2021-24 National Team: Meet Chuck Hewitt
Chuck Hewitt is a member of the 2021-24 PSIA-AASI National Team where he will help set the standard for snowsports instruction. PSIA-AASI hand-selected the 37 team members for their range of skills that allow them to serve as inspirational leaders and build enthusiasm for learning and having fun skiing and riding.
Meet AASI Team member Chuck Hewitt then listen to his podcast.
Where is your home mountain?
Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
I spend the summers working as a mountain and road bike guide.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I got my first gig teaching snowboarding at Marquette Mountain in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for the free pass that came along with the job. After my first lesson, I was hooked on teaching and have been instructing ever since.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I love getting into the tech side of all things snowboarding from time to time, but when it comes down to it, people skills are my jam… and of course snowskating!
Any relevant certifications?
Snowboard Level III, Alpine Level II, Cross Country Level II, Telemark Level I with Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials.
Who is your greatest inspiration as an instructor?
Big shout-out to Spike Eisenman at Beaver Creek for showing me the industry ropes, believing in me, and helping steer me down the path of becoming a trainer, an examiner, and eventually a member of the national team.
Best part of teaching?
Spreading the stoke of snowsports is the best part of teaching. Helping students find the joy in our sport is what keeps me coming back season after season. Combine that with the friends you make and the relationships you build on both sides of the morning lineup, and I can think of very few things I would rather be doing.
What’s your favorite run at your home mountain?
Haha…nice try. Everyone knows the best runs aren’t labeled on the map. I can’t give up my secrets that easy, but I am happy to show you around for a lap or two if you can find your way out to Colorado!
Is there anything we missed asking?
“Great guiding isn’t about being the strongest climber or the toughest hombre on the trail. It’s about deflating your ego, subsuming your success into other peoples, and mastering the inner game. If you can do that, the trade will probably still not reward you with a comfortable living, but it will give you one hell of a life.” – Outdoor author Bruce Barcott
