First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

AASI Snowboard Team member, Chris Rogers, talks about the practical teaching applications of Snowboarding Fundamentals – which can be described as the combined movements of the body (flexion/extension and rotation) and Board Performances (pressure, tilt, pivot, and twist) that relate to the actions of the board and its interaction with the riding surface. Learn how movements of the body interact with Board Performances to create fundamental relationships of snowboarding and how you can apply these fundamentals in practical teaching progressions to facilitate deeper learning.

First Chair catches up with Gates Lloyd, director of the snowsports school at Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin about how the resort reopened on Wednesday, May 27 for limited skiing and riding for the rest of this spring season. A-Basin shut down for more than two-months due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Gates shares what the resort did and is doing in order to reopen this month.

First Chair catches up with Pete Allison, Jill Chumbley, Rick Lyons and Dave Schuiling about how PSIA-AASI is drawing ever closer to strategic alignment and how all PSIA-AASI divisions have adopted a 6-point scale to measure assessment criteria. This means that instructors training for certification, resort trainers, education staff, and divisional examiners will all be working out of the same assessment “tool box”.

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member Ann Schorling about her work on the People Skills Fundamentals, one of the main tenants of PSIA-AASI’s Learning Connection framework. People Skills encourage an empathetic approach to students and their needs, and it promotes a relationship based on trust and respect. Ann chats about how incorporating people skills into your lessons can help you make decisions based on your student’s needs, motivations, and goals. Check out PSIA-AASI's webinars that will help you identify people/interpersonal skills as a separate, trainable, essential skillset. tiny.cc/stayhomelearn

PSIA-AASI and Volkswagen share a common passion for spending time outdoors in the winter and a focus on a sustainable future. Will Gock shares how VW provides all PSIA-AASI members and its eight divisions with access to the mountains and the outdoors in all types of weather with their vehicles that have 4Motion All-Wheel Drive. You and your household members are eligible to receive a special Partner Program pricing: http://tiny.cc/VWPartnerProgram

PSIA-AASI’s Educational Excellence Award program recognizes those exceptional few members who authored PSIA-AASI educational materials over the years and have added significantly to, and possibly even changed, the educational direction of PSIA-AASI. The Awards and Recognition Committee recently named Lane Clegg as the recipient of this award. Lane talks about the what it means to him to receive this award and all the instructors who have inspired him along the way. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/news

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Teach Coach Michael Rogan about the PSIA Alpine Team training event that was held at Snowbasin earlier this season. Hear from Michael and Paul Guimond from Atomic on why it was important for the PSIA Alpine team to demo Super G skis and compare that experience to their skiing experience on slalom skis.

First Chair catches up with PSIA Cross Country Team Coach Emily Lovett. With only one term under her belt, Lovett has established her expertise, and she is now a leader within the cross country community. She understands not only the sport, but also the business side of cross country skiing. Her familiarity with encouraging participation will be a valuable asset as PSIA-AASI continues to provide more support for the cross country discipline.

PSIA-AASI’s Distinguished Service Award program recognizes those who’ve made important contributions that have added to PSIA-AASI’s success by providing educational programming support and demonstrating positive leadership skills. The Awards and Recognition Committee recently named Dee Byrne as the recipient of this award. Dee talks about what it means to her to receive this award and how her students and serving others has inspired her along the way. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/news

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member Jennifer Simpson Weier, who moonlights in her off-season as an emergency room nurse. Jennifer shares her experience about ending her ski season early at Aspen and making the transition to working as a frontline ER provider in Minnesota. PSIA-AASI sends a special shout out to Jennifer and all the frontline healthcare workers today on #nursesday and every day for the important role they play in society. Check out Muffy Ritz's story about her first-hand COVID-19 experience: http://tiny.cc/muffyritz

First Chair catches up with Katie Feucht about new online learning opportunities that are available to all PSIA-AASI members. Check out how Northwest has set up and structured their digital learning opportunities and how you can hop in and continue your online learning this month on courses such as Alpine, Snowboard, and Telemark Remote Movement Analysis. Visit: www.psia-nw.org/events View more PSIA-AASI online courses: http://tiny.cc/stayhomelearn

First Chair catches up with Muffy Ritz, former U.S. Ski Team member and top-notch athlete, about her first-hand experience with COVID-19. She talks about her experience when she first became sick on March 17, to her worst day on Day 15 which included her experiencing an earthquake, to where she is now, at Day 39 for what she’s feeling now during her recovery process. Take a listen to her experience, her symptoms, what her tests revealed and her thoughts on the virus.

