Transferring Teaching Skills with Cameron Lantz: Skiing and the Value of Persistence

Cameron Lantz is a second-year Security & Risk Analysis student at Pennsylvania State University who has been instructing for four years at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania. She is a certified Level I alpine instructor and is working toward a Professional Snowsports Education Program Certificate at Penn State.

Q: Please share an overview of your life in skiing, and what do snowsports mean to you?

A: Skiing has been an integral part of my life since I was 2 years old. Growing up, I skied competitively for the Western Pennsylvania Race Club (WPRC) until an injury in 2022, when I tore my ACL and lateral and medial meniscus, which led me to take a step back from competition.

That experience pushed me to explore a new side of the sport, ski instructing, which has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Snowsports is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a core part of my identity. The skiing community has introduced me to some of my closest friends, and the sport continues to shape who I am today.

Q: Are there any specific life lessons you’ve learned from skiing or just ways that the sport informs how you see the rest of the world?

A: Through my injury, I learned the true value of persistence. When you’re faced with setbacks, it’s easy to feel like your world has stopped, but skiing taught me that life goes on – and so must you. The sport also highlighted the importance of building strong connections with fellow instructors and snowsports athletes. These relationships have been crucial not only in my recovery but also in enriching my experience within the skiing community.

Q: As an instructor, you recently earned Level I certification, what is it about that process that stands out to you?

A: One aspect that really stands out is the realization that being a great ski instructor isn’t just about having top-notch skiing abilities – it’s equally about having strong social skills. While technical proficiency on the slopes is crucial, the ability to communicate effectively, connect with students of all ages, and create a positive learning environment is just as important.

This balance between technical skills and interpersonal interactions is what truly defines a successful instructor. It’s about making each lesson enjoyable and accessible, ensuring that students not only improve their skills but also leave with a love of the sport.

Q: You’re also a student at Penn State. Does your work as an instructor have any crossover or impact on the work you do at school?

A: There’s definitely a lot of crossover. I took RPTM 215 (Snowsports Education I) with PSIA Instructor Pete Allison [Penn State associate professor of values and experiential learning in the Health and Human Development] last semester, and the course content closely aligned with my experiences as a ski instructor. We delved into what it takes to be a snowsports instructor, focusing on the role of an instructor in managing both the physical and emotional risks in a beginner or novice learning environment.

The course also covered the Learning Connection^SM Model and how to apply current teaching materials and resources effectively in snowsports instruction. Additionally, we explored the architecture of the National Certification Standards and their relationship to Performance Guides, Assessment Forms, and Assessment Criteria, which directly relates to my work on the slopes. This academic background has enhanced my practical understanding and application in my instructing role.

Q: Are there any areas in particular, such as public speaking or goal-setting, that you find are similar in your work on snow and in school?

A: During my senior year of high school, I took a dual enrollment college class called Honors Speech and Composition, which focused heavily on public speaking. I discovered that I had a natural talent for it, and I credit this to my years of ski instructing. Engaging in conversations with people older than me and speaking confidently in front of larger groups on the slopes really honed my public speaking skills. This has been incredibly valuable, both in the classroom and on the mountain.

Q: Any other highlights to share from the past year?

A: I’m proud to be a student-athlete on the Penn State Ski Team, where I compete for their Division II race team. One of the biggest achievements was making the national team and finishing first in our division – a huge accomplishment for both me and the team. Additionally, I obtained my PSIA Level I certification at my home mountain, Seven Springs. Both milestones have been incredibly rewarding and have fueled my passion for skiing even further.

Q: Goals for the new school and ski year?

A: My main goals are to qualify for the Penn State National Team again and to continue taking the Snowsports Education classes at Penn State. On the instructing side, I’m aiming to obtain my Children Specialist I (CSI) certificate and work toward earning my Level II certification. These goals will not only push me to improve, but also allow me to deepen my expertise and versatility in both ski racing and instructing.

You can read other Transferring Teaching Skills stories here:

• Transferring Teaching Skills with Nick Nagey: Everything I Do Is Informed by Ski Instruction
• How Do You Use Your Snowsports Teaching Skills in Your Daily Life?