Afleveringen
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What does it take to teach skiing for 10 years without a summer break?
In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas talks with Augusto "Rooster" Burone Risso about his decade-long journey chasing winters across the globe. From his first days as a J-1 instructor at Granby Ranch to the high-stakes terrain of Niseko, Portillo, and even Lesotho, Africa, Rooster has lived the dream of the "endless winter."
Rooster breaks down the practical side of being a global pro, including navigating "Working Holiday" visas, finding employee housing in Japan, and the unique challenges of working for private ski schools in Argentina. He also discusses how the intensity of skiing eight-plus months a year accelerated his technical skills, helping him transition from a casual skier to a PSIA Level III certified instructor and Big Mountain competitor.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The J-1 Jumpstart: How a college break in Colorado turned into a lifelong career.
- New Zealand & Australia: Navigating the Working Holiday visa and the "scary" commute to Cardrona.
- The Private School Dynamic: Teaching in Niseko, Japan and Bariloche, Argentina.
- Physical Sustainability: How Rooster managed the demands of year-round skiing for 10 years.
- The Big Mountain Shift: How intensive training helped him conquer Big Mountain competitions and -the PSIA Level III exam.
📖 Read Rooster’s full article, "Around the World in 10 Years," in the latest issue of 32 Degrees magazine.
Follow PSIA-AASI:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesnowpros/
Website: https://thesnowpros.org/ -
What do you do when the assessment sheet says "Did Not Attain"? In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas talks with PSIA-AASI National Team member Lyndsey Stevens about her journey through the assessment process. Lyndsey opens up about failing her trainer assessment three times before finally succeeding on her fourth attempt. She explains how those setbacks weren't just hurdles, but essential learning moments that shaped her into the high-level educator she is today.
Lyndsey dives into the difference between "passively declining" and "actively seeking" feedback, and why moving from the question of "Why did I fail?" to "What do I do to succeed?" is a total game changer. We discuss the importance of "Follow-up Culture," how to be a better receiver of feedback, and why examiners often enjoy being mentors more than they enjoy being proctors. Whether you are preparing for your Level I or eyeing a spot on the National Team, this conversation offers a roadmap for turning a "check-box" failure into a long-term professional victory.
In this episode, we discuss:
The emotional weight of seeing "Did Not Attain" on an assessment sheet.
Reframing the past: Moving your focus from "Why" to "What."
How to bridge the gap between being "at the standard" and proving it during an exam.
The "Follow-up Culture": Prompting trainers with specific goals to get better data.
Why being a good receiver of feedback is a skill that must be practiced.
Read Lyndsey’s full article in the Winter 2026 issue of 32 Degrees magazine. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Are your poles helping you accelerate, or are they telling your skis to stop?
In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas is joined by Keith Rodney—chair of the National Children’s Task Force, US Telemark Team head coach, and multi-discipline examiner. Keith explains why we’ve moved away from the term "pole plant" in favor of the "pole touch," and how this subtle shift in vocabulary reflects a massive shift in how we move our center of mass across our skis.
Keith breaks down his "Gold Standard" of the accelerating pole touch, the "Wild Pole Swing" for emergency turns, and the "Unibody" movement patterns of young children. Whether you're an alpine pro, a telemark enthusiast, or a children's specialist, this episode will change the way you look at the "two sticks" in your hands. We also tackle the age-old question: At what age should kids actually start using poles?
In this episode, we discuss:
- The difference between a "blocking" plant and an "accelerating" touch.
- How pole angle affects the energy travel into your upper body.
- The "Unibody" movement: Why 3-to-6-year-olds struggle with grip.
- "Nose over Toes": Using the pole reach to find balance on steep terrain.
- Telemark vs. Alpine: How pole length and the "lead change" work together.
Read Keith’s full article in the Winter 2026 issue of 32 Degrees magazine. -
Why do some students quit after one day, while others become skiers for life?
In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas is joined by Sebastian Crain to explore the deep psychology behind snowsports instruction. Sebastian teaches at Aspen Snowmass and Eldora, but he also holds a Master’s in the Social Psychology of Sport. He uses that expertise to explain why Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is the ultimate tool for modern instructors.
