National Team
The PSIA-AASI National Team sets the standard for U.S. snowsports instruction and embodies the ski and snowboard experience. Representing adaptive, alpine, cross country, snowboard, and telemark disciplines, the team is responsible for promoting, supporting, and assisting with the development of PSIA-AASI education materials, programs, and activities at all levels. They also inspire, coach, and uplift the entire snowsports instruction profession. Selections for the National Team happen every four years. Hundreds try out for the opportunity to wear the patch and are selected not just for their ski/ride and teaching abilities, but also their people skills, ability to compliment a holistic “team,” and potential for positive impact on the greater PSIA-AASI community.
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A.J. Oliver
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Big Sky Resort, MT
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Steamboat Springs, CO
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
10 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Snowsports school management, Gear tech (i.e. bootfitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship, Background in racing or race coaching, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
What other work do you do?
Bike instructor
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Ann Schorling
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What other occupations are you involved in?
Leadership consulting.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
A week-long group of 7 and 8-year-olds in Portillo, Chile. None of them could stop when we started the week, but they LOVED to ski. We laughed and played a ton, and they brought pure joy to everyday.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Off-piste big mountain skiing, understanding people skills, figuring out what is getting in the way of success. Gender Equity, People Skills.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III and Telemark Level III, and Children’s Specialist 2.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
dark chocolate
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Make sure you spend time skiing or riding on your own so that you can let the learning sink in and continue to be playful
How many years have you been an instructor?
23
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I tried out for the telemark team in 2012 before making the alpine team in 2016
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Bart Flynn
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Jackson Hole Resort, Wyoming
What other occupations are you involved in?
Owner/Operator at Fitzgerald’s Bicycles.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Learning how to teach. When I first started teaching skiing, I knew how to ski but realized I had no idea how to teach someone else to ski. Developing an understand skiing and learning how to share that understanding with others has been an invaluable experience.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Besides being a ski nerd, I grew up ski racing and coached both kids and seniors (75+) for years. I still have a strong passion for racing and love to incorporate ideas from both recreational skiing and racing.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III with a Children’s Specialist 2 credential. United States Ski and Snowboard (USSS) Level 200.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I grew up skiing ice at Suicide Six in Vermont.
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Ben Potts
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Breckenridge, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Farming and noxious weed management
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
A couple summers ago, I signed up for Dave Lyon’s Race Camp to expand my skills. Dave made me feel supported and included from the moment I arrived, and it was a fun week of learning.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I have always valued being a well-rounded skier, and for me, freestyle is a big part of a rounded skillset. I also enjoy the raw excitement kids have for skiing.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III and Adaptive Level I, and Freestyle Specialist 3 and Children’s Specialist 2. United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSS) Freeskiing Level 300.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Dried Fruit
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Figure out how to enjoy the process.
How many years have you been an instructor?
15
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Summer is my favorite season to go skiing
Is there anything we missed asking?
As instructors, we put everything we have into our lessons – so it’s important we maintain our spark through the season. Find something that helps you stay excited. For me, it’s watching skiing videos while I eat breakfast.
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Brian Smith
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Gore Mountain, New York and Aspen Highlands, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Residential and commercial building industry.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
For the past five years, I ski with the same client for 18-20 consecutive days every season. My client? A (now) ten-year-old boy named Trevor. Two seasons ago he and I made it our mission to conquer the Aspen Highlands Bowl hike. It was awesome sharing in the preparation, self-arrest training, talks about altitude, and route decisions and tactics for accent. With the support of a friend who just happened to my oldest daughter Ellie, Trevor successfully made the over 12,000ft journey.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I’m a former alpine racer turned tree skiing bump freak! I love to clinic on how to clinic and connecting with people.
Relevant certifications?
Former Eastern Division Board Member and member of the Eastern Division Alpine Race Committee. PSIA-certified Alpine Level III with my Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I love fly fishing, snorkeling, boating, camping and adventuring with family.
