Get inspired by the stories and experiences of PSIA-AASI members at all levels of certification and from all disciplines. Each episode is about 15 minutes; give them a listen on the way to the mountain.

Instructor Inspiration

First Chair catches up with PSIA-AASI National Team Coach, Jeb Boyd. Jeb chats about the importance of lifelong learning and how continuing reading is beneficial to yourself. Jeb also shares how PSIA-AASI is working to improve the member and guest experience using this ideal. Jeb mentions how Interski is keeping education in the snowsports industry strong. People skills are one of the pillars of PSIA-AASI's education methods. 

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7.21.23: Lifelong Learning With Jeb Boyd, Head Coach of the PSIA-AASI National Team

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with the folks from Mt. Hood Meadows ski school in Oregon. George chats with Tyler Barnes, Jennifer Lockwood and Katie Foyt. Tyler is the snowsports school director. Jennifer and Katie are alpine trainers at Mt. Hood Meadows. The team from Mt. Hood Meadows talks about how they are working to build community and how they're working to get more people on the slopes. Additionally, they talk about the energy they bring into new hire training and how that sets the standard for the entire experience. End-of-day group runs and daily recaps keep the team going and motivated.

9.12.2023: Building Community: A Chat With Mt. Hood Meadows

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas interviews PSIA-AASI member Gordo Garlock. Gordo is on a 41-year streak where he has skied at least 1 day per month! As a former high school track and ski coach, Gordo had access to Mt. Hood year-round which made skiing possible every month of the year. Gordo mentions that climate change has recently made it very hard to keep this streak going since the Palmer snowfield doesn't hold snow as long as it used to. Even in years when no snow was available locally, Gordo traveled internationally to keep this streak going. Even after bouts with surgery and cancer, Gordo was able to continue skiing with the help of his community of friends and family. Gordo and George talk about education and how to be a better instructor.

9.25.2023: Meet Gordon Garlock. A Longtime PSIA-AASI Member Who's Skied Every Month for 41 Years

First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Dr. Pete Allison - a professor at Penn State University. PSIA-AASI and PSU have been collaborating since 2016 on standardizing and unifying the assessment process for exams across the country. Starting January 2024, you will be able to earn up to 9 college credits through PSU's World Campus by completing the Professional Snowsports Education Certificate. George questions Dr. Allison on what comes from these courses and what is covered. Dr. Allison mentions that this is a completely online education option that can be done anywhere. The courses are catered to the outdoor and leisure industry, comes with a PSIA-AASI Level I certification, and a course on leadership development. All three courses are meant to onboard, train, and outboard snowsports instructors. There are plans in the works to create more courses towards Level II and Level III certifications. For people who are already Level I certified, they can sign up for one of these courses to supplement their education. Dr. Allison talks about the process of working online to earn your credits than going on snow to earn your level I at a ski area near you. You can earn your Level I in whichever discipline you like. Learn more:

12.14.23: Earn College Credit With Professional Snowsports Education Certificate

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Dana Forbes who is the Executive Director for the Rocky Mountain Region. Dana wrote an article about a lesson experience that was completely discouraging and made her question whether or not she was a good instructor or not. This feeling is not unique to Dana though. Many instructors have these moments that make them question whether or not they're cut out for this. Dana explains several ways she worked through these feelings and how to overcome those thoughts of doubts. She goes on to tell a few lived experiences that helped her turn discouragement into pride.

Episode 692: When It Just Isn't Working with Dana Forbes

The First Chair Podcast brings you inspirational stories and educational tips from the country's best ski, snowboard, Nordic, and adaptive instructors. 

More than 34,000 individuals belong to PSIA-AASI (Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors), making it the world’s largest organization dedicated to snowsports. We are lifelong learners committed to changing lives through great experiences on snow. 

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