First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

PSIA-AASI National Team Alumni member David Oliver chats with First Chair about what it means to be a Level I, Level II and Level III PSIA-AASI certified member. Listen to D.O. share more insight about each certification level and what it means, both from an instructor standpoint and as a student taking a lesson from an instructor that has this certification. Watch these videos to learn more: https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/certification

First Chair catches up with a group of instructors from Eldora, Colorado, who just passed their PSIA Level I alpine exam. Listen to their stories and get the scoop on their journey and why they wanted to learn more and create some lifelong adventures through education. Learn more about PSIA-AASI certification and education opportunities: https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/certification

PSIA-AASI National Team Member Brenna Kelleher teams up with PSIA-AASI Level III instructors Glen Plake and A.J. Oliver for a segment in this season's Warren Miller film "Timeless," presented by Volkswagen. Brenna shares her story about performance anxiety that comes with representing instructors and PSIA-AASI members on the big screen. Listen to her experience, and then check out "Timeless" when it plays near you. https://www.thesnowpros.org/news/id/2424/member-spotlight-northern-rocky-mountains-brenna-kelleher

The Outdoor Retailer Snow Show took place in January at the Colorado Convention Center, with dozens of PSIA-AASI Official Suppliers showing off next year’s skis, snowboards, and accessories to retailers and snowsports instructors. First Chair catches up with Scott, Booster Strap, POC, Leki and more. Listen in for some of the top news that they wanted to introduce for instructors, and their students as well. Read more Outdoor Retailer Snow Show news from Nordica, HEAD, Salomon, Never Summer, Blizzard and Atomic: https://www.thesnowpros.org/news/id/2503/snow-show-standouts-new-womens-skis-never-summer-snowboards https://www.thesnowpros.org/news/id/2511/snow-show-standouts-new-skis-and-boots-for-instructors

First Chair catches up with current Team Manager Jeb Boyd, who will serve as the Head Coach of the 2020-24 PSIA-AASI National Team. Jeb shares an update about the new National Team selection process, who are individuals that are selected on a “best in the nation” concept. Every four years, men and women are chosen to represent the association following a rigorous selection process and will serve a four-year term. Hurry, your applications are due Friday, Jan. 10, 2020! www.thesnowpros.org/teamselection

First Chair catches up with PSIA Adaptive National Team members Geoff Krill and Josh Spoelstra about the 32nd annual Hartford Ski Spectacular that took place Dec. 9 - 15, 2019, in Breckenridge, Colorado. This event, hosted by Disabled Sports USA and held in conjunction with PSIA-AASI’s National Adaptive Academy, is the nation’s premier adaptive winter sports festival. Check out PSIA-AASI's top stories in adaptive instruction from 2019: http://tiny.cc/02d6hz

First Chair catches up with Jeff Brier to chat boardercross. Learn how it combines speed, jumps, and drops and how the feeling of the sport can help you become more connected to the performance of their snowboard or skis. Learn how moguls and banked turns in the trees directly relates to boardercross and advancing your fundamental skills as you maneuver through changing terrain.

First Chair catches up with Jim Shaw, about his new role as PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain division’s Telemark Committee chair. Learn what Shaw is doing in this role to apply consistency across the board for PSIA telemark national standards, as well as apply all skills found in The Learning Connection to education experiences. Check out PSIA-AASI National Standards: thesnowpros.org/education/national-standards

First Chair catches up with Rodney Williams, who shares his stories about becoming involved in teaching others to ski. Learn how he was able to introduce 48 children to skiing for an eight-week program at the now defunct Geneva Basin Ski Area. Rodney also shares how he was part of the Slippers-N-Sliders Club of Denver, a non-profit corporation organized and chartered in 1972 for the purpose of promoting the sport of skiing in the metro Denver urban areas.

First Chair catches up with Gates Lloyd, about his new role as PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain division’s Alpine Committee chair. Learn what Gates is doing in this role to apply The Learning Connection to education experiences. Gates also chats about his current role serving as snowsports director for Arapahoe Basin. Learn more about The Learning Connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5wzlTX6W2M

Get the scoop about what’s happening on the education front, including the snowboard and people skills fundamentals, from AASI Snowboard Team member Chris Rogers.

