In the fifth installment about how to “level up” your teaching and skiing/riding skills, we talk to members of the National Team about how they continue to work to improve – not just for their students and themselves, but also for the benefit of their teammates.
“Being a team member is an invitation to change and reinvent yourself,” said PSIA Alpine Team member Stephen Helfenbein. “My wish is for us all to accept that invitation. If we push ourselves to be better, and encourage everyone around us to do the same, this is how the association thrives.”
With Interski 2027 in Vail on the horizon, Helfenbein said that commitment to work together for the benefit of instructors across the country has only increased.
“I’m super proud of our association for taking on the challenge of hosting Interski. I think we will create some really cool and innovative programing that will allow all countries to showcase their values and enjoy the finest in American ski culture,” Helfenbein said.
Here, other National Team members share what they’re working on, and how that might help you make a plan to “level up.”
Q: What are your personal goals for the rest of the winter, and how do you plan to achieve them?
A: Zoe Mavis, PSIA Alpine Team: “My goal for the rest of the season is to continue to balance my work, play, and training so I can squeeze every last ounce out of this season. Looking ahead, I need to be really good about planning my time and being intentional about when I make time to do specific things. Having friends who hold you accountable is always the best.”
A: Brian Smith, PSIA Alpine Team: “I would like to continue to develop the most accurate transitions from turn to turn in all conditions. My goal here is to end ski season skiing stronger than when it began from a technical and tactical standpoint. I also want to continue looking into the subject of instructor decision-making and behaviors within the learning environment and beyond.”
“I’m using video of my skiing to both strengthen my movement assessment skills and to compare my real performances to the ideal performance outcomes I know it’s supposed to look like. I’m looking for consistency in new movements integrated with my overall performance. I’m asking teammates, when possible, to confirm whether they can observe the outcomes I’m describing for myself.”
Q: Is there any advice you’d like to share for all the many talented instructors across the country currently working toward their own teaching, riding, or certification goals?
A:Jesse Yedwab, AASI Snowboard Team: “Every lesson you teach and every turn you make is an opportunity for feedback if you are willing to take the time to reflect on your performance and set a path forward for development. Having a friend or a small group you can use as a sounding board to bounce ideas off can help expedite this development in hearing more ideas and receiving more feedback.”
A:Mike Hafer, PSIA Alpine Team: “We have a unique opportunity in our profession to work on our skills every time we’re in front of the guest. If you’re in need of more practice time, my advice is to take time to demonstrate and ski and ride as accurately as possible whenever the opportunity presents itself. The constant repetition of good movement patterns will become autonomous and success will follow.”
Read the other posts in the “Leveling Up” series:
Meet ‘Doctor of Snowsports’ Josh Pighetti
Achieving Your Professional Goals as a Snowsports Instructor
How to Slam Dunk Your Assessment
Leveling Up with Steamboat Snowboard Instructor Leah Jones