National Academy Event Details

Know As You Go

View of Super Bee base area. Copper Mountain, Colorado.
Please have your badge WITH YOU at ALL times, as it serves as your “entry” FOR MEALS AND indoor sessions.

You will get your badge at registration. The QR code on your badge will bring you back to this page for reference. You’ll notice a four-digit code on the bottom of your badge – we will be giving away swag throughout the week, and this is your winning number (hopefully). Keep it handy!

📲 [NEED HELP DURING THE EVENT? CALL OR TEXT US!] 720-675-8030.
NOTE: Messages and calls to this phone number will only be answered during business hours between Saturday, April 11 and Friday, April 17.

> All indoor events happen at the Copper Conference Center located in Center Village.
> Outdoor sessions meet between the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts in Center Village.
> Find meeting spot maps and the daily schedule below.

To make demoing equipment as seamless as possible and to save time, please fill out this Universal Waiver ahead of demoing any equipment.

SHARE PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK -> We know you’ll be taking fun photos and videos. Share them with us! If you find time, add them to this shared folder. We’ll save them, share them out, and use them for future event promos.

Prepare for high-elevation and spring skiing conditions! The summit of Copper tops out at 12,441 feet, and the area boasts an amazing vertical drop of 2,738 feet, which means that from top to bottom, oxygen levels differ. Spring skiing conditions are highly variable and may be different than what you’re used to skiing on.

Save this page and check back here for more information. Thank you and have an awesome time!

Daily Schedule and Maps

Gatherings will be held at the Conference Center near Downhill Dukes (circled in red above). You’ll see signage pointing you to the correct areas.

Indoor Area Map

Highlights: Early Registration

Early registration from 2-5 p.m in Ptarmigan Foyer located in Center Village Conference Cente

Highlights: Registration and Welcome Reception.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration in the Ptarmigan Foyer located in Center Village Conference Center

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
PSIA-AASI Store open in Hasty’s located in Center Village Conference Center

5:30 – 8 p.m.
Join us for the Welcome Reception in the Bighorn Ballroom located in Center Village Conference Center. The Welcome Reception will include appetizers and a cash bar. *Towards the end of the evening, you will meet with the coaches and be assigned a group for Monday morning.

Groupings will be made Sunday evening. Please, use this key to gauge pace and terrain for alpine electives. Corners will be labelled and groups will be determined in the main conference room on Sunday evening.

CORNER 1: Leisurely pace. On-pisté terrain.
CORNER 2: Moderate pace. On-pisté with light off-pisté terrain.
CORNER 3: Faster pace. On and off-pisté terrain.
CORNER 4: Fastest pace. On and off-pisté terrain.

Highlight: General Session

6:15 – 7 a.m.
Morning stretching with National Team members Katie White and Cori Lambert in the Ptarmigan Foyer.

7 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast in the Bighorn Ballroom.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
On-snow with groups. Meet outside between the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts in Center Village.

12 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch with groups in the Bighorn Ballroom.

1:30 – 4 p.m.
On-snow with groups.

3 – 4 p.m.
Microlearning Indoor electives
Partmingan A, Ptarmigan B, Peaks Room

3 – 7 p.m.
PSIA-AASI Store open in Hasty’s, located on the lower level of the Conference Center in Center Village

4:30 – 6:30 pm
Cash Aprés bar in Bighorn Ballroom

5 – 6:30 p.m.
The Standards Are the Job: Best Practices in Teaching and Learning. This general session, presented by Team Members Katie White and other National Team members, explores how the National Standards and Performance Guides describe best practices in Teaching Skills. Through real-world examples and shared insights, the session highlights how these frameworks support effective, student-centered snowsports instruction. Attendees will gain an understanding of how the national assessment process authentically validates the skills and behaviors that define successful snowsports education.

Highlights: Awards + Recognition Night

6:15 – 7 a.m.
Morning stretching with National Team members Katie White and Cori Lambert in the Ptarmigan Foyer.

