Academies Make Successful Return to Breckenridge, Colorado

PSIA-AASI National Academy, AASI Rider Rally, PSIA-AASI Adaptive Academy, and PSIA Cross Country Academy and Telemark Academy all made a successful return to the slopes last week at Breckenridge, Colorado.

One year after all national on-snow learning events were postponed due to COVID-19, more than 260 attendees were able to carve, teach, and clinic together again in a mix of both sunny and snowy spring conditions.

PSIA-AASI Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Herrin said the excitement among attendees was electric, as longtime colleagues and old and new friends were finally able to ride together again.

“It was the biggest thing in this current era to be able to put on an event like this where everyone stays safe and that still drives so much positivity,” Nick said. “To get together on snow and do what we love says so much about the sport we love to share and the passion and commitment of the association’s members.”

While the pandemic meant that indoor events were put on hold this year, and food and beverage options had to adhere to local social distancing guidelines, the ability to ski and snowboard together brought its own sense of escape and freedom.

“I’m over the moon that we got to start all of this again,” Nick said, pointing to how the academies will now lead into PSIA-AASI Team Selection, which was also postponed last season. “I want to thank everyone for their patience and dedication.”