The new Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding book is now available for free to members as a digital edition. Print copies of the book will be available in November.

This brand new resource, written by former PSIA Alpine Team member Chris Fellows and Douglas Kechijian, offers guidance for a fitness training regimen that promotes improved movement and body longevity for snowsports instructors.

Having technical expertise combined with physical preparation opens up new possibilities for skiers and riders.

Here, Fellows discusses the idea for the book, and how it can help professional instructors and their students:

Where did you get the idea for this book?

During a NASTC camp in Portillo in 2017 (PSIA-AASI CEO) Nick Herrin, Doug and I dreamt up the concept. It was the first powder day of the week and we were skiing nonstop runs down Plateau and Garganta, also known by the gringo name…Gargantua. We were amazed at how many good skiers and riders there were, although not abnormal for Portillo. We knew that to ride continuous runs at speed all morning there was a level of fitness beyond the norm. We said, imagine if everyone could be this fit. That moment started us working on the book.

How will it benefit ski and snowboard instructors?

It won’t, unless they make a lifestyle choice to incorporate the concepts into their regimen and teaching. Then they will see increased performance and body durability. They will also experience a long, injury free season.

What new information does it contain, and how does it speak to current fitness trends?

Nothing new. Just well thought through exercises and drills that address the physical preparation needs of all skiers and riders. Don’t expect the hot new drill or exercise that you see your favorite snow sports athlete doing on YouTube. These are tried and true drills that will create solid foundations for athletic movement on snow.

How will this book help instructors prepare for the season, and stay healthier during the winter?

By giving them a physical fitness recipe with the proper ingredients that they can mix and match to meet their specific needs. By building this early season program they will segue into the season being stronger, more mobile and with better endurance. This will set up a good starting point for a fun and challenging season.

Why is it such a timely release?

There is no time like the present to get started on a fitness regime. As Warren Miller said, “If you don’t start now, you will be one year older when you do.

This book is being billed as a resource that can also benefit students. How?

Everyone can use this information to improve. Students have always looked to instructors to provide them with information that they have used to get better. Now instructors can link this information to the student and the student can do research and get the information direct and ultimately be linked into the PSIA-AASI world. It’s a great way to cast a wider net for future instructors as well as future students.

Get your free digital copy of Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding (you must log in to access the manual).

Listen to Chris and Doug on the First Chair Podcast: