrolled in a Sports Academy that she realized her potential as a coach.
“It wasn’t my plan at first [to get into coaching],” she told FIS in an exclusive interview.
Although I worked as a ski instructor at a young age, I don’t think I had enough courage to position myself as a coach. It wasn’t until I went to a Sport Academy [that I realized] and it prepared me well psychologically… from then, I was ready to become a coach.Kristīne Cera
She is at the heart of a budding community of female coaches in her homeland, and with the continued push for gender equality in sports worldwide, Kristīne is hopeful that other nations will follow suit.
Taking action as a coach
Kristīne’s passion for teaching the sport she loves has manifested into giving back to the next generation of skiers. As a result, she opened her own club to pass on the knowledge acquired over the years.
Encouraged to branch out from an existing cl
ub, SC ‘Apex’ has allowed her to bring a modern coaching style to the forefront, trying new techniques in this unfamiliar and ‘daring’ phase of her career.
“Every year we [got bigger], and then there was a change of generations,” she said, explaining the growth of Apex.
“When Covid-19 happened, skiing in the fresh air was one of the rare sports possible.
“[We teach how to] ski correctly, safely, and beautifully. These skills can be useful when enrolling in schools or in a first job as an instructor while studying.
“It’s a good feeling [helping to nurture the next generation].”
It isn’t just about giving to the growing ski hopefuls, though. Kristīne is using the club’s resources and time to help support the development of Para snow sports in the Baltic region.
“I am trying to develop Para sport in Latvia,” she added. “We go on experience exchange trips and to competitions with our Para athletes,
“I hope to inspire as many people as possible to join and try this sport, so that they don’t lose their joy in life and have goals to pursue.”
How FIS development camps spark inspiration
Like many coaches over the years, Kristīne has benefited from expertise and guidance from many FIS-organized development camps. These events not only seek to help athletes in their chosen disciplines, but they are also about giving coaches the right knowledge to carry with them across their respective careers.
They are designed to be accessible and adaptable, giving every attendee the chance to learn and experience snow sports to the best of their ability.
“FIS camps are a great opportunity and support for anyone who is starting to engage in Para sports,” the Alpine and speed skating coach said.
“New athletes, as well as coaches, gain information and experience, starting with equipment specifications and riding techniques.
“The exchange of experience between both coaches and the athletes themselves is very valuable – and of course, the financial support from FIS is significant… it is a great support for athletes to spend more days training on the snow.”
The beauty of these camps is their ability to bring people together, creating a community, and sending participants away with a new sense of love for what they do.
For Kristīne in particular, they are invaluable.
After these camps, I come back inspired by both the coaches and the athletes I have met.Kristīne Cera
When it comes to passing on advice to those who attend the club, and beyond that, there is one clear message that she consistently relays.
Do not give up.
“I have noticed that every four years there is a down year, when things don’t go your way and it may seem like you should give up,” she concludes.
“But don’t give up – because the next year can be your best year… See you in the mountains!”
With #SnowStories, FIS sheds a light on the thousands of characters, across all levels and around the whole world, that are the true beating heart of snow sports.