Sebastian breaks down the three basic psychological needs—autonomy, competency, and relatedness—and explains how they lead to "intrinsic motivation." Learn how to move your guests away from just "trying it out" and toward a permanent identity as a snowpro. We also discuss how to deliver "informational" rather than "controlling" feedback to keep your students in the driver’s seat.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Self-Determination Theory improves on Maslow’s Hierarchy.
- The motivation spectrum: From ice cream rewards to flow state.
- 9 statistically significant characteristics of effective feedback.
- Shifting the focus from what you teach to how the guest feels. -
How much of your message is actually getting through to your students?
In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas sits down with international ski instructor Joaquin Alvarez Amuchastegui to discuss his recent 32 Degrees article, "Enhancing Our Connections with Empathy." Joaquin has taught all over the globe—from the steep faces of Switzerland to the firm slopes of the East Coast—and he’s discovered that technical knowledge is only 10% of the battle.
Joaquin breaks down the "90% Rule," explaining why your tone of voice and body language are the primary tools for building trust, especially when conditions get "sketchy." We dive into the concept of "Dimming the Spotlight" to let student learning take center stage, the importance of a "Silent Feedback Loop," and how teaching in multiple languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese) can actually make you a clearer, more empathetic communicator.
Whether you are prepping for your Level III or teaching your first beginner lesson of the season, this conversation will help you match your student’s frequency and create a more effective learning environment. -
In this episode, host George Thomas sits down with PSIA National Alpine Team member Katie White to bridge the gap between daily client lessons and the high-pressure environment of a teaching assessment. Katie breaks down how to manage the shortened 20-minute "assessment clock" by killing the "canned progression" and moving toward an adaptable, "spiderweb" approach to coaching.
This conversation is a must-listen for any instructor looking to elevate their professional game. You’ll learn how to master D.I.R.T. (Duration, Intensity, Rate, and Timing) in a short window, provide specific feedback that proves technical ownership, and manage risk beyond just a verbal safety check. Whether you are prepping for your Level II or Level III, Katie’s insights will help you trade exam anxiety for the technical clarity needed to pass with confidence. -
Stop struggling with your ski technique—the problem might be your bindings!
In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas talks with biomechanics expert Lou Rosenfeld about the "Magic of 4 Millimeters." Many skiers spend months trying to fix their stance, but Lou reveals how moving your binding position just a fraction can instantly put you in a balanced, powerful position.
We debunk the "Engineer Myth"—the idea that the factory line on your skis is the only place your boots should go. Lou shares insights from his research with Atomic and Nordica to explain how manufacturers actually pick those marks (and why they might be wrong for you). Whether you're a pro instructor or a weekend warrior, learning how to adjust your mounting point can turn an "unforgiving" ski into your favorite piece of gear.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- Why the "ball of foot" method still matters in the age of shaped skis.
- How binding placement affects your performance in moguls vs. groomed runs.
- Why skiers with smaller feet (including many women) are often mounted too far back.
- The "12-minute fix" that can save you 12 weeks of frustration on the hill. -
What does “core tension” really mean—and how does it impact your skiing and riding? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with PSIA-AASI National Team member Tony Macri about how core engagement drives balance, stability, and performance across all disciplines.
Based on his 32 Degrees article, Tony breaks down how the core goes beyond just your abs, how different types of muscle contractions (concentric, eccentric, isometric) come into play, and how concepts like timing, intensity, rate, and duration shape movement outcomes. From freestyle tricks to carving and riding variable terrain, this episode offers practical ways to use your core more effectively—without overthinking or over-tensing. -
Are you actually too far forward when you ski? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with PSIA-AASI Alpine Team member Kevin Jordan about the “forward trap”—and why the common cue to “get forward” can sometimes do more harm than good.
Based on his 32 Degrees article, Kevin breaks down the difference between “pushing” and “pulling” in your turns, how overdriving the front of the ski can cause the tails to break away, and what it really means to manage pressure throughout the turn. From practical cues to real-world teaching applications, this conversation gives instructors a clearer, more effective way to help guests create better turn shape and ski performance. -
What happens when pressure shows up—during a certification, a clinic, or even a lesson? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas sits down with PSIA-AASI member and Intermountain Alpine Development Team member Carmela Olmo to explore how instructors can perform at their best when it matters most.
