Renew Your Membership to Win!
We’re giving away some high value prizes from our pro suppliers during the month of June. Renew your membership for the 20/21 season to be automatically entered to win an item of your choice from our Pro Prize List. The earlier you renew, the more chances you have to win!
Have you already renewed your membership for the 20/21 season? If so, you’re automatically entered for each drawing. We’ll be announcing a winner every Friday in June. Stay tuned to our social media channels to find out if it’s you!
Grabber Hand Warmers
1 Box of Grabber Hand Warmers (40 pair)
Hestra Gloves
(pick 1 item from the list)
Oden Outdoor Gloves, chestnut, size 9
Dakota Outdoor Gloves, tan, size 9
Helags Sr. Outdoor Mittens, navy, size 8
Helags Sr. Outdoor Mittens, red, size 7
Moje Czone Women’s Alpine Pro Gloves, black, size 7
Army Leather Patrol Alpine Pro Gloves, ivory, size 8
Never Summer Snowboard
(pick 1 item from the list)
Women’s Infinity all mountain, original rocker camber profile, 149cm
Men’s Limited Edition Proto Type 2 Snowboard, all mountain, original rocker camber profile, 154cm (Won by Tyler Greene, 6/5/20)
Patagonia Wear
(pick 1 item from the list)
Men’s Snowshot Pants, classic navy, size M
Women’s Insulated Snowbelle Pants, light balsamic, size M
Women’s 3-in-1 Snowbelle Jacket, smokey violet, size M
Women’s Wollie Fleece Pullover, drifter grey, size M
Men’s Wollie Fleece Pullover, forge grey, size M
Phunkshun Wear Prize Pack
(includes everything noted below)
Men’s Aviator Baselayer, size L —OR— Women’s Aviator Baselayer, size M (won by Lorie Best, 6/19/20)
Merino Wool black single layer tube
Water Bottle w/Black Sweater print
Scott Wintersports Helmet & Goggle Package
(includes both items noted below)
Scott Symbol 2 Plus Helmet, Mist Grey, Size M
Scott Vapor Goggle, Black/White w.CAT S2 Enhancer Green Chrome Lenses
(Won by Bob Jacobson, 6/26/20)
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Lift Tickets
Two 1-day lift tickets redeemable during 20/21 season
(won by Bob Hedrick 6/12/20)
Western Division Prize Package
(includes everything noted below)
Western division t-shirt (men’s or women’s, S-XXL)
Aluminum water bottle & lunch tote
Ski socks & goggle cover
Pens & Stickers
American Snow – The Snowsports Instruction Revolution by Peter Kray
The Fine Print:
One winner will be chosen each Friday during the month of June. Winners will be chosen from the list of Western division members who have paid their dues for the 20/21 season (renewal or new). Winners will be notified by email and phone and will have 1-week to claim their prize before the next winner is given an opportunity to claim their prize. Prizes will be distributed to winners on a first claimed first distributed basis. Not all listed prizes will be distributed during this specific promotion. The full list is above so winners have the option to choose a prize that they will use and love. No purchase necessary, to be entered send your request to info@psia-w.org.
Winners agree to take a picture of themselves with the prize once received and email it to info@psia-w.org to be used for marketing and social media purposes.
Members Lifting Members
There’s no doubt we are going through some uncertain times in the industry, our careers, and our personal lives. You can support your friends and fellow members during tough times by helping them with their membership dues. Give them a lift by giving a gift! Helping a fellow member pay for their membership dues can make a big difference in the future of their career. Send along a message with your gift or choose to remain anonymous. Either way, know that your support will mean the world to another member.
Western Divison Is Here For You
Right now we are facing uncertain times. That’s not news. But if anyone in our society is well suited to navigate this, it’s you and our community of pros.
The Western Division has been working collaboratively with the other divisions and will continue to communicate with you at a National level. We are one membership and need to be one organization at this time.
In case you missed the recent communication from the National and want to check future updates please refer to our National News:
- 3/18/2020 – A Message from Nicholas Herrin, PSIA-AASI CEO
- 3/16/2020 – COVID-19 Updates from PSIA-AASI
Amid growing concerns over the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19), PSIA-AASI Western Division has made the decision to cancel ALL EVENTS for the 2019/20 Season.
We understand that this directly affects you. If registered for an event you should have automatically been fully refunded. If you were in need of continuing education, they can be made up at a later time.
That being said, our top priority is the well-being of our membership, and we hope you’ll work with us during this trying time. We encourage you to take this time to reach out, from a safe distance to those who may be in need of additional support. Remember patience and compassion is important.
Here is a spreadsheet of resources for you if you need support or information.
