First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

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.

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, Mike Hafer, who hails from Breckenridge, Colorado. Learn more about Mike: http://tiny.cc/meetmike

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, Troy Walsh, who hails from Sunday River, Maine. Learn more about Troy: http://tiny.cc/meettroy

First Chair catches up with Robert Joseph from Anti Ordinary, which is a company that’s created a beanie that prevents head injuries. Rob shares his story about how he got into the industry and why he decided to start this company. Learn more: https://antiordinary.co/

PSIA Alpine Team member, Kevin Jordan, catches up with First Chair to talk about his role as a PMBIA mountain bike instructor and his role at Aspen Snowmass Bike Park. PMBIA stands for the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association. Learn about the six skills Kevin teaches to his students in his role mountain bike instructor, such as position and balance, operations of control, terrain awareness, direction control, pressure control and timing and coordination and how many of these skills are similar to teaching downhill 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 returning AASI Snowboard Team member, Chris Rogers, who hails from Vail, Colorado. Learn more about Chris: http://tiny.cc/meetchrisrogers

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 member, Chuck Hewitt, who hails from Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado. Learn more about Chuck: http://tiny.cc/meetchuck

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member, Stephen Helfenbein, about Rollerblade’s Skate-to-Ski program that will help you stay in snow shape all summer and help you practice the same fundamentals that lead to great skating and skiing. You can also earn some continuing education units (CEUs) this summer too. Join Stephen and PSIA-AASI Education Staff to practice activities that highlight balanced gliding, powerful carving, and fluid turning. Check PSIA-AASI’s event calendar to find a program near you and learn more: https://www.thesnowpros.org/events/event-calendar/

First Chair catches up with Alyssa Gonzalez, who talks about her experience as a Women of Winter scholarship recipient this past season. This event provided Alyssa with an opportunity to pursue her PSIA Level I Alpine Course and Exam. Women of Winter’s goal is to help black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) women carve their own paths in the mountains and in life.

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, Tulie Budiselich, who hails from Methow Valley, Washington. Learn more about Tulie: http://tiny.cc/meettulie

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 member, Lyndsey Stevens, who hails from Vail, Colorado. Learn more about Lyndsey: http://tiny.cc/meetlyndsey

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 Zoe Mavis who hails from Big Sky, Montana.

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 Jonathan Ballou who hails from Aspen Snowmass, Colorado.

First Chair catches up with Jill Chumbley, a member of PSIA-AASI’s Education Leadership Council (ELC). The ELC serves PSIA-AASI educational directives and acts as the conduit between all discipline task forces and association leadership to drive consistency in all educational initiatives. Jill talks about why it’s good to challenge yourself to pursue additional education so you can remain relevant and gain information to help your students.

First Chair catches up with Michael Rogan, PSIA Alpine Team coach, about the reopening of Ski Portillo in Chile this summer. Take a listen to get the scoop about the effect that the pandemic is having across the world and what the ski and ride season may look like in South America.

First Chair catches up with Jeb Boyd, head coach for the PSIA-AASI National Team, and Dave Schuiling, PSIA-AASI director of education. PSIA-AASI leaders from across the country gathered in Colorado this week for the Board of Directors meeting. The association’s Strategic Alignment Initiative and how the new certification standards will support consistency were a key part of the board’s conversation. Jeb and Dave discuss how this project will bring greater transparency and consistency to PSIA-AASI’s education and certification processes, and the new certification standards will help the association work towards this goal. Read more: http://tiny.cc/mqqytz

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 Kevin Jordan who hails from Aspen Snowmass, Colorado. Learn more about Kevin: http://tiny.cc/meetkevin

First Chair catches up with Tom Long, who was recently recognized with the Distinguished Service Award, which honors those who’ve made important contributions that have added to the success of PSIA-AASI. Tom is a PSIA-AASI Lifetime Member and New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame Inductee, helped PSIA develop the three-tiered certification approach; making attaining a PSIA-AASI certification more accessible to newer instructors and helping more members attain their first level of certification. His inclusive approach to snowsports extended beyond certification levels – he welcomed snowboarding and adaptive disciplines into the association and helped educators in these disciplines develop their own set of certification standards. Congrats, Tom!

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 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. Meet AASI Snowboard Team member Brian Donovan who hails from Mount Snow Resort, Vermont. Learn more about Brian: http://tiny.cc/meetBrian

Christina Bruno is a member of the 2021-24 PSIA-AASI National Team where she will help set the standard for snowsports instruction. PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected in April 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 Christina who hails from Steamboat Resort, Colorado. Learn more about Christina: http://tiny.cc/meetchristina

First Chair catches up with Mermer Blakeslee, who was recently recognized with the Education Excellence Award, which honors those exceptional few members who've authored PSIA-AASI educational materials. She is dedicated instructor who inspired many to be better skiers and teachers and Mermer is committed to destigmatizing fear by showing that fear is not a weakness, and that students can use skills to overcome their fears. Her non-fiction book about the psychology of skiing and teaching, A Conversation with Fear (2012) helped many snowsports enthusiasts take their skills to the next level. She also supported PSIA-AASI educational products including Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors. Congrats, Mermer!

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI’s Board of Directors Chair, Eliza Kuntz, about what it was like for the National Academies and Rider Rally events to make a successful return to Breckenridge, Colorado. One year after all national on-snow learning events were postponed due to COVID-19, more than 260 attendees were able to carve, teach, and clinic together again in a mix of both sunny and snowy spring conditions. Eliza also shares the direction of where PSIA-AASI is headed now and into the future.