Based on her 32 Degrees article, Performing Under Pressure, Carmela shares how her background in ski racing shaped her approach to nerves, failure, and performance. From using simple performance cues to reframing mistakes as feedback, she breaks down practical strategies instructors can use to stay present, communicate clearly, and trust their training. Whether you're preparing for an assessment or just looking to level up your teaching, this episode offers a clear, actionable mindset for handling pressure on and off the snow. -
Want to build better ski and snowboard lessons? This episode breaks down a smarter way to create progressions that actually work for your guests.
In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with Scott McGee and Jake Crawford—co-authors of a 32 Degrees article—about how to move beyond the traditional “bag of tricks” approach to teaching. Instead of defaulting to preset drills, they introduce the SSCA framework (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied) as a way to focus on the movement you want to change and build lessons more intentionally.
You’ll learn how to use micro vs. macro progressions, when to simplify or increase challenge, and how to let your guests’ performance guide your teaching decisions in real time. Whether you’re a newer instructor or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a clear, flexible approach to creating more effective, engaging lessons on snow.
What You’ll Learn:
How to use the SSCA framework (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied)
The difference between micro and macro progressions
Why the “bag of tricks” approach can hold instructors back
How to choose drills based on movement, not habit
When to simplify vs. increase challenge in a lesson
How to stay student-centered and adapt in real time -
Thinking about your PSIA-AASI certification? Here’s how to actually prepare—and what examiners are really looking for.
In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with AASI Snowboard Team member Eric Rolls about certification exam preparation, based on his 32 Degrees article. Instead of shortcuts or “cheat codes,” Eric breaks down the real skills that lead to success—on snow and in the assessment environment.
You’ll learn how to manage nerves, adapt your teaching in real time, and understand the five success patterns that examiners use to evaluate candidates. Whether you’re preparing for Level II, Level III, or supporting other instructors, this episode gives you a clear, practical framework to approach your next assessment with confidence.
What You’ll Learn:
- The 5 success patterns for certification success
- How to handle nerves and recover from mistakes
- What examiners are actually assessing
- How to improve movement analysis (MA) communication
- Why listening and adaptability are critical skills
Resources:
Learn more about certification: https://thesnowpros.org
Register or manage your membership: https://members.thesnowpros.org/register
Explore webinars + training: https://lms.thesnowpros.org
About First Chair
The PSIA-AASI podcast for instructors looking to grow their teaching, technical, and people skills. -
What drives someone to keep pushing forward when life delivers unimaginable setbacks?
In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas sits down with Aspen Ski Instructor Tony Drees, a Purple Heart recipient whose journey from combat injury to cancer to amputation ultimately led him to the slopes as a ski instructor.
Tony shares how losing his leg at 50 inspired him to pursue skiing with purpose—quickly progressing from first lessons to teaching and preparing for his Alpine Level II certification. Along the way, he reflects on resilience, the power of collaboration in adaptive sports, and why outdoor recreation is never a solo effort.
From backflips on one leg to mentoring Paralympic athletes, Tony’s story is about more than perseverance—it’s about using skiing to inspire reflection, connection, and possibility.
Watch this episode on YouTube to see Tony’s story and hear how the snowsports community helped shape his journey. -
How can a movement as small as a five-degree change in your knee or shoulder position dramatically improve your skiing efficiency?
In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas talks with PSIA-AASI National Team member Justin Arndt about his recent 32 Degrees article, “Micro Adjustments: A Practice for Developing Efficiency.” Justin explains how subtle changes in body position—like shifting your center of mass, adjusting knee angles, or refining pole placement—can significantly impact balance, power, and efficiency on snow.
Justin also shares how these ideas translate across cross country, alpine, telemark, and snowboard instruction, and how instructors can help guests experiment with small adjustments that create big performance gains.
Watch this episode on YouTube to see Justin demonstrate these micro adjustments and tutorials visually. His examples make it easy to understand how tiny movements can lead to more powerful, efficient skiing.
The conversation also covers:
- Why efficiency is the foundation of cross country skiing
- How micro adjustments can improve skiing across disciplines
-Teaching strategies for helping students feel subtle movement changes
- Details about the upcoming Cross Country Academy at Mt. Bachelor
Whether you're an instructor, certification candidate, or simply looking to ski more efficiently, this episode offers practical insights you can apply on your next day on snow. -
What’s the state of telemark skiing in the United States today — and where is it headed next?
