First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Assistant and Development Coach Matt Boyd about people skills, which are one of the three tenants of the Learning Connection framework. People skills are about communicating in effective ways to develop trust and achieve good relationships with your students and your peers. Check out the entire The Learning Connection & Discipline-Specific Fundamentals here: http://tiny.cc/fundamentalsapril7

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team member, Mike Ma, about his season. Mike shares his story about what he did to manage his own knee injury so he could still be on snow this season. Learn how he took an adaptive approach to change and adapt his movement and how this experience helped him become more empathetic and patient.

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member, Mike Hafer, about his goals for this season and beyond. He chats about how one of his top goals is to create more patience at the top of the turn so he can effectively work the ski in the shaping phase. He shares how he works towards achieving these goals. Learn from Mike's insight and find takeaways for your own approach. Read more about Mike’s goals here: http://tiny.cc/MikeGoals

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member, Josh Fogg, about his goals for this season and beyond. He chats about how he is combining ideas about how he teaches movement with his technical understanding of skiing and how he works towards achieving his goals. Learn from Josh’s insight and find takeaways for your own approach. Read more about Josh’s goals here: http://tiny.cc/JoshGoals

First Chair catches up with PSIA Cross Country Team Coach, Emily Lovett, about her goals for this season and beyond. She chats about why it’s so important for you to provide timely and effective feedback to your students and to your colleagues. Listen in and then take away feedback tips you can use with your students. Read more about Emily’s goals here: http://tiny.cc/EmilyGoals

When PSIA’s seven founders sat down to form the Professional Ski Instructors of America in May 1961 at Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana, they had one goal: to create a standard of consistency for ski instruction that it would help draw new participants to the sport from across the nation. Now, six decades later, PSIA-AASI teaches everyone how to enjoy more than just alpine skiing; welcoming every snowsports discipline, ability, and person. In part six of this six-part series, listen to Eric Rolls & Matt Boyd discuss what it was like to build the Learning Connection, one of the six of the most notable teaching benchmarks from the past 60 years. Learn how this was the first completely holistic view of snowsports instruction focusing on every aspect—teaching, technical, and people skills—of a lesson. Learn more about PSIA-AASI’s 60th Anniversary: http://tiny.cc/60Years

When PSIA’s seven founders sat down to form the Professional Ski Instructors of America in May 1961 at Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana, they had one goal: to create a standard of consistency for ski instruction that it would help draw new participants to the sport from across the nation. Now, six decades later, PSIA-AASI teaches everyone how to enjoy more than just alpine skiing; welcoming every snowsports discipline, ability, and person. In part five of this six-part series, listen to Bill Bowness, Katherine Rodriguez Hayes, and Beth Fox, discuss what it was like to pioneer adaptive instruction, one of the six of the most notable teaching benchmarks from the past 60 years. Learn about how adaptive instructors and students now have a technical blueprint specific to their need, and why it’s important to celebrate teaching to every enthusiast. Learn more about PSIA-AASI’s 60th Anniversary: http://tiny.cc/60Years

When PSIA’s seven founders sat down to form the Professional Ski Instructors of America in May 1961 at Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana, they had one goal: to create a standard of consistency for ski instruction that it would help draw new participants to the sport from across the nation. Now, six decades later, PSIA-AASI teaches everyone how to enjoy more than just alpine skiing; welcoming every snowsports discipline, ability, and person. In part four of this six-part series, listen to Dave Alden and Randy Price discuss the creation of the American Association of Snowboard Instructors, one of the six of the most notable teaching benchmarks from the past 60 years. Learn about the importance of creating the world’s first integrated snowboard instruction entity aimed solely at improving the on-snow riding experience for everyone from beginners to athletes at the highest level of professional competition. Learn more about PSIA-AASI’s 60th Anniversary: http://tiny.cc/60Years

