AJ - methodAs an alumni member of the American Association of Snowboard Instructors National Team, I just returned from two days of riding at a pre-opening day Copper Mountain. I had a chance to talk with the current Team Members about what the new things on the horizon for snowboard teaching are, and what's coming up in the future for instructors.
First of all, the important stuff. We rode more than two feet of powder on Thursday. Copper is closed right now to the public, but as a team we are able to ride on the one run they have for us. There are several race teams also on the mountain, riding in the afternoon, while the PSIA and AASI National Teams ski and ride in the morning.
AJ Muss - noseslide We even had Patrol take a few of us on a few tours of some closed runs, where we were able to help them pack the runs for the upcoming opening day next Friday.
There's a revised Snowboard Instructors Manual in final revisions! It should come out this winter, and add some needed modernization and detail to the information included in the previous manual which was released back in 1998.
AJ and Lake Wanaka, NZThe Team is also trying to put together a Tour for some of the team, where they will visit many ski areas and be able to take some of their new instructors out and introduce them to the concept of AASI Training and Certification. Hopefully they can get much more participation from the new instructors as they begin their careers in a field that we love so much. Of course, the whole goal is to provide better instruction and experiences for all the new snowboarders out there. It's beginning to look a lot like winter in Colorado! I'm looking forward to riding with as many of you as I can! Stay tuned to my site to hear about all my upcoming events and programs, like the new coaching program, and snowboard and skateboard trips!
Ride the Powder! --Gregg