First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

Join us for a chat with George Thomas and Eric Sheckleton, an original member of the AASI Snowboard team from 1996-2000 and current President of Interski. Erik was a key player in the formation of the original Rider Rally back in 1999 which was held at Whitefish, Montana. Eric worked with Randy Price, another AASI Team member, to bring the first national Rider Rally to Big Sky, Montana in 2000. They spent a week exploring and finding ways to build the snowboard community with fun and comradery to much avail. Erik looks back at the history of Rider Rally from 1999 to now and shares excitement that the 25th Rider Rally is happening this year as a stand-alone event at Copper Mountain, Colorado. Learn more about the PSU certification program by tuning in and going to thesnowpros.org under the events tab.

Join us for a chat with George, Pete and Mark about the Penn State instructor training program. Mark works as an instructor in the Eastern Region and learned about the PSU program in 2023. Since then, he has successfully completed the course and shared his thoughts on the process. TL;DR, the program was easy,and efficient, provided many “ah-ha" moments and connected the dots between instruction and leisure seamlessly. The program is completely online done through the PSU World Campus making access to the course very easy. Mark goes on to explain his drive to complete this course and what he plans on doing next. Learn more about the PSU certification program by tuning in and at thesnowpros.org under the events tab.

Eric Rolls, the Technical Coach for the AASI Snowboard Team joins us this week to talk about the 25th anniversary of Rider Rally – one of the largest snowboarders-only events in the country! Rider Rally 2025 will be held April 21-25 at Copper Mountain in Colorado. The first Rider Rally event happened in the winter of 1999/2000 and 25 years later, we’re bringing back the independence and radness of Rider Rally. There is a lot of history about this event and how it came to be. Listen in to hear Eric talk about this history and what to expect from the upcoming event. Interested in registering? Do it soon, prices go up on February 1. Learn more about Rider Rally by tuning in and going to thesnowpros.org under the events tab.

Geoff Krill, the PSIA Adaptive Team coach, joins us from Breckenridge, Colorado where the Hartford Ski Spectacular Adaptive event just wrapped up. Geoff talks about the ski instructor academy where National Team members and Education Staff from regions around the country came to learn, explore and connect with others. The point that was hit home much of the week, is that good adaptive teaching is just good teaching. You don’t need to teach to the equipment, teach to the person. Learn more about Move United and teaching adaptive winter sports. Tune in for much more and learn more at thesnowpros.org.

One of the biggest opportunities that stems from the PSIA-AASI resources is the professional development opportunity. Join podcast host George Thomas and guest Pete Allison chat through ways to organize your goals. Between local, regional and national events, on top of trainings and lessons – there are plenty of options around to help you professionally develop. Pro development doesn’t have to be just one thing, it could be as simple as taking care of yourself and allowing yourself the time to decompress. It could be just reading an article a week on a special topic or hanging with friends. The difference comes into play when you make the decision to choose yourself. Tune in for much more and learn more at thesnowpros.org.

Penn State University and PSIA-AASI have had a solid relationship for years. One of the big results of this partnership is a new course designed to allow you to easily earn college credit online while working towards your level 1 certification in any discipline. This course (RPTM 215) is truly revolutionary as it provides a breadth of education outside of snowsports instruction as well as material directly correlated to PSIA-AASI standards. Sign up for this course before the holidays to ensure you get a spot! On this episode, you’ll learn about the course and what it takes to complete it. Tune in for much more and learn more at thesnowpros.org.

Sometimes stories come across your feed that just hit you right in the feels. That’s what happened with Ben Nilsson when we asked “How do you use your snowsports education training in other areas of your life.” Ben responded and mentioned he had been in a horrific accident on the mountain leaving him with a long road to recovery. Ben mentioned how the training he got from PSIA-AASI and the way he learned to teach students was exactly what he used to get himself better and to a point where he is back on the mountain and planning on attending clinics this season. We’re so thankful for members who are constantly working to better themselves by employing resources found through PSIA-AASI. Listen to this pod to hear a heartfelt story on recovery and inspiration. Tune in for much more and learn more at thesnowpros.org.