Get some tips about how to introduce and use freestyle progressions and movements into your lesson from AASI Snowboard Team Coach Scott Anfang and PSIA-AASI member David Oliver.

PSIA Alpine Team Member Dusty Dyar discusses the best techniques for skiing steeps. Get the hang of choosing your line, making skid turns and learning advanced tips to conquer the steeps. Want more tips? Check out this online course created with the help of SKI Magazine. https://www.thesnowpros.org/ski-magazine-courses

Meet the first-ever telemark specific coach for the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team, Greg Dixon. Learn why the organization made the decision to separate cross-country and telemark within the nordic discipline, working with a tight-knit telemark team, telemark tryouts, and more. Photo credit: Grant Nakamura Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

We all know how frustrating it is to have your phone die on the hill due to cold. In this episode, George Thomas meets the creators of the Phoozy, a thermal capsule that protects your phone from the cold. Follow PSIA-AASI: • thesnowpros.org • facebook.com/thesnowpros • instagram.com/thesnowpros • twitter.com/thesnowpros

To continue our Supplier Series, George Thomas talks with Drew Eakins and Josh Jacobson from Hestra. George gets the scoop on the durability of one of his favorite ski products, the future of the brand, caring for your gloves, and more. Follow PSIA-AASI: • thesnowpros.org • facebook.com/thesnowpros • instagram.com/thesnowpros • twitter.com/thesnowpros

On this fun episode of First Chair, George talks with PSIA-AASI National Team member Ryan Christofferson. Ryan discusses the pressure of his third National Team tryout before diving into the five fundamentals and how they apply to freestyle lessons. Follow PSIA-AASI: • thesnowpros.org • facebook.com/thesnowpros • instagram.com/thesnowpros • twitter.com/thesnowpros

The next company in our Supplier Series is Denver-based Phunkshun Wear. In this episode, George Thomas chats with Lanny Goldwasser and Kelly Proudley to discuss the ski school origins of the company, finding success, teaching instructors to sew, and more. Follow PSIA-AASI: • thesnowpros.org • facebook.com/thesnowpros • instagram.com/thesnowpros • twitter.com/thesnowpros

George Thomas met up with Henrik Lampert and Blake Peterson from Faction Skis at Team Training to learn about the history of the brand, why they teamed up with PSIA-AASI, and why they think their product aligns perfectly with the needs of professional instructors. Check out Faction's latest skis: https://us.factionskis.com/ Take advantage of PSIA-AASI Pro Deals: https://www.thesnowpros.org/ProOffers Follow PSIA-AASI: • thesnowpros.org • facebook.com/thesnowpros • instagram.com/thesnowpros • twitter.com/thesnowpros

Listen to the authors of the new Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding book, Chris Fellows and Dr. Doug Kechijian, talk about their latest project. The new manual, which combines Chris’ experience as a professional ski instructor with Doug’s experience as a physical therapist to create a cohesive training program for skiers and snowboarders, is available now. Learn more: https://bit.ly/33PVUQi Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On this episode of First Chair, PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III AJ Oliver provides a behind-the-scenes look into what it is like to star in the new Warren Miller Entertainment film, “Timeless.” The upcoming segment features Oliver alongside ski legend Glen Plake and PSIA-AASI National Team member Brenna Kelleher skiing steep powder in the Monashee Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. Watch AJ’s WME Athlete Profile: https://warrenmiller.com/athletes/aj-oliver Find tour dates and get tickets to “Timeless” on the WME site: https://warrenmiller.com/events Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas and PSIA-AASI National Team member Matt Boyd respond to a comment on a previous episode about "controlling" chaos. Tune in to hear Matt's take on controlling vs. managing the inevitable chaos that comes with snowsports instruction. Listen to Part 1: https://soundcloud.com/snowpros/first-chair-how-to-control-chaos Follow PSIA-AASI: • thesnowpros.org • facebook.com/thesnowpros • instagram.com/thesnowpros • twitter.com/thesnowpros

