AASI Rider Rally, one of the most unique, storied, and all-around fun annual snowsports instruction events of the winter returns to Copper Mountain, Colorado, to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Known as much for its celebration of snowboard culture and community as it is for its timeless contributions to instruction and learning, Rider Rally 2025 will take place in Copper, April 21-24. The event returns to one of the original venues where it was staged, since it was formally introduced in 2000 at Big Sky, Montana.
Here, AASI Snowboard Team Technical Coach Eric Rolls, Development Coach Tony Macri, and PSIA-AASI Director of Education Dave Schuiling offer their perspectives on why this is such an important annual event for snowboard instructors at every level – as educators, riders, and coaches.
Educators
- “You’ll learn firsthand from some of the best snowboarding educators in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to analyze how they set up the day, adapt to participants’ needs, and help you meet your goals. It’s not just about the content you’re learning; it’s also about how National Team members facilitate the experience.” – Eric Rolls
- “The event is a great opportunity to share ideas and techniques, not only with National Team members but also instructors from across the country.” – Tony Macri
- “Rider Rally is the gathering of the snowboarder education community that spotlights the Learning ConnectionSM for continual professional growth and development. For People Skills, attendees will collaborate, engage, network, and celebrate snowboarding and learning, and put a punctuation mark on the season, while setting some goals for next season and beyond. For Teaching Skills, you’ll learn and share ideas on a variety of topics through electives and focused coaching groups, reflect on your experiences with RR participants from around the world, and expand your teaching bag to enhance learning. And for Technical Skills, you’ll up your game, challenge yourself, become more versatile, and set some riding goals.” – Dave Schuiling
Riders
- “With common goals set, you’ll get just what you need to progress without the extra fluff. And you’ll get right to the root of real versus ideal, the first time.” – E.R.
- “You’ll have the opportunity to become a better rider by riding a different resort or different types of snow. Plus, this year we’ll be at Copper Mountain, ‘the Athletes Mountain,’ and we’ll have access to an airbag, allowing you to attempt tricks you always wanted to try.” – T.M.
Coaches
- “You’ll learn how AASI Team members coach higher-level riders. You’ll receive focused coaching to help you compare an AASI Team member’s approach to your own style. At the end of each elective clinic, you’ll be able to answer three questions: How did the group leader establish trust? Did learning occur? What skills did participants learn?” – E.R.
- “You’ll discover the importance of riding with a variety of people, as you work together to explore the mountain and different techniques.” –T.M.
- “Rider Rally is the full professional development package. Come ready to ride, share, learn, inspire, and be inspired… and have a really good time doing it!” – D.S.