First Chair catches up with Stacey Gerrish, the host of Tuesday Tea Talks, which are free interactive sessions that feature special guests in the snowsports industry and are hosted by PSIA-AASI. Next week’s episode happens on Tuesday, March 15 at 6 p.m. MT. Stacey will welcome 2006 Winter Olympian, Erin Simmons, nine-time X Games athlete, and three-time X Games silver medalist. This event will stream from both Facebook and YouTube. You can use the links that you’ll receive via email after you register for this event. Register for the March 15 event: http://tiny.cc/TeaTalkMarch15 View previous Tea Talks: https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/tea-talks/

When PSIA’s seven founders sat down to form the Professional Ski Instructors of America in May 1961 at Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana, they had one goal: to create a standard of consistency for ski instruction that it would help draw new participants to the sport from across the nation. Now, six decades later, PSIA-AASI teaches everyone how to enjoy more than just alpine skiing; welcoming every snowsports discipline, ability, and person. In part three of this six-part series, listen to Marie Shaw and Grant Nakamura discuss the Junior Education Team, one of the six of the most notable teaching benchmarks from the past 60 years. Learn about the importance of providing a focus on kid-specific instruction for all disciplines recognizing that children’s instruction requires different skills and priorities than adult instruction. Learn more about PSIA-AASI’s 60th Anniversary: http://tiny.cc/60Years

When PSIA’s seven founders sat down to form the Professional Ski Instructors of America in May 1961 at Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana, they had one goal: to create a standard of consistency for ski instruction that it would help draw new participants to the sport from across the nation. Now, six decades later, PSIA-AASI teaches everyone how to enjoy more than just alpine skiing; welcoming every snowsports discipline, ability, and person. In part two of this six-part series, listen to Carol Levine and Megan Bourke discuss equal opportunity for women in snowsports, one of the six of the most notable teaching benchmarks from the past 60 years. Learn about the importance of welcoming women as athletes and instructors. Learn more about PSIA-AASI’s 60th Anniversary: http://tiny.cc/60Years

When PSIA’s seven founders sat down to form the Professional Ski Instructors of America in May 1961 at Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana, they had one goal: to create a standard of consistency for ski instruction that it would help draw new participants to the sport from across the nation. Now, six decades later, PSIA-AASI teaches everyone how to enjoy more than just alpine skiing; welcoming every snowsports discipline, ability, and person. In part one of this six-part series, listen to Jens Husted and Mike Porter discuss The Skills Concept, one of the six of the most notable teaching benchmarks from the past 60 years. The Skills Concept is a simplified teaching system based on rotary movements, edging, and pressure control that allows instructors to teach to each student’s immediate needs. Learn more about PSIA-AASI’s 60th Anniversary: http://tiny.cc/60Years

When PSIA’s seven founders sat down to form the Professional Ski Instructors of America in May 1961 at Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana, they had one goal: to create a standard of consistency for ski instruction that it would help draw new participants to the sport from across the nation. Now, six decades later, PSIA-AASI teaches everyone how to enjoy more than just alpine skiing; welcoming every snowsports discipline, ability, and person. Hear from PSIA-AASI Board of Directors’ Chair, Eliza Kuntz, and PSIA-AASI CEO, Nicholas Herrin, about why this 60th anniversary is so important and what the next six podcasts for this series will cover. Learn more about PSIA-AASI’s 60th Anniversary: http://tiny.cc/60Years

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member Kevin Jordan, who shares tips on the importance of giving your students a variety of drills and then encouraging them to envision their own training plan. Kevin has found that this approach helps him empower his students to do their own learning. Check out the full article here: http://tiny.cc/kevinsgoals

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet PSIA Alpine Team member, Bart Flynn, who hails from Jackson Hole Resort, Wyoming.

First Chair checks in with Brian Donovan, a new member of the PSIA-AASI National Team to learn more about what’s been happening during his first-year on the AASI Snowboard Team and what he’s been up to for this season. Last April, PSIA-AASI selected the 37 team members for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding.

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member Josh Fogg, who shares tips on increasing your student’s performance and increasing their retention of the learning of the movements. Josh has found that how you say the words vs. what you say has a bigger impact on your student’s performance.