First Chair catches up with Stacey Gerrish, who was recently recognized with the Education Excellence Award, which honors those exceptional few members who've authored PSIA-AASI educational materials. Her dedication to education landed her squarely in the development of several PSIA-AASI publications, including Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors, the Children’s Instruction Manual, 2nd edition, the Alpine Children’s Teaching Handbook, and the Snowboard Teaching Handbook. In total, Stacey helped author or review seven PSIA-AASI educational products. Congrats, Stacey!

First Chair catches up with Ed Younglove, who was recently recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ed's patience and commitment to continuity has helped form the long-term vision of PSIA-AASI. Meet Ed and hear his story about his PSIA-AASI journey and what he’s learned along the way. Ed was elected to the Northwest board in 1995, he’s served as President on the Northwest Board of Directors for five years, two terms as Chair of the Presidents Council, and most recently three terms as the Chair of the National Board of Directors. His dedication and devotion to the association helped build PSIA-AASI’s current organizational structure based around governance to best serve members. Congrats, Ed!

PISA-AASI National Team Coach Jeb Boyd talks about how team selection candidates need to dig deep to show everything they bring to the table to help serve the association. He shares selection is a high-pressure situation – and selectors are looking for skiers and riders who can cut through the pressure to lead the best clinics in the country. Lean about how Team Selection will build the best team to support members educational experiences.

Hear from Jonathan Ballou who shares that Team Selection is more like a job interview than a certification exam, and that candidates competing for the same job together builds a bond that translates to members, schools, and divisions. He also gives tips for managing stress. Jeb Boyd, who recently posted a list of the alpine and snowboard candidates advancing to the next round of selection, shares a message to all candidates. He says that regardless of who makes the team, everyone at selection has a lot to offer to PSIA-AASI.

First Chair catches up with Dustin Krause, the e-mobility director for Volkswagen of America. Learn what it was like for him to complete a 6,700-mile-plus trip across the U.S. with the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 EV. Starting in New York City, his small team crossed the States on a predominantly southern route, wrapping up the drive on schedule in 18 days in Sacramento, California. Check out his vlog highlights: https://www.youtube.com/VolkswagenUSANews PSIA-AASI members can take advantage of member-specific pricing on Volkswagen at https://members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers

First Chair catches up with Jeb Boyd, Ron Kipp and Eric Rolls about Day 2 of the on-snow portion of Team Selection 2021 at Breckenridge, Colorado. Listen in to get the scoop from these education leaders about what’s happening behind the scenes with this event. There are more than 70 top snowsports instructors vying for a spot on the PSIA-AASI National Team this week. Plan to tune into the live results to learn who makes the new National Team this Thursday, April 22 on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAPONhtqmq0

First Chair catches up with Jeb Boyd, PSIA-AASI National Team Head Coach, about the on-snow portion of Team Selection 2021 that kicks off at Breckenridge, Colorado today. There are more than 70 top snowsports instructors vying for a spot on the PSIA-AASI National Team. Plan to tune into the live results for who make the team this Thursday, April 22 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAPONhtqmq0

First Chair catches up with the PSIA Cross Country Team Coach, Emily Lovett, about what's next for the Cross Country team. Emily calls Lake Catamount Touring Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado home.

First Chair catches up with the PSIA Alpine National Team coach, Michael Rogan, and the Alpine Assistant and Development Coach, Matt Boyd. Listen in to learn what's next for the team.

First Chair catches up with Jeff Boliba, vice president of sport & participation at Burton Global. Burton Snowboards recently honored the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) with the brand’s first ever Breaking Down Barriers Award during the NSAA Winter Conference and Tradeshow Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Learn more about this award: http://tiny.cc/burtonaward

First Chair catches up with Eric Rolls, who serves as the AASI Snowboard Coach for the PSIA-AASI National Team. Eric talks about how he’s been integral in the development of PSIA-AASI’s Learning Connection Model, and how he’s going to continue to serve the organization as his leadership capabilities expand with coaching experience for future seasons to come.

First Chair catches up with Kevin Olivera, who teaches at Whitetail Mountain Resort, on what it was like for him to decide after 10 years of teaching to decide to pursue his Alpine Level I certification. Listen it to hear Kevin’s key takeaways from his assessment experience, including learning, camaraderie and fun.

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team Coach Michael Rogan and Andy Hare, Nordica’s special events and marketing coordinator. Learn how for more than 30 years, Michael has been a leading voice in snowsports instruction, helping instructors and students improve how they teach and turn. Through his long affiliation with PSIA-AASI Official Supplier Nordica, Michael has influenced the way instructors ski by helping the brand with research and design. Learn more: http://tiny.cc/rogannordica

First Chair catches up with Obed Marrder and Chase Wagstaff, co-founders of Sno-Go, which is a PSIA-AASI Official Supplier. Learn how Sno-Go is helping to grow the snowsports industry and how its introducing new and experienced snowsports enthusiasts to sliding on snow by using similar mechanics to standing on or riding a bike – an activity that people are already familiar with – so people can have a successful first day on the mountain. Then, check out this free e-learning course that will help you learn more so you can introduce new and experienced snowsports enthusiasts to this new way to slide on snow. https://lms.thesnowpros.org/