First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

Meet Michael Rogan, who chats about the education, training and planning that goes into creating a unique and special on and off snow experience for National Academy attendees. Make plans now to attend National Academy 2019, which heads back to Big Sky Resort, Montana April 14 – 19. http://www.thesnowpros.org/events/national-academy

Bert Boyd received a Logan Scholarship, thanks to the contributions of longtime Vail Valley residents Kent and Vicki Logan, which provides continuing education and professional growth for Vail Resort instructors to participate in National Academy. Learn about Bert’s experience at Big Sky and what she learned to enhance her skiing and teaching skills.

AASI Team members Amy Gan, Tony Marci and Chris Rogers report on what’s happening at Rider Rally, which kicked off May 7 at Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin and continues through Friday, May 11. Learn how the team is working to build camaraderie with event attendees and what’s being worked on during these several days of incredible shredding and education with AASI Snowboard Team members and snowboarding colleagues from around the country.

Twenty seven instructors from Liberty Mountain’s snowsports school attended PSIA-AASI’s National Academy at Big Sky Resort, Montana, to take their personal teaching to the next level by skiing and riding with some of the best instructors in the world. Liberty teaches between 28,000 to 35,00 students per year. Learn why Liberty created a culture of education and training at their school, and how that translates to a more than 30% student retention rate.

AASI Snowboard Team members Nick and Chris Rogers chat about AASI’s Rider Rally, which heads back to Colorado's Arapahoe Basin May 7-11, 2018, for several days of incredible shredding and education. Plus, snag 24 hours of continuing education credits. Learn about the latest snow conditions at A-Basin and register now at www.thesnowpros.org/riderrally.

During National Academy, Volkswagen came out to be a part of the event and attendees had a chance to check out the Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan, the newest SUVs in the fleet from PSIA-AASI's Automotive Official Supplier. Meet Ryan Forkenbrock, Volkswagen’s experiential marketing specialist, who talks about the partnership with PSIA-AASI and why it’s such a great fit, since snow pros are all passionate about their sport and spend time outdoors driving on a variety of terrains to get around.

PSIA Telemark team members Greg Dixon and Grant Bishop chat about Telemark Academy 2018 and shared insight about their approach helping National Academy attendees learn how to telemark. It's a rewarding sport and fun for all disciplines to learn. For example, snowboarders bring a skill for knowing how to balance between two feet and skiers bring a skill for knowing how to turn their skis and rotate them.

Meet PSIA Adaptive team captain, Geoff Krill, and learn how National Academy attendees expanded their sliding awareness and versatility by crossing over to adaptive skiing during their time Big Sky. Geoff shares his insight on the world of teaching adaptive sports and how to change lives through sliding on snow.

During National Academy 2018, Phil Shutler of Liberty Mountain, Penn., at 90-years-young attended the event for the first time. “You know teaching skiing is like being in a club that they pay you to join,” he said. Phil’s wife Margaret (“Muggs”), died more than a month ago, and he attended the event with his son, David. Phil said that he and Muggs were married for 69 years, and that he saw Academy as a chance to get out and try something different.

Check out advice from National Academy’s 2018 kick off general session that focuses on an all too often overlooked aspect of the profession, “The Skill of Guest Service.” Jeff Johnson, training director at Crystal Mountain Washington, shares the many ways PSIA-AASI can complement technical teaching skills with great people skills.

PSIA Alpine Team member, Brenna Kelleher, chats about Big Sky and what National Academy and Telemark Academy attendees can expect to ski and ride this week. Take a listen and learn about the biggest skiing in America!

Aleks and Brian Smith chat Interski, Team Tryouts and what it was like for Brian to make the PSIA Alpine team. Plus, they share some advice about late season spring snow conditions and suggestions fro skiing bumps. Take a listen to this dynamic duo who work together to coach each other.

During the Aspen Interski 50th Reunion on April 6, First Chair snags the first gondola to interview Michael Drake, Stephen Helfenbein and Ron Kipp during the event to talk about the history of the event and what’s currently happening with snowsports instruction. Take a listen and learn about Interski, ski racing history and more!

During the Aspen Interski 50th Reunion on April 6, First Chair interviews Max Lundberg, a member of the PSIA Team who served on the American team for Interski 1968, the only Interski to have been held in the United States. Hear stories from Max and from Dave Lundberg, Max’s son, who shares his journey to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Meet Lila Lapanja, a member of the U.S. Ski Team who shares about her journey to PyeongChang 2018 and racing NorAm For Clif Bar. Learn about the importance of why having a coach, who serves as a mentor, is so important and how they can help take the essence of who you are and help make you better.