First Chair catches up with extreme skiing pioneer, Dan Egan. Dan starred in 12 Warren Miller movies, including the “cornice break” segment in “Extreme Winter” that became the most viewed ski segment of all-time. Dan chats about why it’s important to ski the snow that’s in right front of you. Learn why he’s been able to adapt to the line he skis vs. the line that he sees and how you can learn to apply that approach and be more intentional about your own skiing.

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet PSIA-AASI National Team Head Coach, Jeb Boyd, who hails from Loon Mountain, New Hampshire. Learn more about Jeb: http://tiny.cc/meetjeb

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member, Ryan Christofferson, and Club Pilates instructor, Jessica Roberts, to discuss how Pilates can help improve your skiing and snowboarding balance on the slopes. They discuss how certain exercises can target the muscles used in ski and snowboard motions to strengthen your body and prevent serious injuries. In addition to trying out Pilates, PSIA-AASI members can download, for free, the Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding book that offers guidance for a fitness training regimen that promotes improved movement and body longevity for snowsports instructors. Learn more: http://tiny.cc/lpgmuz

First Chair recently caught up with TJ Larson from Revo, which is a company that recently joined PSIA-AASI as an Official Supplier. Established in 1985, Revo was founded on the idea that the same technology used by NASA for satellites and telescopes could easily be transferred into optics. Today, Revo continues its rich tradition of innovation by creating the clearest and most advanced high contrast polarized sunglasses available. Log in to the Pro Offers page to see how to take advantage of your Revo PSIA-AASI members-only special pricing: members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

First Chair caught up with PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team Coach Geoff Krill and Nordica’s Joe Cavallaro. Joe talks about what it means to have attended PSIA-AASI’s Team Training event to connect with Geoff and other members of the PSIA-AASI National Team they support, and about the benefits of meeting again in person. Learn how Joe and Nordica are excited to continue to support PSIA-AASI members across the country this season. Then, log in to the Pro Offers page to see how to take advantage of your Nordica PSIA-AASI members-only special pricing: members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

First Chair caught up with Joel Weins and Carly Jo Hougen from WSI Sportswear, which is a company that recently joined PSIA-AASI as an Official Supplier. This means they are offering you member-specific pricing on baselayers, sportswear, and cold weather apparel. Founded in 1990, WSI combines cutting-edge design, high tech materials, and modern innovations which are crafted to provide you with the most comfortable performing sportswear. Find out more about WSI Sportswear on the Pro Offers page: www.thesnowpros.org/shop

First Chair catches up with Jay Badgley, from Phunkshun, one of PSIA-AASI’s Official Suppliers. Jay talks about how Phunkshun makes cool, fun products that meet the technical needs of instructors who work all day on the hill. The brand built its reputation among fellow instructors first, then expanded into retail. Log in to the Pro Offers page to see how to take advantage of your Phunkshun PSIA-AASI members-only special pricing: members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

First Chair catches up with Barclay Rappeport, national sales manager with PSIA-AASI Official Supplier Marker, Dalbello, Völkl (MDV). Barclay discusses her snowsports journey as a coach and her role with MDV, and how the right equipment will serve you well as an instructor. Log in to the Pro Offers page to see how to take advantage of your MDV PSIA-AASI members-only special pricing: members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

First Chair caught up with some of the newer members on PSIA’s Alpine Team to chat about what it’s like to serve on PSIA-AASI’s National Team (2021-23). Take a listen and learn from Bart Flynn, George Flynn, Kevin Jordan, Mike Hafer, Troy Walsh, and Zoe Mavis, about what it means for these team members and how they are planning to serve you and create education for all members.

