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.
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:
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.
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
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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
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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
Welcome to PSIA-AASI Snowboard Level I Certification online course. The following course is designed to be completed prior to attending the on-snow portion of the Level I Exam.
FREE TO MEMBERS. This is the PSIA-AASI Snowboard Level I Certification Prerequisite E-Learning course. The following course is designed to be completed prior to attending the on-snow portion of the Level I Exam. You must be a PSIA-AASI member to add this course to your cart and check out.
Halley O’Brien and Chris Rogers of Snow Operating and the AASI teamed up to create a three-part video series to show new snowboarders what to expect on their first day riding. Share these videos with your new-hire instructors, your beginner riders, or that friend or family member you’ve been begging to try snowboarding this season.
The first video covers everything a new rider needs to know about gear, from how their boots should fit to their riding stance.
The second video covers the basic movements of snowboarding, including skating, gliding, and standing up.
The last video in the series introduces how to move up and down the mountain. You’ll find in tips on how to stop, slip, perform garlands, and how to use the chairlift.
Snow will be flying soon, use this video series to set up our new riders for success!
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Are you an enthusiastic, outgoing, people person who loves the mountains? If so, Big Bear Mountain Resorts is looking for you to join our team of ski and snowboard instructors for the 2017-2018 winter season. Enjoy the crisp, clean, sunny mountain air of Big Bear Lake. Above 6,700’ in elevation, Big Bear is the place to ski and ride in Southern California. Work alongside other outdoor enthusiasts. Experience the joy and love of teaching others how to ski and snowboard. Make some friends. Have a lot of fun. Earn some money and get multiple employee benefits, including free skiing and riding this season along with other discounts.
We teach all levels and all ages of skiers and riders, from beginners to experts. You need to have a love for people, for the mountains, and working outside. If you can ski and ride on blue, groomed runs, we will take care of the rest. There are multiple levels of involvement, starting with Holiday only employees, to Part-time, all the way up to Full-time. Our busy times are weekends and holidays, which works great around school and other work schedules.
All applications are through our link below. As of now, positions are open, and we are actively hiring. Our typical season is from Thanksgiving through the first two weeks of April. Expect as a first-year instructor to work from the beginning of December through the second weekend of April.
Lets face it – kids these days have so many options when it comes to snowboarding camps. From Woodward camps to High Cascade to developmental
groms teams, there is definitely no shortage of opportunities for kids to go to a camp and get quality coaching on the hill and fun times at camp. Don’t you wish you had the opportunity as a kid – or even better, now as an adult who can appreciate the experience?
Cue Snowboard camp 2017.
AASI West and Mammoth Mountain are hosting one of the premier snowboarding events of the 2016/2017 season. Connect with like-minded, driven riders from around the country on Mammoth’s legendary freeride and freesytle terrain for a three day, camp style experience. Up your game in the park, push your freeriding to new levels, and shred with your fellow riders!
Coach Lea Logal flies over a jump
We are keeping it simple and have a package that includes; off hill events, parties, expert coaching, personal feedback, swag and awards for doing what we love. With on hill and off hill events lead by members of the AASI Team, our featured coaches include SethJohns, Chris Hargrave and Lea Logal. You will get top level coaching and training from some of the best snowboarding has to offer. Space is limited for this one of a kind experience! For additional information please contact Lea Logal by phone or email (530)318-8733, leakathleen2017@gmail.com.
Lodging-Book early to guarantee a spot at one of the Mammoth lodging options. Call 1(800) Mammoth (800) 626-6684. Use Booking ID # 22280, PSIA-AASI Spring Convention. Great deals on rooms at the Mammoth Mountain Inn and Lodge.
Meet the coaches:
Seth Johns
I have been on the Western Tech Team, AASI National Demo Team and competed on various Freeride tours. I am working as the Overall Snowboard Lead Trainer in Aspen/Snowmass and examining in the Western Division. My active sponsors are Burton Snowboards, Anon Optics, Hestra Gloves, Wend Wax, Species Nutrition, Snow Just Because. Follow me on Instagram @sethsnowboards or Seth Johns on Facebook
Lea Logal
AASI-W Education Staff,
Snowboard Coach Northstar Teams Program
Snowboard Level 3 Certified, Alpine Level 1 Certified
USASA 200 Coach
Children’s Specialist
Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Chris Hargrave
President, Windell’s Academy, Mt. Bachelor, OR
AASI National Team member
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Alex Baker at the Northstar Freestyle session in March 2017
Did you Know PSIA-AASI West holds Freestyle Session Events? This is a 3 day focused freestyle training, you will have the opportunity to ride one of the best parks in North America with some of our best PSIA-AASI freestyle staff.