7 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast in the Bighorn Ballroom.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
On-snow with groups. Meet outside between the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts in Center Village.

12 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch with groups in the Bighorn Ballroom.

1:30 – 4 p.m.
Outdoor electives. Outdoor electives meet outside between the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts in Center Village.

Tuesday 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Adapting Your Coaching for Clients with Changing Physical States
Team Member Melodie Buell explores ways to refine technique, modify movements, and optimize the on-snow  experience for Every Body. Develop skills and strategies to coach skiers and riders  with changes in range of motion and mobility or with a history of injuries or surgeries.

2 – 4 p.m.
Tune your own skis in this hands-on session led by Swix. Rotate through edging, waxing, scraping, and brushing stations using fully equipped bench setups in a guided environment. Learn essential techniques to improve performance and care for your gear, plus receive a special gift. Kokopelli Room (just inside from Downhill Duke’s)

3 – 4 p.m.
Microlearning Indoor electives
Partmingan A, Ptarmigan B, Peaks Room

3 – 7 p.m.
PSIA-AASI Store open in Hasty’s, located on the lower level of the Conference Center in the Center Village

4:30 – 6:30 pm
Cash aprés bar in Bighorn Ballroom.

5 – 6:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony in Bighorn Ballroom. PSIA-AASI’s Award Program honors and calls out members’ achievements as instructors, leaders, role models, and collaborators in the industry. Join us for a fun evening of honoring some very special PSIA-AASI members.

Highlights: Supplier Demo Day + Party @ Downhill Duke’s!

To make demoing equipment as seamless as possible and to save time, please fill out this Universal Waiver ahead of demoing any equipment.

6:15 – 7 a.m.
Morning stretching with National Team members Katie White and Cori Lambert in the Ptarmigan Foyer.

7 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast in the Bighorn Ballroom.

8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On-snow supplier demos at Eagle’s Landing in Center Village. Sign this universal waiver for a speedier demo process. Keep scrolling to see who’s joining us.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Outdoor electives. Outdoor electives meet outside between the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts in Center Village.

12 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch in the Bighorn Ballroom.

3 – 4 p.m.
Microlearning Indoor electives
Partmingan A, Ptarmigan B, Peaks Room

4 – 8 p.m.
Supplier aprés party at Downhill Duke’s located slope-side between American Eagle and American Flyer lifts. This will be the party of the week! All 300+ instructors and 20+ suppliers attending will converge at Downhill Duke’s and enjoy an amazing networking opportunity. See old friends, meet new people, hang out with the national team, our suppliers, and industry leaders, and have an awesome evening. We’ll provide food, a live DJ (that will take requests!), dancing, and mingling with our suppliers and other industry leaders! It’s sure to be a great time. Keep scrolling to see which Suppliers are joining us.

Highlights: Supplier Demo Day

To make demoing equipment as seamless as possible and to save time, please fill out this Universal Waiver ahead of demoing any equipment.

6:15 – 7 a.m.
Morning stretching with National Team members Katie White and Cori Lambert in the Ptarmigan Foyer.

7 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast in the Bighorn Ballroom.

8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On-snow supplier demos at Eagle’s Landing in Center Village. Keep scrolling to see who’s joining us.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
On-snow with groups. Meet outside between the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts in Center Village.

12 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch with groups in the Bighorn Ballroom.

1:30 – 4 p.m.
Outdoor electives. Outdoor electives meet outside between the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts in Center Village.

3 – 4 p.m.
Microlearning Indoor electives
Partmingan A, Ptarmigan B, Peaks Room

4 – 6 p.m.
Sip and Shop! Join us at Mammut Store at Copper Mountain in the Center Village and enjoy a few sips (and discounts, too!) while you shop.

Highlight: Closing Banquet

6:15 – 7 a.m.
Morning stretching with National Team members Katie White and Cori Lambert in the Ptarmigan Foyer.