PSIA-AASI’s Educational Excellence Award program recognizes those exceptional few members who authored PSIA-AASI educational materials over the years and have added significantly to, and possibly even changed, the educational direction of PSIA-AASI. The Awards and Recognition Committee recently named Kim Seevers as the recipient of this award. Kim talks about the what it means to her to receive this award and all the instructors who have inspired her along the way. Learn more: www.thesnowpros.org/news

Connecting via Zoom, First Chair catches up with Henrik Lampert and Daniel Dancer from PSIA-AASI Official Supplier Faction Skis. The team chats about how COVID-19 has impacted their manufacturing, and how they're working to manage expectations for next season. Get the inside scoop on their supply chain and what that means for ski instructors interested in flat-tail skis. Check out special members-only pricing at www.thesnowpros.org/proforms.

A strange end to our season cancelled in-person education events. However, all PSIA-AASI Divisions did a quick 180 to use technology platforms to provide all PSIA-AASI members with new courses and events so the entire instructor community could continue to learn online during these unusual times. PSIA-AASI Central Division members and leaders Joel Kruger and Ron Shepard and AASI National Snowboard Team member Chris Rogers chat about the quick pivot. Take a course: http://tiny.cc/stayhomelearn

Meet Erin Connors and Ciarra Delisle from Windham Mountain. Erin helped introduce Ciarra to Windham Mountain’s Junior Instructor Program and Ciarra shares her experience about why it’s fun to work as an instructor. Learn how you can use PSIA-AASI’s Junior Instructor Program to jump start your training program for next season. www.thesnowpros.org/junior-instructor

PSIA-AASI’s Lifetime Achievement Award program recognizes exceptional members who have designed and implemented programs, projects and procedures affecting the association on a national level. PSIA-AASI’s Awards and Recognition Committee recently named Stephen Over and Mark Dorsey as the recipient of this award. Stephen and Mark talk about the meaning of the award to them and all the instructors who have inspired them along the way. Nominate a colleague: www.thesnowpros.org/awardsandrecognition

Over the years, several myths about snowboarding have taken root, including that kids need to learn to ski before they ride, that snowboard gear is too big for younger children, and that the first day on the slopes is too hard. Chloe Elliot, Burton’s B2C global resorts coordinator, busts those myths and talks about how Burton is committed to getting families out riding together and that means making gear and programs that work for even the smallest of riders. Watch videos: http://tiny.cc/mythvids

PSIA-AASI National Team members Matt Boyd, Heidi Ettlinger, Brenna Kelleher and Chris Rogers share their story about their last resort run of this season. Get the scoop too on what’s happening across the country related to how you can keep up with your digital learning while you stay at home these days. http://tiny.cc/stayhomelearn

Meet Dan Hogan from Windham Mountain who talks about how he implemented PSIA-AASI’s Junior Instructor Program to further develop his current program at his school. He shares what participants learned by going through this program and how he got parents involved too. Take a listen for some fresh ideas on how you can jump start your training program for next season. https://www.thesnowpros.org/junior-instructor

Doug Kechijian, co-author of PSIA-AASI’s Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding book, shares guidance for an indoor fitness training regimen you can do now that will promote improved movement and body longevity for you and all snowsports instructors. Remember, there’s no time like the present to get started on a fitness regime. As Warren Miller said, “If you don’t start now, you will be one year older when you do.” Get your free digital fitness book here: https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/digitalmanuals

Chris Hargrave helps you learn about the history of summer skiing and riding at the Palmer Snowfield on Mount Hood, and how it’s become a summertime mecca for freestyle training. Listen for how you too can become a part of Timberline’s summertime coaching legacy.

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team member Ryan Christofferson about how you can make the most of your early season ending. Here are some ideas for things to do now to keep your spirits up AND tackle some indoor study sessions. While you're at it, watch Ryan’s indoor presentation from the comfort of your couch: http://tiny.cc/RyanC

The REI Co-op crew teamed up with PSIA-AASI National Team members Amy Gan, Greg Rhodes and Robin Barnes last December to create a comprehensive catalog of “learn to” cross country, ski and snowboard videos that you and your students can watch on YouTube, or that you can post on your own social media accounts to share the love of snowsports. This link takes you to those videos: http://tiny.cc/REIVideos

First Chair catches up with Hestra’s Marketing Manager Drew Eakins about the company’s decision to donate 38,000 pairs of gloves to Colorado first responders last week. During this time of so many changes, let’s keep backing each other in our industry, and if you’re able to, take advantage of your PSIA-AASI member specific-pricing on spring and summer products on the Pro Offers page and help support PSIA-AASI’s Official Suppliers. Visit: www.thesnowpros.org/shop

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ed Younglove, about why it’s so important for all of us to stay connected to our snowsports community these days. Ed also chats about what the PSIA-AASI leadership is doing to focus on the needs of PSIA-AASI members across the country to help them get through this experience and into the next season. Be sure to stay connected to your community by following PSIA-AASI’s Facebook and Instagram channels and tagging your IG posts with #snowpros: www.thesnowpros.org/socialmedia

