First Chair: Psia-aasi Podcast

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Peggy Hiller, CEO of PSIA-AASI. On this episode, George and Peggy talk about the member survey that was conducted. Part 3 of the survey is how PSIA-AASI can take critiques and make changes. Peggy talks about how PSIA-AASI is striving to accomplish education excellence. We've made strides to do this by creating a unified examination process across the country. Peggy goes on to talk about how the Premier Member Experience is top of mind. PSIA-AASI strives to hold ourselves to the highest threshold. The Premier Member Experience comes at all points of an instructors journey from joining, to working, to teaching and every interaction that member has with PSIA-AASI. George questions Peggy about her role as CEO and how she plans to proceed in the future by listening to members and providing a pathway to encourage the Premier Member Experience to be felt by every member of PSIA-AASI.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas talks with Don Begley who attended the Rocky Mountain Region Season Kickoff event in Breckenridge, CO. George and Don talk about the importance of a good critique and why being an instructor is so beneficial to your life. Don chats about how he left cross country skiing because the recent warming climate has made it nearly impossible to cross country ski in New Mexico. They continue on while talking about all of the benefits that come from attending this event. Find events like this near you: https://thesnowpros.org/events/

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Dave Speer. Dave talks about why coming back to the instruction industry and attending this event is the perfect way to learn about all the new advances in the work of snowsports instruction. Dave acquired his Level III in 2003 and eventually took some time off to focus on other things. He retired and wanted to come back to the sport that he loved so much. The Season Kickoff event is a great way to enjoy time on snow with others. Dave will be teaching at Sun Valley with Stephen Helfenbein - a PSIA-AASI National Team member. Dave talks about his hopes and goals for this season and how he plans to acquire them. Find events near you: https://thesnowpros.org/events/.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Paul Roberts. Paul is an instructor at Peak 8 in Breckenridge. Originally a ski instructor in Canada, Paul moved to Colorado 30 years ago. The Season Kickoff event for the Rocky Mountain Region happened in November 2023 and provides instructors a chance to catch up with others in the industry, learn the latest trends and get them on snow in the early season. George and Paul chat about all the benefits that come from attending events like this in your region. You can find events near you by checking out our event calendar. https://thesnowpros.org/events/ They talk about the camaraderie of skiing with others like you and how lift rides spark the best conversations.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Carol Stecker at the Rocky Mountain season kickoff event. Carol has been a Keystone instructor for a long time and joined the season kickoff event to earn more CEUs and engage with other local instructors. George and Carole chatted about the event and how it has progressed this year. Carole talks about what she learned during the event and how she came for one reason and how this event ended up being much more than expected. Carole mentioned that she was genuinely happy that she could keep up with everyone and that she could still perform motion analysis and pick up on other skiers' abilities. They conclude with some goals for the season and the remainder of the season kickoff event.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Rob Crawford at the T-Bar on Breckenridge mountain. George and Rob talk about leading clinics and covering important information that's needed for the upcoming season. Rob is new to the Aspen Snowsports School staff and is thrilled to learn from some of the best in the industry. Rob is part of the Rocky Mountain Education Staff and talks about the upcoming season and what he expects and hopes for this season. The Rocky Mountain region has opened up the season kickoff event to the general members for the first time this year and now, they get to explore and expand upon this event and what to expect. PSIA-AASI members have joined this event to learn and earn CEUs. Rob talks about how he has made the group he's leading more fun and engaging. George and Rob chat about goals for the season and how to utilize the Learning Connection Model in everyday life.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with the Angel Fire crew from New Mexico. The team from Angel Fire joined in on the Member School Management (MSM) event in Colorado to have fun, talk about the upcoming season and make some turns together. They talk about what they're learning at MSM and how they plan to take what they've learned back to their hill, including people skills. Hear from this crew to learn about the value of MSM and continuing your education.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas. You'll hear from Board President Robin May at the season kickoff event in the Rocky Mountain Region. The season is starting across the country and our regions are ready for an adventurous season ahead. The point of this season kickoff event is a social and networking event but it also is a sign of the season getting underway. Robin discusses what the event is all about and why it's important to congregate with members from around the Rocky Mountain region. Robin and George talk about the premier member experience and the association alignment. Listen to this quick pod to get insight on some of our regional leaders thought.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas chats with National Team member Brian Smith who is also a member of the Eastern Region Education staff. Brian chats about the overlap of being on the National Team while being a part of the educational processes with PSIA-AASI. George notes that Brian is a unique team member because of this. Brian talks about finding ways to draw younger members in and what can attract them to join a career in snowsports. Brian mentions that competition athletes who discontinue racing are perfect candidates for future educators. This conversation was a big topic at Team Training. How can we keep pushing the needle forward? Here about this an more.

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Alpine Team member Josh Fogg at Team Training in Keystone, CO. George and Josh talk about the lack of snow this year and what it looks like at Josh's home mountain of Aspen Snowmass. George asks Josh about the plan for working with his new staff as the Training Director at Aspen. Josh talks about his time on the National Team and how he's progressed through the years. Josh is planning on trying out for a third term on the team so he can continue to contribute his ideas and thoughts to the organization. George and Josh talk about the future and what he's proud of looking back on the last few years.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Alpine Team member Ryan Christofferson. George and Rayn catch up at Team Training which took place in late October at Keystone Lodge in Colorado. Ryan chats about his time on the team and what he's looking forward to in the future. He chats about his freestyle specialty and what it means to him and how to prepare for your Freestyle Specialist certificate. Ryan has been on the National Team for 12 years and reflects on what has happened since he joined. Learn more about Freestyle Academy in Solitude, UT at the end of January. https://thesnowpros.org/events/event-calendar/?cal-month=1&cal-year=2024&divisions=5/#psia-calendar #snowpros

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Henrik Lampert from Factions Skis to chat all things new this year. The new skis this year are the very colorful Dancer series. An all-mountain ski that will surely make you slide nicer on snow. PSIA-AASI members get a very special rate off of these skis. Check out the pro offers at https://members.thesnowpros.org/products/pro-offers. You can also head to factions.com/psia.

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Mike Ma who is a PSIA Adaptive Team member. Mike talks about his week at Team Training and what the adaptive team is looking forward to this season. Adaptive guides and educational resources that are new for this season are ready for you! Mike also talks about his time on the team and how he can serve the membership after this term ends. Mike's focus for the upcoming season will be focused on professional development and helping the Eastern Region with more events.

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/.