First Chair: Psia-aasi Podcast

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