Challenging The Moguls
I found the Amateur Ski Instructors Association (ASIA) last winter, a well-organized, inviting group offering up generous good will and extraordinary ski instruction. It was a very good find, especially by today’s standards: volunteers engaged exclusively for the benefit and enjoyment of others, dedicated “amateurs,” very talented enthusiasts, driven exclusively by the love of an activity. No other agenda.

ASIA was especially good for me, because the organization provided this educator with the important experience of revisiting the frustration and associated humility of the learning curve. The ASIA Bumpfest clinic was the hook.

I wanted to “get through” the moguls without anxiety and with modest grace. It was a wonderful weekend where I was welcomed warmly and sent off with Jack Kennedy, a personable fellow and fine skier.  However, I had been self-absorbed, woefully so, in selecting Mogul Improvement over the introductory course. I was the victim of my own hubris, and I’m sure my poor decision added to Jack’s instructional challenge. Simply put, in the bumps I was over my head. I can only thank Jack for his patience with this newbie and his resounding emphasis throughout the day that I be patient and complete my turns.

What I learned from Jack served me well in the spring at the ASIA Okemo Spring Rally. After the ski off, Canadian coach Mike Weiss placed me in the A group (eh! group). I was a proud puppy. The instruction led me to more nuanced edge control and hand and body position. We went through all sorts of turns on a variety of terrain. I shared some laughs with the members of my group. But I remained beaten, brutalized by the bumps. I succumbed mentally and technically, being bounced around and becoming air born by mounds of very unforgiving Vermont snow. This once proud puppy finished his second day with his tail between his legs, embarrassed, very embarrassed, but appreciative of the encouragement and TLC of the members of his group and instructor.

A teacher needs to be reminded of the “up’s” and “down’s” of the learning curve, and skiing moguls surely offers this challenge. I’ll be back at the Bumpfest this February with the same sense of purpose but a more humble course selection.

I have to add that I continued my “mogul career” later in the spring with ASIA coach and Executive Director, Bill Hornbeck. That was a very special day, so fine, so fulfilling that I’d like to give my account of it in separate space. I will reveal now, however, as a kind of teaser, that the piece will be titled “Skiing With the Dalai Lama.” In the mean time, let me thank ASIA, Bill, Betsy, Ray,  the other members of the Board, Jack, Mike, and the Pennsylvania Posse for their grace, patience, kindness, and sense of community. Eh!
Norris Marshak
ASIA Contributing Member


Timing Is Everything
Bill,
I just wanted to drop you a note to say "thank you!" for your valuable time and instruction at Okemo on Dec. 5-6, 2009. It was very enjoyable skiing with you!

Every time I go out, it seems like practice. Based upon our last outing, I'm working on timing using the words "pole, extend, turn" for cadence. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season with plenty of opportunities to ski!

Best wishes for a great new year!
Steve Brault
ASIA Contributing Member


Our First ASIA Event
Hi Betsy and Bill,
My sister Lois and I had a great time this weekend at the Fall Rally, our first ASIA event. I was in Don Boyce's group. Don led a terrific program!

Thanks very much, and I hope to see you at another event this season.
Ethan Strell
ASIA Contributing Member

Bill/Betsy:
I am new to all of this (ski clubs and ASIA). The Fall Rally was my first experience. Congratulations to you and all of your staff on a great event, great teaching and a great atmosphere. You all seem tremendously dedicated.

Ed George was my instructor for the two days. Ed was great as was every person with whom I was in contact. And after my one obligatory wipe out/crash, I don't think I held up my group except for when one of the "Belleayre ambassadors" inside the lodge had me cornered in her one way conversation. Thanks so much,
Robert Lorence
ASIA Contributing Member


The Right Stuff
Dear Bill/Betsy:
I skied at Belleayre on Jan 28-29 and at Hunter on Jan 30, and if I didn't have Church services, I would have skied Sunday also. At your suggestion, I purchased a pair of new skis (I chose Volkl) and a pair of new boots (Head brand) from Keith at The Pro Ski and Ride in Hunter. Keith spent a lot of his time and patiently got my boots to be fitted and made me orthotics, and with this specially treated equipment, I did enjoy these 3 ski days!

These were the most enjoyable 3 days of skiing I've had in the past 14 years. It made it easier and more enjoyable to practice most of the skills you taught me (during the ASIA Level 1 Certification). I feel I improved almost a level already!

If I keep practicing the skills you taught us, I'm sure I will get better, on SKATING, and a little pole placement - I will keep on trying and hope I can pass the ASIA training next time, and you should see me different.

Thanks for everything you have done for me on ski teaching. Wish u the best,
David Chiang ASIA Contributing Member


Enjoyable Experience
Hello,
This past weekend I attended my first ASIA ski improvement classes at Sno Mtn in Scranton, PA. It proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Ed George was our instructor and he was very helpful, patient, encouraging and knowledgeable. He helped me, and the others in the class to improve our skiing by using a variety of approaches until he found one that worked for that particular person.

