Description:
Looking for an early season opportunity to brush-up your skills, surrounded by like-minded pros? Ready to be inspired by outstanding leaders and discover new tools and ideas? Combined with Summit Academy and certification/specialist colleges, Eastern Academy gathers over 500 instructors, sponsors and leaders for five days of snowsports, education and camaraderie. Experience the biggest PSIA-AASI event in the East, if not the country!
Participants in the Alpine “Eastern Academy” ski with groups led by members of the Eastern Education staff for the week. Upon sign-up, you will be prompted to select the event category that best suits your personal goals, including:
- General Skiing Improvement for Level I Members
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- Designed for newer certified pros looking to refine their skills, this track focuses on improving fundamental skiing movements and building confidence across a variety of terrain. You’ll leave with fresh tactics and a clearer understanding of how to apply the Alpine Fundamentals to your own skiing.
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- General Skiing Improvement for Level II Members
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- For experienced instructors seeking a performance boost, this track blends technical drills, guided mileage, and personal feedback. You’ll explore a variety of terrain and conditions to enhance versatility and precision.
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- Assessment Prep for Level II
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- This track is tailored to instructors preparing for their Level II assessment. You’ll work with examiners to refine your skills in each area of the Learning Connection Model, review assessment criteria, and gain targeted feedback in an environment that mirrors the assessment experience.
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- Assessment Prep for Level III
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- For those aiming for the highest certification, this intensive prep course zeroes in on advanced performance in all areas of the Learning Connection Model. Expect focused coaching, high-level tasks, and real-time feedback to help you perform at your best.
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- General Teaching Prep/Improvement
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- Centered on the craft of teaching, this track emphasizes lesson planning, communication, and creating engaging learning experiences. You’ll refine your ability to connect with students and adapt your approach to different learning styles and goals.
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- Senior’s Group
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- Designed for the seasoned skier, this group focuses on maximizing efficiency, comfort, and enjoyment on snow. You’ll explore tactics and strategies to ski strong and smart while making the most of your time on the hill in the company of peers.
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- Women’s Group
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- Led by and for women, this track fosters a supportive environment to build skills, confidence, and connection. You’ll enjoy personalized coaching and the camaraderie of a like-minded group while exploring a variety of terrain.
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Participants should arrive prepared to be on snow for five days, and ski safely on green to groomed black terrain. Depending on trail availability and snow conditions, some groups may elect to venture into ungroomed terrain, including moguls and glades. On the first morning of the event, the groups for each category will be further split by interests and pacing. On Wednesday afternoon, participants break from their group to join an optional session, with topics offered to suit many different goals and interests. Sign-ups for these sessions will be open on Monday and/or Tuesday, during the event.
On-snow activities are complemented by social happenings, including a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres party on Thursday, indoor presentations and more. Whether this is your first year at “Eastern Academy” or you are a seasoned veteran, this is bound to be a week to remember.
**Attendance is limited, and the event often fills quickly. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
“Established” groups must be actively coordinated by the leading Education Staff member. Once actively registered, please reach out to your group leader. To create greater equity for all, a group may slide with the same leader for a maximum of two years. If after those two years a group would like to continue together, they are welcome to work with a new Ed Staff member. We encourage all “Established” group participants to select “General Skiing Improvement” as their registration option and communicate goals with their group leader.
Learning Experiences:
Specific activities will vary depending on the session selection, group’s needs and environmental conditions and typically include:
- Guided skiing with members of the Eastern Education Staff, with feedback tailored to individual performance.
- Skill development through targeted drills, terrain selection, and task-specific runs.
- Group discussions on technical concepts, teaching strategies, and movement analysis.
- Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration within a supportive, professional community.
- Optional Wednesday afternoon breakout sessions to explore specialized topics or new approaches.
- Exposure to diverse terrain, snow conditions, and situational challenges to build versatility.
- Opportunities to observe, practice, and refine communication skills in a teaching context.
Learning Outcomes:
Specific learning outcomes will vary depending on session selection.
Prerequisite(s):
Registered Members
Find Events Like this on the Eastern Calendar:
(A3P)