Best Ski Instructor Podcasts (2025)

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79 - Joe Dunn, Ski Dad TV, Instructor at Deer Valley part 1 1:05:25

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8d ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Welcome to part 1 of episode 79 of The Ski Instructor Podcast, this week featuring Joe Dunn, a ski instructor at Deer Valley but you might know him better from his amazing YouTube channel, Ski Dad TV. We jump immediately into an in-depth chat about technical skiing, how to introduce people to carving and an in-depth discussion on width of ski. It's…

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84. Building Training Culture in Ski and Ride Schools 56:22

3d ago56:22

56:22

In Episode 84 of the 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding' podcast, hosts Chris Rogers, Matt Larson, and Brian Donovan discuss strategies to increase training attendance and buy-in at ski and ride schools. As resorts open and clinics become available, they explore barriers to participation, such as financial concerns and time off …

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Bonus. Thanksgiving Special 17:53

8d ago17:53

17:53

In this bonus Thanksgiving episode of 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding', hosts Brian Donovan, Chris Rogers, and Matt Larson gather for a laid-back, bonus session. The episode includes a discussion of favorite Thanksgiving dishes and a debate on the best type of M&M's. The episode also delves into nostalgic reflections on favor…

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Finding Your Why: Keep It Fun, Not Final: Playing the Long Game with Nathan Chapple | Part 4 21:57

10d ago21:57

21:57

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 for…

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Bonus. Catch-Up Session + Hot Take 21:25

16d ago21:25

21:25

In this mini-episode of 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding,' hosts Brian Donovan, Matt Larson, and Chris Rogers return after a busy period of team and regional training. They share updates about their recent activities, including travel and new gear. The conversation shifts to the excitement of the snowboarding season, the chall…

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Finding Your Why – From Ski Club to Ski Pro - the Joy of Teaching with Kathy Mogensen – Part 3 17:39

17d ago17:39

17:39

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 instructo…

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Finding Your Why: Owning Your Journey and Finding Purpose with Melodie Buell - Part 2 25:03

24d ago25:03

25:03

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 ju…

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Finding Your Why – Why We Teach: A Conversation with Melodie Buell – Part 1 30:20

1M ago30:20

30:20

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 cert…

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83. Demystifying ATML 52:48

1M ago52:48

52:48

In this episode, hosts Chris Rogers, Matt Larson, and Brian Donovan dive into the ATML model (Approach, Takeoff, Maneuver, Landing) used for teaching and analyzing freestyle snowboarding. They discuss the importance of breaking down tricks into these four zones, providing insights on how understanding each phase can improve performance and troubles…

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82. Understanding Fitts and Posner's Stages of Motor Skill Development 58:48

1M ago58:48

58:48

In Episode 82 of the 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding' podcast, hosts Matt Larson, Chris Rogers, and Brian Donovan explore the Fitts and Posner model of motor skill development. They discuss its application to snowboarding and skiing instruction, breaking down the stages of cognitive, associative, and autonomous learning. The …

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We’re Listening: How PSIA-AASI’s New Member Survey Will Shape the Future of Instruction 16:07

1M ago16:07

16:07

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…

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78 - Jason Hendy - Impulse Racing and Gloucester Ski Club 1:47:05

1M ago1:47:05

1:47:05

Welcome to episode 78 of the podcast, this week featuring Jason Hendy. I worked with Jason this winter at a race we were running in Les Crosets and we started a really interesting chat about ski boots but we didn't get a chance to finish it and that is what this podcast is. It's very much a follow up to episode 77 with Tom Gellie and we touch on a …

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Gear Meets Community: Renoun Launches a First-of-its-Kind Ski Membership 26:30

1M ago26:30

26:30

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 s…

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81. Snowboard Boots, Cross-Training, and The Great Socks Debate | Hot Takes 4 58:31