Pete Ryan was very helpful as well. He made us feel welcome and joined us on the slopes as an additional instructor. Both of these men worked very hard to make this a really good experience for all of us. I hope to take part in these classes again and perhaps invite a friend or two to join in. Thank you for a great program.
Barbara May
ASIA Contributing Member
Huntingdon Valley Ski Club


Fun and Informative
Morning Bill,
I would like to say that I had an absolutely wonderful weekend in the refresher course at Sno Mountain this past weekend. Ed George ran an informative and most importantly FUN weekend. Les, Pete and Scotty were a great help to the group as well. This was one of the best ASIA courses I've ever had the pleasure of being involved in. Thanks, and hope to see you soon,
Mike Cresiski
ASIA Level 1 Certified Instructor


Older Is Better!
Thank you ASIA! As expected the ski clinic at Sno Mountain was wonderful. I have been to this event many times and continue to get a lot of expert instruction that keeps me coming back for more.

It is so very gratifying to know that even when you are growing older, with great instructors you can keep improving. Our group was perfect with six very well matched skiers. Ed George is the very best instructor. His love of the sport, patience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and his way of teaching is greatly appreciated.  Love you Ed!!!
Toby Ponnock
ASIA Level 1 Certified Instructor
Huntingdon Valley Ski Club

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ASIA Snowboard Certification a Blast At Sno Mountain
In January, ASIA held a Snowboarding Level 1 Certification Course at Sno Mountain, in Scranton, PA, alongside the Alpine Level 1 Skiing Refresher. The first weekend was cold with great conditions and no crowds. The second weekend was warm with great carving conditions that were dry on Saturday and a light mist on Sunday. This was my first time at Snö Mountain (formerly Montage), and I really enjoyed the lack of lift lines and good snow coverage on the trails.

Dave Pick, (center) ASIA course conductor and AASI Level 2 coach from upstate New York, was our instructor for the course. Dave is a very relaxed and outgoing guy who instantly puts people at ease. His quick sense of humor and mentor-style approach are backed by a deep understanding of the art of snowboarding. I have been snowboarding for about 12 years, and have taken several lessons. I learned more in these 4 days than I did during all of my previous lessons combined.

The quality of the instruction was noticed even beyond those of us taking the class. On the last day, we were paired up to practice teaching the turning progression. A snowboarder approached me to ask if I worked for the mountain. He had been watching us from the lift and noticed the type of work we were doing. He was an intermediate snowboarder looking to take it to the next level. He indicated that he had not been impressed with instruction he had witnessed from mountain ski schools, but couldn't help but notice what we were teaching and how we approached it. He was thrilled with the idea of a logical progression that builds skills by emphasizing the fundamentals. He was very disappointed that we couldn't offer him a lesson immediately. We told him the ASIA website address, and I suspect he will be contacting ASIA soon.

This story gives a concrete example of how people easily recognize the quality of the ASIA program!

I think I can safely speak for all of the newly-minted Level 1 Snowboard Instructors in extending my thanks to Dave for being great, and to everyone who was there for their cheerful company. I hope to ride with you again soon.
Ken Ford
ASIA Level 1 Certified Snowboard Instructor
Merck Ski Association

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Nordic XC Wrap Up
The Nordic gods looked kindly upon the lively, enthusiastic group of ASIA folks who came out to benefit from the XC skiing expertise of ASIA course conductor and PSIA Level III XC instructor, Dale Rodgers, the weekend of Jan 23-24, 2010.

With bluebird skies and yodeling in our hearts, our 5 refreshing Nordic instructors and 4 'instructors in training' tackled the beautiful trails of Mt. Meadows X-C Ski Center in Killington, VT. We sharpened our turning skills with a downhill slalom exercise (yes, we Nordic can do that too!), herringboned up some slopes, kick glided, double poled and star turned our way through day 1.

Day 2 included some great skate skiing techniques, teaching skills (again) and more practice of 'Ye Ole Lady, Ye Ole Lady, Ye Ole Lady Who!"  All had a GREAT weekend, ASIA now has 4 new Nordic instructors and friendships were renewed and made.

Congratulations to (great) Brittany Levine, Brian (gosh he's tall) Klimm, Lauren (nice hat) Roman and Susan (pole-ski-pole-ski) Bickford-Martin for passing their exam with flying colors and joining refreshers Ron Levine, Sue Poirier, Pat Revoir, Pat Mazzucca and Penny Trick as certified ASIA Nordic instructors. Congratulations to all! We are looking forward to next year's reunion!!

