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/