On this feature episode, we’re chatting with Interski President and former AASI Snowboard Team member Eric Sheckleton. You’ll also hear from Pete Allison, a regular guest on First Chair Podcast and Pete Kray, the Lead Writer for PSIA-AASI. This group is chatting about Interski, what it is, what it means and how we’re preparing for the return of Interski to the US! Interski has not been in the US since it came to Aspen in 1968. Similar to the PSIA-AASI National Team, other countries have skiers and riders who represent the best instructors and coaches from their country. Every four years, Interski travels to a new country where members from 32-36 separate countries come together to share, network and grow the sport and the education around snowsports. The last Interski in 2023 was in Levi, Finland. Tune in for much more and learn more at thesnowpros.org.

PSIA Alpine Team Member Kevin Jordan sits down with our podcast host, George Thomas at Team Training to chat about what the week of Training entailed. Kevin goes into detail talking about what the week holds and what the larger goals were to come from this event. There was more of a mechanical focus to this Training that involved some pre-work relating to the basic parallel turn. Kevin talks about what it’s like to be a two-term member and how this term is already a bit different than the last. Tune in for much more and learn more at thesnowpros.org.

CARV is a PSIA-AASI Official Supplier which provides data on your skiing. Dozens of pressure and motion sensors work to provide you with data that can help you improve your skiing. CARV used to be a insertable footbed product but due to its popularity and use, they’ve updated it to be a clip on attachment. CARV tracks your ski IQ, which is similar to Strava, where you can track your skiing metrics and get tips on how you can improve. This tool can provide you with extra help for your instruction needs or for your own benefit. PSIA-AASI members get pro offers on CARV products. Tune in for much more and learn more at thesnowpros.org.

AASI Snowboard Team member Brian Donovan joins us again for Part 2 of The Good, The Great and the Let’s Maybe Not Try That Again. In this episode, George and Brian chat about things that are going to help make your lessons more fun, more engaging and help you further your certifications. Brian talks about how instructors are very good at describing the “what” in a lesson. Do this to fix that. Sometimes the student needs the “how” and the “when” to be thoroughly described as well. They then go into assessment and certification tricks and how you can work towards bettering yourself during assessments. Treating and exam you may be conquering the same way you’d conquer teaching a lesson, is a good way to ease your mind. Tune in for much more and learn more at thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas (LIII Alpine) catches up with Andy Stein who is the Digital Marketing Manager for PSIA-AASI. You may have seen Andy on the recent social series “American Snow: The History of US Snowsports Instruction" where he discussed the history of PSIA-AASI. On this episode, Andy and George chat about putting tiny habits into motion and relevant areas where you can apply this outside of snowsports. George explains SMART goals and relates that to any goal you’re working on. Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas (LIII Alpine) catches up with Pete Allison, Associate Professor at Penn State University and Josh Pighetti, Ph.D candidate researching how to be inspirational in your teaching regarding snowsports instruction and PSIA-AASI. Pete talks about where this research topic came from – the 2021 PSIA-AASI National Team tryouts – and how PSIA-AASI can work towards every instructor being inspirational. Josh goes on to explain the 5 main themes of his research and how they relate to the Learning Connection Model (LCM). This is an extraordinary episode with a lot of great information and ideas – take the time to listen to it in its entirety. Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas (LIII Alpine) catches up with Pete Allison, Associate Professor at Penn State University. Pete has been working with PSIA-AASI for nearly a decade and is working to prove the value and worth of a PSIA-AASI certification. The (Learning Connection Model) LCM is PSIA-AASI's main educational tool. It identifies the student as the center of three pillars of great instruction. People, Teaching and Technical Skills. George and Pete chat about how to make the technicalities in teaching on snow more fun and engaging. This discussion dives into some of the intricacies of being good at teaching and people skills, but not being as good at delivering technical ideas in a fun way. Pete goes on to talk about how giving students 1-2 things to work on at a time is more efficient than calling everything out at once. “Drip feed” your students and make them aware that what they’re doing will feel different and new and reassure them that this is a good thing. Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas (LIII Alpine) catches up with Angelo Ross who’s the Education Development Manager for PSIA-AASI. In this episode, George and Angelo talk about being honest about what’s going on in your life. This is a great episode on finding ways to start identifying and producing solutions to tough teaching situations you may face. Angelo talks about how important it is to dive into and immerse yourself in snowsports culture. What do you think about this topic? Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas (LIII Alpine) catches up with Ben Potts – a PSIA National Alpine Team member. On this episode, George and Ben talk about what life’s like in New Zealand. Ben and George chatted back on pod 712 while Ben was teaching at the Woodward camp at Copper Mountain in Colorado. After New Zealand, Ben may stop in South America before heading back to the States for a few weeks break ahead of the PSIA-AASI National Team Training in early November in Colorado. So, needless to say he’s been busy this summer (winter?). Ben is in New Zealand for Rookies Academy which offers camps and instructor training in New Zealand, Italy, Japan, USA, Canada and China - bringing together passionate skiers from around the world. Ben walks us through a week in the life of an instructor in New Zealand and talks about his highlight of the year so far. Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas (LIII Alpine) catches up with Angelo Ross who’s the Education Development Manager for PSIA-AASI. On this episode, George and Angelo talk about purposeful warmups. A purposeful warmup is an exercise that you are very mindful about. It can be a physical warmup or a mental warmup. Angelo gives several examples of what this looks like and how to apply it to whichever student you are teaching. There are plenty of purposeful warmups that you can do that work for you personally and will provide benefit to you and the student. What do you think about this topic? Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas catches up with Pete Allison, Penn State Associate Professor of Values and Experiential Learning, Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management. This episode is part 2 of where you’ll learn about the PSU certificate program that is offered through the PSU Global Campus. Today, George and Pete discuss the making of the PSU mascot and motto, syllabus week and how to better engage students at the beginning of a lesson. They chat about teaching in general and connecting with your students no matter the topic. Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas catches up with Maggie Loring who is the chair of the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion (WCEI). Maggie talks about the history of the women’s council and what their goals and objectives are. Maggie talks about one of the main focal points is finding and they are working to improve the pipeline for women in snowsports to achieve career goals within the industry. George and Maggie talk about how the WCEI is a member resource that anyone can tap into to help progress their own initiatives within the industry. Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas catches up with Pete Allison, Penn State Associate Professor of Values and Experiential Learning, Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management. Since 2016, the Penn State Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management in the College of Health and Human Development has been working closely with PSIA-AASI to evolve the association’s National Standards, Performance Guides, Assessment Forms, and to transform practices to be consistent across the country based on What Makes a Great Snowsports Instructor. The partnership has been key to aligning PSIA-AASI’s educational framework and structure, while unifying the professional experience for snow pros across the nation. The certificate program has just launched for this semester and is going well! Tune in to hear more or head to thesnowpros.org.