7 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast in the Bighorn Ballroom.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
On-snow with groups. Meet outside between the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts in Center Village.

12 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch with groups in the Bighorn Ballroom.

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
On-snow with groups.

3 – 4 p.m.
Microlearning Indoor electives
Partmingan A, Ptarmigan B, Peaks Room

3 – 9 p.m.
PSIA-AASI Store open in Hasty’s, located on the lower level of the Conference Center in the Center Village.

5:30 – 8 p.m.
Closing banquet. Bighorn Ballroom. Join us for a fun evening closing out the week.

Elective Options

Indoor electives happen in the Ptarmigan A room. Outdoor electives meet on snow outside the Conference Center and Downhill Duke’s at their respective a.m. or p.m. time.

Daily

Flexibility, Mobility, and Activation for Snowsports
Join Team Member Katie White and Cori Lambert to prepare for a great day on the hill. Towels and water will be provided.
Mornings, Monday through Friday (Ptarmigan Foyer 6:15 – 7:00 a.m.)

Microlearning Electives
Afternoons, Monday through Friday. Room locations vary
3-4 p.m.

Monday

Simplify Your Movement Assessment for Great Lessons – Microlearning with Jeb Boyd
Movement assessment can be one of the most difficult aspects of teaching skiing and riding. There is so much to look at. Join National Team Head Coach Jeb Boyd in this interactive session and take a fresh new look at how movement assessment can be easy and serve as the basis to your lessons and help create better pathways toward certification.
Monday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan A – 50 people max

Making Sense of the Teaching Fundamentals: Planning vs. Preparing – Microlearning with Matt Boyd
First step is the experience!
Monday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan B – 50 people max

Fitness Training for Snowsports – Microlearning with Gregory Dixon
This session examines how to develop your fitness for snowsports by utlizing specific exercises and training movements.
Monday 3-4 p.m. – Peaks Room – 25 people max

Tuesday

Tying the Skills Together Through Decision Making – Indoors
In this session, Alpine Development Coach and National Teaching Taskforce Chair Matt Boyd will discuss using the decision-making process to apply our Technical, Teaching, and People Skills to create more productive learning environments.
Tuesday 1:30-3 p.m. – Ptarmigan A.

Tune Your Sticks with Swix
Tune your own skis in this hands-on session led by Swix. Rotate through edging, waxing, scraping, and brushing stations using fully equipped bench setups in a guided environment. Learn essential techniques to improve performance and care for your gear, plus receive a special gift. (limit 180 participants)
Tuesday 2-4 p.m. – Kokopelli (where breakfast and lunch is served)

Telemark Beginner Technique and Tools – Microlearning with Keith Rodney
This session explores telemark fundamentals through a progression of activities that reveal how balance, lead change, and turn shape interact to create effective ski performance. Whether you are tele-curious, building your first telemark turns, or refining how you coach them, these movements provide a clear and scalable pathway for improvement.
Tuesday 3-4 p.m. – Peaks Room – 25 people max

Understanding Assessment Criteria – Microlearning with Matt Boyd + Angelo Ross
Take a dive into the assessment criteria (ACs) for better on-the-job and assessment performance.
Tuesday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan A – 50 people max

Indoors Skills Concept and Fundamentals: What’s the Difference? – Microlearning with Mike Hafer
This session compares and contrasts the Skills Concept and Fundamentals and shares some of the Interski history that played a role in the development of these two pillars of our alpine curriculum.
Tuesday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan B.