Here are links to access some great online education options:
Our Truckee office is currently closed to visitors but we’re already looking forward to the next time we get to see you on snow! If you have additional questions please contact us by email: info@psia-w.org
Sincerely,
Kristi Prochazka
Administrative Director
PSIA-AASI Western Division
kjereb@psia-w.org
530-587-7642
A Message from Nicholas Herrin, PSIA-AASI CEO
At this time, you’re very aware of the unprecedented challenges the world and our snowsports industry are going through. I want you to know how much you – and all of our members – are in my mind and the minds of the rest of PSIA-AASI’s leadership team across the country during this unsettling time. The COVID-19 pandemic puts great stress on your personal and professional lives, and we want to ensure that your organization does all it can to support you, the rest of our membership, and the great community we all love.
The best part of being a PSIA-AASI member is the community it creates for each of us around snowsports, regardless of our discipline, age, or what part of the world we call home. Right now, we’re all in a position to tap into our great community and support each other. Please know your leaders are working hard every day to discuss, problem-solve, and find ways that your organization can best support you as members. Over the past week, the divisional operational leaders have held daily calls to talk about how we can continue to support each other, our divisions, and members. I’m so impressed with how the leadership team of this organization has stepped up to help one another.
Many of our members are now out of work or may experience a longer gap between their seasonal employment. I ask each of you to please take a few minutes to continue to check in with each other; to use today’s technology and find ways to have healthy conversations and safe interactions to remind each other of the incredible network we have and also help keep us all motivated during these difficult times.
After you tend to the most pressing issues of your daily life, you may find yourself wanting nothing more than to just think about snowports – something we all love and are so passionate about. That’s a good time to read more of the Spring 2020 issue of 32 Degrees, check out free digital resources (like the Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding guide and the Adaptive Instruction Supplement); read the latest industry news on our website; and stay connected to each other on our social channels.
We’re a community that does an amazing job of supporting each other in the winter environment. Now more than ever, let’s look for new ways to keep that up. Maybe it’s as simple as making a phone call or dropping off some food to a fellow member to help them out.
While I don’t have all the answers right now for many questions in the here-and-now and for next season, I do want you to know we’re thinking about everyone in every division and all across the country, and wishing you all the best.
Whatever you are doing during this time of uncertainty and constant change in your community, let’s get through this together. Please be well, be safe, be informed… and be there for one another.
It is my privilege to be a member of this community and to work to find new ways to support you all, on and off the snow.
Nicholas Herrin
PSIA-AASI CEO
Why Join PSIA-AASI?
The great thing about passion is that it’s infectious. Knowing your “why” will help you stay committed to your dream and help others get on board, too.
- I became a PSIA member in 2009 so I could gain the confidence of my students and respect within the industry as a certified teacher – Laurie Johnson
- I actually joined PSIA in 1984 as my ski school director was an examiner and wanted the ski school members to join – Ellen Johnson
- It is a place to belong as an instructor – Steve Ikeda
- I was convinced that I would better myself if I joined and pursue certification by Bob Everson at Tahoe Ski Bowl. – Tom Waters
- There was a group, led by Randy Bell at the time, with people who were discussing skiing on Tuesday evenings in Reno. I joined them to see what this was like. I liked it. – Nathalie Le Galloudec
- Because Libbie has been such a strong proponent of PSIA and their education events, it was a no brainer for me to join. – Richard Sheldon
- To attend events out of my ski area with clinicians and to broaden my capabilities. – Jim Rogers
- Being with guests who wish to learn something we all cherish and drive to be great at. – Ronnie Schoff
- I was inspired by trainers at the ski area – Glen Smith
- I joined with the help of Ernie Gray, Babbete Haueisen and Gorg Deutsche. I was in awe of the many examiners and very talented instructors including Mike Porter on staff at that time. Needless to say, I wanted to be a member of this, (club), organization. – Lamar Parker
- I joined PSIA to become a better teacher and a better skier and to really understand what great skiing is. – Suzie Benge
- My certification journey and participation in continuing education over the past 23 years leaves me a loyal supporter of our organization. – Susan Meckel
- Skiing was and is my ‘retreat’ from daily stresses and responsibilities, and a way to recapture those carefree ‘giggly’ teenage years I never had due to time, cultural, and societal factors over which I had no control. – Hiro Oishi
- Discovered that I enjoyed teaching even more than I enjoyed being on snow. – Bob Kelley
- Supporting one’s professional group is critical to one’s success. – Sue Spain
- I’ve always loved getting people into skiing and helping them to progress. – Mark Johnson
- 10 years later I still enjoy teaching at SkyTavern because of the friendly atmosphere and the sense of family there – Ken Kelley
“He who has a why can endure any how.” — Frederick Nietzsche
Veteran’s Reunion Lake Tahoe 2019
Join us again this year for the weekend of March 23 & 24, 2019 at Sierra At Tahoe!
The event is a chance for veterans and active military to spend a weekend in the Lake Tahoe area. This is an opportunity for those who have served to reconnect with fellow vets from past and present conflicts. The event is designed to provide an opportunity to reconnect with first responders and rehabilitation personnel from your past in a healthy and supportive place far from the battlefield.
