The Global Instructor: Navigating Japan, New Zealand, and Beyond with Augusto Risso

What does it take to teach skiing for 10 years without a summer break? In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas talks with Augusto "Rooster" Burone Risso about his decade-long journey chasing winters across the globe. From his first days as a J-1 instructor at Granby Ranch to the high-stakes terrain of Niseko, Portillo, and even Lesotho, Africa, Rooster has lived the dream of the "endless winter." Rooster breaks down the practical side of being a global pro, including navigating "Working Holiday" visas, finding employee housing in Japan, and the unique challenges of working for private ski schools in Argentina. He also discusses how the intensity of skiing eight-plus months a year accelerated his technical skills, helping him transition from a casual skier to a PSIA Level III certified instructor and Big Mountain competitor. In this episode, we discuss: - The J-1 Jumpstart: How a college break in Colorado turned into a lifelong career. - New Zealand & Australia: Navigating the Working Holiday visa and the "scary" commute to Cardrona. - The Private School Dynamic: Teaching in Niseko, Japan and Bariloche, Argentina. - Physical Sustainability: How Rooster managed the demands of year-round skiing for 10 years. - The Big Mountain Shift: How intensive training helped him conquer Big Mountain competitions and -the PSIA Level III exam. 📖 Read Rooster’s full article, "Around the World in 10 Years," in the latest issue of 32 Degrees magazine. Follow PSIA-AASI: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesnowpros/ Website: https://thesnowpros.org/ 00:00 Intro: Meet Augusto "Rooster" Burone Risso 01:05 Starting Small: The J-1 Visa Experience at Granby Ranch 02:15 The Decision to Go Pro: Realizing Skiing is the Career 03:30 First Global Stop: Returning to Argentina and Dealing with Setbacks 05:15 The Working Holiday Visa: Heading to New Zealand 06:40 Commuting in Cardrona: Dirt Roads and Snow Chains 07:30 Training in the Southern Hemisphere: Racing, Moguls, and Freestyle 08:45 Logistics and Housing: How International Instructors Find a Place to Live 10:15 Japan and the Private School World: Working for NBS in Niseko 11:50 Language Barriers: Teaching in English vs. Spanish vs. Japanese 13:30 Certification Recognition: How PSIA-AASI Opens Doors Worldwide 15:00 Recommendations for Beginners: Starting Your International Journey 16:20 The Physical Toll: Managing Back-to-Back Seasons for a Decade 17:45 The Pandemic Pivot: Finding the Joy in a California Summer 18:55 Rapid Improvement: The Benefits of an 8-Month Ski Season 21:30 Competing in Big Mountain and Free Ride Events 22:15 Training for Level III: Changing Techniques to Slow Down and Turn 23:30 From Africa to Aspen: Current Focus and Future Travel 24:45 Comparing Cultures: Granby Ranch vs. The Elite Staff of Portillo 27:15 Final Thoughts and Professional Advice