PSIA-AASI

3.11.2010

Rider Rally 2010 at Copper Mountain: Day 2

Day Two of Rider Rally 2010 brought snow, sun, and smiles. Granted, they were tired smiles—and people may have been moving a little more slowly on Wednesday.

 

A full day of riding and then a couple hours of trampolines and jumping into foam pits at Woodward at Copper on the first day will do that to a person. But the troops lived up to the event name, and everyone rallied and rode hard again. Burton rocked up and stoked everyone out with the latest rides for the day. New snow and sweet new boards ... how sick is that!

Groups split up into those who wanted to ride the mountain and those who wanted to hit the parks and pipe on the way down the mountain. The ski crew dialed in the rainbow box with some solid coaching from David Oliver, PSIA Alpine Team park and pipe specialist. “Name it and claim it” was the theme from for AASI Snowboard Team member Josh Spoelstra‘s group as riders worked their way from 50-50s to boardslides and spins in the park.

Fresh snow and routes through the trees kept the mountain crew stoked, while the sweet boxes, jumps, rails, and pipe kept the style free for the others. Check out the pics from the park!

We’re indoors throwing spins at Camp Woodward and the white stuff’s still coming down hard outside. A little partying, a little sleep, and Day Three’ll be here before we know it!

 

(Photos by Earl Saline)

3.10.2010

Rider Rally 2010 at Copper Mountain: Day 1

The first day of Rider Rally 2010 is officially in the books! Five inches of new snow greeted the Rally crew when they woke up on Tuesday, March 9.

Groups hit the hill to explore Copper and its array of adventure-inspiring terrain, taking advantage of openings by dropping into the freshies frontside, backside, west side, and east side. The trees held some of the best snow to be found this year, and several riders were in awe of the primo conditions. And there’s snow in the forecast for the rest of the week….

After charging all day, the troops were tired, but the day didn’t end when the slopes closed. Woodward at Copper—the area’s training camp for park and pipe mastery—played host to Rally, and riders leapt at the chance to jump on the trampolines, launch into the foam pits, and soar into the rarified air at Camp Woodward. To get familiar with this impressive indoor training facility and its features, most of the group went through the One Hit Wonder introductory session. A few even kept going with a drop-in session right afterward. The skaters in the group took advantage of the mini-ramps and bowl while others charged the snowflex kickers.

That’s it for day one. Wednesday is sure to hold more adventures and new tricks!

 

(Photos by Earl Saline)

2.26.2010

GWAP 2010: East Coast

From the relatively balmy, flat floor of the Methow Valley in Washington, we headed for the other side of the country, and the steep frosty slopes of the White Mountains. The second leg of our Go With a Pro filming tour featured the talents of PSIA Alpine Team members Jeb Boyd and Matt Boyd, PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team member Geoff Krill, and AASI Snowboard Team member Dave Lynch.

We began at Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire (not far from the site of America’s first ski school at Sugar Mountain), where Jeb and Matt hang out when they’re not on the road giving clinics for the PSIA-AASI Eastern Division, traveling with the PSIA Alpine Team, or working with private clients through Arc2Arc, their alpine coaching and consulting company. But the most interesting part of this story is what these two brothers do when the snow melts in the Franconia Notch, and that’s run New England’s Favorite Water Park! The Whale’s Tale is where Jeb and Matt spend their summers, amongst the slides, pools, rivers, and rides that give this park the distinction of being the region’s most popular—thanks in no small part to the Boyd brothers’ hard work, we are sure!

From our winter water park tour, we dropped in unexpectedly on Geoff. Geoff and company, at New England Disabled Sports, happened to be hosting a party for the fundraisers who helped collect money for the school’s programs and awesome new facility at Loon Mountain. Us? We mostly just helped to drink the beer, but while we were at it, we got a deluxe tour of the building and captured some footage of Geoff filling us in on what’s new at NE Disabled Sports. We also got to meet the newest addition to the Krill family, baby Carver. Congrats, Geoff and Heather!