2M ago58:31

58:31

In Episode 81 of the 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding' podcast, hosts Chris Rogers, Brian Donovan, and Matt Larson share listener feedback and dive into a series of hot takes. They discuss various snowboarding topics, including the optimal snowboard boot size, effective off-season cross-training activities like foil surfing an…

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Flip the Script and Reignite the Joy: Why Fall Instructor Training Matters – Part 3 11:13

2M ago11:13

11:13

In part three of our Return Instructor Training mini-series, host George Thomas chats with Lyndsay 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 …

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80. Decoding Down-Unweighting and Retraction | Commonly Misunderstood Pt. 6 57:06

2M ago57:06

57:06

In episode 80 of 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding,' hosts Brian Donovan, Matt Larson, and Chris Rogers dive into the intricacies of down-unweighting and retraction, common snowboarding skills that are often misunderstood. They clarify the nuanced differences between these two movements, explore their applications in certificat…

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Curiosity, Culture, and Commitment: Why Fall Instructor Training Matters – PART 2 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

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 Novom 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…

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Kick Off the Season with Purpose: Why Fall Instructor Training Matters - PART 1 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

By PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast

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79. Navigating Imposter Syndrome 57:34

2M ago57:34

57:34

In Episode 79 of 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding,' hosts Brian Donovan, Matt Larson, and Chris Rogers dive into the topic of imposter syndrome, addressing its impact and how to navigate it in various aspects of life and career. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges of validation, and strategies to overcome self-do…

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77 - Tom Gellie, Big Picture Skiing - Skiing in rental boots 1:08:13

2M ago1:08:13

1:08:13

Welcome to episode 77 of The Ski Instructor Podcast this week featuring Tom Gellie of Big Picture Skiing. This podcast was prompted by a recent viral Facebook post that Tom put together based on his recent experience of skiing in rental boots at Ski Dubai. We talk extensively about the reasons why rental boots are like they are, what the purpose of…

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78. The Art of Movement Analysis 1:03:58

2M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

In Episode 78 of 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding,' hosts Chris Rogers, Matt Larson, and Brian Donovan explore the intricacies of movement analysis in snowboarding. They discuss how to observe, evaluate, and prescribe by recognizing patterns in body movements and equipment interactions. They share insights on using chairlift t…

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77. Industry and Instructor Pet Peeves 1:10:09

3M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

In Episode 77 of 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding,' hosts Matt Larson, Brian Donovan, and Chris Rogers delve into their pet peeves about snowboarding, instruction, and industry practices. They share listener emails and discuss topics like terrain park design, the importance of technical accuracy in coaching, and the attitudes …

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A New Era of Collaboration: National Leadership Talks Priorities 16:48

3M ago16:48

16:48

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 …

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76. What's the Deal with Convenience Bindings? 1:08:35

3M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

In Episode 76 of 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding,' hosts Matt Larson, Chris Rogers, and Brian Donovan discuss the rise and reimagining of convenience bindings in snowboarding. They explore the different styles and technologies behind these bindings, comparing them to traditional strap bindings. The episode features listener q…

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Jumpstart Your Season with Katie White & Kevin Jordan 21:29

3M ago21:29

21:29

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 lesso…

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75. Dealing with Burnout Pt. 2 with Nick Alfieri 44:25

3M ago44:25

44:25

In this episode of 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding,' hosts Matt Larson, Chris Rogers, Brian Donovan, and special guest Nick Afieri explore the critical topic of burnout in the snowboarding industry. Nick shares his personal experience with severe burnout and how it led him to step away from his snowboarding career. The discus…

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76 - Anna Norlin Berg and Joel Baudin - Swedish Ski Instructors, school directors, examiners and demo team, Skidlärarpodden 2:05:33

3M ago2:05:33

2:05:33

Welcome to episode 76 of the Ski Instructor Podcast, featuring Anna Norlin Berg and Joel Baudin. Anna and Joel are the hosts of the popular Swedish ski instructor podcast 'Skidlärarpodden'. When they aren't doing that, Joel and Anna are working ski instructors. Joel runs the ski school in Kittelfjäll and is an instructor and course leader within Fr…