We’re diving into the teaching situations, national standards, teaching with guests and much more with AASI Team member Brian Donovan. Brian and George discuss the full gamut of how to create great experiences with our students and guests. The first topic discussed is how important good communication is, which devolves to new hire training, figuring out the goals of the instructor and your student, and how to help them achieve them. Tune in to hear more about some of the intricacies of teaching snowsports and how you can improve at assessments and certifications, for more, head to thesnowpros.org.

Geek out with some pro snowboarders and hear about how snowboards are made, how to choose the right board for you and how to help your students find the right board for them. AASI Snowboard Team member Lyndsey Stevens and AASI Snowboard Team alum Chuck Hewitt sit down with Tony Sasgen from Never Summer to discuss all things snowboarding. Listen to this fun bonus episode and get some useful insights on how to manage your board and learn more about why a snowboard is made the way it is. Learn more at thesnowpros.org

What's up, Snow Pros? Check out this pod with Rob Berlin. An instructor at Copper Mountain with his Snowboard Level III and Freestyle III certifications. First Char Podcast host George Thomas talks with Rob about all things Freestyle like the exam process, how to work towards getting certified, and his pathway to success in the industry. Coming from the Midwest, Rob moved to the Rockie Mountains after college and tuned into becoming an instructor. Rob is now on the Intermountain Development Team hoping to get on the Education Staff in the future. Learn more about Freestyle skiing and riding by heading to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, podcast host George Thomas catches up with Kevin Jordan, a skier on the PSIA Alpine Team. Kevin and George talk about summers in Colorado and what is happening in Kevin's neck of the woods as a Mountain Bike Instructor at the mountain bike school in Aspen, CO. They chat all things mountain biking and instruction from Colorado. Listen in to hear the insights of going from a ski instructor to a mountain bike instructor. Learn more: thesnowpros.org.