PSIA-AASI Northwest Executive Director, Kirsten Huotte chimes in to let members know how they can get move involved at a divisional level with PSIA-AASI. She also gives a brief rundown of the organizational structure and how that structure facilitates participation through various committees and task forces. The education foundation is another important topic of discussion. Kirsten explains the purpose of the foundation and how members can help raise funds for future scholarships. Related podcast: https://soundcloud.com/snowpros/dana-forbes Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

In this episode, PSIA-AASI National Team member Scott Anfang chats with Eleanor “Elle” Tresidder in the middle of the ski day at The Remarks (aka The Remarkables Ski Area) in New Zealand. Elle is a snowboard instructor at Coronet Peaks and Sierra at Tahoe with a background in sports exercise science, coaching, and education. Learn about her transition into snowsports instruction, her opinions on industry standards between men and women, and the differences between teaching in New Zealand compared to the United States. Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On this very fun episode of First Chair, Olympian skier and writer Libby Ludlow and illustrator and instructor Nathan Jarvis (Alpine Level II and Children’s Specialist 2) chat about their new children’s book, A-B-Skis. Find out how they met and how they came to collaborate on the project. Find out more about A-B-Skis and purchase at https://www.abskis.com/ Learn more about Nathan Jarvis in his Member’s Spotlight: http://www.thesnowpros.org/news/id/2279/member-spotlight-intermountains-nathan-jarvis Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas checks in with Tony Bullings (aka Tony-Man) from the I & I Caribbean Cafe in Nederland, Colorado. Tony is originally from Jamaica and has lived and worked in Nederland for 17 years. He is an avid skier, but more than that, he is an expert at creating an experience for the customer. Find out how Tony's experiences in the kitchen relate to life on the snow. Follow PSIA-AASI: • thesnowpros.org • facebook.com/thesnowpros • instagram.com/thesnowpros • twitter.com/thesnowpros

Working as a snowsports instructor provides the opportunity to meet the most amazing people, and PSIA-AASI National Team Member Scott Anfang is using his time in New Zealand to connect with instructors from all over the world. In this episode of First Chair, our host George Thomas hands the reins over to Scott as he talks with Andy (Shiliang) Su. Andy has a very interesting story. He is a native of China who started out as a translator, which lead him to work with members of PSIA-AASI while they were conducting certification courses in China. Translating during certifications sparked an interest in snowsports and snowsports instruction. He now possesses ski and snowboard certifications from organizations all over the world, including PSIA-AASI, the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors, and Snowboard Instructors New Zealand (a division of the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance). He’s now pursuing his SBINZ Level III. Andy discusses the differences between teaching and learning in China compared to the rest of the world, getting certified from different associations, growing snowsports in China before the Olympics, and cultural differences he’s noticed during his travels. Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On today’s episode of First Chair, host George Thomas shares a few words with PSIA Alpine team members Jonathan Ballou, Matt Boyd, and Brenna Kelleher to discuss the importance of simplicity in ski instruction. Topics include how instructors can better read body language, why you don’t want to overwhelm beginner skiers, and how to best utilize your time during short lessons. Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On this episode of First Chair, George Thomas chats with the crew at Eric Lipton Ski Camps at Ski Portillo Chile. The cast includes Eric Lipton, Julia Johnson, Chris Ohman, Emily Absalom, Wade Kotula, Christine Gibbons, Dean Gibbons, and Kaylin Richardson. Tune in to find out why expert skiers (even two-time Olympians) and instructors can benefit from a summer on the snow, what all experts and beginners have in common, and the biggest takeaways from a week skiing in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn more about Eric Lipton Ski Camps at http://ericliptonskicamps.com/ Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

Want to get more involved with PSIA-AASI? Listen in as Dana Forbes, the CEO of PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain, talks about how PSIA-AASI members can get more engaged with the organization. She discusses the different volunteer opportunities open to members and how you can get started. Dana also talks about the often-under-utilized scholarship opportunities which provide $60,000 in funding annually to allow members to continue their educational pursuits in the snowsports industry. Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