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Dominique Vetromile
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School, Colorado
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
14 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Teaching skills., People skills., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Mentorship, Engaging underrepresented groups in snowsports / instruction, Running special events or group programs, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
What other work do you do?
Aspen Snowmass Trainer, PSIA – AASI RM Examiner
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Dusty Dyar
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Crested Butte, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Carpentry.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Spending several days practicing synchronized skiing for Interski. I learned a lot about the ins and outs of synchro, and modifying my skiing to match my partners improved my skills. The experience encouraged me to continue practicing on my own.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I am involved with children’s education, big mountains and steeps, and some freestyle. I truly love to be on snow coaching skiing and spending time with fellow instructors. I also enjoy offering entertaining presentations.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Alpine Level III and Snowboard Level I with a Children’s Specialist 2 credential.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Skittles
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Take the time to learn the technical and teaching skills, and develop intentional use of people skills. It is easy to rise to a performance and think you are ready, but.you need to spend time repeating that performance untill you own it. Then you will be able to demonstrate your ownership of skills despite any distractions during assessment.
How many years have you been an instructor?
30
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
If I told you then everyone will know….. I’ve become a picky donut eater.
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Elle Matalavage
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Stevens Pass, Washington
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Tussey Mountain, Pennsylvania
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
15 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Freestyle / freeride, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship, Engaging underrepresented groups in snowsports / instruction
What other work do you do?
I work as a truck driver in the construction industry and work as an arborist.
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George Flynn
Alpine Team member
George Flynn
Where is your home mountain?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What other occupations are you involved in?
I own a bike shop.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Coaching a client into Corbet’s Couloir. It combines mental strength, understanding, execution of technique, and creative tactics in an ever-changing high consequence arena. Watching the lasting high of them complete this bucket list item was very inspiring.
What are your specialties as a team member?
In addition to training staff and teaching students, I’ve spent a lot of time coaching racing, both children’s and masters programs.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III. Children’s Specialist 2 credentials. United States Ski and Snowboard Association Level 200.
Is there anything we missed asking?
Born and raised in Vermont!!
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Jeb Boyd
National Team Head Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Loon, New Hampshire
What other occupations are you involved in?
Outdoor adventure.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Creating an environment where my students can experiment, explore, and play, and then follow this with plenty of time for practice.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I’m a generalist, and I am open to learning new methods. I also share my experiences with other to help make the profession of snowsports instruction more attainable for our membership. Simplifying complex ideas is my specialty.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III, Children’s Specialist 2 credential.What is your favorite on-snow snack?
SnickersHow many years have you been an instructor?
41
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I like to surf
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Joshua Fogg
Alpine Team
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
I am the training manager for the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen, a Rocky Mountain Division examiner, and a member of the PSIA-RM Alpine Committee.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Recently, I’ve spent time thinking about and working with how boot alignment affects our enjoyment of skiing. Fit has a strong impact on our motivation to learn and improve. People who feel their equipment works for them are willing to put in more work to improve their skills.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I specialize in how instructor training translates into transformative guest experiences. I focus on how to train future trainers in outcome-based training so that we can share our knowledge with other instructors in inspiring and relevant ways. I truly believe that we can be more impactful with a broader range of people to create a sense of belonging to the sport if we understand it deeply and fully.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III, Cross Country Level I, and Telemark Level I, Freestyle Specialist 1 and Children’s Specialist 1 credential.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Hot drinks- either coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or hot cider
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Read the manuals. If you can get your hands on older manuals, read those too. Look for what is timeless between them. Those are the most important things to focus on and will help make all of the other things make sense. Practice different drills way more than you think you need to. The more things you can do on skis will make you a better skier and teacher. People learn really well by watching and copying. We are hard-wired to learn movements through this approach.
How many years have you been an instructor?
