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.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III and Telemark Level III, and Children’s Specialist 2.
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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.
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 Donovan
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Mount Snow Resort, Vermont
What other occupations are you involved in?
I work at the resort year-round, but have spent time in the past working full-time as a whitewater raft guide and safety kayaker, as well as working as a guide and trainer at an aerial adventure park and zip line tour.
Describe a teaching experience that sticks out in your mind.
I instructed a couple who returned almost 10 years later for me to teach their son. They said the snowboard lesson had been a great experience and they wanted their son to learn so they could snowboard as a family. I realized that lessons can be potentially life-changing to our students. The experience reminds me to be 100 percent clued into the moment when working with students.
What are your specialties in your role as a team member?
I’m a member on the AASI Snowboard Team, but have been working with all of the disciplines on the Certification Standards and the Certification Standards Performance Guides for a few years now.
Relevant certifications?
AASI-certified Snowboard Level III, and Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials.
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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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Chris Rogers
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Vail, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Snowboard, Freestyle, and Children’s Examiner and the Snowboard Education Committee Chair for Rocky Mountain Division. Director of WNTR, an online ski and snowboard school training platform and mountain-town consultancy. Summer Seasonal Assistant Manager, Amenities & Activities, at Colorado’s Red Sky Golf Club.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
One of my recent focuses has been on the word “control” in the fundamentals, and how that enables us to look at both increasing and decreasing performance in relationship with a specific fundamental. For example, “Control the board’s pivot through flexion/extension and rotation of the body” could be used to look at how someone is creating pivot using front or back leg steering in a skidded turn, or how someone might need to work on reducing pivot in the initiation of a turn to carve better!
What are your specialties as a team member?
Multi-discipline indoor presentations, trainer development, e-learning design, social media management, leadership training and development, meeting facilitation, certification standards, training program development and consulting, improvisation clinics, web design, photo and video work.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Snowboard Level III and Alpine Level I with Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials. United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association Level 200. American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education Avalanche 1.
Is there anything we missed asking?
Follow my adventures on Instagram: @livewntr
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Cori Lambert
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
I am self-taught, and started riding on big mountain in Whitefish, MT
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
13 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. Freestyle/freeride, 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?
Coach CrossFit and coach gymnastics competitive and recreational.
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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.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Alpine Level III and Snowboard Level I with a Children’s Specialist 2 credential.
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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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Eric Rolls
National Snowboard Team Technical Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Woodward – Park City, Utah
What other occupations are you involved in?
Ski and Snowboard School Training Manager at Park City Resort. PSIA-AASI-I Examiner.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
For me, the most impactful learning experiences are when I start out as a teacher and then become the learner during the process.
What are your specialties as a team member?
As a coach, my role is to lead the team, help team members develop, and demonstrate skills and behaviors by example.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Snowboard Level III and Alpine Level I, Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 2.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I’ve served on the PSIA-AASI National Team for three terms (13 years). This will be my first full term as a coach, and I’m excited to learn, grow, and lead the snowboard team. -
Geoff Krill
Adaptive Team Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Loon Mountain, New HampshireWhat other occupations are you involved in?
Resiliency specialist and motivational/public speaker, chief facilitator of fun at Eastern Adaptive Sports, adaptive examiner for the PSIA-AASI Eastern Division, training manager for the Loon Ski and Snowboard School.Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I always go back to my first time learning to Mono ski after my injury. I was a skier before, and I was not prepared to learn from the beginning all over again. The experience taught me learning is hard, and that without the right direction and input the learner might struggle and fail. My career as an instructor is based on that learning moment. The first turn is the most important turn to make successfully – after that it’s all fun!What are your specialties as a team member?
My ability to bridge the gap between the adaptive sliding sports. I am passionate about adaptive sports and always willing to contribute and help innovate so the sports can progress.Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Adaptive Level III and Adaptive Snowboard Level I certifications, and Children’s Specialist 1 credential.Is there anything we missed asking?
Adaptive sports are a defining contributor to my life both personally and professionally. My passion and drive to bring success to others through quality instruction and opportunities is what drives me every day, and will continue to drive me. -
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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Gregory Dixon
Telemark Team Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Mt Bachelor, Oregon
What other occupations are you involved in?
Bike guiding and instruction.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I’ve learned a ton this year working with some really gifted trainers at Bachelor. Most notably, how to build connections, deliver meaningful – and useful – feedback, and how to serve as a mentor.
What are your specialties in regards to your role as a Team member?
Managing and leading. As the training director for Mt. Bachelor’s Ski and Ride School, I get a lot of practice building our clinic leading staff.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Alpine Level III, Telemark Level III, Cross Country Level I, Snowboard Level I, and Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1. Professional Mountain Bikers Association Certified. -
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. -
Jesse Yedwab
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Breckenridge, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Alpine Valley / Brighton / Pine Knob, Michigan
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
9 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), People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff., Safety in navigating pieces of the resort. Children’s specialist, Freestyle/freeride, Gear tech (i.e. boot fitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, Running special events or group programs, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.), Coaching and long-term development of athletes.
What other work do you do?
Landscape design & build / Slopestyle and Halfpipe coaching
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Josh Smith
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Mammoth Mountain, CA
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
My first turns were in Southern California at Mt High. I did not take a lesson but wish I had.
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
13 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, Mentorship, Background in racing or race coaching, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
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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.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III, Cross Country Level I, and Telemark Level I, Freestyle Specialist 1 and Children’s Specialist 1 credential.
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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justin arndt
Cross Country Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Coaching at Colorado State University , Colorado and Crested Butte Nordic, Colorado.