Wednesday

Dealing with The “F” Word – Microlearning with Mermer Blakeslee
This session with Mermer Blakeslee, the author of A Conversation with Fear, will explore strategies and tactics to manage emotional risk in your lessons.
Wednesday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan A – 50 people max

Walk➡️Run➡️Slide – Microlearning with Angelo Ross
This session explores human gait patterns and how understanding the biomechanics of walking and running supports snowsports technical skills.
Wednesday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan B – 50 people max

Thursday

Interesting Takeaways from the ’25-’26 World Cup Season – Microlearning with Michael Rogan
Take a look at some interesting runs from the 25-26 world cup season.
Thursday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan A

Pressure is King! – Microlearning with Dusty Dyar
Explore the most fundamental need in snowsports and what makes skiers and snowboarders truly GREAT!
Thursday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan B

Recognizing and Interrupting Bias in the Workplace – Microlearning with Ann Schorling
Learn to recognize common forms of bias, gain a sense of the impact of bias, and learn basic tools for interrupting it. This session is designed for folks who want to support minoritized groups but don’t know how.
Thursday 3-4 p.m. – Big Horn Ballroom

FRIDAY

Group Energy by Design: The Instructors Guide to On-Snow Group Dynamics – Microlearning with Brian Smith
Get your lessons off to a great start and keep them that way using concrete decisions and behaviors to build strong group dynamics.
Friday 3-4 p.m. – Peaks Room

Creating the Alpine Technical Manual – Microlearning with Ellen Post Foster + Mike Hafer
Writing a technical manual for PSIA-AASI takes years of research, collaboration, and attention to detail. Learn about the making of a manual through the eyes of the authors, and an inside look at what’s to come.
Friday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan A

Panel Discussion: Training, Study and Preparation for Professional Development – Microlearning
Join National Team Members as they discuss strategies for on-the-job and assessment preparation. Bring your questions and they will share their strategies that helped them prepare and succeed in certification levels, specialist credentials, and tryout settings. Moderated by Kevin Jordan
Friday 3-4 p.m. – Ptarmigan B

Adapting Your Coaching for Clients with Changing Physical States
Team Member Melodie Buell explores ways to refine technique, modify movements, and optimize the on-snow  experience for Every Body. Develop skills and strategies to coach skiers and riders  with changes in range of motion and mobility or with a history of injuries or surgeries.
Tuesday 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Adaptive electives will be determined on-site at Adaptive Academy.

Use this key to gauge pace and terrain for alpine electives. Corners will be labelled and groups will be determined in the main conference room on Sunday evening.

CORNER 1: Leisurely pace. On-pisté terrain.
CORNER 2: Moderate pace. On-pisté with light off-pisté terrain.
CORNER 3: Faster pace. On and off-pisté terrain.
CORNER 4: Fastest pace. On and off-pisté terrain.

Tuesday

Tuesday p.m. – Indoors Skills Concept and Fundamentals: What’s the Difference? – Microlearning with Mike Hafer
This session compares and contrasts the Skills Concept and Fundamentals and shares some of the Interski history that played a role in the development of these two pillars of our alpine curriculum.
Ptarmigan B. 3-4 p.m.

Adapting Your Coaching for Clients with Changing Physical States
Team Member Melodie Buell explores ways to refine technique, modify movements, and optimize the on-snow  experience for Every Body. Develop skills and strategies to coach skiers and riders  with changes in range of motion and mobility or with a history of injuries or surgeries.
Tuesday 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Tuesday p.m. – Carv for Newbies
New to Carv? This session will get you set up for your first experience with the “wearable ski coach”. Limit 24 participants.

Tuesday p.m. – Halfpipe for Alpiners
Learn how to ski the halfpipe safely for the first time or dial in your tricks. Take advantage of the opportunity to ski one of the best Olympic sized halfpipes in the world. All ability levels are welcome!

Tuesday p.m. – Mountain Mojo
This is a general alpine skiing elective. Meet new people, focus on your technique, or relax and enjoy the scenery as you explore Copper Mountain. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain.

Tuesday p.m. – M♀untain M♀j♀ (W♀men ♀nly)
This is a women ’s-only general alpine skiing elective. Meet new people, focus on your technique, or relax and enjoy the scenery as you explore Copper Mountain. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain.