One of Mammoth’s parks. Photo by Mammoth Mounatin
Chris Ball Winds up for a 360
What is a Freestyle session?
A Freestyle Session is an education event and an exam all at once. While less structured than regular exams, attendees still have the opportunity to prove they meet the standards for PSIA-AASI Freestyle level 1, 2, or 3. It’s like an exam, but more “freestyle”, so to speak. When you sign up, you do not sign up for one specific level, but you attend and are given the level you deserve at the end. This way, if you do not have a level 1 but are riding and teaching in the park at an advanced level, you may receive your level 2 or even 3. Likewise, if you are going with a level 2 as your end goal but do not meet all the standards, you can still walk away with a level 1.
Who can attend?
The group at Northstar Freestyle Sessison, March 2017
If you have at least your Alpine or Snowboard level 1 and are a current member, you can attend. These events are for skiers and snowboarders of all park abilities. You are split into groups based on ability after the first day, so you will be able to ride with people who will push you within limits. So if you are working on your 720s and hit 50 footers with ease, no need to worry about being stuck in the first-timers park. If it is your first time in the park, don’t worry about having to hit the biggest features or being left behind. There’s something for everyone.
Brian Norman, showing that the halfpipe is for skiers too
What can I expect each day going into a freestyle session?
Ronnie hitting a jump with style at Northstar
All three days are technically part of the exam, but each day builds up to the final day when you will receive the results of what level you achieved. Not only will you work on teaching in the park, but you will have the opportunity to work on your own ability and pushing your own limits. The first day is more freeform, and you can expect to receive coaching on your own riding. Expect to explore all the parks and see what the resort has to offer and become comfortable with the parks there. Day 2 focuses a little more on coaching, and you can expect to receive and give a few pointers with your fellow attendees. Although you will still have some coaching from the PSIA-AASI tech team, day 3 is almost all coaching from your peers. You will be observed not only on your riding, but your ability to teach the group a certain skill in the park. What you teach depends on the level you are going for.
Doug Fagel, one of the trainers, boosting out of the pipe
Photos and writing by Hanalei Edbrooke
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At our October “Professional Development Day” sponsored by the PSIA-W Education Foundation, attendees received some great information on Injury Prevention for skiers provided by Barton Health. Michelle and Barton have generously provided this handout for those who could not make it . Enjoy and
ski free! (Injury Free
Courtney Carmichael, PT, DPT
Michelle Appelle, PT, OCS
the most common ski injury
• ACL tear is the 2nd most common ski injury
• ACL & MCL tears = 30% of skiing injuries
• Age: 15-24 y.o. = most likely to injure knee
• Decreased fitness >> more likely to be injure
• Stretching = important for prevention
• Adequate rest breaks & hydration
• Hx of knee injuries = more likely to re-injure
• Previous ACL injury = increased risk for Osteoarthritis later
• Head injuries are increasing in incidence
Injury Prevention: Equipment
• Boots- Proper fit, wear and tear
• Skis/Snowboards- Size, tuned properly for conditions
• Bindings- DIN settings
Injury Prevention: Mechanism of Injury
• Most common mechanism of injury: non-contact:
• Landing a jump in poor form: Weight back >> boot pushing on calf >> force through tibia tears ACL
• “Phantom foot phenomenon”- Uphill arm back, skier off balance to the rear, hips below the knees, uphill ski unweighted, weight on inside edge of DH ski, upper body generally facing DH ski (If all 6 components are present at same time, injury to DH leg is imminent)
• Ski catches awkwardly in the snow or carving of the ski twists the leg.
• We can’t prevent contact related injury, we can only reduce the incidence of non-contact injuries.
Correcting poor technique
• Maintaining balance and control • Keep hips above knees • Keep arms forward
Avoiding high risk behavior
• Don’t fully straighten legs when you fall
• Don’t get up until you’ve stopped sliding
• Don’t land on your hand: break fall with uphill arm
Head Injuries- A New Phenomena
• 70% of skiers and snowboarders wearing helmetstripled (3x) since 2003
• There has been no reduction in the # of snowsports-related fatalities or brain injuries in the country (NSAA)
• Number of snow-sports-related head injuries among youths and adolescents increased 250 percent from 1996 to 2010.