Having gotten what we needed in New Hampshire, we packed up and drove to Maine—Bethel, to be exact, where Dave teaches calculus at Gould Academy. Our first order of business was to film in Dave’s class. Yeah . . . so, if you haven’t done much math in a while, algebra might be a better place to pick up. We were instantly lost while Dave’s super bright students appeared to solve with ease whatever it is you’re supposed to solve in calculus. Thankfully, the bell rang and it was time for lunch. We got to eat at Gould (twice actually), and the food was outstanding—way better than any of us ever remembered having at school. But as good as the food is, Dave and his wife Carrie, who have an apartment in a dorm on campus, like to get away every now and again. So we headed out with them for dinner and dart league. Not too late, though—it was a school night, after all. Followed by a school day that included a healthy mix of skiing at Sunday River and class (again, way better than how we remembered school).

You’ll have to watch Go With a Pro TV next season to find out what happened on-snow and to see the outrageous foam pit outtakes. Until then, stay tuned for more GWAP from the road. Next up: Lake Tahoe.

2.21.2010

GWAP 2010: Methow Valley

The 2010 Go With a Pro filming season is in full swing. Cameras started rolling this January up in Winthrop, WA at the Sun Mountain Lodge and the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association system, where we captured the life and times of PSIA Nordic Team member David Lawrence.

As you may recall from the winter 2009 issue of 32 Degrees, David and family call Edna, a refurbished school bus, home. Here we experienced, firsthand, what’s it’s actually like to live Lawrence-style. They eat, sleep, hang out, entertain, and ski-in/ski-out from Edna.

Though we would be lying if we didn’t admit that it was Edna, in part, that inspired us to drive into the middle of the Cascades, Rival Films’ memory card was consumed by hours of beyond-the-bus footage . . . including David’s nordic SuperTour race, the scenic Methow Valley, extensive skate ski tips, and last, but not least, David’s lovely in-laws, who not only endured but embraced our cameras and questions throughout the entire shoot.

That’s all we’re revealing for now. You’ll have to watch the TV show next season to get the full story. In the meantime, however, we’ll blog from our next three locations where we’ll be getting a glimpse into the lives of the ski and snowboard instructors who make up your PSIA-AASI Teams. Stay tuned for notes from the East Coast!

2.12.2010

SIA: New City, New Booth

Just in case you missed us at SIA, here’s a photo of our super sweet setup at the Colorado Convention Center.

In honor of the Show’s move to Denver, and PSIA-AASI’s many recent achievements, we decided to get a new booth. And are we ever glad we showed up with a totally redesigned display—members, sponsors, and industry friends were blown away by the change! Our new space included a flat screen TV with lounge area and a computer kiosk with internet access, and featured backlit association logos and ski and snowboard design elements on a snow/industrial-themed background. The booth presented a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary motifs, respecting our heritage and looking toward a promising future.

Booth guests were greeted by our office staff and invited to sit and relax while watching the latest Go With a Pro TV show, or learn more about the association by visiting www.TheSnowPros.org at our computer station. The coffee table was covered with issues of 32 Degrees and a selection of educational materials for browsing.

We made quite an impression on the industry—it was a boost of confidence to members and sponsors alike to get a tangible sense for the value we bring to snowsports. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

If you missed us this year, be sure to come by and lounge in one of our red chairs in 2011, when the Show comes back to Denver for the second year in a row. Hope to see you there!

12.21.2009

Spectacular Adaptive Academy

Christmas came early to the 2009 PSIA-AASI Adaptive Academy held last week at the DS/USA The Hartford Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, Colorado. The resort was already deep in the white stuff, well appointed to accommodate more than 100 adaptive snowsports instructors from the U.S. and beyond for a full week of learning and sharing.