Tuesday p.m. – Steeps & Bumps
Develop your skiing skills in bumps and steeps. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain.

Tuesday p.m. – Synchronized Skiing, Why It’s Good for You
This is an elective for anyone who would like to learn tactics for, and benefits of, synchronized skiing. A portion of this clinic will be dedicated to improving your short turns and then you will get the opportunity to practice synchronized skiing with a group.

Tuesday p.m. – Pattern Breakers
We all have personal tendencies and habits. In this fun and challenging habit-busting elective, you will experience something different from your normal movement pattern and explore possibilities in learning by shaking it up! (Tuesday PM)

Tuesday p.m. – M♀untain M♀j♀ (W♀men ♀nly)
This is a women ’s-only general alpine skiing elective. Meet new people, focus on your technique, or relax and enjoy the scenery as you explore Copper Mountain. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain

Wednesday

Wednesday a.m. – Freestyle and Terrain Park for Alpiners
Copper Mountain has one of the best terrain parks in the world. Join us to session coppers progressive boxes, jumps, and rails with coaching from National Team members. All ability levels welcome!

Wednesday a.m. – Mountain Mojo
This is a general alpine skiing elective. Meet new people, focus on your technique, or relax and enjoy the scenery as you explore Copper Mountain. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain.

Wednesday a.m. – M♀untain M♀j♀ (W♀men ♀nly)
This is a women ’s-only general alpine skiing elective. Meet new people, focus on your technique, or relax and enjoy the scenery as you explore Copper Mountain. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain

Wednesday a.m. – Props to Torso Stability
Explore how to develop core/torso stability to enhance mobility in the lower body. We will use Therabands and homemade “batons” while skiing on groomed terrain to experience firsthand what it takes to create a stable upper body. We will likely stay together as one large group. (Max 20 people).

Wednesday a.m. – Steeps & Bumps
Develop your skiing skills in bumps and steeps. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain.

Thursday

Thursday p.m. – Carv for the Experienced
Experienced with Carv? This session focuses on deciphering Carv data and using it to affect performance changes in your skiing. Bring your Carv units, if you have them.

Thursday p.m. – Halfpipe for Alpiners
Learn how to ski the halfpipe safely for the first time or dial in your tricks. Take advantage of the opportunity to ski one of the best Olympic-sized halfpipes in the world.  All ability levels are welcome!

Thursday p.m. – Mileage and Reflection
Take time to explore, experiment, and play with new movements and concepts gained during your week.  Work with coaches on your takeaways to create deeper understanding and ownership of new skills.

Thursday p.m. – Mountain Mojo
This is a general alpine skiing elective. Meet new people, focus on your technique, or relax and enjoy the scenery as you explore Copper Mountain. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain.

Thursday p.m. – M♀untain M♀j♀ (W♀men ♀nly)
This is a women ’s-only general alpine skiing elective. Meet new people, focus on your technique, or relax and enjoy the scenery as you explore Copper Mountain. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain

Thursday p.m. – Old School Tasks
Through the years, tasks fall into and out of the spotlight.  In this session you will explore tasks from our past and re-live the glory days.  These tasks provide insight into our movement habits and help us understand how we can employ new movements to enhance our skiing

Thursday p.m. – Steeps & Bumps
Develop your skiing skills in bumps and steeps. There will be a group split based on speed and terrain.

Electives will be chosen daily with the snowboard coaches.

Rider Rally electives scheduling will be determined real-time at the event, based on snow conditions and participant interest. Communications will be shared via a WhatsApp group. A link to join that group is coming soon and will be shared at the welcome reception.

Tuesday p.m. – Video Movement Analysis – Microlearning
Practice movement analysis while watching video of riders. Using video tools allows us to view and describe movement patterns in depth to create understanding and clarify the evaluation phase of Observe-Evaluate-Prescribe.
Peaks Room – 3-4 p.m.