On this special episode, we sit down with National Team member Kevin Jordan, National Team Alumna Brenna Kelleher, and Alex Jackson from CARV. Alex talks about what CARV does and how it can help you get better on snow. Brenna discusses how CARV is your "accountability partner" when your physical snowsports instructor can't be there. Kevin discusses why he uses CARV and what they're doing in Portillo. Listen in to learn how CARV can help you ski and improve how you teach. PSIA-AASI members can get great discounts on CARV products by using their pro offers. Learn more by heading to thesnowpros.org.

Listen to this podcast to hear how setting attainable goals and managing those goals can help propel you further into a professional snowsports career. You'll also hear how this applies to other areas of your life. Angelo Ross, the Education and Development Manager for PSIA-AASI chats with podcast host George Thomas about the importance of setting attainable goals. Check out Episode 714 to hear from Angelo on why experimentation and exploration when giving lessons is important. Then, head to Episode 710 and hear about The Expert Trap and how to avoid trapping your students in one. For more, head to thesnowpros.org.

In this episode, podcast host George Thomas catches up with the Education and Development Manager Angelo Ross at PSIA-AASI. Put faces to the names and find our podcasts on YouTube! George and Angel chat about Experimentation and Exploration in on-snow lessons. In a previous episode, George and Angelo talk about playfulness in lessons. This is the second part of episode 706. Angelo talks about the differences and comparisons between exploration and experimentation. Angelo dives into details about how this applies to lessons of all lessons and he relates instruction to science. Giving a snowsports lesson is like experimenting. Angelo talks about ways to use experimentation and exploration in lessons and how not to overwhelm students. Head to thesnowpros.org.

In this episode, George Thomas switches sides and is the guest this week. George has a plethora of education in snowsports and in health and body sciences. Currently, George is working on a Nicotine Sensation program at the hospital where he works and one of the topics is tiny habits and how a small changes in your routine can help make bigger tasks more attainable. He goes on to say that the communication styles he learned from PSIA-AASI helped him create this program. Learn more about Tiny Habits and the story behind the series and hear some real-life examples of how this works. Stay tuned for more on Tiny Habits and insights from instructors across the PSIA-AASI community.

George Thomas catches up with a few instructors (Rob Berlin, Aleah Martinez, and Ben Potts) from Woodward-Copper. Woodward hosts on-snow summer camps by saving snow from the previous season and placing it in a particular location on the mountain. Kids get bussed up to the pile of snow and lap the close-to 900-foot magic carpet. The instructors and kids lap that carpet for the entire day. Aliyah talks about how she googled "where can you ski in the summertime" and that's what led her to find Woodward-Copper. Ben teaches snowboarding at Woodward and talks about how he enjoys the variety of kids that come and what interests they bring. The four talk about some challenges and successes that come from teaching kids at a summer camp and what makes this a rewarding and super fun experience. Learn more about snowsports instruction by heading to thesnowpros.org.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with multi-term National Team member Chris Rogers. Chris is on the snowboard team and spends most of his year on snow. George and Chris chat about what the offseason looks like for a snowsports instructor or at least what his and his friend's experiences are. Burnout is real and having ways to combat fatigue is important to making yourself the best instructor you can be. Listen in for real-life experiences on how to prepare your mind and body in the offseason for another winter ahead. Chris mentions stand-up paddle boarding, wake surfing, and wake foiling are great activities to do to maintain some of those stability muscles used in the winter. What are you doing to stay prepared for winter?

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Angelo Ross again. Angelo is the Education Development Manager at PSIA-AASI and is a wealth of knowledge on many topics. George and Thomas talk about the "Expert Trap" and how it impacts lessons and how you can be more aware that you're doing it. The Expert Trap is when students get or feel trapped by their expert instructors as they share all the knowledge they know. As explained, instructors sometimes feel they should give all the information at once rather than in more bite-sized pieces. George and Angelo discuss some examples of this, some reasons why this happens, and some practical ways to avoid being too overwhelming as a teacher. As it often does, it comes down to student-centered teaching and adapting to the needs of the learner. The tools to learn this and apply it can all be found in PSIA-AASI education materials. Head to shop.thesnowpros.org to find the right tools for your lessons.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Ben Potts. Ben has made the National Team for another term and reflects on what this experience was like compared to other selections. George and Ben talk about what the planning looked like leading up to the 2024-28 team selection and what's ahead as this next term begins. Ben is working at Woodward Copper in Colorado on snow with summer camps and students. Later this summer he'll be heading to New Zealand to focus on instructor training before he comes back to the states for next winter!

