In this episode of First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast, host George Thomas sits down with Derek Mikulski, Director of Commercial Sales and Education for Gibbon North America, and National Team member Melodie Buell to explore how balance training off the snow can transform on-snow performance. Derek shares how his own fitness journey led him to champion the Slackboard—a slackline-inspired balance trainer designed to build strength, stability, and coordination for athletes of all ages. He also discusses new research showing how balance training supports not just athletic performance but overall health, focus, and mental well-being.

Melodie offers an instructor’s perspective, sharing how Slackboard training has enhanced her preseason conditioning—improving foot and core engagement, reducing fatigue, and adding a sense of play to her workouts. Together, they discuss why balance work matters for every discipline—alpine, snowboard, cross-country, telemark, and adaptive—and how small, mindful off-snow movements can yield major gains in control and confidence on the hill. Whether you’re looking to prevent injury, extend your teaching career, or rediscover joy in movement, this conversation connects fitness, flow, and longevity in ways that resonate with every snow pro.