Sue Poirier
ASIA Nordic Coordinator
ASIA Level 1 Alpine and Nordic Certified Instructor
Nutmeg Outdoors Club


XC Turning Point
Thank you Sue,
Yes, last weekend was a turning point for me. For the first time I learned how to ski and with such a wonderful, supportive group. I'd love to ski with any and all of you folks again in the near future.
Sue II Bickford-Martin
ASIA Nordic Certified Instructor
New Jersey Nordics


Ye Ole Lady Who!
Sue,
Terrific group and terrific experience. I'm a better person for having met and skied with you all! If you come to Seattle, look me up! You now have my e-mail address.

My parting wish for all is a tremendous rest-of-season and may each of us bestow our passion for XC skiing and the winter outdoors on to as many as possible. Ye Ole Lady Who! (I never knew how to spell that!)
Lauren Roman
ASIA Nordic Certified Instructor

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ASIA Bumpfest Or Bust!
Dear Betsy and Bill,
Snowstorm of the century or no, I plan to be at Belleayre Saturday morning. I'll be driving to NYC from Wilmington DE Friday after work - hoping to be ahead of the storm which is predicted to leave 6"-12" in Philly and 12"-18" in Delaware. (And, alas, predicted to start mid-afternoon.)

I'll spend Friday night in NYC with a friend, then leave early (5am?) Saturday morning for Belleayre. That ought to be the middle of the storm. Hopefully the NY Thruway and local roads to Belleayre will be cleared that early. So that's my plan.  We'll see what happens.
Patrick Costello
ASIA Contributing Member
Huntingdon Valley Ski Club


Old Habits Die Hard
Bill,
It was great skiing with everyone at the Bumpfest. I shouldn’t be surprised by how much I learn skiing with ASIA (Betsy was my instructor – love her) but I am always pleasantly surprised with new techniques. It’s always good to be reminded of the correct mechanics of a good turn as old habits can slip back into my routine. It was a bump blast!
Be well,
Doc Garner
ASIA Level 2 Certified Instructor
High Life Ski Club

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Welcome To NY Skiing
Betsy, Bill, Ray and Laurie,
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful weekend of skiing and fun and all the work you must have put in to make it flow so smoothly. I had a great time skiing as well as getting to know more ASIA members and of course being the lone Connecticut representative at the event. Belleayre is a wonderful mountain with great terrain.  I will be back (I will try and find some CT folks to bring with me!)
Joanna Douglass
ASIA Level 1 Certified Instructor
Mt Laurel Ski Club


Top Of The Line Program
Dear Bill and Betsy,
Words can not express my appreciation for all of your efforts to keep ASIA in full force and to continue to provide top of the line programs like the ASIA 2010 Bumpfest. You ensured the best course conductors, excellent coaching, plenty of bumps (OK, so we'll give some credit to Tony Lanza and Tom Tar too!), great camaraderie amongst the skiers in the groups and of course, dancing till the music stopped!

Ray and Laurie get a big applause too for working so hard to provide the niceties of the weekend event. Many thanks go to the Pete Ryan for always selling those tickets and to Pat Gottshalk for donating a basket of cheer. Pat, I'm enjoying the wine as I reflect on a most happy and fulfilling weekend. 

I was in Mike (Weiss') group, a diverse group of skiers, some old timers and some new folks and that was really nice. I always enjoy skiing with Ray and Laurie, and then to add to our mix, we skied with Alicia, Ara, Rob (if only for a day), Steve, Ellen, Chris (Dora the Explorer) and Johanna. We wanted and we did indeed ski bumps for two days, almost non stop. While we rode on the chair lifts we were able to get to know each other and I sure hope that everyone in our group returns to an ASIA event soon so we can continue our conversations.

One of the benefits of this year's event for me was that the Bumpfest coaching was a seamless progression from the skills training that I worked on with Rick Svencer during the Fall Rally. I felt gratified using those skills in the bumps and knowing that was expected this time around.

Feedback is always a plus even when it's a video that didn't look like how I felt yet still showed some pluses as well as an area or two to improve. Actually, the best feedback I received was after Mike asked me to follow Johanna through the bumps. He said that we looked like twins coming down.  Now that was some really great feedback as I know how Johanna skis the bumps, and I could watch her all day!  Thanks, Mike, for your skillful coaching style on and off the snow!  It works for me!
Toni Mullins, New Jersey Director
ASIA Level 2 Certified Instructor
West Long Branch Ski Club


Okemo Spring Rally A Hit - Rain or Shine
Hi Bill and Betsy,
I was just thinking about the Rally and wanted to say- Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet or hail keeps ASIA from skiing hill and dale! Many people didn't ski Okemo on Sunday because of the threat of weather, but not ASIA! Barbara Marshall led her "kids" through all the weather that came our way and what a blast we had!

I was going to quit after lunch yet I just couldn't leave the group! Not only was I having too much fun, I knew that the learning curve was continuing its' spiral upward and I couldn't miss that opportunity. My thanks to Barbara and her "kids" for keeping me focused and thanks Bill and Betsy for keeping ASIA in the forefront of the skiing business!
Toni

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