In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas sits down with PSIA Telemark Team member Keith Rodney and instructor Charlie MacArthur to talk about the evolving landscape of telemark skiing. From regional “pockets” of passionate skiers to grassroots growth through clinics and community events, they explore how the sport continues to adapt and thrive.
They discuss modern telemark gear, accessibility, and why now might be the perfect time to try something new on snow. You’ll also hear about upcoming telemark festivals, Telemark Academy at Copper Mountain, certification prep, and how U.S. Telemark is preparing to represent its approach on the global stage at Interski.
Whether you’re tele-curious, a longtime tele skier, or simply looking to expand your movement toolbox, this conversation highlights the spirit of exploration, learning, and community that keeps the freeheel turn alive. -
In Part 3 of our Mentorship Series, former PSIA-AASI National Team member Carol Levine shares how a simple idea turned into a powerful national mentorship experiment.
What began as research through the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion — including nearly 500 mentorship-related survey comments — evolved into a time-bound, targeted pilot program supporting women endorsed for National Team tryouts.
Carol walks through the four guiding principles behind the program:
- Targeted groups
- Time-bound structure
- Choosing (not assigning) mentors
- Encouraging multiple mentors
The results? Increased confidence, deeper belonging, stronger leadership pipelines — and proof that mentorship doesn’t need to be complicated to be impactful.
This episode explores how ski and ride schools, regions, and individual instructors can create meaningful mentorship cultures that elevate retention, resilience, and long-term professional growth.
Because sometimes, a little bit of support truly beats a whole lot of nothing. -
How do we make safety engaging without turning it into a buzzkill? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas is joined by Tanya Riley and Earl Saline from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) to explore how Safety Awareness Month is evolving—and how safety messaging can stay effective all season long.
From shifting the conversation away from “don’t do this” toward positive, guest-facing behaviors, to addressing lift safety, restraint bar use, and social media’s influence on on-snow culture, this conversation highlights the powerful role ski and snowboard instructors play as daily safety ambassadors. The group also dives into lift safety bootcamps, industry-wide collaboration with PSIA-AASI, NSP, and U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and why modeling safe behavior matters at every level.
Whether you’re teaching first-timers or advanced guests, this episode reinforces why safety isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset that shapes great guest experiences all season long. -
In Part 2 of this four-part series on mentorship in snowsports, George Thomas builds on the foundation set in Part 1 by shifting the conversation west. After exploring how the Eastern Region’s Next Steps Mentorship Program took shape, this episode looks at how mentorship can succeed even without a formal, one-size-fits-all structure.
Joined by Marisa Cooper from the Western Region, George dives into the power of alignment, community, and “mentorship with a small M.” Marisa explains how sharing best practices across regions, fostering informal leadership pathways, and meeting members where they are creates meaningful mentorship opportunities—proving that connection and impact matter more than rigid frameworks. -
Mentorship plays a critical role in shaping careers, confidence, and community within the snowsports industry. In Episode 1 of this four-part series, George Thomas sits down with Matthew Lyerly to explore how the Eastern Region’s Next Steps Mentorship Program was created — and why it’s about much more than exam prep.
Matthew shares how the program connects developing snow pros with experienced education staff, supports long-term career growth, and builds meaningful relationships across member schools. From advancing certification goals to finding belonging and professional direction, this episode sets the foundation for understanding mentorship as a powerful tool for retention, development, and leadership in snowsports. -
In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas sits down with Matt Gnoza, Freestyle Sport Director at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and PSIA-AASI National Team members AJ and Elle, to explore a groundbreaking collaboration between the two organizations.
As the U.S. prepares for the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Matt shares how his team designed a new National Development Group program to prepare future Olympians — and why partnering with PSIA-AASI was a game-changer.
AJ and Elle discuss what it was like to work with elite freestyle athletes, how fundamental skiing skills translate to world-class performance, and what both groups learned from blending coaching philosophies.
Together, they reveal how this project is helping athletes — and coaches — become better skiers, better teachers, and better teammates. - Laat meer zien
