Kelly Knowles is a seasoned freeride coach with over 18 years of experience guiding athletes through the competitive landscape of big mountain skiing. A lifelong skier with deep roots in extreme terrain, Kelly brings a rare combination of technical precision, intuitive mountain sense, and a calm, grounded presence that athletes trust. His background spans everything from high-consequence backcountry lines to structured competition coaching, giving him a unique ability to bridge freeride creativity with disciplined progression.

Kelly’s coaching philosophy centers on athlete ownership, smart risk management, and long-term development—on and off the hill. He’s known for his sharp eye in video review, his ability to break down complex terrain into teachable moments, and his commitment to helping athletes build confidence through preparation, feedback, and self-awareness. Whether he’s leading a dawn patrol hike, managing logistics on comp day, or mentoring athletes through setbacks, Kelly brings consistency, humility, and a deep belief in the power of sport to shape character.

At Factory Freeride, Kelly plays a key role in cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, and joy. He’s passionate about helping young skiers transition from junior circuits to the Freeride World Tour pipeline, and he thrives in environments where athletes are encouraged to think critically, ski boldly, and grow as people—not just competitors.