Clinics took place indoors and outdoors, covering a wide variety of topics from personal skiing and riding improvement, the finer points of outrigger use, program management, and everything in between. Bill Bowness and Geoff Krill from the PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team led clinics all week and were joined by Teams Manager Katie Fry, AASI Snowboard Team member Scott Anfang, and PSIA Alpine Team member Dave Oliver.  

Beth Fox, operations manager for the National Sports Center for the Disabled, spearheaded event coordination and hand-picked leading adaptive snowsports educators from around the country to deliver fun and exciting clinics. Denise Axelson and her daughter, Rhea, volunteered their time and worked hard to keep everything running smoothly all week.

Almost better than the education was seeing new and old friends connecting, sharing ideas, and getting psyched for the season. Thanks to everyone involved for your hard work and commitment to making the 2009 PSIA-AASI Adaptive Academy a success, and best wishes to you all for another outstanding season!

 

Bill Bowness leads an outrigger clinic. Photo by Ken Watson.

10.30.2009

The End Is Just the Beginning!

Remember the first lesson you taught? How psyched you were when your first students had their “Aha!” moment? The smile on their faces as they felt like they were becoming a skier or rider? That sense of pride you felt from sharing the sport you love?

The PSIA-AASI Teams are feeling that way and are fired up to share their excitement about skiing, riding, and teaching with you this winter. Alpine, Nordic, Snowboard, and Adaptive Team members are likely to be near you during the course of this season, eager to keep us, and our guests, stoked about snowsports. You may be into new technologies such as reverse cambered skis and boards, new ways of addressing tried-and-true concepts for sliding the entire mountain (forward or backward), or trying to hammer out some great tips so that you, and your students, can be more successful. Whatever your gig, members of the national teams are up for sharing what they’re seeing around the country.

Copper Mountain again played excellent host to the whirlwind that is Team Training. PSIA-AASI Official Suppliers swung by to show off the latest technology and show their support for what you do. Representatives from national press came to get the scoop about how you, and we, are doing everything we can to share the stoke about skiing and riding. All this goodness will be coming your way through on-snow sessions, 32 Degrees, and www.TheSnowPros.org as the Teams travel the country.

We’ll continue to provide up-to-the-minute updates @thesnowpros at Twitter, as well as on The Snow Pros Facebook page. The season is fast approaching (if not already here), and we’re psyched to see you on the snow!

 

10.27.2009

Pow at Team Training 2009!

We all dream of making our first turns of the season in powder, but seldom does that happen. Must have been that the snow gods and goddesses were smiling on us this last Sunday when the PSIA-AASI Teams took to the slopes for the first day of 2009 Team Training in six inches of pow!

 

It has since been a whirlwind, here in Copper Mountain, Colorado, of opening introductions, outfitting the Teams in new Patagonia uniforms, skiing and riding, meetings, dinners, presentations, and so on and so forth - the culmination of which is meant to further professionalism in snowsports, and make your connection to the associations and industry stronger.

 

It’s hard to believe that we’re more than halfway through the week! So much has been accomplished, yet so much remains. Tomorrow, the Teams will wrap up their work and deliver presentations, at which point we’ll be joined by the PSIA-AASI Official Suppliers, who are making the trip to show their support for what you do.

 

We’ll continue to provide up-to-the-minute updates @thesnowpros at http://www.Twitter.com, as well as on The Snow Pros group Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=88180188588. Visit to see what’s happened so far and check back often to find out what’s happening right now.

Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

10.2.2009

Your PSIA-AASI Teams

Hello from Colorado! The leaves are turning and there’s snow in the hills. A couple of areas even have their snowmaking systems up and running, so the race is officially on to kick off the 2009-10 season!

