First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Brenna Kelleher. Brenna is on the PSIA National Team and talks about her time on the team and what the future looks look. Brenna dives into how she's grown over the last few years and what started her path into teaching. Brenna has continued her education and became a real estate agent and is continuing to grow professionally each year. Brenna chats about why she is trying ut again for a third term. As a total technical junky, Brenna wants to see technical skills grow for everyone and wants to stay fit and healthy for the season ahead.

First Chair podcast host George Thomas catches up with Jeb Boyd who is the Head Coach for the PSIA-AASI National Team. George and Jeb talk about Team Training 2023 and what the focus is. There has been a lack of snow which led to more inside training than on-snow training. In all, the team was able to focus on this year's messaging and what each member's own professional development plans are. Each day, the schedule kept getting pushed and pushed but the team was able to make the most of the entire week with great conversation and planning. They also talk about the final year of the term and what that looks like.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Sue Kramer. Sue has created and hosts a webinar that is available to PSIA-AASI members. (see link that you can copy and paste below ) Participants will learn multiple exercises for developing core stability, agility, balance, and strength specific to skiing. These exercises can be practiced throughout the fall to develop ski-specific movement patterns. Sue and George chat about how in-season training is just as important as off-season training. Restorative training is an great way to stay loose and relaxed during the on-snow season. Webinar link: https://thesnowpros.org/events/event-calendar/?cal-month=10&cal-year=2023&divisions=11&event=9766#psia-calendar

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Andy Stein who is the Digital Marketing Manager for PSIA-AASI. Andy is also a degreed meteorologist with a decade of experience on local and national television. George and Andy talk about the upcoming El Niño winter and last winter's La Nina. They also go in-depth about what it's like to forecast and how far meteorology has come in recent decades. Andy wrote an article that you'll see in the Fall Issue of 32 Degrees magazine this fall.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Dana Forbes who is the CEO for the Rocky Mountain region. Dana and George chat about the upcoming season and how to prepare for the incoming winter. Pre-season strength training is very important to help, as well as, joining clinics and utilizing the education opportunities right now will help kick-start your season. The Rocky Mountain region has a season kick-off event that helps get your body and brain in tune. It's a great event that allows you to get your feet on snow and connect with others in the industry. Learn more about this event and many other events that are coming up in the coming months. Use our Event Calendar to find the perfect event for you: https://thesnowpros.org/events/

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Peggy Hiller, CEO of PSIA-AASI. Peggy and Thomas discuss more details of the member survey that was conducted earlier in 2023. Peggy shares insight from member schools and what values being a member school brings. Find out why members are a part of PSIA-AASI and how the organization can add value. PSIA-AASI is constantly working to improve the member experience and provide consistency for everyone. This includes unified assessment criteria and processes. Having national consistency in our education processes is a goal of the organization in the coming years.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with PSIA Cross Country Team Coach Emily Lovett. George and Emily chat about their summers and the upcoming Cross Country academy which happens in November. This year's Cross Country Academy is in West Yellowstone, Montana, and will include 3 days of classic and skate skiing with current and former PSIA Cross Country Team members. Get the inside track on innovations shaping the future of instruction. Network with and learn new ways of teaching from fellow cross-country professionals who share your passion for the experience. Take your game up a notch with personalized coaching and improvement. Any member of PSIA-AASI can attend this academy regardless of their main discipline. Learn more or register for Cross Country Academy by heading to this link: https://thesnowpros.org/events/cross-country-academy/.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas interviews PSIA-AASI member Gordo Garlock. Gordo is on a 41-year streak where he has skied at least 1 day per month! As a former high school track and ski coach, Gordo had access to Mt. Hood year-round which made skiing possible every month of the year. Gordo mentions that climate change has recently made it very hard to keep this streak going since the Palmer snowfield doesn't hold snow as long as it used to. Even in years when no snow was available locally, Gordo traveled internationally to keep this streak going. Even after bouts with surgery and cancer, Gordo was able to continue skiing with the help of his community of friends and family. Gordo and George talk about education and how to be a better instructor.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Makayla Meixner on why being nutrient-conscious during recovery is important. Keeping up with your calorie intake and eating three meals a day plus a snack help your body recover quicker. Makayla is a health nutritionist and has been a guest on the First Chair pod before. Makayla details how to correctly

