First Chair: Psia-aasi Podcast

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 t

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.