Build Better Lessons: A Smarter Way to Create Progressions

Want to build better ski and snowboard lessons? This episode breaks down a smarter way to create progressions that actually work for your guests. In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with Scott McGee and Jake Crawford—co-authors of a 32 Degrees article—about how to move beyond the traditional “bag of tricks” approach to teaching. Instead of defaulting to preset drills, they introduce the SSCA framework (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied) as a way to focus on the movement you want to change and build lessons more intentionally. You’ll learn how to use micro vs. macro progressions, when to simplify or increase challenge, and how to let your guests’ performance guide your teaching decisions in real time. Whether you’re a newer instructor or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a clear, flexible approach to creating more effective, engaging lessons on snow. What You’ll Learn: How to use the SSCA framework (Static, Simple, Complex, Applied) The difference between micro and macro progressions Why the “bag of tricks” approach can hold instructors back How to choose drills based on movement, not habit When to simplify vs. increase challenge in a lesson How to stay student-centered and adapt in real time