Get fit, ski hard, and have fun in our latest episode of First Chair. This week, we catch up with Jennifer Lockwood after a 5 a.m. workout to learn how she prepares for the ski season through cross-training and other fitness routines. Jennifer is a certified personal trainer and Level III alpine instructor who shares some valuable advice on areas to focus on, how to stretch correctly, and how to stick with a workout routine. She also discusses what to look for in a trainer, why the ACL Strong program is perfect for early pre-season conditioning, and the keys to an effective pre-season exercise regimen. If you’re not sure how to start training for the ski season, this is the episode for you. Learn more about Jennifer in her Member Spotlight: http://www.thesnowpros.org/news/id/1237/member-spotlight-northwest-divisions-jennifer-lockwood Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

Mike Hafer is both a PSIA-AASI National Team veteran and a National Team hopeful with 26 years of ski industry experience. In this episode of First Chair, learn about Mike’s long history with the National Team, why he decided to opt-out of tryouts in 2016, and why he’s trying out again in 2020. Also listen in to gain some valuable insights into the tryout process, how to stay motivated after getting rejected from the team (twice), and why it’s so important to seek out and accept feedback. Mike also shares why his approach to skiing has changed with his age and why it is so important to seek out and accept feedback from other industry professionals. Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On this episode of the First Chair podcast, George Thomas is joined by Eastern Team member and National Team hopeful Ben BeBenedictis. Ben is a Stowe local who is currently in Portillo, Chile where he is living the dream and teaching for six weeks with National Team members Michael Rogan and Robin Barnes. Learn about the benefits of spending the summer on snow, the ski skills he’s working on improving, and how he defines “mastery.” Learn more about Ben in his PSIA-AASI Member Spotlight: http://www.thesnowpros.org/news/id/2138/member-spotlight-eastern-divisions-ben-bebenedictis Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

This week on First Chair, George Thomas chats with Vail local and National Team hopeful Lyndsey Stevens to find out what Lyndsey is doing in the offseason to prepare for tryouts. Lyndsey discusses the importance of reading technical manuals, benefits of working on articles for 32 Degrees, and difficulties of selecting a topic for her tryout presentation. Lyndsey also talks about why passion is so important as an instructor, what she learned from previous National Team tryouts, and why her attention to detail makes her a better snowboard instructor. Learn more about Lyndsey in her PSIA-AASI Member Spotlight: http://www.thesnowpros.org/news/id/2173/member-spotlight-rocky-mountains-lyndsey-stevens Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On today’s episode of First Chair, we’re joined by Frank Cartwright, alpine examiner for the Eastern Division and head coach of the Hunter Mountain Skiing & Freestyle Team. Frank has tried out for the National Team twice and he’s hoping that the third time’s a charm as he tests the waters again in 2020. Listen in as Frank and George Thomas discuss how National Team tryouts have changed over the years and how the divisions now have more say in the selection process. Other topics include what Frank’s learned from previous tryouts, how to pick yourself up after a bad day on the snow, and why he calls Hunter Mountain home (despite living 5+ hours away). Frank also provides insight into the preparation, comradery, and mindset needed to succeed at the highest level. Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://thesnowpros.org • https://facebook.com/thesnowpros • https://instagram.com/thesnowpros • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

Every four years PSIA-AASI selects thirty qualified individuals to represent the organization as members of the National Team. PSIA-AASI Director of Education Dave Schuiling and National Team Manager Jeb Boyd sit down with First Chair to discuss the rigorous selection process for the PSIA-AASI National Team. Topics include nominations, tryouts, necessary skill sets, and how to get involved. To learn more about the National Team, visit http://www.thesnowpros.org/about/teams. Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://www.thesnowpros.org/ • https://www.facebook.com/TheSnowPros/ • https://www.instagram.com/thesnowpros/ • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On this episode, Ron Kipp, the ski team education and development manager at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, chats with First Chair about summer alpine training on the icy indoor slopes of Germany. Learn about the difficulties of coaching on solid ice, the benefits of indoor training facilities, and more. Follow PSIA-AASI: • https://www.thesnowpros.org/ • https://www.facebook.com/TheSnowPros/ • https://www.instagram.com/thesnowpros/ • https://twitter.com/thesnowpros

On this episode, repeat guest Scott Anfang introduces us to Oscar, a snowboard instructor, currently teaching year-round and reporting live from The Remarkables resort in New Zealand. Learn about his journey from Michigan, to Sierra Tahoe, to New Zealand, to Aspen, and how he’s been able to make a career of teaching snowboarding all year.

PSIA Alpine Team member, Jonathan Ballou, shares an overview about the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), and how an ISIA Stamp and Passbook might be of interest to a certified Level III member planning a trip to enjoy the slopes in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada or South America. Also, he talks about the ISIA Card, which is the highest level of international snowsports certification and comes after the ISIA Stamp. http://www.thesnowpros.org/international

The American Association of Snowboard Instructors’ Snowboard Team Coach, Scott Anfang, shares what it’s like to serve as the training manager for the snowsports school at The Remarkables, a ski resort just 45 minutes from central Queenstown, New Zealand.

This summer, First Chair connects with PSIA-AASI members who are going to be invited to and participate in the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team selection process in Breckenridge, Colorado, next April 2020. Meet Max Brennan, from the PSIA-AASI Intermountain division. www.thesnowpros.org/teamselection

First Chair catches up with Jennifer Lockwood, who shares what’s happening in the PSIA-AASI Northwest division for their summer training series. Listen in for tips on how you can keep your edge this summer to prepare for a great winter.

This summer, First Chair connects with PSIA-AASI members who are going to be invited to and participate in the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team selection process in Breckenridge, Colorado, next April 2020. Meet Tyler Sullivan, from the PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain division. www.thesnowpros.org/teamselection

This summer, First Chair connects with PSIA-AASI members who are going to be invited to and participate in the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team selection process in Breckenridge, Colorado, next April 2020. Meet Greg Fatigate, from the PSIA-AASI Eastern division. www.thesnowpros.org/teamselection

First Chair chats with PSIA Alpine Team member Matt Boyd about controlling chaos when skiing on different or steeper terrain. Learn why paying attention to what's happening when you ski in between the edges is important, when your skis are flat or just starting to edge. Thanks to KEEN for sponsoring this podcast. PSIA-AASI members receive special Pro Offer pricing on KEEN’s gear. Visit thesnowpros.org/shop and log in.

First Chair chats with PSIA Alpine Team member Stephen Helfenbein for part 1 in this series on why it’s important to always improve. Learn how you can build up your training during this summer so that your muscles will be ready for the winter. KEEN sponsored this podcast. PSIA-AASI members receive special Pro Offer pricing on KEEN’s gear. Visit thesnowpros.org/shop and log in.

First Chair chats with PSIA Alpine Team member Brenna Kelleher about why getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing something new and challenging on and off the slopes can help you have fun and become a better skier. Thanks to KEEN for sponsoring this podcast. PSIA-AASI members receive special Pro Offer pricing on KEEN’s gear. Visit thesnowpros.org/shop and log in.

This summer, First Chair connects with PSIA-AASI members who are going to be invited to and participate in the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team selection process in Breckenridge, Colorado, next April 2020. First up, meet Katie White, from the PSIA-AASI Northern Rocky Mountain division. www.thesnowpros.org/teamselection

This summer, First Chair connects with PSIA-AASI members who are going to be invited to and participate in the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team selection process in Breckenridge, Colorado, next April 2020. First up, meet Asa Fountain, from the PSIA-AASI Western division. www.thesnowpros.org/teamselection

This summer, First Chair connects with PSIA-AASI members who are going to be invited to and participate in the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team selection process in Breckenridge, Colorado, next April 2020. First up, meet Charles Roy, from the PSIA-AASI Eastern division. www.thesnowpros.org/teamselection