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Julie Gacnik who is the Brand Creator. Pure Mountain Fun is the newest Official Supplier for PSIA-AASI. Started by two 10-year-olds in 2020 after a day of flubbing with ski equipment, Pure Mountain Fun offers an easy way to transport your skis or snowboards for kids of any size. This has proven to help families navigate the parking lot shuffle and allows for a hands-free experience when handling gear. This backpack-esque product is durably made and there are options for skis and snowboards. The product works great for transporting skis and boards through the parking lot, to the lifts, or to high alpine hike-to terrain. Shop Pure Mountain fun now by logging into your member profile and checking out your pro offers! https://members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Ryan Latham and Kevin Jordan from the Aspen Snowmass Snowsports Schools. Kevin and Ryan will be hosting the Inclusive Snowsports Group Facilitation webinar. Scheduled for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. MT, this clinic will focus on creating functional knowledge of how to assess a student with a diagnosed or undiagnosed disability using the CAP (Cognitive, Affective, Physical) model and provide tools and strategies to help this student integrate into a group lesson. Register here: https://thesnowpros.org/2023/08/30/register-now-inclusive-snowsport-group-facilitation-webinar/

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with the folks from Mt. Hood Meadows ski school in Oregon. George chats with Tyler Barnes, Jennifer Lockwood and Katie Foyt. Tyler is the snowsports school director. Jennifer and Katie are alpine trainers at Mt. Hood Meadows. The team from Mt. Hood Meadows talks about how they are working to build community and how they're working to get more people on the slopes. Additionally, they talk about the energy they bring into new hire training and how that sets the standard for the entire experience. End-of-day group runs and daily recaps keep the team going and motivated.

PSIA-AASI First Chair podcast host George Thomas catches up with Katie White. Katie is the Scholarship Director for Women of Winter and the Ski School Director in Portillo, Chile. Katie is currently living in Portillo during the southern hemisphere winter. Katie spends most of her year on snow and helping to grow Women of Winter. Hear from Katie on what's happening in her life and what's to come this next winter in the northern hemisphere. Find out more about Women of Winter: https://www.womenofwinter.net/ https://thesnowpros.org/

PSIA-AASI First Chair podcast host George Thomas catches up with Peggy Hiller, the CEO of PSIA-AASI. Earlier in 2023, PSIA-AASI sent out a member survey that included questions about how happy members are with their membership and asked several questions based on the individual's experience. It was shown that many members are happy with the organization but our net promoter school was a bit lower than previous years. Peggy discusses what that means and how PSIA-AASI is planning for the future.

First Chair Podcast Host George Thomas catches up with Dr. Leslie Desrosiers. Learn how to elevate your fitness routine with sport-specific preventative exercises that take performance and longevity to new heights. Find out how simple it can be to add game-changing neuromuscular control strategies to your workout and keep your knees stronger and healthier. Hear more about how keeping your ACL strong in the off-season will help you avoid injury while you're on the snow next season. Learn more: bit.ly/3Pd3ZJm

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast catches up with Kyle Wilson, the Snow School Director at Nordic Mountain in Wisconsin. Nordic Mountain was the recipient of the Small Snowsports School Scholarship for the 2022/23 season. Kyle talks about the culture of Nordic Mountain and the impact receiving the Small Snowsports School Scholarship provided. Kyle mentions how the operations of Nordic Mountain are in place to promote learning and teaching snowsports. Kyle goes on to talk about how Nordic Mountain is an important factor in training new snowsports instructors. Hear more on how the scholarship helped Nordic Mountain train students to PSIA-AASI Level I instructors. Learn more about PSIA-AASI scholarship opportunities: https://thesnowpros.org/education/scholarships/ #snowpros

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI National Team member Kevin Jordan. Kevin is on the PSIA-AASI Alpine Team but during the summer, Keving is a mountain bike extraordinaire. Listen in to hear from Kevin on the benefits of mountain biking during the summer. Learn about the 6 basic skills needed for mountain biking and how they relate to the fundamentals of skiing and riding.

First Chair catches up with Steve Binns, Hestra's Marketing Manager for North America, about the diversity of gloves that are offered. Hestra believes they "have a glove for every day" - including gardening gloves! Smart technically is available in gloves allowing for mobile phone use without taking the gloves off. Hear from Steve on how to pick the right size for you and how to easily get your hands in a pair of gloves quickly. PSIA-AASI members can access the Pro Offers page to get member-specific pricing on PSIA-AASI Official Supplier Hestra's glove options. Go to the pro offer page (https://members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers) to shop with your member discount.

First Chair podcast host George Thomas catches up with PSIA-AASI CEO Peggy Hiller, who's been meeting with regional PSIA-AASI Board of Directors members this month to learn about their interests and discuss ways to find alignment. Peggy also shares why July is a great month to reset, recharge and reconnect to your educational and training goals for the next season. Peggy shares some of her favorite summer activities as well as some things to look forward to this fall.