First Chair catches up with Warren Bunnell and Chris Johnson from PSIA-AASI Official Supplier Spot. They chat about how Spot provides injury insurance to athletes and adventurers so that if you break a bone, it shouldn’t break your bank. Spot is stoked to partner with PSIA-AASI to offer members injury insurance specifically designed for ski and snowboard Instructors. For just a one-time payment of $50, you can purchase Spot for the 2021-2022 season and get up to $25,000 for your medical bills each time you’re injured while skiing or snowboarding. For injuries big and small, Spot’s got your back. Log in to the Pro Offers page to see how to take advantage of this offer! members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet PSIA Cross Country Team member, Zeke Fashingbauer, who hails from Minocqua Winter Park, Wisconsin. Learn more about Zeke: http://tiny.cc/meetzeke

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet PSIA Telemark Team member, Jim Shaw, who hails from Winter Park, CO. Colorado. Learn more about Jim: http://tiny.cc/meetjim

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team member, Mike Ma, who hails from Mt. Snow, VT. Colorado. Learn more about Mike: tiny.cc/meetmikema2021

First Chair catches up with Maggie Lake, a two-time junior instructor of the year from Eldora, Colorado. Maggie talks about what it’s like to work in the snowsports industry and her experience going through the junior instructor program. Learn more about PSIA-AASI’s junior instructor program, and how you can get started, even if you have no experience other than being interested in knowing how to ski or snowboard! Read more: www.thesnowpros.org/membership/junior-instructor-program/

Last week, First Chair met up with PSIA Alpine Team Coach, Michael Rogan, to recap PSIA-AASI’s Team Training event and what PSIA’s Alpine Team is working on for the future of instruction education. Learn what happens behind the scenes for this season’s rollout of consistent training and implementation around PSIA-AASI’s new standards.

First Chair catches up with co-authors, Mark Aiken and Kevin Jordan, for part 2 of an interview regarding what you’ll see this month when PSIA-AASI launches the brand-new Teaching Children Snowsports manual. The Teaching Children Snowsports manual will help you introduce your students to a new adventure in the outdoors as they foster an appreciation for the mountain environment. PSIA-AASI members can access a free digital version at https://thesnowpros.org/education/digital-manuals-for-every-discipline/

Last week, First Chair met up with PSIA-AASI National Team Head Coach, Jeb Boyd, and PSIA-AASI Director of Education, Dave Schuiling, to recap the Team Training event. Jeb and Dave shared that PSIA-AASI’s National Team worked hard to review and plan for the rollout of consistent training and implementation around PSIA-AASI’s new standards. This month, PSIA-AASI’s “Fall Conference” training event hits the internet and road. PSIA-AASI divisional educators will receive web-based learning and live on-site unified training, and many National Team members will take part in this process. Envisioned as a three-phase process of standards adoption, training, integration, implementation, and quality assurance and enhancement built around PSIA-AASI’s Learning Connection, the new approach to certification promises to assure a better, more consistent process for candidates, examiners, and trainers. Learn more: https://www.thesnowpros.org/certification/national-certification-standards/

First Chair catches up with AASI’s Snowboard Assistant and Development Team Coach, Tony Macri, about how his freestyle coaching at Woodward during the summer helps him with his teaching during the winter season. Tony shares tips on how you can help your students learn while helping them to manage through a challenging experience or their fear of the unknown. Meet Tony, who hails from Copper Mountain, Colorado: tiny.cc/meettony

In honor of the dropping temperatures and changing leaves, PSIA-AASI Official Supplier Nordica is celebrating “Protober” with special deals to get you ready for winter. First Chair catches up with Nordica’s Andy Hare and PSIA’s Alpine Team Coach Michael Rogan, about Nordica’s skis and why they are a great fit for instructors. AND, for a limited-time, you can enjoy added savings on brand-new Nordica Spitfire Skis (72, 76, 80mm) during the month of October with bindings included. In addition, for a limited time, deals are also available on award-winning Enforcer and Santa Ana models. PSIA-AASI members can shop Nordica's "Protober" now: members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

