The Snowsports MFA: Mark Aiken on the Art of the Lesson

How do you turn a standard ski lesson into a compelling story? In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas sits down with snow pro and professional writer Mark Aiken to discuss his latest 32 Degrees article, "Snowsports MFA." Mark shares his unique four-step framework—Movement Analysis, Fundamentals, Activities, and the Repeat—designed to help instructors stay student-centered and outcome-based. Mark explains why showing up to an assessment with a "canned progression" is a recipe for failure and why authentic teaching means treating every lesson as an exploration. We dive into the "Repeat" step as a tool for re-evaluation, the importance of an "effective bag of tricks" over a large one, and how the current PSIA-AASI National Fundamentals changed his 30-year career. Whether you're a writer, a slider, or an exam candidate, this conversation offers a practical guide to the artistry of snowsports education. In this episode, we discuss: The "Snowsports MFA" concept: Comparing a ski trail to a short story. Why "canned progressions" are presentations, not teaching. The "Repeat" Step: Why watching the drill is more important than doing it. Building an "Effective Bag of Tricks" using only the basic tools. Tipping the J: A case study in modifying drills to fit student speed and confidence. The Art of Style: How technical fundamentals enhance a skier's personal palette. Read Mark Aiken's full article in the latest issue of 32 Degrees magazine. 00:00 Intro: Meet Mark Aiken and the Snowsports MFA 00:50 The Parallel Between Writing Stories and Teaching Lessons 02:15 Why You Should Never Show Up to an Assessment with a Canned Progression 03:00 The Difference Between a Lesson and a Presentation 03:45 Movement Analysis: Finding Cues in the Body and Gear 04:30 The Often-Skipped Step: Why the "Repeat" is Essential 05:30 Using Activities to Reveal New Movement Patterns 06:30 Modifying the Drill: The "Tipping the J" Example 07:45 The Effective Bag of Tricks: Focusing on the Basics 09:15 Debunking the Unoriginality Myth: Why the Classic Drills Still Work 10:00 The Art of Style: Using Fundamentals as a Palette of Paints 11:30 Managing Cognitive Load: Not Overwhelming the Student 12:45 Expanding the Mountain: Helping Students Reach Personal Goals 13:30 Reflecting on a 30-Year Career: From 1993 to Today 14:45 How the National Fundamentals Changed Mark’s Teaching 15:45 Authentic Teaching: Why Your Exam Should Look Like Your Daily Lesson 17:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts