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.

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 Melody 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. Melody offers an instructor’s perspective, sharing how Slackboard training has enhanced her preseason conditioning—improving foot and core engagement, reducing fatigue, and adding a sense of play to her workouts. Together, they discuss why balance work matters for every discipline—alpine, snowboard, cross-country, telemark, and adaptive—and how small, mindful off-snow movements can yield major gains in control and confidence on the hill. Whether you’re looking to prevent injury, extend your teaching career, or rediscover joy in movement, this conversation connects fitness, flow, and longevity in ways that resonate with every snow pro.

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 changing environments (hello, Snowbird) helped him rediscover joy. His advice for anyone on the fence about Level II or Level III is pure gold: control what you can, avoid outcome-only goals, and treat this as a game to play—not a game to win. It’s a grounded, generous conversation that brings our series home: purpose isn’t a pin or a title—it’s the way we show up for guests, peers, and the broader mountain community.

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 in helping others discover the same love of skiing that shaped her family’s life. Throughout the conversation, Kathy reflects on the mentors who guided her, the small ski areas that nurture tight-knit teaching communities, and the simple power of sharing turns with others. She also opens up about fear—how she’s faced it, learned from it, and now uses those lessons to help her students find control and confidence on the hill. Whether she’s teaching inner-city kids, moms learning to ski for the first time, or fellow instructors, Kathy’s “why” is simple: to create opportunities for others to feel the same joy and connection she’s found through skiing. This episode celebrates the everyday instructors who make the biggest difference—not through big mountains or fancy titles, but through genuine care, patience, and passion for helping others find their way on snow.

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 in impact, service, and inclusion. This episode digs into the emotional side of professional growth in the ski and ride world—the part we don’t always talk about. Melodie opens up about facing imposter syndrome before national team tryouts, learning to sit with discomfort, and finding the courage to show up as her authentic self. Through vulnerability and grit, she reminds all instructors that living into your purpose isn’t about reaching a pinnacle—it’s about using every opportunity to connect, give back, and elevate the people and communities around you. Whether you’re just starting your certification journey or decades into teaching, this conversation will hit home. It’s a reminder that your “why” can be the strongest tool in your quiver—and that believing in yourself might just be the most important skill of all.

In the first episode of our latest mini-series, Finding Your Why, host George Thomas sits down with PSIA-AASI National Team member Melodie Buell to unpack what it really means to find purpose in snowsports instruction. Melodie shares how defining her “why” reshaped her approach to teaching, training, and living—moving beyond goals like earning certifications to embracing the deeper meaning behind the work instructors do every day. Together, George and Melodie explore how understanding your purpose sustains motivation through challenges, transforms how you connect with guests, and turns feedback into growth. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new instructor, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and rediscover what truly keeps you coming back to the mountain.

In this special episode of the First Chair Podcast, PSIA-AASI CEO Jeff Lifgren and Marketing & Communications Director Katherine Fuller share the inside story behind this season’s all-new member survey. This isn’t just another questionnaire — it’s part of a larger, ongoing effort to better understand and respond to the needs of instructors, schools, and the entire snowsports industry. Jeff and Katherine discuss why this new approach is different, how it will help PSIA-AASI stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment, and why every member’s participation matters. From uncovering what drives instructors to helping schools tell their story to resort ownership, this project is all about listening, learning, and building a stronger future for everyone on snow.

In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas sits down with Rob Golden, CEO of Renoun, and Dana Kaufman, Director of Renoun Pro Membership, to introduce PSIA-AASI members to one of its newest official suppliers. Renoun isn’t your average ski company — it was founded by an aerospace engineer who discovered how to use non-Newtonian material in ski cores. The result is skis that adapt in real time to terrain and vibration, stiffening on ice and staying smooth in powder. This patented “secret sauce” gives skiers a ride that literally changes with every turn. The company has launched the world’s first ski membership program, RenounPro, a community-driven model that combines high-performance gear with real connections. Members get access to skis, exclusive events, discounted gear, and even opportunities to swap or donate old skis to adaptive programs — creating a cycle of performance and purpose. Rob and Dana share how Renoun’s direct-to-consumer roots allow them to know every customer personally, why they see PSIA-AASI instructors as the core of this new movement, and how the RenounPro community fosters connection both online and on the mountain. You’ll also hear how instructors can get involved, lead their own events, and access exclusive member perks.

In part three of our Return Instructor Training mini-series, host George Thomas chats with Lindsay Ward, PSIA-AASI Central Region Education and Certification Manager, about how to bring fresh energy and purpose to the start of every season. Lindsay draws on her journey from small-town instructor to trainer, ski school director, and regional leader to share a powerful perspective: return training isn’t a box to check—it’s a chance to reconnect, retool, and reignite your passion for teaching. She breaks down how management can turn pre-season meetings into celebrations of community, creativity, and culture—and how instructors can transform routine refreshers into opportunities for growth. From the importance of safety and communication to sparking curiosity and lifelong learning, Lindsay reminds us that returning to snow is more than just repeating old steps—it’s rediscovering the joy that brought us here in the first place. Whether you’re leading the training or lacing up your boots to attend, this episode will inspire you to flip the script and see preseason prep as the launchpad for your best winter yet.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Ask ChatGPT

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.

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.

In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with SkyTechSport co-founder Alex Golunov and account manager Connor Bishop about how their cutting-edge ski and snowboard simulator is helping people train smarter—anytime, anywhere. Learn how the simulator replicates g-forces, edge angles, and pressure points to support both high-performance athletes and brand-new skiers. Alex shares how SkyTechSport evolved from a college project into a global training tool now used by the U.S. Ski Team, while Connor explains how PSIA-AASI instructors are integrating it into lessons and even launching their own indoor ski studios. The team also explores how the simulator aids in rehabilitation, offers real-time feedback, and includes immersive runs like the Streif and Cortina d'Ampezzo to keep training dynamic and fun. 👉 To learn more, visit thesnowpros.org.

In the final episode of this three-part series, host George Thomas is joined by Dr. Josh Pighetti and PSIA-AASI National Team members Matt Larson and Zoe Mavis for a deep dive into the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Technical Expertise, Instructional Communication, Masterful Teaching, Professional Character, and a Student-Centered Approach. Together, they explore how inspirational instructors blend strong technical skills with empathy, creativity, and adaptability to meet students where they are. Zoe and Matt share real-world stories about modifying their delivery while staying true to themselves and how those small shifts lead to stronger student relationships and more meaningful learning moments. They also talk about building shared language, navigating tricky dynamics (like parent involvement), and helping students feel like they truly belong in the snowsports community. Whether you're a first-year instructor or a seasoned trainer, this conversation offers thoughtful insights, practical tools, and plenty of inspiration for connecting more deeply with your students — and with the sport you love. Learn more about this research and the collaboration between Pennsylvania State University and PSIA-AASI by heading to thesnowpros.org.