Hey Ski & Ride School Instructors!
If you were here over the holiday week it was amazing. Great skiing, lots of lessons, waist deep powder in Private Reserve, sunshine, first timer lessons, a new Fun Zone with 2 carpets – everything a snow sports instructor loves about their job! Now that the epic holiday rush is over, we are hitting the program lessons in full force … and regularly scheduled evening clinics are now available – please check the clinic and training calendar here: https://mhm.snowproportal.com/calendar
Paid Trainings
If you are a returning or experienced instructor new to Mt. Hood Meadows we have allotted 6 hours of paid training for you. You must attend a “Rehire Clinic” of which some are scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday night – please sign up on the instructor portal. In addition to the mandatory rehire clinic (which is just a 2 hour clinic) you have 2 more paid clinics you can attend this season. For example, this weekend we are offering a “Teaching Beyond First Time and Beginner Lessons”. This clinic is also intended for new instructors who just went through our hiring process – we require those instructors to attend 4 hours of additional training this season and you may choose from any of the paid training events to fulfill this requirement.
For more information about Paid Trainings see this page:
https://mhm.snowproportal.com/training/paid-training-information
Adaptive Training is Paid Training, too
If you are looking to expand your game and teach physically challenged or the visually impaired you may attend any of the Adaptive Clinics led by PSIA-NW Adaptive Examiner Kathleen Priest. These are also paid trainings, so there is no excuse to not learn about this growing segment of lesson students. The first clinics are this weekend on the topic of Adaptive Sit Ski lessons.
See this page for more clinic topics and dates: https://mhm.snowproportal.com/events/categories/paid-training-adaptive
PSIA-AASI Level 1 Certification
If you are considering taking the PSIA-AASI Level I Exam to obtain a Nationally recognized certification this season here is some important information. We have create a process and lots of good information that will help you navigate the steps of joining, getting certified and maintaining your membership in the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) collectively referred to as PSIA-AASI. For more information, please see this page:
https://mhm.snowproportal.com/training/level-1-exam-info
We are offering an Indoor Level 1 clinic session to help you get started. There are two sessions this week:
http://mhm.snowproportal.com/events/level-1-indoor-session-2
http://mhm.snowproportal.com/events/level-1-indoor-session
You must attend one of the indoor sessions if you are not already a PSIA-AASI member. Level 1 exam candidates will also be required to attend 4 on-snow sessions to be eligible to take the Level 1 Exam. Details will be covered during the indoor session. The Alpine Level 1 Exam Schedule for the season has been published. The Snowboard Level 1 Exam are being finalized now.
The Alpine Level 1 Exam Schedule is here:
https://mhm.snowproportal.com/events/categories/level-1-exam
PSIA-AASI Certification Interest Signup – Levels 1, 2 or 3 – Alpine or Snowboard
Please let us know your level of interest in taking an exam this season. You can quickly and easily let us know your commitment level by completing the form on the instructor portal.
The URL is here: https://mhm.snowproportal.com/training/certification-interest
And finally – Programs! Get your Programs!
If you are teaching a multi-week program class for the next 4 to 6 weeks (kids or adults), have a plan! First, get to know your students by name. Find out their aspirations and let them be part of the goal setting process. And given that this week is likely some of the first days they’ve been skiing or riding this season, be sure to “get warmed up.” Sure, maybe they were riding Easy Rider and shredding the gnar last season, however that was 9 months ago, and now I’m older, taller, more clumsy, have new gear, am concerned about my peers, don’t have any friends in the class, I’m scared, I’m excited, I forgot my gloves, etc. – you get the idea here. Allow your students to get things dialed in and let them figure out what they’re doing again before you bombard them 3 to 5 of the coolest new moves.
How about you review what we know. How about The Responsibility Code? How about putting skis or snowboard on when there’s new snow? What about riding the lift? These are things that may be review, but are very important. Have a separation plan! Where do I go if I’m lost? What’s my instructor’s name and what does he/she look like (beside a green coat and grey pants)? Maybe I’m new to lessons (either as an instructor or a student) – remember what that’s like! There is so much to be planning and thinking about on these first days of programs.
Now maybe you’re ready to teach them something? How about what a good, athletic stance looks like for skiing and snowboarding. And how do I do it? What joints do I flex? What should it feel like? Where should I carry my hands? How do I flex my ankles. If you cover all of this on the first day, saving the 3 to 5 cool moves for the next lesson, that will be plenty!
And remember … why are they here? Why are you here?
TO HAVE FUN!
I look forward to seeing many of you at morning huddles, on the hill joining your classes for a run or two and most certainly at the evening clinics meeting at 3:45pm in the Adult Lesson Meeting area.
See you then!
Tyler