Interski 2023: Lyndsey Stevens Will Study Teaching Methods

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, AASI Snowboard Team Member Lyndsey Stevens 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?

I’m most excited to experience and learn teaching methods from instructors representing countries all around the globe. I plan to approach Interski clinics with an open mind to absorb and learn a variety of tools for teaching snowports. I’m excited to share those ideas and experiences with our membership.

Whether on-snow or indoors, what are you presenting, and how does that complement the team presentation?

I’ve been working with snowboard team development coach, Tony Macri, to form an on-snow presentation that will highlight how our organization has aligned nationally in order to assess instructors based on their knowledge and use of the snowboard technical fundamentals. The presentation will focus on how assessments are designed to test how instructors are managing and blending the use of the snowboard technical fundamentals.

How has your Interski preparations impacted how you approach your clinics, lessons, and coaching?

In preparation for Interski, I’ve been working on helping students and trainees develop their fundamental skills. I’ve challenged myself to highlight each fundamental in several different ways in order to design various drills that will strengthen the movements required for snowboarders to control and blend the use of board performance in order to attain desired outcomes. I’ve focused less on helping students and trainees successfully train to just one task and am focusing more on training a skill that will allow snowboarders to be successful and adaptable in a variety of activities.

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

I’m interested in learning how instructors from other countries describe movements or outcomes that we use in snowboarding. I’m excited to see various teaching methods and how each country has adapted their people skills to their cultures.

What does the Interski 2023 theme, “The Guest Experience is Everything,” mean to you and PSIA-AASI’s approach to snowsports instruction?

The theme, “The Guest Experience is Everything,” is a reminder of why we all ski and snowboard, simply because it is fun! Experience based learning allows students to engage in their environment and reflect upon occurrences, helping to create growth. I can’t think of a better way to create or experience learning, than through an activity that is enjoyable through movement and connection with others.