Nearly 100 members of Western Division got the benefit of learning from 7 of the industries’ brightest. Dr. Shawn Worthy headlined a field, with a talk on “How We Learn and Change Movements.” Dr. Worthy, is a psychologist and researcher from Metro State College in Denver. He’s an avid skier and has presented topics for the Vail ski schools for a few years, is familiar with ski instructors’ strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies.
A huge thanks to everyone who attended and presented. What an outstanding crew of pros, keen to kick their game up a notch!
The event was held Oct. 17 at Lake Tahoe Community College in South Lake. Dr. Worthy was joined by a crew of local experts:
How is Innovation in Park Technology Effecting the Snowsport Industry, Snow Park Technologies
Unpacking the evolution of snowsports instruction – ancient past, present and …future, Mike Iman, Sugar Bowl
The teaching, guiding and facilitating continuum in modern snowsports, Carol Levine
Who are our next customers and what are they looking for?, Bee Gorman
A ski fitness and conditioning was provided byBarton Health.
A subsidy from the PSIA-W Education Foundation made the event possible. Help us provide future opportunities for this type of event to our membership by making a donation. ‘Donation link’
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Our featured event is the Cross Country and Telemark Fall Festival –Kirkwood Thursday through Saturday December 17-19, 2015. The last time this event was at Kirkwood, we were so buried in snow, some of the clinicians had trouble getting there to work – but nobody complained! We are hoping for a replay.
We will base out of the Red Cliffs Lodge – centrally located so you can take a clinic on the tracks in the morning, and then fry your legs on the hill in the afternoon.
Kirkwood will extend a 20% discount on lodging to our group.
The discount will automatically be applied with the promotional code: KG4PSIA. Call the Red Cliffs Lodge Front Desk at 1-800-967-7500 to make lodging reservations.
We will have:
• Apres’ ski happy hour on Thursday, 4:00 to 6:00
• Banquet on Friday from 6:00 to 9:00.
Locations TBA
Check psia-w.org for more details Starting in October. For more information visit psia-w.org, or contact Nordic Chairperson:
Urmas Franosch: skiwithurmas@gmail.com.
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“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn” – Maria Montessori’
Encouraging a child’s curiosity to learn snowsports will create memorable, positive and lasting experiences. Enhance your knowledge in the fundamentals of snow sports. Gain understanding in the ways kids feel, behave, think and move by participating in the Children’s Specialist 1 (CS1) and the Children’s Specialist 2 (CS2).
We are welcoming passionate, qualified instructors to attend our Children’s Education Staff Training Day, Nov. 20, 2015 at Mammoth. Instructors who are not currently on the PSIA/AASI West Education Staff must be CS2, and AT LEAST Level 2 in a discipline.
Instructors who are not currently on the PSIA/AASI Education Staff must attend CS2 and Beyond. Contact Greg Lyons, lyonsgm@juno.com to request permission to attend.
Are you a skier or rider that loves to lap the park? Or maybe someone that just has interest to catch their first air? Any member, no matter your level or discipline can attend the three-day Freestyle Sessions to improve your freestyle coaching skills. Attendees receive a Freestyle Safety Certificate. Additionally, attendees who meet the National Standards for Freestyle will be awarded their Freestyle Specialist based on their level of competencies during the event. Come out and “up your game” as a Freestyle Coach in the Western Division.
There was a great question raised about the new Adaptive Alpine Standards Exam Supplement . The information in the supplement used to be found embedded in the National Adaptive Certification Standards but in an attempt to make the Standards more user friendly, the skiing equivalencies and Adaptive specific teaching and technical skills were removed and now that information is found in this “stand alone” supplement.
The member asked about the change in outrigger use at the “gliding/braking wedge” equivalents for outrigger users, particularly, mono skiers. In the past, we have coached our students to create a slowing/braking action by engaging the friction devices (brakes) of the outriggers and driving the outriggers forward while pressuring downward. This braking technique is rarely used by our sit skiers after the first gravity movements are introduced. If you watch independent sit skiers slow or stop in close quarters (i.e., lift lines, congested areas or narrow spots) they typically utilize a “diverging wedge” with their outriggers. They will turn their outrigger outward so the tips are pointed away from their midline and slowly apply pressure until the slowing/stopping has been achieved.
This outward rotation of the forearms causes the outside edge of the outrigger tips to engage in the snow. By increasing pressure on the outriggers (and/or increasing the outward rotation of the outrigger tip) slowing is augmented. I believe that there are several benefits of the diverging outrigger ‘wedge’ method over the old ‘braking’ method. First, this outward rotation of the outrigger is used by sit skiers throughout their skiing life. Unlike the “hunker down” method that we taught in the past, this “turning the doorknob” movement is the building block of all future outrigger use. It is utilized at all ability levels (beginner – advanced) to create torque (rotary). The ‘wedge’ technique is beneficial for introducing efficient outrigger methods sooner in the student’s progression.
