In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas catches up with Dale Drennan, recipient of PSIA-AASI’s Educational Excellence Award. Dale shares her journey from learning to ski in the Poconos in 1957 to becoming a lifelong educator across multiple disciplines—from English to swimming to Nordic and telemark skiing.

Tune in to hear Dale’s reflections on what educational excellence really means, how to connect with reluctant learners, and how teaching has evolved over the decades. You’ll also get to hear the story behind her now-famous pencil analogy from National Academy, plus her advice to new instructors on staying inspired in the face of challenges.

Episode 759 | Dale Drennan on a Life of Learning, Teaching, and the Power of Tele Turns

In this episode of the First Chair Podcast, George Thomas chats with Grace Center Du Oro, recipient of the PSIA-AASI Three Cs Award for communication, collaboration, and cooperation. Grace shares her journey from weekend warrior at Hoodoo to becoming the resort’s new Ski and Ride School Director. She reflects on building community, the value of mentorship, and how showing up authentically creates connection on and off the hill. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about finding your stoke, embracing imposter syndrome, and why Hoodoo's “island of misfit toys” is something truly special. Learn more about PSIA-AASIs Awards and Recognition program at thesnowpros.org. 


EPISODE 760 | Collaboration, Communication, and Cooperation with Grace Center do Ouro

First Chair catches up with Aspen Snowmass instructor and PSIA-AASI National Team member Kevin Jordan to talk about the growing crossover between skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. Kevin shares how summer bike instruction builds camaraderie among instructors, sharpens teaching skills for winter, and opens doors to new certification opportunities like PMBIA, BICP, and GSMBC. Learn how terrain reading, rider positioning, and effective communication on a bike can translate directly to better lessons on snow — and why mountain biking might be your next great teaching adventure.









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Episode 761 | How Teaching Mountain Biking Can Make You a Better Ski or Snowboard Instructor

First Chair connects with PSIA-AASI Team member Kevin Jordan to explore what it means to train in the Southern Hemisphere during the North American summer. Kevin dives into the story behind launching Condor Camps in Portillo, Chile, and why the Andes are such a unique classroom for instructors. He shares how South America offers everything from steep terrain and historic ski racing culture to opportunities for members to prep for certification, shake off the rust, and get a jumpstart on the upcoming season. Hear Kevin’s take on building the camp, the international community it’s drawing, and why skiing in September can be the perfect way to carry momentum into winter at home.

Skiing South America: Kevin Jordan on Training in Portillo, Chile

First Chair connects with National Team members Katie White and Kevin Jordan as they join us from Portillo, Chile. They talk about why late-season training camps are such a powerful way to get extra time on snow, sharpen technique, and build momentum heading into winter. Katie explains how Portillo’s highly qualified ski school and affordable lesson options make it a hidden gem for certification prep, while Kevin shares how his camp balances skill development with the unique energy of training alongside world-class athletes.

Beyond on-snow opportunities, they offer practical advice for anyone who can’t make the trip — from intentional gym workouts and visualization drills to building study groups, reviewing manuals, and keeping your skiing mindset sharp in the fall. The conversation also looks ahead to the coming season, team training, and the excitement of the U.S. hosting Interski 2027 for the first time in decades.

Jumpstart Your Season with Katie White & Kevin Jordan

In this episode of First Chair, PSIA-AASI CEO Jeffrey Lifgren and Board Chair John May sit down with host George Thomas to share their perspectives on leadership, priorities, and the future of the organization.

John reflects on his journey from teaching at Mount Hood to serving as Board Chair, highlighting the experiences that shaped his career and his passion for supporting instructors. Jeff outlines the National Board’s strategic priorities for the year ahead: stabilizing IT systems, supporting regions and members as valued clients, and driving decision-making with reliable data.

Together, they discuss how the organization is shifting toward stronger collaboration with regions, recognizing them as the experts in delivering on-snow education and guest experiences. They also talk about the importance of community and self-development, the evolving role of member schools, and how new communication and survey efforts will help bring the entire membership along on this journey.

Tune in for an inside look at how PSIA-AASI leadership is laying the groundwork today to deliver a stronger, more connected member experience in the seasons ahead.

A New Era of Collaboration: National Leadership Talks Priorities

The season is right around the corner, and fall instructor trainings are more than just a chance to reunite with friends and get back on snow. In this first episode of a three-part series, George Thomas sits down with PSIA-AASI Education and Development Manager  Angelo Ross to explore how you can show up with the right mindset and get the most out of these essential preseason sessions.

From the excitement of reconnecting with peers to the challenge of avoiding “habit mode,” George and Angelo dive into why setting clear intentions matters—for your own growth and for creating the best possible guest experience. They highlight how open-mindedness keeps us learning, why training is about more than social catch-ups, and how concepts like observation vs. inference, note-taking, and questioning strategies can transform both teaching and learning.

Angelo also shares insight into examiner training updates, including the new Co-Examiner Connection Guide and why fairness, consistency, and collaboration are at the core of this season’s focus. Even if you’re not on Ed Staff, you’ll discover practical takeaways—from refining your teaching fundamentals to recognizing breakthrough moments on snow—that will help you start the season stronger and stay inspired all winter long.

Tune in and get ready to shift your perspective: fall instructor training isn’t just a requirement—it’s your launchpad to becoming a better instructor and delivering an unforgettable guest experience.

Kick Off the Season with Purpose: Why Fall Instructor Training Matters - PART 1

In the second episode of our three-part series on fall instructor training, host George Thomas is joined by PSIA-AASI National Team member Peter Novak to talk about why investing in your returning instructors is critical for both staff culture and guest experiences.

Peter shares insights from his 25+ years of teaching—why no two lessons are ever the same, how to keep curiosity alive year after year, and why approaching training with an open mind transforms it from a “requirement” into a growth opportunity.

From constraints-based learning examples to the importance of feedback culture, George and Peter explore how return instructor training can:

- Motivate and energize your most experienced staff.
- Turn routine lessons into creative, engaging experiences.
- Set seasonal teaching goals that keep instructors growing.
- Strengthen longevity, curiosity, and commitment within your school.

Whether you’re a manager designing training or an instructor showing up for it, this episode will help you see fall training as more than a refresher—it’s an investment in long-term success, for you and for your guests.

Curiosity, Culture,  and Commitment:  Why Fall Instructor  Training Matters – PART 2

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. 

Connect with us to learn more: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesnowpros 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesnowpros 
YouTube: @thesnowpros

Curiosity, Culture, and Commitment: Why Fall Instructor Training Matters – PART 2

PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast

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