In the latest episode of the PSIA-AASI First Chair podcast, Kevin Jordan, Aspen Snowmass trainer and children’s supervisor and PSIA-AASI National Team member, discusses how teaching mountain biking can make you a better snowsports instructor.

According to Kevin, teaching mountain biking during the summer can help build camaraderie, hone teaching skills for winter instruction, and open doors to new certification pathways through the three associations that manage mountain bike instruction: Professional Mountain Biking Instructor Association (PMBIA), Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP), and the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC).

He notes that there are some nuances to mountain bike instruction, such as body positioning, terrain reading, and proper gear that can directly translate to your snowsports instruction. And, like skiing, many folks might not think they need a lesson, but no matter your level, there’s always technique to work on.

Kevin also discusses the importance of certification courses and how instruction is invaluable and applicable to your winter lessons. For example, PMBIA splits up its lessons into four key sections: explanation, demonstration, practice, and feedback. As Kevin relates, this lesson structure is very helpful when teaching snowsports.

Finally, you can receive PSIA-AASI credits for taking PMBIA courses, so what are you waiting for? Listen below and find out how you can spend your summers shredding the slopes on two wheels.

Click here to listen to this episode on Spotify

Header photo: Ian Zinner, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area