PSIA-AASI National Team Head Coach Jeb Boyd and Director of Education Dave Schuiling talk about the plan and path forward from the postponement of the 2020 National Team Selection. Hear their feedback about next steps and how the selection will kick off in just over a year from now, on April 18, 2021. Stay connected with the #snowpros community and watch education presentations: www.thesnowpros.org/socialmedia

First Chair catches up with Karen Downing, Annette Lang, JoAnn Larsen and Maggie Loring to discuss their key takeaways from the Women’s Summit, held March 1 – 3 at Snowbird, Utah. Karen, Annette and JoAnn also discuss working as instructors at the Boston Mills and Brandywine Ski area. Hear their take on how they plan to incorporate lessons learned from this event into next season, such as using a simplified teaching model and why they'll be working on finishing their ski turns. Stay connected with the #snowpros community: https://www.thesnowpros.org/socialmedia

Nate Gardner chatted with First Chair twice this month. In the first interview, he shares his excitement about participating in the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team Selection event, that was scheduled for April 2020 and now postponed until next season. In the second interview, Nate shares how he’s going to continue to train for Team Selection and how he’s home schooling his two children. Follow PSIA-AASI social media channels and to stay connected to your #snowpros community: www.thesnowpros.org/socialmedia

First Chair catches up with Stacey Gerrish during Day 7 of her stay-at-home lockdown. Stacey talks about a message she shared with Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard school instructors last week and reflects about how she’s found a silver lining during these interesting times. Listen to how she's been expressing her gratitude in a variety of ways. Please follow PSIA-AASI social media channels to reach out and safely stay connected to our community: www.thesnowpros.org/socialmedia

First Chair catches up with some folks who help PSIA-AASI with some internal administrative operations, such as contract photographer Linda Guerette and communications specialist, Katrina Brinkerhoff. Get the skinny on some of the people working behind-the-PSIA-AASI scenes!

First Chair catches up with Stacey Gerrish to get the scoop about the fundamentals of teaching children and how you can help them determine their goals. Take a listen to get some tips and trick to teach kids from Stacey, then check out PSIA-AASI’s free e-learning course “Introduction to Working With Children.” https://lms.thesnowpros.org/product/introduction-to-working-with-children/

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team members Stephen Helfenbein and Brenna Kelleher about the benefits of summer skiing and how visiting other countries in the off season can help you keep your year-round edge. Be sure to check out PSIA-AASI’s new Fitness for Skiing and Snowboard resource too! Access your free digital edition: https://www.thesnowpros.org/education/digitalmanuals

First Chair catches up with Geoff Krill and Josh Spoelstra from the PSIA Adaptive Team to talk about what it’s like for them as they enter a tryout year for the team. Also, learn more about some of the most impactful events in the last 12 months of professional snowsports instruction. Read more: https://www.thesnowpros.org/news/id/2468/2019-year-in-review-top-stories-in-adaptive-instruction

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI National Team Manger Jeb Boyd who talks about the 2020 PSIA-AASI National Team Selection process and how ti helps PSIA-AASI select the nation’s best instructors to represent the association at the highest level. As a result, the team will embody these three attributes outlined by the Teams Taskforce: lifelong learners, inspirational educators, and inspirational athletes. Take a listen and learn more about next steps for the 2020 – 24 PSIA-AASI National Team Selection event.

First Chair catches up with Pete Allison about PSIA-AASI’s Learning Connection Model, which emphasizes an equal focus on people skills (which tie into the culture of snowsports), technical skills (which are at the core of good technique), and the teaching skills (which strengthen the student’s connection to snowsports).

First Chair catches up with Kristi Prochazka and Ryan Christofferson from the PSIA-AASI Western Division to chat about ways that PSIA-AASI members can get involved in the division and in the industry. Volunteering is a great way to become involved in your snowsports community. The best way to volunteer for the Western Division is to run for a position on its board of directors. If you have the qualities and experience that would make you a valuable member of the PSIA-AASI Western Division Board of Directors, and you have ideas on how PSIA-AASI can better serve its members, please contact [email protected].

First Chair catches up with Greg Dixon and Grant Bishop to discuss the top highlight from the PSIA Telemark Team over the past few years. Learn how the biggest highlight for this term was the trip to Interski in Pamporovo.

First Chair catches up with Emily Lovett, current PSIA Cross Country team member. Meet Emily and learn how her teaching background started when she started teaching cross country skiing at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center in 1995. Did you know that an October 2016 Outside magazine article ranked nordic skiing the world’s toughest outdoor sport? Meet Emily and then check out these videos to get started cross country skiing this season. https://www.thesnowpros.org/take-a-lesson/how-to-learn-to-cross-country-ski

First Chair catches up with PSIA Alpine Team members Matt Boyd and Ann Schorling who recently led one-day seminars as part of the National Ski Areas Association Winter Conferences. Each seminar focused on providing training for snowsports managers about the Learning Connection Model. This is a tool that is helping directors ensure their snowsports school teams have the teaching and people skills needed to connect with their resort guests.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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