First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast

Ben Nilsen, a ski instructor, recounts being severely injured when hit by a skier going 40 mph at Arapahoe Basin in February 2023.

George Thomas hosts Eric Rolls on the First Chair podcast to discuss effective preparation for PSIA-AASI certification exams.

Joe Taylor, an associate professor at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and former alpine ski instructor, explains how BSCS Science Learning’s 5E instructional model maps onto PSIA-AASI ski teaching.

First Chair host George Thomas interviews Mark Aiken about his “Snowsports MFA” analogy, connecting professional writing, skiing, and lesson design.

This episode features an interview with Carmela Olmo, a former ski racer turned ski instructor at Jackson Hole, discussing her transition from racing to teaching and her involvement with PSIA-AASI.

This episode features a discussion with ski instructors Scott McGee and Jake Crawford about their collaborative article on creating better teaching progressions for telemark skiing.

George Thomas opens from Portland with Eric Rolls back on First Chair.

George Thomas opens from the PSIA Satellite Studios in Portland and checks in with Tony Drees about where he usually lives and works.

This episode features a conversation with ski instructor Justin Arndt about cross country skiing techniques, equipment, and teaching experiences, including a discussion of his recent thumb injury.

This episode features telecoach Keith Rodney and Charlie MacArthur discussing current snow conditions at Mount Snow, Vermont and Aspen, Colorado, and exploring the state of telemark skiing in the U.S.

This episode of First Chair features an interview with Carol Levine discussing the importance of mentorship in snowsports, with host George Thomas sharing personal anecdotes about mentors who shaped his teaching career.

George Thomas hosts a practical conversation about Slackboard training for skiers and snowboarders.

This episode features an interview with Nathan Chappell, a long-time PSIA instructor, discussing his 20-year journey in skiing and snowboarding instruction, starting at age 15, and his motivations for continuing in the field.

This episode continues a conversation with Melodie Buell about finding purpose through deep, probing questions and authentic connections.

This episode features a discussion with Mark Carville about his participation in the Penn State instructor training program and his role as an instructor at Blue Mountain.