37
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I had a radio show in college.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I’m interested in shaping instruction techniques around how people learn motor skill sports in mountain environments. The measure of a successful lesson is their excitement for the sport and ability to independently repeat what they learned.
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Katie white
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Yellowstone Club, Montana and Portillo, Chile
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Chestnut, IL
How long have you been instructing?
14 years
What PSIA-AASI certifications do you hold?
Alpine Level 3, Snowboard Level 2, Cross Country Level 2, children’s specialist 2, freestyle specialist 1, alpine examiner
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff., fitness content to improve technical ability. Children’s specialist, Snowsports school management, Gear tech (i.e. bootfitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship, Engaging underrepresented groups in snowsports / instruction, Running special events or group programs, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
What other work do you do?
PSIA Alpine 3 Examiner, Ski School Director Portillo, Yellowstone Club Training Manager, CARV Ambassador
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Swedish fish
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Embrace the process and learning that takes place while in pursuit of the certification. If you are unsuccessful, trust that learning has still occurred. I have been guilty of placing too much “weight” on getting the pin, and lost sight of the true purpose I am going after it, which is to learn and become a better instructor. So, celebrate your progress regardless of where you are in the process! Secondly, devote some true time, energy and attention towards your training!
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Kevin Jordan
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain and where did you learn to slide?
I learned to slide on snow at Gunstock, NH. My home mountain was Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, MA. Now it is Snowmass in Colorado.
What other occupations are you involved in?
In the summer, I help manage a bike school. It’s similar to ski and snowboard school but with bikes instead of boards. I also do freelance writing for industry publications.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Teaching my children how to ski and love the mountain lifestyle. It can be challenging at times, but the reward of watching them progress is worth it. It’s awesome when they say, “Dad, did you see that?” after catching some air!
How many years have you been an instructor?
29 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
I try to diversify my skill sets as much as possible. For example, alpine, ski racing, children’s instruction, freestyle, and backcountry skiing. I truly believe that everyone has something to offer so I approach participants in my clinics that way. I may learn just as much from them as they learn from me.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III, and Freestyle Specialist 3 and Children’s Specialist 2. PMBIA (Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association) – Level 1 Course Conductor. American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Level 3 Avalanche Certificate.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Pocket bacon. Who doesn’t love pocket bacon!
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Find mentors and peers who will help you. However, you have to do the work. So start now.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I did dabble in stand-up comedy. I am retired now or maybe I wasn’t that funny!
Is there anything we missed asking?
I am a husband and a father of two kids who keep me on my toes. I love to travel and learning.
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Matt Boyd
Alpine Development Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Loon Mountain, New HampshireWhat other occupations are you involved in?
Waterparks and ziplines.Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
It was at a rainy training session at Loon over 20 years ago when I realized that it is not the “progression” that is important – it are the steps you take to help create learning.What are your specialties as a team member?
Coaching is my specialty. I love helping people find their keys to success.Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III with a Children’s Specialist 2 credential. Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Red Cross lifeguard instructor, certified pool operator.What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Beef Jerky
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Learn to coach yourself – it’ll make you more effective teaching others
How many years have you been an instructor?
37 years
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have webbed toes
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Michael Rogan
Alpine Technical Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Heavenly Resort, California and Portillo, Chile
What other occupations are you involved in?
I am a snowmaker in the summertime – I go to South America.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I once spent time with a survivor of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 that crashed in the Andes – the story inspired the book and film Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors. It was his first time on snow since the crash. It taught me that sometimes skiing is not the important part of a lesson.
What are your specialties as a team member?
General alpine
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III, Children’s Specialist 2. I have my explosives license in Chile for avalanche mitigation.What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Wintergreen Lifesavers
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Put in the work. There is no shortcut on the road to gaining experience.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I hope that our members take the opportunity to get to know this team. It is made up of great skiers and riders, teachers, and people. -
Mike Hafer
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Breckenridge, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Breckenridge Ski and Snowboard School Manager
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
An instructor came to me for advice on training for his Level III. We chatted fitness, technique, and planning. After four years of dedication, he achieved his Level at the young age of 70!
