First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

Want to build better ski and snowboard lessons? This episode breaks down a smarter way to create progressions that actually work for your guests. In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with Scott McGee and Jake Crawford—co-authors of a 32 Degrees article—about how to move beyond the traditional “bag of tricks” approach to teaching. Instead of defaulting to preset drills, they introduce the SSCA framework (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied) as a way to focus on the movement you want to change and build lessons more intentionally. You’ll learn how to use micro vs. macro progressions, when to simplify or increase challenge, and how to let your guests’ performance guide your teaching decisions in real time. Whether you’re a newer instructor or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a clear, flexible approach to creating more effective, engaging lessons on snow. What You’ll Learn: How to use the SSCA framework (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied) The difference between micro and macro progressions Why the “bag of tricks” approach can hold instructors back How to choose drills based on movement, not habit When to simplify vs. increase challenge in a lesson How to stay student-centered and adapt in real time

Thinking about your PSIA-AASI certification? Here’s how to actually prepare—and what examiners are really looking for. In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with AASI Snowboard Team member Eric Rolls about certification exam preparation, based on his 32 Degrees article. Instead of shortcuts or “cheat codes,” Eric breaks down the real skills that lead to success—on snow and in the assessment environment. You’ll learn how to manage nerves, adapt your teaching in real time, and understand the five success patterns that examiners use to evaluate candidates. Whether you’re preparing for Level II, Level III, or supporting other instructors, this episode gives you a clear, practical framework to approach your next assessment with confidence. What You’ll Learn: - The 5 success patterns for certification success - How to handle nerves and recover from mistakes - What examiners are actually assessing - How to improve movement analysis (MA) communication - Why listening and adaptability are critical skills Resources: Learn more about certification: https://thesnowpros.org Register or manage your membership: https://members.thesnowpros.org/register Explore webinars + training: https://lms.thesnowpros.org About First Chair The PSIA-AASI podcast for instructors looking to grow their teaching, technical, and people skills.

What drives someone to keep pushing forward when life delivers unimaginable setbacks? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas sits down with Aspen Ski Instructor Tony Drees, a Purple Heart recipient whose journey from combat injury to cancer to amputation ultimately led him to the slopes as a ski instructor. Tony shares how losing his leg at 50 inspired him to pursue skiing with purpose—quickly progressing from first lessons to teaching and preparing for his Alpine Level II certification. Along the way, he reflects on resilience, the power of collaboration in adaptive sports, and why outdoor recreation is never a solo effort. From backflips on one leg to mentoring Paralympic athletes, Tony’s story is about more than perseverance—it’s about using skiing to inspire reflection, connection, and possibility. Watch this episode on YouTube to see Tony’s story and hear how the snowsports community helped shape his journey.

How can a movement as small as a five-degree change in your knee or shoulder position dramatically improve your skiing efficiency? In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas talks with PSIA-AASI National Team member Justin Arndt about his recent 32 Degrees article, “Micro Adjustments: A Practice for Developing Efficiency.” Justin explains how subtle changes in body position—like shifting your center of mass, adjusting knee angles, or refining pole placement—can significantly impact balance, power, and efficiency on snow. Justin also shares how these ideas translate across cross country, alpine, telemark, and snowboard instruction, and how instructors can help guests experiment with small adjustments that create big performance gains. Watch this episode on YouTube to see Justin demonstrate these micro adjustments and tutorials visually. His examples make it easy to understand how tiny movements can lead to more powerful, efficient skiing. The conversation also covers: - Why efficiency is the foundation of cross country skiing - How micro adjustments can improve skiing across disciplines -Teaching strategies for helping students feel subtle movement changes - Details about the upcoming Cross Country Academy at Mt. Bachelor Whether you're an instructor, certification candidate, or simply looking to ski more efficiently, this episode offers practical insights you can apply on your next day on snow.

What’s the state of telemark skiing in the United States today — and where is it headed next? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas sits down with PSIA Telemark Team member Keith Rodney and instructor Charlie MacArthur to talk about the evolving landscape of telemark skiing. From regional “pockets” of passionate skiers to grassroots growth through clinics and community events, they explore how the sport continues to adapt and thrive. They discuss modern telemark gear, accessibility, and why now might be the perfect time to try something new on snow. You’ll also hear about upcoming telemark festivals, Telemark Academy at Copper Mountain, certification prep, and how U.S. Telemark is preparing to represent its approach on the global stage at Interski. Whether you’re tele-curious, a longtime tele skier, or simply looking to expand your movement toolbox, this conversation highlights the spirit of exploration, learning, and community that keeps the freeheel turn alive.

In Part 3 of our Mentorship Series, former PSIA-AASI National Team member Carol Levine shares how a simple idea turned into a powerful national mentorship experiment. What began as research through the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion — including nearly 500 mentorship-related survey comments — evolved into a time-bound, targeted pilot program supporting women endorsed for National Team tryouts. Carol walks through the four guiding principles behind the program: - Targeted groups - Time-bound structure - Choosing (not assigning) mentors - Encouraging multiple mentors The results? Increased confidence, deeper belonging, stronger leadership pipelines — and proof that mentorship doesn’t need to be complicated to be impactful. This episode explores how ski and ride schools, regions, and individual instructors can create meaningful mentorship cultures that elevate retention, resilience, and long-term professional growth. Because sometimes, a little bit of support truly beats a whole lot of nothing.

How do we make safety engaging without turning it into a buzzkill? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas is joined by Tanya Riley and Earl Saline from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) to explore how Safety Awareness Month is evolving—and how safety messaging can stay effective all season long. From shifting the conversation away from “don’t do this” toward positive, guest-facing behaviors, to addressing lift safety, restraint bar use, and social media’s influence on on-snow culture, this conversation highlights the powerful role ski and snowboard instructors play as daily safety ambassadors. The group also dives into lift safety bootcamps, industry-wide collaboration with PSIA-AASI, NSP, and U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and why modeling safe behavior matters at every level. Whether you’re teaching first-timers or advanced guests, this episode reinforces why safety isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset that shapes great guest experiences all season long.

In Part 2 of this four-part series on mentorship in snowsports, George Thomas builds on the foundation set in Part 1 by shifting the conversation west. After exploring how the Eastern Region’s Next Steps Mentorship Program took shape, this episode looks at how mentorship can succeed even without a formal, one-size-fits-all structure. Joined by Marisa Cooper from the Western Region, George dives into the power of alignment, community, and “mentorship with a small M.” Marisa explains how sharing best practices across regions, fostering informal leadership pathways, and meeting members where they are creates meaningful mentorship opportunities—proving that connection and impact matter more than rigid frameworks.

Mentorship plays a critical role in shaping careers, confidence, and community within the snowsports industry. In Episode 1 of this four-part series, George Thomas sits down with Matthew Lyerly to explore how the Eastern Region’s Next Steps Mentorship Program was created — and why it’s about much more than exam prep. Matthew shares how the program connects developing snow pros with experienced education staff, supports long-term career growth, and builds meaningful relationships across member schools. From advancing certification goals to finding belonging and professional direction, this episode sets the foundation for understanding mentorship as a powerful tool for retention, development, and leadership in snowsports.