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Skiing South America: Kevin Jordan on Training in Portillo, Chile 19:44

4M ago19:44

19:44

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 ste…

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74. Dealing with Burnout: Revisiting Episode 5 w/ Nick Alfieri 50:16

4M ago50:16

50:16

In Episode 74 of the 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Snowboarding' podcast, hosts Chris Rogers, Matt Larson, Brian Donovan, and returning special guest Nick Afieri delve deep into the topic of burnout while revisiting Episode 5. They discuss the mental and physical exhaustion faced by snowboarding professionals. Nick shares his personal j…

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Episode 761 | How Teaching Mountain Biking Can Make You a Better Ski or Snowboard Instructor 25:10

4M ago25:10

25:10

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 opportun…

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73. Snowboarding Made Me a Better Listener 1:12:11

4M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

In this episode, hosts Matt Larson, Brian Donovan, and Chris Rogers delve into how snowboarding has honed their listening skills—key in developing people skills and effective communication. The discussion covers their personal experiences, teaching techniques, and the importance of active listening in building trust and better relationship manageme…

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72. Listener Mailbag & One Year Anniversary! 48:11

4M ago48:11

48:11

Welcome to episode 72 of "All I Really Need to Know I Learned From Snowboarding" with Chris Rogers and Brian Donovan! This week, it's just the two of us as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of rekindling the podcast. Matt is out on an adventure, but we’re digging into the listener mailbag and responding to your questions, comments, and stories.…

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71. Sensory Preferences & Learning Styles: Tools or Traps? 56:59

4M ago56:59

56:59

How can understanding your students' Sensory Preferences and Learning Styles improve your instruction? In this episode, Brian, Matt, and Chris delve into these popular (and sometimes controversial) educational models. Learn how to effectively use Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic and Watcher, Thinker, Feeler, and Doer frameworks to enhance your teachin…

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75 - Max Colvin, Director of Snowsports SnowPros Ski School, Hand Laid Eggs Surfboards 2:01:59

4M ago2:01:59

2:01:59

Welcome to episode 75 of the Ski Instructor Podcast, this week featuring Max Colvin, who you would have heard of me talk about on the podcast previously and who is the SnowPros Ski School Director of Snowsports. Max holds the Valasian Patente and looks after the team here at SnowPros. I find Max to be an incredibly interesting guy who thinks deeply…

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EPISODE 760 | Collaboration, Communication, and Cooperation with Grace Center do Ouro 16:27

5M ago16:27

16:27

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 men…

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70. What’s on Your Feet? 1:03:34

5M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

The one about your feet, specifically, what’s on them! Insoles, liners, articulated cuffs, how they should and shouldn’t fit, and more. Chris, Matt, and Brian dive deep into the world of snowboard boots. Keep sending those hot takes, guest questions, and episodes our way at [email protected]! Hot Take: Best Worst Tech in Snowboard B…

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69. Carving vs Skidding | Commonly Misunderstood Pt. 5 1:09:00

5M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

This episode is all about turns, specifically, skidding and carving. What’s the difference between the two? Why do we want to carve or skid? What is Scarving? Keep sending those hot takes, guest questions, and episodes our way at [email protected]! Hot Take: Team vs Individual Sports for Kids Next Week’s Episode: What’s On Your Feet…

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Episode 759 | Dale Drennan on a Life of Learning, Teaching, and the Power of Tele Turns 19:22

5M ago19:22

19:22

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 o…

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68. Hanging Out With Josh Smith 59:35

5M ago59:35

59:35

With Donovan out for an episode Chris and Matt sit down with AASI Team Member Josh Smith. Meet Josh and hear about his journey to the National Team. Keep sending those hot takes, guest questions, and episodes our way at [email protected]! Hot Take: What’s your favorite off-season training activity? Next Week’s Episode: Skidding vs C…

