Episode 758 | Year-Round Ski and Ride Training with SkyTechSport In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with SkyTechSport co-founder Alex Golunov and account manager Connor Bishop about how their cutting-edge ski and snowboard simulator is helping people train smarter—anytime, anywhere. Learn how the simulator replicates g-forces, edge angles, and pressure points to support both high-performance athletes and brand-new skiers.

Alex shares how SkyTechSport evolved from a college project into a global training tool now used by the U.S. Ski Team, while Connor explains how PSIA-AASI instructors are integrating it into lessons and even launching their own indoor ski studios. The team also explores how the simulator aids in rehabilitation, offers real-time feedback, and includes immersive runs like the Streif and Cortina d'Ampezzo to keep training dynamic and fun.

To learn more, visit thesnowpros.org.
https://soundcloud.com/snowpro....s/episode-758-year-r

Episode 757 | The 5 Elements of Inspirational Instruction - Part 3 - w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti In the final episode of this three-part series, host George Thomas is joined by Dr. Josh Pighetti and PSIA-AASI National Team members Matt Larson and Zoe Mavis for a deep dive into the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Technical Expertise, Instructional Communication, Masterful Teaching, Professional Character, and a Student-Centered Approach.

Together, they explore how inspirational instructors blend strong technical skills with empathy, creativity, and adaptability to meet students where they are. Zoe and Matt share real-world stories about modifying their delivery while staying true to themselves and how those small shifts lead to stronger student relationships and more meaningful learning moments. They also talk about building shared language, navigating tricky dynamics (like parent involvement), and helping students feel like they truly belong in the snowsports community.

Whether you're a first-year instructor or a seasoned trainer, this conversation offers thoughtful insights, practical tools, and plenty of inspiration for connecting more deeply with your students — and with the sport you love. Learn more about this research and the collaboration between Pennsylvania State University and PSIA-AASI by heading to thesnowpros.org.
https://soundcloud.com/snowpro....s/episode-757-the-5-

Episode 756: The Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction — Part 2 w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti In Episode 756 of the First Chair Podcast, George Thomas continues the conversation with Dr. Josh Pighetti to explore the remaining three of the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Masterful Teaching, Personal and Professional Character, and the Student-Centered Approach. These principles—rooted in Josh’s doctoral research—offer actionable strategies to create meaningful, engaging lessons that put students at the heart of the learning experience.

This conversation is part of PSIA-AASI’s ongoing partnership with Penn State University, which supports instructors through access to online snowsports courses, certification-aligned academic programs, and advanced degrees. Leaders like Josh are helping shape a more inspired and research-driven future for snowsports education.

Catch up on Part 1 if you missed it, and visit thesnowpros.org to learn more about this exciting collaboration.
https://soundcloud.com/snowpro....s/episode-756-the-fi

Episode 755: The Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction — Part 1 w/ Dr. Josh Pighetti In Episode 755 of the First Chair Podcast, George Thomas talks with Dr. Josh Pighetti about the first two of the Five Elements of Inspirational Instruction: Technical Expertise and Instructional Communication. These insights come from Josh’s doctoral research and offer practical tools for creating more impactful, student-centered lessons have powerful implications for instructors at all levels.

This work is part of a growing collaboration between PSIA-AASI and Penn State University, aimed at expanding access to online snowsports courses, certification pathways, and academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to master’s and Ph.D. studies. Researchers like Josh and emerging leaders like Sierra are helping shape the future of snowsports education.

Listen to the next episode to continue the dive into Inspirational Instruction. To learn more about this collaboration, head to thesnowpros.org.
https://soundcloud.com/snowpro....s/episode-755-the-fi

Episode 754 | A National Team Member's Path to Adaptive Level III with Lyndsey Stevens In this episode of First Chair, PSIA-AASI National Team member Lindsey Stevens joins host George Thomas to discuss her recent achievement of earning her Adaptive Snowboard Level III certification — the first in over a decade in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Lindsey shares how her path into adaptive snowsports began at Vail, and how that experience reshaped her approach to teaching and riding. She talks about the preparation process, the value of teamwork and mentorship, and the pressure of pursuing high-level certification as a team member.

This conversation offers insights into the commitment behind certification success and reinforces the importance of staying curious and adaptable — no matter where you are in your snowsports career. Learn more at thesnowpros.org.
https://soundcloud.com/snowpro....s/episode-754-a-nati