Ski Spectacular Returns for First Live Event in Two Years

After a virtual event in 2020, the Hartford Ski Spectacular – conducted by Move United – returned to Breckenridge, Colorado, last week for an action-packed event of lessons, clinics, and race camps, including events specifically for PSIA-AASI instructors.

PSIA-AASI Director of Education Dave Schuiling, who attended the event with Digital Learning Manager Kelly Levitas and PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team Coach Geoff Krill, said, “This event is truly spectacular in so many ways with lots of moving parts. The programs offered included learn to ski and snowboard lessons, Level I Race, Nordic skiing, biathlon, curling, sled hockey, and networking events off hill.”

Kelly helped kick off the event working with Beth Fox, longtime PSIA-AASI adaptive curriculum manager, to register instructors for their clinics.

“The most memorable part about Ski Spec was just how excited everyone was to be there and in-person,” Kelly said. “Last year, the whole event was virtual, which went well. This year they offered virtual session to help include people who felt unsafe traveling, and to help prepare participants attending the on-snow portion.”

Kelly and Dave took the opportunity to capture video content for a couple of education projects that are in the works.

“We wanted to capture all the parts of a lesson, from assessing the learner at the beginning of the day to helping them make their first turns,” said Dave. “We were thrilled to work with Matt Scott, a Hartford athlete, five-time Paralympian, two-time gold medalist, and wheelchair basketball player, as he experienced mono-skiing for the very first time.”

Dave said the video footage captures the Learning Connection in action, “We filmed Matt as he experienced the thrill of learning something brand new, including a first lift ride that was down-right scary while attached to a heavy piece of sliding equipment.”

“Trust was the number one fundamental to get him up that first ride!” Dave said. “We were also able to catch up with new Executive Director of the Kelly Brush Foundation, Edie Perkins, for her first turns in a mono-ski.”

Want to improve your adaptive lesson skills? You can attend Adaptive Academy 2022 this April 19 through 22 in Big Sky, Montana and earn 18 CEUs. Lean more and register today.