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI National Team Coach, Jeb Boyd. Jeb chats about the importance of lifelong learning and how continuing reading is beneficial to yourself. Jeb also shares how PSIA-AASI is working to improve the member and guest experience using this ideal. Jeb mentions how Interski is keeping education in the snowsports industry strong. People skills are one of the pillars of PSIA-AASI's education methods. Follow: @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member Jonathan Ballou about his participation on the PSIA-AASI National Team. Jonathan talks about his decision not to seek another term in 2024 and what his next plan is. Listen in to learn more about Jonathon's experience with the PSIA-AASI National Team.

First Chair catches up with Makayla Meixner, an AASI-certified Level I snowboard instructor, about nutrition. Makayla holds a master’s in nutrition and is a registered sports dietitian who works primarily with winter sports athletes. Listen in for tips on how to fuel yourself to sustain your energy AND perform your best. Eating well, and snacking throughout the day, will help you keep your energy levels high so you can perform and help your students excel. PSIA-AASI members: Access special members-only pricing from PSIA-AASI Official Supplier on PowerBar products on the Pro Offers page to get a great deal on bars: https://members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

First Chair meets Scott Valitchka, Nordic Mountain’s snow school trainer. Scott’s school received one of PSIA-AASI’s small school scholarships. He shared that the funds helped bring education to their team members who might never be able to invest in such education and training. Listen to the story of how Nordic Mountain’s seven new level I instructors will pay this investment forward by connecting with and teaching clients and guests in the coming ski seasons. Learn more about this scholarship opportunity: https://thesnowpros.org/education/scholarships/small-snowsports-school-scholarships/

First Chair podcast host George Thomas catches up with PSIA-AASI CEO Peggy Hiller, who's been meeting with regional PSIA-AASI Board of Directors members this month to learn about their interests and discuss ways to find alignment. Peggy also shares why June is a great month to reset your educational and training goals for the next season and how PSIA-AASI can help support you in your pursuit of those goals. Also, remember that June 30 is the deadline to renew your membership. Follow this link to renew today: members.thesnowpros.org/

Eliza Kuntz, Chair of PSIA-AASI Board of Directors, interviews George Thomas in this special First Chair podcast. George serves as the voice and host of this First Chair podcast. He’s also a PSIA-AASI member and begins his upcoming adventure ride with Race Across America (RAAM) on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. This event will challenge George, and all the ultra-cyclist participants, to test and push their physical and mental limits. RAAM kicks off in Oceanside, under one of the longest piers in California. Then it spans over 3,000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states, and finishes at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland, the east coast sailing mecca. Tune in, learn more about George’s upcoming journey, and listen to him share his story. Learn more about RAAM at raceacrossamerica.org.

[*Sponsored Content Podcast] First Chair catches up with Daniel Demschar, CEO of Snofolio, a training management system that gives skiers an on-slope performance training portfolio. Daniel talks about his history as a ski racer and how he started working with Snofolio. Learn more about how this all-inclusive system helps snowsports schools and their instructors enhance customer service and lesson progressions. Snofolio partners directly with resorts and ski and ride schools to set up the system and digital report cards. Learn more about Snofolio: https://snofolio.com/ *Learn more about sponsoring a First Chair podcast: http://tiny.cc/3hn7vz

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI CEO Peggy Hiller about what’s been happening at your association. First up, renew your membership this month to maintain access to all your membership benefits. When you do, you can shop Pro Offers to snag deals on your spring and summer gear, keep access to education resources to pick up CEUs this summer, and more. Peggy also shares what’s been happening with the organization's education alignment, highlights from the PSIA-AASI member survey, and what she’s looking forward to this summer. Follow this link to renew your membership today: https://members.thesnowpros.org/

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI member Suzy Chase-Motzkin about her 3-part webinar series on Mondays, June 5, June 12, and June 26 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. MT. With this new webinar series, you’ll learn how to create a more mindful presence to enhance the way you slide and instruct. This series is broken into three parts: Communication, Performance, and Practical Applications. You’ll earn three CEUs when you attend over three weeks throughout June. Register now: http://tiny.cc/nj97vz

First Chair catches up with Bobby Ali, from Cardo Communication Systems, about their wireless, hands-free intercom systems that allow you and your students to communicate in real-time with a crystal-clear connection. He explains how instructors can use the Cardo Systems hands-free PACKTALK Outdoor to provide instant feedback to students or other instructors while skiing or riding down the slopes. PSIA-AASI members can access the Pro Offers page to get member-specific pricing on PSIA-AASI Official Supplier Cardo’s PACKTALK Outdoor wireless hands-free intercom. Visit: https://members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team members Jonathan Ballou and Mike Hafer, as well as Tanya Milelli about their participation in the recent PSIA-AASI Western Spring Convention and Western assessment. Listen in to learn more about how education leaders from different regions can now assess to the same standards and outcomes.

