NEW PARTNERSHIP PROMOTES TERRAIN-BASED INSTRUCTION

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14 February 2013

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SAM Magazine—Boreal, Calif., Feb. 14, 2013—A new terrain-based instructor training program, the USASA Experience / Level 100 Coaches clinic, launched at Boreal Feb. 11-12. The project developed from a partnership between Burton and the U.S.A. Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA), an organizing body for recreational and competitive snowboarding and freeskiing as well as coach training.

The partnership's goal is to create a pathway for coaches and instructors to get further training in instruction based on Burton's terrain-based freestyle model, which has already been implemented at Mountain Creek, N.J., and the Burton Academy at Northstar-at-Tahoe.

“Attendance was robust, with 19 total at the two-day launch event,” said Pete Davis, executive director at USASA. Longtime teachers Chris Hargrave and Miah Wheeler led the in-class and on-snow presentations. “Attendees were stoked and left the event hungry for more,” Davis said.

Jeff Boliba of Burton added, "This combination of USASA coaching with the Burton Snowboard Academy terrain-based model will be different than any structured training offered now, and is very exciting. It is my hope that resorts will quickly recognize the USASA Experience as a way for their staffs to continue their education, and inspire coaches and instructors to give their guests an experience based on fun, freestyle and terrain."

In addition to Mountain Creek and Northstar, Boreal has begun to offer terrain-based teaching through its snowsports school.

Burton and USASA are planning additional training sessions in other regions of the U.S. For more information, contact Chris@woodwardtahoe.com.