Season 4, Episode 11 Video: Perry Schmunk and Jeff Marks, Professional Ski Instructors of Canada

Dave and Angelo sit down for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on Fall Education Staff Training and the December educational events at Mount Snow and Killington. Along the way, they share their appreciation for the entire podcast community—sponsors, guests, and a few well-deserved shout-outs to the super supporters who make it all possible.The discussion dives into everything from navigating the overwhelming world of manuals, performance guides, and National Standards, to exploring what truly great education looks like and how instructors can keep learning, evolving, and growing into exceptional ski and snowboard teachers. And yes—strong opinions, personal biases, and spirited takes on certain activities and approaches definitely make an appearance.

Dave and Angelo sit down for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on Fall Education Staff Training and the December educational events at Mount Snow and Killington. Along the way, they share their appreciation for the entire podcast community—sponsors, guests, and a few well-deserved shout-outs to the super supporters who make it all possible.The discussion dives into everything from navigating the overwhelming world of manuals, performance guides, and National Standards, to exploring what truly great education looks like and how instructors can keep learning, evolving, and growing into exceptional ski and snowboard teachers. And yes—strong opinions, personal biases, and spirited takes on certain activities and approaches definitely make an appearance.

We sit down with PSIA-AASI Eastern Region CEO Kathy Brennan to talk about the Summit and Eastern Academy at Killington, along with what has her most excited for the upcoming season. Kathy shares her vision for member education, strengthening industry partnerships, and working closely with member schools to better meet their needs. She also looks ahead to her hopes and dreams for the future of PSIA-AASI in the East, and opens up about her personal goals for the season—as both a skier and a ski teacher.

We sit down with PSIA-AASI Eastern Region CEO Kathy Brennan to talk about the Summit and Eastern Academy at Killington, along with what has her most excited for the upcoming season. Kathy shares her vision for member education, strengthening industry partnerships, and working closely with member schools to better meet their needs. She also looks ahead to her hopes and dreams for the future of PSIA-AASI in the East, and opens up about her personal goals for the season—as both a skier and a ski teacher.

Eric Sheckleton—former PSIA-AASI Snowboard Team member and now President of Interski International—joins Dave, Angelo, and Pete Allison for a dynamic conversation about the road to Interski 2027 in Vail. Eric pulls back the curtain on the vision, planning, and momentum driving the event, offering a sneak peek at what attendees can expect when the global snowsports education community gathers in Colorado. Pete highlights the unparalleled exchange of ideas, teaching philosophies, and cultural perspectives that make Interski a powerhouse for learning and collaboration worldwide. Packed with vivid stories from past events and reflections on the friendships forged among the planet’s top ski and snowboard educators, this episode celebrates the spirit, passion, and innovation that define Interski.Interski Vail 2027:  https://www.interskicongress.com/2027/Interski International:  https://www.interski.org/home.phpIAESS Education Hub:  https://www.interski.org/educational-hub.phpSPE Balkan SKI International Conference 2026:   https://spebalkanski.zrs-kp.si

Eric Sheckleton—former PSIA-AASI Snowboard Team member and now President of Interski International—joins Dave, Angelo, and Pete Allison for a dynamic conversation about the road to Interski 2027 in Vail. Eric pulls back the curtain on the vision, planning, and momentum driving the event, offering a sneak peek at what attendees can expect when the global snowsports education community gathers in Colorado. Pete highlights the unparalleled exchange of ideas, teaching philosophies, and cultural perspectives that make Interski a powerhouse for learning and collaboration worldwide. Packed with vivid stories from past events and reflections on the friendships forged among the planet’s top ski and snowboard educators, this episode celebrates the spirit, passion, and innovation that define Interski.Interski Vail 2027:  https://www.interskicongress.com/2027/Interski International:  https://www.interski.org/home.phpIAESS Education Hub:  https://www.interski.org/educational-hub.phpSPE Balkan SKI International Conference 2026:   https://spebalkanski.zrs-kp.si

Coach Rogan kicks off the conversation with a great question: “As the season starts, what are you using to get yourself going?”Michael shares some powerful tools for reflecting on your experiences—using all your senses—to give your skiing that early-season jumpstart. Visualization takes center stage in this discussion, as Coach Rogan dives into where to find effective mental images, and how to apply different visualizations for different on-snow situations.It’s a fascinating look into how Coach Rogan uses visualization to see himself skiing and performing at his best—long before he even clicks into his bindings.

Coach Rogan kicks off the conversation with a great question: “As the season starts, what are you using to get yourself going?”Michael shares some powerful tools for reflecting on your experiences—using all your senses—to give your skiing that early-season jumpstart. Visualization takes center stage in this discussion, as Coach Rogan dives into where to find effective mental images, and how to apply different visualizations for different on-snow situations.It’s a fascinating look into how Coach Rogan uses visualization to see himself skiing and performing at his best—long before he even clicks into his bindings.

PSIA-AASI Eastern Telemark Examiner Karen Dalury shares her journey through skiing and how she became one of the most respected telemark and alpine instructors in the country. Karen’s impressive career began with alpine instruction before she expanded into telemark skiing, eventually joining the PSIA Eastern Telemark Education Staff. Her deep expertise in yoga is remarkable on its own, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to integrate that knowledge into skiing—helping students understand body mechanics and use that awareness to achieve their goals. Karen also talks about her passion for stand-up paddle boarding and how she has navigated life’s challenges to become a leading voice in telemark and alpine instruction within the PSIA-AASI Eastern Region.

PSIA-AASI Eastern Telemark Examiner Karen Dalury shares her journey through skiing and how she became one of the most respected telemark and alpine instructors in the country. Karen’s impressive career began with alpine instruction before she expanded into telemark skiing, eventually joining the PSIA Eastern Telemark Education Staff. Her deep expertise in yoga is remarkable on its own, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to integrate that knowledge into skiing—helping students understand body mechanics and use that awareness to achieve their goals. Karen also talks about her passion for stand-up paddle boarding and how she has navigated life’s challenges to become a leading voice in telemark and alpine instruction within the PSIA-AASI Eastern Region.