Ever thought about going for a certification in another discipline? Listen in on this episode with First Chair host George Thomas and PSIA-AASI Education Development Manager, Angelo Ross, about why you might consider this approach. "I've quit thinking of everything I do as separate disciplines ... I have reframed them all into trying to figure out how my body works. When I started taking that approach to skateboarding, telemarking ... that was the thing that tied all these disciplines together in my mind."

Meet Stacy Garcia, a college student who went from never skiing to taking her first lesson to becoming a certified PSIA-AASI Level 1 Alpine instructor in just 14 months. Listen in on her conversation with First Chair host George Thomas as she tells the story of her rapid rise after falling completely in love with skiing as an adult.

Join First Chair Host George Thomas and Angelo Ross, PSIA-AASI's education development manager and a former high school teacher for a deep dive into that what, how, and why of play and experiential learning. Play is a key component of PSIA-AASI's teaching skills fundamentals and not exclusive to children's lessons. If you've ever been stuck in your teaching style, want to grow your skills and adaptability, or are looking to better connect with a wider variety of students, give this episode a listen for education, inspiration, and examples!

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas introduces us to Brian Donovan, a second-term PSIA-AASI National Team snowboard member based in Vermont. Brian is driven by possibilities and opportunities, and is inspired by the immense talent of the Team. His preparation was all about connecting the work done on-snow with members to the educational foundations that back up our materials.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with National Team member Kevin Jordan. Kevin was just re-selected as a member of the Alpine Team this past April in Big Sky, MT. George and Thomas chat about the nerves re-trying out for the National Team brings and what brought on the most anxiety in the process. Kevin tried out for the team three times before he was eventually selected in 2021. He talks about how this experience has given him a bit more insight into the process and what to expect. With that, Kevin mentions that there are always still unknowns in every selection. George questions Kevin and what was the hardest and the most rewarding task he had to do during selection week. George and Kevin chat about future plans and Interski 2027 in Vail, CO. Learn more about snowsports education and the National Team by heading to thesnowpros.org.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with National Team member Chris Rogers. Chris was just selected for his third term on the PSIA-AASI National Snowboard Team. Hear why Chris decided to re-tryout for the team and what his entire career on the team has looked like. George talks to Chris about some of the exciting things coming up and how that played a role in Chris's decision to go for a third team. They also talk about some of the more difficult tasks that stood out during the selection process. To learn more about the National Team and the entire process, visit thesnowpros.org.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Melodie Buell, a newly selected member of the 2024-28 PSIA-AASI National Team. George and Melodie talk about the journey of trying out for the team and the obstacles that presented themselves along the way. Melodie was named a new member of the PSIA National Adaptive Team in Big Sky at the recent selection event that took place. A notable takeaway from the process that Melodie mentioned was the importance of mindset and adapting to what you're dealt and how that goes a long way in persevering. George asks about the feelings of actually going through the selection process and what some of the tasks were that needed to be done. Tune in to hear more about the selection process and the emotions that come from making the team. For more, head to thesnowpros.org.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Jonathon Ballou about what it's like being on the other side of the selection process. Jonathon has been a part of 5 selections. 1 unsuccessful bid for the team, 3 as a new or returning team member and now 1 as a selector for the new National Team. Jonathon talks about the selection process and his point of view as a selector. Hear about some nitty-gritty details about the selection process. Learn more about the National Team by heading to thesnowpros.org.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with PSIA-AASI Lead Writer Pete Kray for EPISODE 700!! We have an unbelievable bank of amazing podcasts that are all about snowsports instruction. Pete and George are old pals so this conversation is fun and insightful. Pete talks about his time at National Academy and what it's like being in Big Sky for the event. Pete has many books out and is the main writer for thesnowpros.org and 32 Degrees magazine. George asks Pete what keeps him so intertwined with this industry and what keeps him going.

