First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

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 div...

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 be...

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 mark...

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 m...

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 h...

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. Wh...

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 simplif...

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...

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...

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 e...

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 A...

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 complicate...

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...

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 m...

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 le...

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 bo...

In this episode of First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast, host George Thomas sits down with Derek Mikulski, Director of Commercial Sales and Education for Gibbon North America, and National Team member Melodie Buell to explore how balance training off the snow can transform on-snow performance. Derek shares how his own fitness journey led him to champion the Slackboard—a slackline-inspired balance trainer designed to build strength, stability, and coordination for athletes of all ages. He also discusses new research showing how balance training supports not just athletic performance but overall health, focus, and mental well-being. Melodie offers an instructor’s perspective, shar...

In the final episode of the Finding Our Why mini-series, PSIA-AASI’s Nathan Chapple reflects on two decades in snowsports instruction—starting as a 15-year-old junior instructor in the Pacific Northwest and growing into an Intermountain examiner who measures success by the lives he touches. Nathan shares how teaching gave a shy kid a consistent forum to practice communication, how certification structure sharpened his craft, and why a student-centered approach (and today’s People Skills emphasis) creates better teachers—and better guest experiences. Nathan also opens up about scaling impact by training instructors, the season he nearly lost his spark, and how...

In Part 3 of Finding Our Why, PSIA-AASI member Kathy Mogensen joins George Thomas to share her journey from a seventh-grade ski-club kid with rental skis and fifty cents for hot chocolate to a 20-year PSIA-AASI instructor who’s helped generations of new skiers fall in love with the sport. Kathy’s story captures what makes ski and snowboard instructors so passionate about what they do—the joy of watching guests gain confidence, connection, and community on snow. What started by chance—when a ski school director handed her a jacket and said, “Here’s your group”—grew into a lifelong purpose rooted i...

In Part 2 of Finding Your Why, PSIA-AASI National Team member Melodie Buell sits down again with George Thomas for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it really takes to trust yourself, stay authentic, and reconnect with purpose—even when doubt creeps in. From her first tearful ski lesson at age five to racing Division I in college, coaching junior athletes, and eventually finding her calling through adaptive instruction, Melodie shares how every turn on snow led her closer to understanding her “why.” Along the way, she talks about shifting from external validation—pins, titles, and team selections—to internal motivation grounded i...