First Chair catches up with Women of Winter (WoW) founder Chris Walch. PSIA-AASI and Women of Winter partnered this season to provide scholarships and host five instructor education events for Black, Indigenous, Women of Color that will encourage and support women to pursue opportunities to teach skiing or snowboarding. Participants select the location they would like to attend and submit an application by 10/31. There are a maximum of six participants at each event. Learn more: https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/scholarships/women-of-winter/ Events will be held at: February 1 – 4, 2022: Hyland Hills Ski Area, Bloomington, Minnesota (Alpine Level I) February 7 – 10, 2022: Windham Mountain, Windham, New York (Alpine Level I) February 7 – 10, 2022: Eldora Mountain, Nederland, Colorado (Snowboard Level I) March 5 – 8, 2022: Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, Montana (Alpine Level I) March 5 – 8, 2022: Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, Montana (Snowboard Level I) Special thanks to these PSIA-AASI Official Suppliers for their support of the program: Rossignol, Giro, Hestra, Leki, The North Face, and Terramar.

First Chair catches up with co-authors, Mark Aiken and Kevin Jordan, about what you’ll see this Fall when PSIA-AASI launches the brand-new Teaching Children Snowsports manual. The Teaching Children Snowsports manual will help you introduce your students to a new adventure in the outdoors as they foster an appreciation for the mountain environment.

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet returning PSIA Alpine Team member, Josh Fogg, who hails from Aspen Snowmass, Colorado. Learn more about Josh: http://tiny.cc/meetjosh

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet returning PSIA Alpine Team member, Ryan Christofferson, who hails from Heavenly, California. Learn more about Ryan: http://tiny.cc/meetryan

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet returning PSIA Alpine Assistant and Development Coach, Matt Boyd, who hails from Loon Mountain, New Hampshire. Learn more about Matt: http://tiny.cc/meetmattboyd

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet returning PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team Coach, Geoff Krill, who hails from Loon Mountain, New Hampshire. Learn more about Geoff: http://tiny.cc/meetgeoff

First Chair catches up with Alison Powers about getting ready for the upcoming season. Alison is the only cyclist, male or female, to hold the national champion title in Road, Criterium, and Time Trial in the same year (2014). Listen in to learn what you can do right now to get your legs ready for your best winter ever. Remember to download a free copy of Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding too! https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/digital-manuals-for-every-discipline/

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI Central Division CEO, Ron Shephard, about what’s happening this season in the Midwest. Ron also shares details about “What a Pro Knows,” a local initiative designed to promote education and instruction and sharing knowledge with other instructors, students, guests, and the industry.

First Chair catches up with Matthew Zabransky, founder of Midwest Skiers, to talk about the impact and opportunity Midwest ski areas can have on growing the sport because of their proximity to urban areas. In this interview, Matthew also explains how Midwest skiers share a passion and love for skiing that is truly on a deeper level. Learn more about Matthew and Midwest ski areas: https://www.midwestskiers.com/

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet returning PSIA Alpine Team member, Stephen Helfenbein, who hails from Deer Valley, Utah. Learn more about Stephen: http://tiny.cc/meetstephen

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet PSIA Alpine Team member, Ben Potts, who hails from Breckenridge, Colorado. Learn more about Ben: http://tiny.cc/meetbenpotts

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet returning PSIA Alpine Team member, Brenna Kelleher, who hails from Big Sky, Montana. Learn more about Brenna: http://tiny.cc/meetbrenna

The new PSIA-AASI National Team will set the standard for snowsports instruction and embody the ski and snowboard experience. In April 2021, PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding. Meet AASI Snowboard Team Snowboard Assistant and Development Team Coach, Tony Macri, who hails from Copper Mountain, Colorado. Learn more about Tony: http://tiny.cc/meettony

First Chair catches up with John Emery, the CEO of Alpine-X, which is a company that is working to develop indoor snow sports facilities that will provide an authentic alpine experience to guests of all skill levels, while also making participation inclusive, accessible, convenient, and affordable to all. Listen to John’s vision to help bring the mountain to more people while delivering a fun, safe, consistent and memorable family entertainment experience.