The time is near for the PSIA and AASI Teams to gather for their annual fall training session October 24-29 at Copper Mountain, Colorado. This season the Teams are coming together around the central themes of our mission. We support our members, as a part of the snowsports industry, to:

• Develop personally and professionally
• Create positive learning experiences
• Have more fun

The Teams will be working hard to improve their capabilities, so they’re better equipped to help you develop your ski and snowboard teaching skills. As the face-to-face contact with you, our awesome members, the Teams want to make sure they’re delivering top-end clinics and educational information so that you can improve, and share great information with your guests. The Teams will also be working to shape the message of PSIA-AASI so that it can be presented at Rider Rally 2010, National Academy 2010, and Interski Congress 2011 in Austria. Check your division calendar and be sure to register early for National Academy or Rider Rally; don’t miss your chance to ski or ride with a Team member!

Click here to learn more about the Teams.

8.24.2009

Summer. Snowsports instructors. Wait . . . what?

The snow will be flying before we know it, but most PSIA-AASI members are still soaking up the summer. Even though these serious skiers and riders have snow on the brain year-round, they manage to fill the off-season with some pretty awesome playtime. So, if you’ve ever wondered what snowsports instructors do when they are not skiing or snowboarding, read on . . .

We asked PSIA-AASI members from around the country how they spend their summers. Here’s what some of them had to say:

 

“Biking, hiking, swimming, golfing, running, or thinking about skiing.” – Bill Powell, Waterville Valley Snowsports School, Nordic Instructor, Level II

 

“Honestly, getting ready for ski season, both physically and mentally.” – Marc Schanfarber, Timberline Ski & Snowboard School, Children’s Technical Director and Staff Trainer

 

 

“Playing as much as possible—mountain biking, rock climbing, and water-skiing with my husband, son, and daughter. I love the off-season for having fun and taking care of my family.” – Renee Targosz, Deer Valley Ski School, Alpine Instructor, Level III

 

 

“I spend summers working for a consulting firm in Alaska. My work includes consulting companies on PR, marketing and IT, and facilitating groups and meetings.” – Chris Rogers, Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School, Snowboard Instructor, Level III

 

 

“Hiking, biking, and kayaking around Lake Tahoe.” – Jim Foley, Squaw Valley Snowsports School, Alpine Instructor, Level II

 

 

 

“Playing golf and working on next year’s plan of attack.” – Joseph Darmofalski, Canaan Valley Ski & Snowboard School, Snowsports Director

 

 

“Water skiing, participating in triathlons, and spending a lot of time with my family. – Anne E. Mattack, Alpine Valley Ski & Snowboard School, Alpine Instructor, Level III

 

 

 

“Some vacation time with family. The day job during the week.” – Ken Koellner, Wachusett Mountain Ski & Snowboard School, Alpine Instructor, Level II

 

“Livin’ it up Colorado-style! Hiking and getting outside as much as I can.” – Jeannie Garcia, Vail Snowsports School, Snowboard Instructor, Level I

 

 

“Thinking about our steepest run, Catapult, and how to call the shots on it.” – Jennifer Post, Catamount Snow Sports School, Alpine Instructor, Level II

 

“Trying to find a seasonal job that is as fun as working in the ski industry.” – Derrick Dutson, Brian Head Resort Winter Sports School, Kids Camp Manager

 

 

“I am a hiking guide and I sneak off for a blue water sail in the spring or fall.” – Sharon Dale, Vail Snowsports School, Alpine Instructor, Level III

 

“Dreaming of Chile.” – Brad Fiery, Blizzard Ski & Snowboard School, Alpine Instructor, Level I

 

 

 

 

 

“Working, cutting firewood, SCUBA diving and having fun!” – Dave Iskowitz, Camelback Ski & Snowboard School, Snowboard Instructor, Level III

 

 

“I ride horses, build things, bike a little, play in the woods.” – Katherine Rockwell, Killington/Pico Ski & Snowboard School, Alpine Instructor, Level III

 

 

“Working, mowing the lawn, playing tennis, and looking at the mountains hoping to see snow on them again.” – Geoff Arnold, Snow Summit Ski & Snowboard School, Alpine Instructor, Level I