Park and Pipe
Take your snowboarding to the next level with the Park and Halfpipe Clinic, designed for instructors who want to deepen their understanding of freestyle terrain while focusing on personal progression in the Copper Mountain terrain parks and 22-foot competition SuperPipe. This clinic is perfect for those looking to refine their park and halfpipe coaching skills, develop new teaching strategies, and improve their freestyle riding skills.

All Mountain Explore Copper
This clinic is designed to develop your all-mountain riding skills and deepen your understanding of how to coach students across various terrains, from groomed runs to powder, bumps, and more. Explore all of the terrain Copper Mountain while progressing your personal riding and teaching skills in all types of terrain, including steeps, moguls, powder, trees, and groomed runs. Whether refining basic turns or mastering challenging conditions, this clinic will prepare you for any mountain environment.

Big Mountain
This clinic is designed to improve your knowledge and riding skills for coaching in steep and big mountain terrain. Whether you’re guiding riders down challenging slopes or helping them navigate wide-open off-piste bowls, this clinic will provide the tools to confidently ride and coach in aggressive terrain while enhancing your own riding and skill development.

Carving
This clinic is designed for riders looking to refine their carving skills. Whether you’re working on perfecting your edge control, increasing your carving efficiency, euro-carving, revert carving, or linking clean and powerful turns, this clinic will provide you with the tools to enhance your technique and boost your confidence on groomed terrain.

Woodward 2-hour Drop-In Barn Session (Additional Fees May Apply)
The 19,400-ft² Woodward Copper Barn is the central hub of the Woodward Copper campus and Copper Mountain Resort’s action sports playground. Featuring multiple skate/scooter/BMX zones, indoor ParkSki™ and Burton ParkBoard™ training, spring floor, tumble track, and Flybed trampolines. The Barn has everything you need to practice new tricks before bringing it to snow.

  • Indoor ParkSki™ and Burton ParkBoard™ training tools
  • Ramps to foam pit
  • Two mini-ramps
  • Street course area
  • Unique pump track zone
  • Full-size skate bowl
  • Spring floor
  • Tumble Track
  • Five Olympic-grade Flybed trampolines
  • 12’x12’ Super Trampoline

Board Demo and Tech Talk Runs: On demo day, ride a new board and geek out on its characteristics. Talk directly to manufacturer reps about its stats and put it to work with a National Team member at your side. Try one, try them all!

Monday

Carving for all Conditions
Explore how edges work in all conditions from groomed carving to steeps and bumps. From high edge to no edge

Intro to Freestyle
Add some flare to your tele skiing! Work through progressions for tricks like switch tele, spins, shiftys, butters, and tele presses. Learn new tricks or refine your moves on flatground, natural terrain features, and small park features.

Tuesday

Own the Bumps
Tips and techniques for success in bumps.  We will explore bump and trees and tips and techniques on how to best navigate for success and fun.

Fundamental Movements for Adaptable Skiing
Develop adaptability and versatility in your skiing by understanding how to adapt your application of Fundamental movements

Wednesday

Learn to Telemark
This session is perfect for anyone who wants to try Telemark for the first time. Expect to see crossovers from Alpine, Adaptive, and Snowboard Academy (Rider Rally). Limited rental equipment will be made available through 22 Designs. Please connect with 22 Designs ahead of time to make sure they have equipment for you.

V.A.P. Clinic (Variations in Application of Pressure)
This clinic will challenge your notion of how we use pressure control movements to create varying ski performance

All-Mountain Session
This clinic is an opportunity to explore all of the terrain that Copper Mountain has to offer. Expect to ski a lot of terrain and meet some new challenges

Official Suppliers at Copper Mountain

Thanks to the following PSIA-AASI Official Suppliers that will be represented at Copper Mountain. Join them Wednesday and Thursday to demo equipment and then party with them Wednesday night at the Supplier Party!

Shop suppliers