The 2024-28 PSIA-AASI National Team is getting ready to bring its first full winter working together to a close, with major member-focused events at National Academy, at Big Sky, Montana, and Rider Rally, at Copper Mountain, Colorado.

In anticipation of those two events, and all the certification clinics PSIA-AASI members are preparing for across the country, we checked in with 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 Copper Mountain-based AASI Snowboard Team Development Coach Tony Macri.

Q: What aspect of teaching and riding are you most excited about that the team has worked on so far?
A: In my role as Development Coach, I wanted to start this first year with the new team with a strong focus on communication. This is connected to both teaching and riding, as we all want to be clearer in how we want to ride through strong demonstrations that match the descriptions. Then, when teaching, being able to clearly explain why, when, where, and how we want to try to make these changes and being clear and concise when getting that message out to everyone.

This process started with asking each of my snowboard teammates to fill out a PDP (Personal Development Plan). This allows us to be transparent about our desires to grow with one another. It also holds us accountable and connected to each other’s growth and goals. This is key, because as we grow as instructors, trainers, examiners, and National Team members, our best resources are our peers. 

Q: What are your personal goals for the rest of the winter?
A: I have multiple goals, but one of them is to try to create more opportunities for my teammates and other trainers and examiners to get out to a larger audience, both nationally and internationally. I’ve worked hard to create opportunities like Freestyle Academy and training opportunities overseas. Now I want to share these opportunities with other trainers too.

Q: How do you plan to achieve them, and what resources will help you reach your goals?
A: Again, I’ve been communicating more with other trainers, other regions, and my resources overseas. I’ve already been able to help get some trainers more opportunities and want to continue to do more. 

Q: What advice would you share for all the many talented instructors across the country currently working toward their own teaching, riding, or certification goals?
A: It’s important to reach out more often to other trainers and instructors to help you grow. The more we share our own goals and ideas, the more we find others with similar goals, which helps us become resources for one another. Also, it’s important to know that the best resources are usually the most obvious, whether they’re from different disciplines, different regions, or even different countries. With the help of social media and amazing online communication, your resources are endless. 

Q: What are the biggest opportunities you see for the team this spring and the next couple winters?
A: As we continue to get the different regions and examiners to buy into consistency through active communication, we will grow even more and have an amazing opportunity to show off this great association to the world at Interski in Vail in 2027.