2021-24 National Team: Meet Zoe Mavis
Zoe Mavis is a member of the 2021-24 PSIA-AASI National Team where she will help set the standard for snowsports instruction. PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members – 8 coaches chosen last season and 29 team members selected spring 2021 – for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding.
Listen to PSIA Alpine Team member Zoe Mavis in this podcast.
Where is your home mountain?
Big Sky, Montana
What other occupations are you involved in?
Whitewater rafting.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Teaching first-time kids to ski in Portillo, Chile.
What are your specialties in regards to your role as a team member?
My passions include training fellow instructors and helping them reach their goals. I also am a children’s clinician and love helping instructors learn new ways to connect with kids and get them stoked on the sport.
Any relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III and Cross Country Level I with Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials. United States Ski and Snowboard (USSA) Level 200.
Where can we find you when you’re not on the hill?
If you can’t find me on the ski hill or the river, I’m most likely playing with my dogs or riding my motorcycle.
Who is your greatest inspiration as an instructor?
So many people have inspired me. I had a wonderful time in the locals program and on the race team at Eldora Mountain in Nederland, Colorado where I learned to love the sport with the program instructors and coaches. Once I started instructing, I was inspired by all everyone who took the time to train and guide me through my career. There are a lot off trainers who had a major impact on my path over the years. Now, I’m inspired by all the instructors I get the opportunity to ski and train with. I am in awe watching these individuals put in countless hours and effort toward bettering themselves as educators.
Best part of teaching?
The best part of teaching is watching the learning process unfold. Learning looks different for everyone and when you have a student who is truly connected with you, the environment, and the content, it is a beautiful thing to witness.
What’s your favorite run at your home mountain?
That is like asking someone the best flavor of ice cream. Some days I love ripping carve turns down Elk Park Ridge, one of our beautiful, groomed blue runs. Other days I want to push myself and I’ll take a long (somewhat puckering) hike to Three Forks on the Headwaters ridge. If I am training, I will take fast laps on Africa because it has awesome bumps and always has great snow. The list could go on and on but the best way to sum it up is that my favorite run is the one I’m on!
