| Friday, January 16th, 2026 |
|
|
These communications are voluntary and unpaid. |
Hi Ski & Ride School Pros,
Now that we have launched SRS in My Epic and Lesson Connect, we want to share the story behind one of the most exciting parts of the new Ski & Ride School experience in the My Epic App: Skills Standards. These standards are the foundation for how we track progress, celebrate milestones, and create a consistent, elevated experience for every guest.
|
|
|
Why Skills Standards Matter |
-
Improved and Consistent Guest Experience: Guests will see clear, meaningful progress across lessons, resorts, and seasons.
- Celebratory Moments: Badges and milestones highlight achievements in real time, making every step of the journey exciting.
-
Instructor Insights: Standards provide a clear framework for feedback tied to goals, helping you guide guests confidently from first turns to advanced terrain.
|
|
|
Your Expertise Still Leads the Way |
While these standards provide a clear structure for tracking and celebrating progress, you remain the architect of every lesson. Continue using your proven teaching tactics, drills, and PSIA-AASI fundamentals; your expertise is what makes the experience exceptional. The Skills Standards simply reinforce that learning in a way that is easy to understand and exciting for guests, helping them see and celebrate the value you deliver.
|
|
|
The Experts Behind the Standards
|
These standards were developed by some of the most respected leaders in our industry:
|
-
Robin Barnes – PSIA National Team member, renowned for shaping instructional best practices.
- Brian Donovan – AASI leader & National Team member with deep expertise in training and guest experience.
- Mike Evans – PSIA educator and technical specialist in ski instruction.
- Scott Birrell – PSIA-AASI educator focused on aligning teaching methods with guest-friendly language.
- Denny Weber – Keystone Resort Trainer (PSIA 3, CS2, FS1)
- Tamara Konduros – Whistler Blackcomb Instructor recognized for bringing valuable insight into Canadian standards (CSIA Level 2)
- Max Leabman – Former: Resort Trainer, Head Snowboard Coach, USSS LVL300, USSS Examiner, USASA Head Judge, AASI cert 1
- David Caputo - Heavenly Resort Trainer and Divisional Clinic Leader (PSIA 3)
-
Hazza Block – Mt. Snow Trainer (AASI 2)
- Charlie McNeeley - Stowe Mountain Resort Trainer (PSIA 3)
- Danielle Berg - Stowe Mountain Resort Instructor (AASI 3)
-
Madeline Roamer - Breckenridge Resort Instructor on Pro Committee (PSIA 2)
|
The combined expertise across these leaders ensures our standards reflect PSIA-AASI fundamentals and translate technical concepts into clear, approachable language, helping guests understand their progress and feel confident in every step of the way.
|
How We Created the Standards |
-
Rooted in PSIA-AASI Fundamentals: Every skill ties back to the core principles of balance, edging, rotation, and pressure control.
- Built on Guest-Facing Tools: We evolved from previous materials like Passports and EpicMix Academy, creating a more interactive and celebratory experience.
-
Translation for Guests: Technical jargon became approachable, fun, and inspiring, so guests understand what they’ve achieved and see a clear pathway of what’s next.
- Consistent framework for assessing students’ progress, emphasizing skill development across our diverse terrain and resort environments.
|
Example: PSIA-AASI Fundamentals Behind Key Skills
|
| Skill Standard | Discipline | Guest-Friendly Description | PSIA-AASI Fundamental(s) |
|---|
| Wedge Wizard | Alpine | I can glide to a stop in a wedge on a mild slope | Rotation & Pressure Control & Edging | | Linked Up | Alpine | I can connect/link turns | Rotation & Edging | | Edge Dominator | Alpine | I can make carved medium radius turns on intermediate terrain | Edging & Pressure Control | | Flex & Flow Pro | Alpine | I can use active flexion/extension in bumps | Pressure Control & Rotation | | Skater | Snowboard | I can glide and skate with one foot strapped in | Pressure Control | | Getting Connected | Snowboard | I can connect/link turns | Rotation & Edging | | Carve it Up | Snowboard | I can Carve my turns on both toeside and heelside edges | Edging & Pressure Control |
|
This is just the beginning - these standards will help you deliver lessons that feel personalized, progressive, and unforgettable. Thank you for bringing them to life on snow!
|
*Please find all previous communications linked below*
|
| |
Thank You for Being Part of This Launch!
Ski & Snowboard School Senior Leadership Team
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
One Beaver Creek Place None | Avon, None 81620 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to sgerrish@vailresorts.com.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
|
|
|
|