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67. Revisiting Ep 3 | Dealing With Shame 1:05:14

5M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

In this episode we dive into the archives and listen to Episode 3 - Dealing with Shame. Chris, Matt, and Brian listen to the 2019 episode and share their thoughts and insights on how shame has affected them in their careers with both failures and successes. Tune in to hear about emotions from eam tryouts, certifications, and ideas for how to manage…

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Episode 758 | Year-Round Ski and Ride Training with SkyTechSport 22:19

5M ago22:19

22:19

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 ath…

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66. Brain Buckets 1:19:01

6M ago1:19:01

1:19:01

Episode 66 is all about helmets! How did we end up wearing helmets and why do we still wear them, plus what tech in helmets matters to us! Keep sending those hot takes, guest questions, and episodes our way at [email protected]! Hot Take: What run makes you fall in love with snowboarding all over again? Next Week’s Episode: Recap an…

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Episode 757 | The 5 Elements of Inspirational Instruction - Part 3 - w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti 58:45

6M ago58:45

58:45

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 Appr…

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65. Phases of The Turn | Commonly Misunderstood 4 1:08:37

6M ago1:08:37

1:08:37

Episode 65, “Words Matter,” aka Commonly Misunderstood Terminology Part 4, dives deep into a staple of ski and snowboard instruction: Phases of the Turn. There’s heeps of discussion around how to define phases right now, and Chris, Brian, and Matt share some of those conversations and their thoughts on how we can simplify the language around Initia…

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74 - Donna Clarke, President of the Regional Performance Centre - Ski Team Dents du Midi 2:18:00

6M ago2:18:00

2:18:00

Welcome to episode 74 of the Ski Instructor Podcast, this week featuring Donna Clarke who is the President of the Regional Performance Centre for the Ski Team Dents du Midi here in Calais, Switzerland. The Dents du Midi is the local region around where I live and Donna is responsible for the structure bringing young skiers through and then onto Ski…

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Episode 756 | The Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction — Part 2 w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti 12:08

6M ago12:08

12:08

In Episode 756 of the First Chair Podcast, George Thomas continues the conversation with Dr. Josh Pighetti to explore the remaining three of the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Masterful Teaching, Personal and Professional Character, and the Student-Centered Approach. These principles—rooted in Josh’s doctoral research—offer actionable …

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64. Mistakes Instructors Make While Teaching Pt. 2 1:02:47

6M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Episode 64 continues the stories about mistakes we’ve made and seen other instructors make while teaching. We share stories about our time as instructors and suggest ideas for how to learn from those mistakes to provide a better guest experience. Keep sending those hot takes, guest questions, and episodes our way at [email protected]…

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Episode 755 | The Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction — Part 1 w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti 14:36

6M ago14:36

14:36

In Episode 755 of the First Chair Podcast, George Thomas talks with Dr. Josh Pighetti about the first two of the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Technical Expertise and Instructional Communication. These insights come from Josh’s doctoral research and offer practical tools for creating more impactful, student-centered lessons have power…

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63. Mistakes Instructors Make While Teaching 49:02

6M ago49:02

49:02

Episode 63 is all about the mistakes we see instructors commonly make, backed up with examples of mistakes we’ve made in our lessons! We share stories about our time as instructors and suggest ideas for how to learn from those mistakes to provide a better guest experience. Don’t miss the Phunkshun buff giveaway! And keep sending those hot takes, gu…

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Episode 754 | A National Team Member's Path to Adaptive Level III with Lyndsey Stevens 17:00

6M ago17:00

17:00

In this episode of First Chair, PSIA-AASI National Team member Lyndsey Stevens joins host George Thomas to discuss her recent achievement of earning her Adaptive Snowboard Level III certification — the first in over a decade in the Rocky Mountain Region.Lyndsey shares how her path into adaptive snowsports began at Vail, and how that experience resh…