In this episode of First Chair, PSIA-AASI National Team member Lindsey 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.

Lindsey shares how her path into adaptive snowsports began at Vail, and how that experience reshaped her approach to teaching and riding. She talks about the preparation process, the value of teamwork and mentorship, and the pressure of pursuing high-level certification as a team member.

This conversation offers insights into the commitment behind certification success and reinforces the importance of staying curious and adaptable — no matter where you are in your snowsports career. Learn more at thesnowpros.org.

In this episode, George Thomas talks with Brian Pate and Derek Mikulski from Gibbon Slacklines about how balance training can elevate your performance on snow. They dive into the science behind balance, stability, and body awareness—and how the Gibbon Giboard offers a fun and effective way to build those skills. For instructors, the Giboard is more than just a balance toy—it’s a versatile training tool that reinforces key fundamentals like foot-to-core connection, coordination, and proprioception. It's compact, easy to set up, and ideal for both personal use and student progressions off the hill. PSIA-AASI members get a special discounts on Giboards through their pro offers. Learn more about membership and Gibbon by heading to thesnowpros.org.

Episode 752: Inside National Academy: A Conversation with Jeff Lifgren by PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast

In this episode, George Thomas catches up with PSIA-AASI Snowboard Team member Lyndsey Stevens. They chat about the shift into spring riding, exam season, and what it’s like to go through National Team tryouts—not once, but twice. Lyndsey shares her perspective on coaching at Rider Rally, prepping for an adaptive exam, and her excitement about Interski 2027 coming to her home mountain, Vail. A great listen for anyone passionate about snowsports and professional growth.

On this episode, we chat with Josh Pighetti who just earned his doctorate degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. This has taken over two years to complete and has a direct relation to snowsports instruction. Learn more by tuning in and at thesnowpros.org. Over the last few years, I’d been researching how snowsports instructors can inspire their students to continue learning and participating. Through observations of PSIA-AASI National Team members in action, combined with in-depth interviews with them and their students, I found that inspirational instruction consists of five major elements: Technical Expertise, Instructional Communication, Masterful Teaching, Personal and Professional Character, and Student-Centered Approach. These elements form the framework of inspirational instruction, shaping how we can inspire lifelong engagement and passion in snowsports. Tune in for more or head to thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, we chat with Ying Liu about the 2025 PSIA-AASI Women's Summit at Solitude, an event dedicated to skill development, inclusivity, and connection. Ying dives into this year’s theme, “Connecting Through Power and Grace,” and how it applies to both skiing and teaching.

We explore key takeaways from the event, including technical coaching insights, the role of telemark skiing in building a beginner’s mindset, and how proper boot fitting can dramatically impact performance. Ying also shares her experience skiing with PSIA-AASI national team members, testing the latest ski technology like CARV sensors, and how a unique coaching analogy involving a rodeo clown helped improve lateral movement on snow.

Plus, we discuss what’s ahead for the 2026 Women's Summit in Steamboat and how the event continues to evolve to support and inspire female snowsports professionals. Don’t miss this conversation packed with insights, inspiration, and a few unexpected surprises!

Learn more by tuning in and at thesnowpros.org.

On this episode, we chat with Jen Lockwood, training coordinator at Mount Hood Meadows Ski and Ride School, about building a strong instructor culture. Jen shares insights on developing training programs, balancing staff education with guest experience, and fostering career growth within PSIA-AASI. We also discuss the importance of adaptive instruction, how training structures vary across regions, and innovative approaches like night training and virtual education. Tune in for a deep dive into what it takes to develop great instructors and a thriving snowsports school.

In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas sits down with Jeff Lifgren, the newly appointed CEO of PSIA-AASI. Jeff shares his journey from working at top destination resorts like Breckenridge and Park City to leading ski schools across the country, including smaller Mid-Atlantic resorts. He discusses the value of diverse teaching experiences, his commitment to professional development, and his vision for PSIA-AASI’s future.

Tune in to hear Jeff’s thoughts on leadership, innovation in snowsports education, and how PSIA-AASI can better support its members—whether they’re full-time instructors, weekend warriors, or lifelong enthusiasts. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming events like National Academy and Interski!

Learn more by tuning in and at thesnowpros.org.

Tune in and learn more about our newest Cross Country team member, Justin Arndt. Justin got his first certification in the Rocky Mountain region at the age of 16 and climbed the ranks all the way to a National Team member at the age of 21. At 21, Justin is the youngest member to ever join the team. He talks about his journey and some of the challenges and successes he’s faced along the way. Justin’s parents are also well intertwined in the snowsports industry as current and previous instructors in Colorado. Justin earned his Alpine, Telemark and Cross Country Level 1 certification alongside his mom! Learn more by tuning in and at thesnowpros.org.

Join us for an interesting chat with Pete Allison who just got back from Bulgaria where he attended the first International Symposium on Snow Sports Education, an event organized by the National Sports Academy "Vassil Levski" in Bulgaria. The symposium brought together experts, educators, and industry professionals to discuss the development and improvement of snow sports education in the region. The symposium aims to facilitate discussions on best practices, methodologies, and innovations in snow sports education. The event explored teaching techniques, safety measures, technological advancements, and ways to enhance participation in snow sports. Hosted by the National Sports Academy (NSA) "Vassil Levski", a leading institution in Bulgaria specializing in sports education and training. This symposium represents an important opportunity for collaboration and knowledge-sharing to strengthen the future of snow sports instruction in the region. Learn more by tuning in and at thesnowpros.org.