2021-24 National Team: Meet Kevin Jordan
Kevin Jordan is a member of the 2021-24 PSIA-AASI National Team where he 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 Kevin Jordan share his story on the First Chair Podcast.
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
In the summer, I help manage a bike school. It’s similar to ski and snowboard school but with bikes instead of boards. I also do freelance writing for industry publications.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Teaching my children how to ski and love the mountain lifestyle. It can be challenging at times, but the reward of watching them progress is worth it. It’s awesome when they say, “Dad, did you see that?” after catching some air!
What are your specialties in regards to your role as a team member?
I try to diversify my skill sets as much as possible. For example, alpine, ski racing, children’s instruction, freestyle, and backcountry skiing.
Any relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 3. PMBIA (Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association) Level 1 Course Conductor. AIARE Level 3 Avalanche Certificate.
How do you spend your time off the hill?
I am a husband and a father of two kids who keep me on my toes. I love to travel and keep learning.
Who is your greatest inspiration as an instructor?
My father. He is the one who got me into ski instruction. I started when I was 14-years-old at Nashoba Valley in Westford, Massachusetts. I can remember asking him questions and seeking his advice on how to teach students.
My most recent inspirations have come from Tom Gellie and Sam Robertson from Big Picture Skiing. They have been great coaches and friends.
There are many others who have helped me along the way and have been an inspiration. Too many to list. I attempted it once and it came to six pages of names! Thank you!
Best part of teaching?
Never knowing what you are going to get! For me, every lesson is different. I like having a starting point and then listening to the guest(s) to see where the lesson will end up. Lessons evolve and I end up learning a lot along the way. If you allow yourself to be “tight on the concept and loose on the details,” you will let the lesson naturally take you in different directions. Paying attention to what your student/guest(s) needs is where the fun and the magic happens.
What’s your favorite run at your home mountain?
At Snowmass, I love Slot and Lodgepole. At Aspen, my favorite runs are anything off of the Lift 1A chair. Aspen Highlands is Limelight. And don’t forget about Buttermilk, where my favorite run is Javelin.
