As PSIA-AASI members get ready for certification clinics across the country and two major member-focused events at National Academy, at Big Sky, Montana, and Rider Rally, at Copper Mountain, Colorado, we’re checking in with National Team members to hear how they’re working to finish the season successfully and how that might help you reach your goals.
Here are some thoughts from PSIA Alpine Team member Katie White, who teaches skiing year-round as the Yellowstone Club Training Manager in Montana and the Portillo Ski School Director in Chile.
Q: What aspect of teaching and riding/skiing are you most excited about that the team has worked on so far?
A: The Alpine Team spent the entirety of our mid-season training working to align our vision on what we want our turn exit and entry to look like. It was super exciting to have discussions in which we clarified the visual image we’re looking to portray.
The long-term objectives of these conversations is to create a clean-looking image when we are syncing at Interski in Vail in 2027. In the meantime, I think it will help us be clear with membership what our ideal transition looks like. We also spent a great amount of time dialing in our upper body stability so we can be in a position that allows us to do whatever we want with our skis.
Q: How do you think this might benefit members?
A: Any time leaders can be more specific and clear it will benefit the people who are receiving information from them. I’m confident that our team has spent the time aligning in some very specific technical areas that will definitely impact the membership. The impact could be getting more cohesive coaching from team members, ed staff, and trainers.
Q: What are your personal goals for the rest of the winter?
A: I’m hoping to take my Cross Country Level III assessment! In the alpine realm, I’d like to cement in some of these technical skills into my skiing so I can carry them into my next season. And last, but not least, I would like to end the season strong – physically and mentally.
Q: What resources will help you reach your goals?
A: I connect a lot with Yellowstone Club Cross Country Trainer Dan Campbell and great friend Jeff Cadry to work on my nordic skills. I plan to classic daily until my exam to hone my technique and timing.
When alpine skiing, I set my intention daily for how I want to ski. Right now, I’m really focusing on my inside hip alignment. I’m doing a lot of hip mobility and glute strengthening to support this off snow.
Avoiding burnout for me is about getting good quality sleep, hydrating, going to the gym, getting outdoors, and making sure to prioritize my health and well-being so I can show up to lessons at 100 percent.
Q: Any advice for all the many talented instructors across the country currently working toward their own teaching, riding, or certification goals?
A: You don’t need to be perfect, just consistent. Be mindful while you’re training and set your intention. I also love the journaling practice of “my goal is to do XYZ, and today I will get one step closer by doing XYZ.” I’ve found this to be incredibly helpful; it helps me manage the feelings I have when setting lofty goals.
If you’re going for a certification, remember that you already ARE a talented, successful instructor. Arriving to your assessment days with this in mind can help you relax and truly showcase your skill set. Go get it! If anyone ever wants to chat about pursuit of certifications, my door is open. I love these types of conversations. As a team member, I would like to provide as much as I can to our membership. My email is katiewhiteski@gmail.com
Hear from other National Team members as they work to finish the season successfully:
AASI Snowboard Development Coach Tony Macri
AASI Snowboard Team member Josh Smith