PSIA-AASI First Chair podcast Host George Thomas catches up with PSIA-AASI CEO Peggy Hiller and Board Chair Eliza Kuntz! George, Eliza and Peggy chat about National Academy and how the week has been going and what to expect with Team Selection week. George questions Peggy on the member survey that went out and how it is interacting face-to-face with the members at this event. George asks Eliza about gender equity in this industry and how she feels being a woman leader here. Listen in to hear more. Peggy talks about a new launch of the Education Foundation and the high points of this season.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member Jonathan Ballou from Big Sky, MT. George and Jonothan talk briefly about the podcast and its history. Episode 700 is coming up! Jonathan has been on the National Team for 3 terms and is retiring as a team member this year. Jonathan talks about his time on the team and what's next in his journey throughout this podcast. Learn more about Jonathon and the National Team by heading to thesnowpros.org.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas chats with Vanessa Mann, the General Secretary of IASESS (International Association of Science in Snowsports) and the Project Manager for Interski International. The IAESS bridges the gap between theory and practice. IEASS is the pillar organization of Interski International and connects snowsports to education. Vanessa and George talk about what has to happen between now and 2027 when Interski comes back to the US for the first time since 1965. They also chat about what is happening in Big Sky, Montana as National Academy wraps up and Team Selection week begins. Vanessa teaches high school in Germany and also teaches snowsports as well with her affiliation with the university. To learn more about National Team Selection or National Academy, visit thesnowpros.org.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Scott Behrens, a first-time participant of Adaptive Academy. Scott shares moments about his time at academy and how it's living up to what he expected. Scott mentions how he got into adaptive snowsports and what led him into snowsports instruction. George and Scott continue to chat about his journey in instruction and how he earned funds from the Sodergren Fund to get to Adaptive Academy and what he hopes to get from the rest of academy. For more information about Adaptive Academy on thesnowspros.com.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with first-time participant of Adaptive Academy Josephine Cormier on her experience so far. Josephine came to Adaptive Academy by way of getting the Nancy Oakes Hall Scholarship this year. Josephine works at Achieve Tahoe, a fully adaptive program out of California. George and Josephine talk about what the experience has been like so far, what the highlights are and what's to come. Tune in for more on Josephine and Achieve Tahoe and all things Adaptive Academy. For more on academy, head to thesnowpros.org.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Alpine Team member Ben Potts. George and Ben talk about the big National Academy and what it's been like so far seeing all of the new and returning members coming to this event. On top of this, Ben is staying in Big Sky for National Team selection that happens the week after National Academy and Rider Rally. George and Ben talk all things Academy and details about what to expect when tryouts start. Ben talks about why he's going for another term on the team. Check out thesnowpros.org to learn more about National Academy and National Team Tryouts.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with PSIA Adaptive Team Coach Geoff Krill. Geoff goes into how adaptive skiing and riding is just skiing and riding no matter what you're sliding on. George and Geoff talk about what it was like going from a team member to a coach of the PSIA-AASI National Team and what it means to be going into his third term as the team coach of the PSIA National Adaptive Team. Geoff talks about what he's looking for in new members trying out for the team coming up in late-April. Listen to hear more about Geoff and what to expect with team tryouts.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Dana Forbes who is the Executive Director for the Rocky Mountain Region. Dana wrote an article about a lesson experience that was completely discouraging and made her question whether or not she was a good instructor or not. This feeling is not unique to Dana though. Many instructors have these moments that make them question whether or not they're cut out for this. Dana explains several ways she worked through these feelings and how to overcome those thoughts of doubts. She goes on to tell a few lived experiences that helped her turn discouragement into pride.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host catches up with Jessie Unruh, the marketing director for Breckenridge Distillery. Breckenridge Distillery is one of PSIA-AASI's newest Official Suppliers and has worked with the National Team to create a unique and branded bottle of whiskey. Jessie talks about the history of Breckenridge Distillery and the differences in whiskeys across the country. The PSIA-AASI branded bottles were picked blindly by the National Team at a special tasting session in late 2023. Breckenridge Distillery supplements its whiskey with snowmelt straight from the mountains that flow into the Blue River. PSIA-AASI members can get free shipping on all orders. Visit breckenridgedistillery.com to order and use code PSIAFREESHIP to get free shipping. Use the hashtag #ApresAnywhere for a chance to win cool prizes.