Second, the student will learn the importance of being able to let the outrigger drift across the snow. The ‘wedge’ method teaches our new students to vary (“feather”) pressure on the outriggers as they maintain balance and move across the snow. I think the old brake technique teaches an “all or nothing” pressure movement.
Third, the student is introduced to using the rigger tip’s edge rather than the brake claw to develop friction and create torque. Using the outrigger’s edge allows the user to create torque without as much slowing. I have seen students that learned with the ‘braking’ method that never understood the need to turn the outrigger in the direction they want to go. They simply pushed the brake claw harder into the snow to effect a turn; i.e. torque with significant slowing/friction.
Fourth, it is a natural progression to introducing first turns. With the diverging wedge, when first turns are taught, the student simply keeps one rigger pointed straight (or point both riggers in the direction of the turn) and a turn will occur. Again, they are introduced to a movement that they will use for as long as they mono ski… the braking method is a movement that should be/must be extinguished for the beginner to move to intermediate levels.
And, maybe the biggest benefit, the student is far less likely to become dependent on the stupid brake! If we teach the student’s first sliding movements to utilize the edge of the rigger instead of the brake claw, the student never develops a dependency on the brake. The students I have taught lately start with maybe a 1/4” of brake bolt. By the time they are making linked turns, the brake bolt is gone! It is important to note that this is not an efficient braking method. If you are on steep enough terrain that your student cannot stop, a turn to a stop should be taught.
Check out the great video clips of this technique on the Matrix. (Go to www.thesnowpros.org – sign-up for the Matrix in your ‘member area’ and check out the great Adaptive video clips!)
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Hello, All! My name is Dan Stormer and I am the new Adaptive Representative to our Division’s Board of Directors. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our past Representative, Bill Bowness, for taking the helm of the Adaptive committee these last several years. Bill will continue his involvement with Adaptive by working with the Education Staff and its training. Glen Smith, prior chair, will continue heading a series of educational clinics aimed at our Division’s member schools that do not have an adaptive presence. This training will introduce the basics of and need for adaptive at all resorts. For more information, contact Glen (glentsmith@frontier.com) or myself at dstormer@hadsellstormer.com.
PSIA/AASI National has developed an Adaptive National Exam Standard for both Adaptive Alpine and Adaptive Snowboard. You can find the new national standards on the www.thesnowpros.org site.
Adaptive National Standards
Keep in mind that the national standards are minimum standards and the standards here in the Western Division may be slightly higher.
Many questions are asked across the division related to the structure of our exam processes. Some members wish to attempt to skip levels or take multiple levels of examination in one season and want to know how go about requesting these types of accommodations. Here is the recommended expectation and how the process flows with some rationale for the “why” so members can get a better idea of why we do the things we do.
The current 1 to 3 Level Examination Pathway follows a RECOMMENDED five year plan for a full time instructor. Part-time instructors should expect a protracted learning experience and therefore longer time prior to completion of the Level 3 certification.
Year One:
Year One: Learning how to utilize and implement sound teaching scenerios. Photo by Terry Peters.
Level 1- An introduction to snowsports teaching with an exposure to teaching concepts and skiing/ snowboarding demonstration ability. Although the base methodology is basic in nature we believe that it is only through practical teaching experience that an instructor can fully grasp how to utilize and implement sound teaching scenarios. A petition to attempt more than one level in a year would necessitate that the applicant had a strong and documented coaching background in an activity which complimented the skill set looked for as a professional snowsports instructor. Skiing/riding ability alone is not a suitable reason for petition. Due to the complexities of and fundamental principles introduced at this level it is unlikely that a petition will be approved unless the complimentary skill set is from within the snow sports industry.
Year Two: Developing a natural ability to describe turn mechanics and complex methodology. Photo by Terry Peters.
Year Two:
Develop practical experience with teaching hours and training. Candidates should use the time period between Level 1 and 2 to refine their understanding and develop the ability to describe and discuss the complexities of ski/snowboard teaching. Turn mechanics, biomechanics, teaching methodology need to become habitual in nature before one can possibly be ready to take the next exam.
Year Three:
Year Three: Instructors must demonstrate skiing/snowboarding ability as well as teaching competency. Photo by Terry Peters.