First Chair catches up with Fern Stewart who recently received the Angus Graham Rising Star Award, an award recognizing standout members who show promise charting a career path within the snowsport industry. Fern said of the award, “I cannot begin to express how honored I am to receive this award, for it means that I get to ski in Angus Graham’s name for the rest of my life. I will bring his smile, enthusiasm, and love for the sport with me wherever I go and share it with whomever I meet.” Congrats, Fern!

First Chair catches up with Riley Shepard who recently received the Angus Graham Rising Star Award, an award recognizing standout members who show promise charting a career path within the snowsport industry. Riley demonstrates positive leadership behavior within the industry, serves as a volunteer leader, and distinguishes himself in an exemplary fashion. Congrats, Riley!

First Chair catches up with Walt Coiner, who was recently recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes exceptional members who developed and implemented programs, projects, and procedures affecting the association on a national level while demonstrating dedication, devotion, and self-sacrifice serving in their role. Congrats, Walt!

First Chair catches up with Pete Allison who is attending Interski with the British Association of Snowsports Instructors and the International Association for Education and Science in Snowsports. Pete shares updates on the projects he’s working on to improve the guest experience and make learning to ski and ride as easy as possible for everyone. He also shares highlights from the event. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

In this podcast, PSIA Telemark Team Coach Gregory Dixon shares what the telemark team presented at Interski 2023. Listen to learn what takeaways he plans to bring back home. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

Listen to PSIA Alpine Team member Mike Hafer as he shares highlights from Interski 2023. He chats about what it’s like to participate in a synchronized skiing demo run and his approach to teaching clinics to an international audience. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

Listen to this podcast to meet Cecelia Bäckström, who traveled to Interski with the Swedish delegates and demonstration team. A snowboard instructor, Cecelia trains other ski and ride schools how to train other instructors. She hopes to join the Swedish Demonstration Team for Interski 2027. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI Intermountain member Serenity Eyre and her sister Chelsea Evans. Hear about the event from the perspective of members of the PSIA-AASI Delegation. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member Kevin Jordan. Kevin shares how he’s recording event highlights and takeaways. He also chats people skills. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI Eastern Chief Executive Officer Kathy Brennan. She chats about how the event theme, “The Guest Experience is Everything,” is setting the stage to attract more guests to snowsports and encourage them to return to the sport. Kathy also shares how PSIA-AASI is working to improve the member and guest experience. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with Educational Excellence Award recipient and former PSIA Alpine Team Coach Mike Porter. Listen to learn about the history of Interski and the countries attending to get a big picture understanding of the event. Mike also shares PSIA-AASI’s history with Interski and how the event helps support members. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with Steve & Verity Davis-Raiss about #interski2023. Listen to hear the Australian couple’s takeaways from the event’s adaptive presentations. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI delegates Emily Spiker and Debbie Moore from White Tail Mountain in Pennsylvania. Listen to get Emily and Debbie’s takeaways from Ann Schorling’s #interski2023 Keynote Presentation “Gender Equity in Snowsports Instruction,” and learn about their experience as women in the snowsports industry. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with Summit Bar Studio Bartender Hamish Heard about Levi, Finland and #interski2023. Learn about Hamish’s journey from Australia to Finland. An avid snowboarder and wakeboarder, he talks about the town of Levi and the community he has built there. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

In this podcast, PSIA Alpine Team member Brian Smith chats about the instructor decisions and behavior part of the Learning Connection Model. Learn why every decision you make in your lesson is important and impacts the lesson outcome. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with President of the International Ski Instructor Association (ISIA) Vittorio Caffi. He chats about the Interski 2023 theme, “The Guest Experience is Everything,” and how ISIA helps advance the snowsports industry. Listen to learn about all the benefits of becoming an ISIA member. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

In this podcast, First Chair connects with PSIA Alpine Team member Dusty Dyar about his people skills presentation at #interski2023. Dusty shares how to develop people skills to help you build trust with your students. People skills play a role in every lesson. Learn how the emotional impact of a lesson can be as significant as the physical impact. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

Tune in as First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team Coach Michael Rogan about #interski2023, and how this international event improves all PSIA-AASI members’ experience. Hear Micheal chat about how people skills and teaching skills are universal across disciplines and help improve snowsports lessons for everyone who takes a lesson. He also shares how you can blend PSIA-AASI’s fundamentals to meet the needs of your student. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team Stephen Helfenbein about his #interski presentations on the instructor decisions and behavior component of the Learning Connection Model. Listen to learn how to structure your lessons around your students. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros

First Chair catches up with Romanian Demo Team member John Barbut. Listen to learn about his career and teaching history, which includes teaching in the United States. Get John’s perspective on how instructors from across the world teach lessons, and how sharing ideas at Interski helps improve the guest experience. Held every four years, the Interski Congress brings instructors together worldwide to share educational innovations and top teaching techniques. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/events/interski/ Follow: #interski2023 @thesnowpros #snowpros