Concussion Signs- Observed
• Can’t recall events prior to/after a hit or fall • Appears dazed or stunned • Forgets an instruction or unsure of the location, time, or other factors • Moves clumsily • Answers questions slowly • Loses consciousness (even briefly) • Mood, behavior, or personality changes
• Keep person with possible concussion out of activity the same day of the injury
• Require clearance by a healthcare provider.
• Don’t try to judge severity of the injury
• Decision regarding return to work/school/sport- made by a healthcare provider only
Helmet Safety
• ASTM1 certified helmet- tested for safety
• Clean with warm water and mild detergent
• Don’t store helmet in a car or direct sunlight
• Do not decorate your helmet- paint/stickers
• Ski helmets are designed to withstand more than one very minor hit
• A ski helmet MUST be replaced if it has been involved in a serious crash or is damaged
ACL Tears in Females
Non-contact ACL tears are up to 8x more common in female athletes. ACL tears are 3x greater in alpine female skiers. Risk factors for increased rate of ACL tears in females are:
• Anatomical: wider hips, increased hip internal rotation, “knock-knees”, small ACL, small notch size
• Hormonal: changes in laxity during menstrual cycle
• Biomechanical: inefficient muscular control, improper mechanics during sport Understanding & preventing noncontact ACL injuries 2007
ACL Injury Prevention Programs
Decreased occurrence of ACL injuries by 60- 89%. The emphasis of programs has been on reducing high risk positions and training for proper technique. Common components are stretching, strengthening, balance, plyometrics and core stabilization. Access exercises from 2 popular programs online: http://smsmf.org/smsf-programs/pep-program http://sportsmetrics.org/
Nutrition
Low blood sugar and dehydration lead to impaired reaction time, cognition and decision making increasing injury rates A 30 minutes training video with printed materials on nutrition and a balance program provided to ski-area staff was effective at reducing injuries in participating resorts by 65%. Injury rates at non-participating resorts increased by 34%. BioMed Res Int 2013 Nutrition: consume small, frequent meals.
Biomechanics of Injury
Ligament Dominance: knee collapses inward during sport because the athlete is relying on the ligament and joint structure to absorb forces instead of muscle control. To correct: train for proper technique Quadriceps Dominance: knee remains more extended (straight) because the athlete is over-active in their quadriceps and underutilizing their hamstrings. To correct: incorporate hamstring strengthening Leg Dominance: most of the weight is on one leg during ACL injuries. 20% decrease in strength in one limb leads to injury. To correct: train for asymmetries, incorporate single leg exercises Trunk Dominance: trunk tends to be tilted to the side during an ACL injury. Poor trunk control will lead to fall during skiing/snowboarding. To correct: train with core stabilization North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 2010
Training Principles
Training is most effective when resistance exercises are similar to the sport in which improvement to sought. Train by strengthening the same muscle groups used in skiing/snowboarding. Incorporate anaerobic exercise by utilizing interval training. These are short duration, high intensity exercises to mimic activity on hill. In order for training adaptions to occur, we have to exercise beyond a level that our bodies are normally accustomed to. This is why it is necessary to progress an exercise by increasing the sets, repetitions and/or resistance.
Time of Day
Most skiing and snowboarding injuries occur close to noon or at the end of the day. Injury rates increase when skiing/riding greater than 3 hours with a break. Rest and replenish your body during your break to reduce injury risk.
Vermont Safety Research
Serious knee sprains in the on-slope staff of 20 ski areas was reduced by 62% by with a video-based training video that utilized education on proper fall technique and avoiding high risk behavior Am J Sports Med 1995
• Avoid high risk behavior: Don’t fully straighten your legs when you fall, don’t try to get up until you’ve stopped sliding, don’t land on your hand, don’t jump unless you know where/how to land
• Recognize Potentially Dangerous Situations: Uphill arm back, off-balance to the rear, hips below the knees, uphill ski unweighted, weight on inside edge of downhill ski tail, upper body generally facing downhill ski
• Respond correctly to loss of control: Arms forward, feet together, hands over skis
• Conditions: Be aware of changing snow conditions that can contribute to injury risk, wear proper goggles in low visibility
• Equipment: Properly tune equipment at the beginning of the season
• Responsibility Code: Share with others to improve safety on hill Lots of valuable information at: http://www.vermontskisafety.com/
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Chris Hargrave
