Interski 2023: Jonathan Ballou Will Present on Technique

Held every four years, Interski is an international event that brings together top snowsports instructors from more than 40 countries. The PSIA-AASI National Team attends to present their latest teaching techniques and get insight into new ideas to bring back home to members. The discussions that take place at the event help PSIA-AASI refine its approach to training instructors and improving the guest experience.

Here, PSIA Alpine Team member Jonathan Ballou provides a preview of what the team will present at Interski 2023 in Levi, Finland, March 26 through March 31.

What are you most excited about in anticipation of Interski 2023?

The venue is very exciting. This is a part of the world that has always intrigued me, and I look forward to experiencing it. More importantly, the venue is great for Interski. The real substance of this event is the interaction with team members and leaders from other countries.

The official presentations are great, however the unofficial conversations and experiences are priceless and invaluable. This is where the real learning and innovation happens. Furthermore, this is where relationships are built, and we are a relationship-based industry. Levi is a small hill and community, and it will provide ample opportunities for these interactions.

What are you presenting and how does it complement the team presentation?

I’m part of a group that is focusing on the technical corner. The real task is to make this topic relevant to the theme of this Interski and show how our views on technique and mechanics can be used to enhance the guest experience. Technique isn’t just about, well, tech, it’s about developing the ability to express oneself on skis and enjoy the sport in a way that is meaningful to the individual.

What are you interested in learning from the other countries and their presentations?

The theme of guest experience is an excellent one. There are a lot of different guests in the world and what constitutes an exceptional experience is unique to the individual and the culture around that individual. As a resort operator that caters to international guests, I’m very interested in the various international views on this subject.