What are your specialties as a team member?
I teach all ages and all levels. This experience helps me coach instructors how to connect with their students of all ages and skills. When asked about what role on the team I fill, I believe it would be on the technical side of skiing.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III and Children’s Specialist 2 credential.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Chocolate Chip Cookies
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
I often hear that as an instructor; one doesn’t have enough to train for an assessment. The certification is a verification that one has the skills and knowledge to be certified at any particular level. As instructors, we can improve our skills each and every time we are on the hill with our guests or free skiing/riding. It just takes a little dedication to one’s development. Find a coach to help guide you, then take that information and improve on it no matter what skill level or terrain you are working at. Moving slowly can be just as important as moving with speed. Challenge yourself to demonstrate a low-end maneuver at a very high skill level. In the same light, challenge yourself to teach at a high level when teaching beginners. Check in with your coach on a consistent frequency to track your progress. Enjoy the journey
How many years have you been an instructor?
31
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A little trivia that I like to share about myself is that I have a first descent outside of Valle Nevado while heli skiing out of the resort. We were lucky enough to have the right weather and timing to be able to explore a run that had never been skied. The run was roughly 5000 vertical feet of untouched powder!
Is there anything we missed asking?
I am honored to serve my third term on the team.
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Peter Novom
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Okemo, Vermont
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Temple Mtn, New Hampshire
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
24 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Freestyle / freeride, Snowsports school management, Gear tech (i.e. bootfitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship
What other work do you do?
Training Manager, Ski & Ride School, Okemo Mountain
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Stephen Helfenbein
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Deer Valley, Utah
What other occupations are you involved in?
None! I’m all in on skiing.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Facilitating the PSIA-certification process for coaches and athletes of the U.S. Ski Team. It was so impressive to see how elite athletes can adapt their skill sets to meet the demands of PSIA-AASI’s level III certification.
What are your specialties as a team member?
High performance off-piste skiing, teaching skills, training skills and certification training.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III and Children’s Specialist 2 credential.
Is there anything we missed asking?
Teaching skiing is my favorite activity. No matter what I’m doing (running, cycling, paddling, strength training, skating) I am considering the implications for snow sports instruction.
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Troy Walsh
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Sunday River, Maine
What other occupations are you involved in?
Pool construction.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
When I realized how long it takes to build skills. You may have heard about the theory on how it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. I am amazed how long that it takes, and in awe to see how many skillful people are out there.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Anything alpine. I am a utility player, I flex ability to travel all over the country.
Relevant certifications?
Alpine Level III. Children’s Specialist 2. Licensed Maine guide.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
RX Bar
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Stay focused, and allow time for learning
How many years have you been an instructor?
34 years
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m kind of a food nerd.
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Zoe Mavis
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Big Sky, Montana
What other occupations are you involved in?
Whitewater rafting
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Teaching first-time kids to ski in Portillo, Chille.
What are your specialties as a team member?
My Passions include training fellow instructors and helping them reach their goals. I also am a Children’s Clinician and love helping instructors learn new ways to connect with kids and get them stoked on the sport.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III and Cross Country Level I certified with Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials. United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSS) Level 200.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Fig bar
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Look at it as an investment in yourself and your future
How many years have you been an instructor?
20
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I don’t have a middle name
Is there anything we missed asking?
If you can’t find me on the ski hill or the river, I’m most likely playing with my dogs or riding my motorcycle.
Engage With the National Team
Member instructors have the opportunity to interact with the National Team at major PSIA-AASI events. Member schools and regions can bring one (or several) National Team members to their ski area, Nordic center, or snowsports event. As ambassadors for the highest echelons of the snowsports instruction profession, they educate, inspire, uplift, and influence members of our community everywhere. Their skills and passion can elevate your next event, excite and inspire your staff, or provide instruction at the highest level.