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Devil’s Thumb Nordic, Colorado; Loveland Ski Area, Colorado; Jeffco Ski Team, Colorado
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
4 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), People skills., Why it’s important to ski with a pro. Gear tech (i.e. bootfitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Background in racing or race coaching, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.), Opportunities to compete at various levels/ages.
What other work do you do?
Currently at Colorado State University giving tours, soon to change after the summer…not sure what to.
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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
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
11 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), 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
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Keith Rodney
Telemark Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Mount Snow, Vermont/Berkshire East, MA
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Haystack mtn Ski School, VT
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
34 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., History. Children’s specialist, 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, Mentorship, Background in racing or race coaching, Running special events or group programs, History
What other work do you do?
Build cabinets, Furniture and do home restoration.
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Kevin Jordan
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass, 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!
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.
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.
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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Lyndsey Stevens
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Vail, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Snowsports instructor and trainer.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I taught a never-ever who came back week after week all season. Toward the end of the season, he asked me how he could become an instructor. It was incredible to see him go from never-ever to instructing. His dedication and excitement reminded me that we can all accomplish amazing things.
What are your specialties as a team member?
On snow and indoor training on topics that include people skills, teaching skills, and technical skills.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Snowboard Level III, Alpine Level I, Adaptive Snowboard Level I. Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1. United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association Level 100.
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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. -
Matt Larson
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Big Sky, Montana
What other occupations are you involved in?
Papa and family man, critical care nurse, whitewater kayak instructor, raft guide.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Sitting on a 125cc motorcycle with the goal of learning to ride. It reminded me it’s both exciting and scary to learn a new sport.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I focus my attention on freestyle coaching, commonalities between disciplines, and creating environments to coach people skills.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Snowboard Level III and Telemark Level I, and Snowboard Freestyle Level 3 and Children’s Specialist 2.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I am goofy-footed. I prefer to spin counterclockwise. I love Lucky Charms. My middle name is Charles. I wore a helmet when driving for the first six months after receiving my driver’s license.
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Melodie Buell
Adaptive Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Oregon Adaptive Sports and Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Mt. Ashland, Oregon
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
12 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., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Gear tech (i.e. boot fitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, mentorship, background in racing or race coaching, running special events or group programs, training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.), adaptive and other discipline cross over, or benefits to both.
What other work do you do?
Fulltime, year-round Education and Training Manager for Oregon Adaptive Sports. I focus on mountain biking, including aMTB, cycling, and paddling in the summer.
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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.
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. -
Michael Stanley
Telemark Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Breckenridge, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Breckenridge Ski and Snowboard School, Breckenridge
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
11 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. Children’s specialist, Freestyle/freeride, Gear tech (i.e. boot fitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Mentorship, Background in racing or race coaching.
What other work do you do?
Landscaping.
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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.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III and Children’s Specialist 2 credential.
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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Ryan Latham
Adaptive Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Spicy Run, Ohio (now defunct)
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
20 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., Adaptive Topics, combining adaptive concepts for alpine and snowboard schools. Children’s specialist, 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?
Raft guide on the Roaring Fork, Arkansas, and Colorado rivers. Mountain bike coach.
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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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Tony Macri
Snowboard Team Development Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Copper Mountain, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Chef Executive Officer and Owner of Snow Trainers LTD
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I would say the first-time teaching in China. No one in my group spoke English, so the lesson had to be extra fun and engaging to keep everyone’s attention and for them to understand the exercises.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Snowboard Development Coach, I have been in involved and continue to specialize in Freestyle as the chair of the Freestyle Task Force and Co-Author of the freestyle manual as well as the snowboard certification process.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Snowboard Level III and Alpine Level III with Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials. Two-Time SBINZ National Team Member (Snowboard Instructor of New Zealand).
Is there anything we missed asking?
I love to meet and engage with people all over the world about how we can continue to grow our sport. -
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.
Relevant certifications?
Alpine Level III. Children’s Specialist 2. Licensed Maine guide.
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Tulie Budiselich
Cross Country Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Methow Valley, Washington
What other occupations are you involved in?
I’m an Equine Assisted Therapy and Competitive Equestrian Coach, and I also do freelance photography and design.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Watching a fellow snowsports instructor teach a 3-year-old how to snowboard. Their creativity in keeping this little rider not only engaged, but actually performing complex skills blew me away. It is something that motivates me to stay curious and give every student my full attention.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Dryland training and coaching functional movement both on and off snow; coaching master skiers, and amateur athlete’s, coaching coaches!
Any relevant certifications or accreditations?
PSIA-certified Cross Country Level III.
Is there anything we missed asking?
In addition to cross country skiing, I enjoy alpine skiing AND snowboarding and am delighted to be on the team with some of the best in the biz.
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Zeke Fashingbauer
Cross Country Team Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Minocqua Winter Park, WisconsinWhat other occupations are you involved in?
Minocqua Winter Park Ski Shop and Ski School, Manager
Lakeland Nordic Ski Team, Coach
PSIA CENTRAL, Cross Country Administrator
ZFash LLC Carpentry, OwnerDescribe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
When I was still a very green instructor, I taught a lesson to two kids from Texas who had never seen snow and had no idea that there was anything wrong with skiing in the rain on ice. We were the only ones skiing that day and had a great time. A week later the postman delivered a handwritten thank you card and handmade bracelet. This solidified our ski school motto “We’ll go skiing if you’ll go skiing”What are your specialties as a team member?
Hype andcoercingmotivating others to cross country skiRelevant certifications?
CS2 (most valuable PSIA-AASI course), Tele 2, CC3, US Ski and Snowboard L100 -
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.
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.