Level 2- This is the examination standard set for most full-time snowsports instructors. It assesses skiing/snowboarding and teaching competency to a level where an instructor is certified to teach 90% of the snowsports public. Again there is a skiing/riding and teaching component in this exam however the assessment is split into two sections: skiing/riding first, then teaching. It is our belief that candidates must have the ability to demonstrate accuracy in their movements before they are likely to understand how to teach these movements to someone else. Due to the complexities of and fundamental principles expected to be present in all skiing/riding and teaching scenarios at this level it is unlikely that a petition to sit this exam will be approved unless it is from within the snow sports industry, typically from an internationally certified (ISIA) instructor not associated with PSIA.
Year Four: Developing athleticism beyond Level 2 and tactical decision making is expected. Photo by Terry Peters.
Year Four:
Develop Practical Experience with teaching hours and Training at higher skill levels. At this stage in professional development an instructor can discuss complex theories and develop individualized lesson plans. In the area of skiing/riding demonstrations candidates must develop athleticism that is typically not present at Level 2. Tactical decision making needs to be present and an ability to coach tactically is expected to be developed during this time period.
Year Five:
Year Five: A mastery of written materials and practices of PSIA/AASI and the ability to ski/ride all conditions is required. Photo by Terry Peters.
Level 3- At this level it is expected that candidates have a mastery of the written materials, methodologies and practices of PSIA/AASI and the physical aptitude to ski/ride all conditions with any guest that may take lessons in any given resort. Again the exam is split into skiing/riding then teaching.
Following this five year pathway is no guarantee of success and it is only your effort, commitment and time dedicated to this profession that will result in a successful exam outcome, but this is a solid recommendation on how to be as well prepared as possible. Other disciplines may have differing timelines for your success.
You will need to include justification for accelerating the process. Skills sets like History of racing, Coaching other Sports, and teaching hours can influence approval. Your petition will need to be endorsed by a current member of one of our Education Teams.
This petition will be routed to the discipline chair, at present Finlay Torrance for Alpine and Chris Lange for Snowboard.
Submit early, at least one month prior to the exam you wish to attend. This will give the chair and office sufficient time to review, ask follow up questions and respond to the applicant.
The Discipline Chair has sole discretion for petition approval.
I hope this information helps to clarify the certification pathway.
May the force be with you.
Finlay Torrance, PSIA-W VP Alpine Certification
Chris Lange, AASI-W VP Snowboard Certification
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According to Wikipedia, etymologically, the word education is derived from educare (Latin) “bring up”, which is related to educere “bring out”, “bring forth what is within”, “bring out potential” and ducere, “to lead.”
When you love what you do it shows, regardless of whether you’re introducing a new participant to the sensation of sliding or guiding a seasoned expert to the best snow on the mountain. Engaged instructors capture the interest of their guest and cleverly weave an experiential blend of instruction that recognizes age, ability, mental state, motivation, physical condition, learning style, equipment choice and personal goals.
Trainers have the equally complex job of tailoring the education they deliver to instructors so that it meets the demands of the evolving snowsport guest. They also make it their goal to help you be your very best by building your confidence and providing feedback to help you develop. Most of us would agree that a great clinic is a mix of relevant content, participatory activities that give us some practical experience. It’s engaging and our clinician seemed to truly value our success.
To help address the complexities of our job and the diversity in our membership, this season we are launching the following events and resources:
• Ignite your curiosity and check-out the event schedule for cross over events that combine Nordic and Alpine skiing as well as an introduction to making the most of local cross country centers.
• Join fellow instructors at one of our new “Alumni Club” events and stay connected with like-minded folks from across the division.
• Take your skills up a notch at our Professional Development Camp specifically designed for level 3’s and resort trainers.
• Consider updating your library with National’s release of several new manuals and the revised National Standards for all disciplines.
• Visit the Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month website [skiandsnowboardmonth. org] and encourage your resort to take advantage of the free media toolbox that helps promote snowsports to the public.
• Stay tuned for the next phase of the More Fun Starts Here Campaign as divisions across the country hop onboard with Eastern’s Push for Public Awareness campaign. For more information go to: http://www.psia-e.org/eastern-division-push-forpublic- awareness/
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Of note are the immediate resignations of two PSIA/AASI West Directors. Chris Lange and newly elected Director Joshua Thompson-Bourrie have tendered their resignations as Directors to the full Board, citing personal conduct detrimental to membership and reputation of PSIA/AASI West, thus acknowledging a serious safety incident which transpired at Convention in Mammoth. Newly elected Director Rachel Georgieva will serve as Rules and Procedures Chair for a three year term. Rounding out the board, Finlay Torrance was also re-elected to a three year term and Ceci Chourre’ was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board. She will fill a three year term and serves as Convention Chair. For more information on this year’s election, and contact info for all Directors, click HERE.
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