The mountains of the Lake Tahoe area are full of beauty that can help heal the body and spirit. There will be multiple venues for those who come to enjoy this wonderful place.
- Free lift tickets will be offered at Sierra at Tahoe resort for all veterans or active military with ID or some kind.
- Limited free lift tickets are available for veteran families on an individual basis. Contact event organizer Jim Cahill at jimcskiguy@gmail.com for more information.
- Strawberry Lodge is offering discounted room rates Friday and Saturday nights
- Snowshoeing and snow play areas at Sierra at Tahoe will also be available to families of the attendees.
- Discount snowmobile tours and rentals from Lake Tahoe Adventures
Take the Operation Rebound Nordic Challenge on the morning of March 23rd by climbing up to Grandview over the 5 mile course then down to the ski school bell at the base. Free lift ticket with online tax deductible donation of $50 to Operation Rebound. Learn more about them here.
You will be required to present your active military ID or if you are a veteran,You will need to present your California drivers license with veterans designation, DD 214, military ID or a Veterans Administration ID to validate your veteran status.
For details on these activities and instructions for signing up click here.
Full information on the Veteran’s Reunion can be found at http://veteransreunionlaketahoe.com
New Instructor Course
Welcome to one of the most fun jobs you’ll ever have! After you take this course, you’ll learn a few things about being a snowsports instructor and have even more fun!
Follow one of the links below to access the free course used to help enhance your on-snow training and it’s a great way to learn more about your job. So, let’s get started. Here are the steps:
Already a PSIA-AASI member? Sign in using your current member login on file. It’s the same email and password used at thesnowpros.org
Create a user account on this website
Purchase the course – don’t worry it’s free, then follow the link on the order confirmation page
Complete the course, then share your results with your snowsports school via email and download/print a certificate to share at a later time
OK, let’s get started!
Fall Conference Adaptive Reports
What impressed me most was the struggle each discipline seemed to go through in order to arrive at a consensus about learning outcomes. For my group (Adaptive) all eight divisions of PSIA were represented. Differences were definitely present and yet we were able work to understand the various perspectives and find what we could agree upon. The goal was to make National Standards a priority over our individual and divisional differences. The new and fantastic adaptive manual, as well as, the revived Matrix were explored. Ideas and guidelines for adding additional educational videos to matrix were established. A plan was made to continue the process of developing and refining learning outcomes, the Matrix, etc., utilizing Basecamp as a means of communicating with each other.
Kim Meares
Adaptive Discipline News – Fall 2017
Dan Stormer, Adaptive Chair
The Adaptive Committee has been working to align with the Alpine and Snowboard disciplines, in offering our members a two day L1 examination. As a result we will no longer offer the
In House validation program. This was a very difficult decision as this option worked well for a number of candidates.
Ultimately the committee determined that a streamlined two day exam for all candidates will lead to a more consistent exam experience and a better product for our members, trainers and schools. To provide maximum flexibility, we will be offering a mix of calendar events, and more local ‘traveling’ examinations which can be added during the course of the year. We hope this system allows candidates to plan ahead, while still retaining some flexibility to change.
See the Calendar for a list of the Adaptive calendar exams.
We will work directly with any L3 candidates to set up an examination.
We are also adding an on-line pre-test requirement two weeks prior to your on mountain examination. This will allow us to reinforce knowledge that is needed for the certification, without cutting in to valuable on-snow time. Alpine and Snowboard have had great success in doing this and we want to build on that.
Adaptive Academy
Come experience the PSIA-AASI National Adaptive Academy (NAA), December 5-8, 2017, Breckinridge Ski Resort, CO. Programs are offered for all disciplines and levels and cover the latest in adapted ski and snowboard teaching methods. This is a chance to network with over 800 attendees from around the world, including instruc- tors, coaches, disabled participants, equipment vendors and expert consultants. Some of our Western stars will be working the event, including Bill Bowness, Josh Spoelstra and Katherine Hayes Rodriguez.
New this Year!
We have funding commitments for Adaptive specific certification scholarships. We recognize that many Adaptive instructors are volunteers.
The Ed Foundation will be accepting scholarship applications for your Level 1, 2 or 3 Adaptive exams. Can be submitted retroactively.
See the Ed Fund page of www.psia-w.org for more info.
Adaptive Committee changes
We have put in place a mentoring program and succession plan for our Adaptive Committee Chairs. A sitting Committee Chair will stay on for another year at the end of his/her term to work toward a successful transition.
Lastly, I will be leaving as Chair of the Adaptive Committee following November’s Ed Staff Training. It has been an exceptionally fulfilling two years. Stepping up will be Bill Bowness and Katherine Hayes Rodriguez to be co- chairs. These two have been leaders for many years. They are brilliant, hard-working and born leaders. Adaptive could not be in better hands.
This article appeared in print in our Fall Edge Newsletter in September 2017.
