06falledge

Fall 2006

Be Sure To Stop, Look, & Listen as We Strive To Deliver the GoodsNotes from the President: Neil Bussiere

The Edge, Fall 2006 - Page 1

(Continued on page 2)

American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA)PSIA - Western Division - AASI

Well, November is here and so is the ‘06-’07 season. I’d like to introduce myself to the membership as your new President having been elected to succeed outgoing President Dave Achey at our Spring Board

Meeting in Mammoth. Many thanks to Dave, the Board, and those across the membership that have carried the torch of progress over the years. Given their dedication I will eagerly try

to live up to these ideals and standards as we move forward.

Having spent three terms on the Board and the last four years as your Executive VP I have a strong appreciation of the issues at hand and the imminent chal-lenges before us. Based on inputs from the membership and interaction with individual members there is an on-going “avalanche” of support amongst the ranks for added member value and increased “deliverables.” As reflected in our 2010 Vision and Mission Statement, these deliverables will continue to be aimed at promoting snowsports education and fostering the “slider” lifestyle. Deliverables in the works include a new modular Level I Certification format, a Senior Accredi-tation, a new Nordic Handbook, an im-proved Educational Season Pass option, a Trainer’s Handbook, expanded Ed Core and Educational Foundation Scholar-ship offerings, added recognition items, increased web content, and more frequent

Your PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors at their August 2006 Summer Meeting (from left to right): Chris Fellows, El Furtney, Urmas Franosch, Greg Lyons, Steve Evenson, Finlay Torrance, Mike Hafer, Ken Mattson, Carl Underkoffler, Neil Bus-siere, Jimmy Smith, Craig Albright, Ted Pitcher.

The Inside Edge10-11The 2006/07 Season Calendar

22007 ConventionApril 27-29, Mammoth

4Seizing Your Summit:A report from Mt. Olympus, N. Zealand

9“New” Senior Accreditation

Inside this issue:

By Weavin Steven EvensonAs I sit here writing this,

I am still damp from water skiing on the lake, and winter seems far away. The weather channel is forecasting pos-sible snow and temps in the low 20’s for this weekend. That’s more like it! Last year’s Convention was a huge suc-cess with awesome participa-tion from the membership.

First, I would like to send some huge kudos to Mike Hafer, and all the volunteers that pitched in to make this event the best Convention ever.

We have some new and exciting plans for the 2007 Convention. I have received tons of feedback from the membership to help things run even smoother. The first priority is to streamline the check-in process, and add descriptions and desired ‘ability level’ of the clinics to the website. We are also looking into the possibility of moving the cocktail party and banquet to an in-town location if accommoda-tions exist for a function our size. This will minimize driving time after a long day on the hill. We are also exploring the possibility of a couple of out of the box guest clinicians to provide some variety and spice. The ‘A La Carte’ registration seemed to work great and we are going to update this service.


e-mail updates. Keep your contact infor-mation current, keep your input and ideas coming, and we’ll keep the deliverables “sliding” on down to you.

With that said the Board moved over the summer to uphold our Educational standards through a concerted effort to contact the membership regarding the required completion of two days edu-cational content every two years. After much consideration the Board chose to pursue added enforcement given a por-tion of the membership was non-com-pliant. Our Executive Administrator, Mitch Dion, was instrumental in mak-ing this happen. Mitch took personal responsibility for making contact with the affected membership as tactfully as possible and in many cases spoke per-sonally with members regarding their individual situations. Thanks to Mitch for going the extra mile. In Mitch’s first year on the job he has proven to be a great resource, brimming with new ideas, and it is readily apparent that he excels in addressing member concerns and reach-ing resolution. Thanks Mitch.

Other items of note are the establish-ment of a standing Heritage Committee to recognize long-time members, and to collect, compile, and preserve items, memorabilia, and publications that tell the story of our past and from where we came. Anyone wishing to add to the collection or cause please contact our Heritage Chair, new board member Ted Pitcher, for further information.

With the change of seasons comes the change of faces and personalities as people move on into new endeavors. Our past Nordic Chair, Randy Wall has moved to Montana to take advantage of that Sep-tember snow they had. We have managed to lure Urmas Franosch back into the fray as Nordic Chair. Randy has set a very high bar for professionalism and information flow so Urmas has his work cut out for him. Welcome back, Urmas. Other new Board members include Steve Evenson as your Convention Chairperson and Elianne Furtney as the Rules and Proce-

dures Chairperson. Also, as we approach December, the Board should be close to installing a new Adaptive Chair as Jimmy Smith passes the reigns to his successor as recommended by the Adaptive Commit-tee. Stay tuned for that.

As sometimes happens though, we are not without loss. Long time examiner and AASI guru Bruce Sato was killed in a tragic kite sailing accident at Washoe Lake this past June. Bruce’s contributions to the division and beginnings of AASI will not be forgotten. His knowledge and influ-ence were instrumental to the founding of AASI and he was appropriately selected as a member of the first AASI National Demo team. Bruce was a mentor of sorts to me personally as he showed me the examining ropes when I was first start-ing out. We will miss his passion for the mountain lifestyle and his sense of humor. Knowing Bruce, though, he would want us to press on in efforts to extend this

passion further and deeper into the mem-bership. Look for the “One-4-B.Sato” patches on the sleeves of the AASI clini-cians and members this season.

Feel free to contact me or any board member directly if you have any ideas for moving forward. Each idea will receive due consideration and you will receive feedback regarding your suggestion. After all, you deserve it for taking the time to make a difference.

For all of us we can begin to plan ac-cordingly and take advantage of a full event schedule lined up for this season. Fall Rally kicks off in Tahoe in early December, followed by Winter Carnival in January, and the season-culminating Spring Convention once again in Mam-moth in late April. But remember, make it a point to occasionally Stop, Look & Lis-ten and keep an eye on the slopes. You just might see an “avalanche of deliverables” headed your way. Stay safe, Neil.

Be Sure To Stop, Look, & Listen as We Strive To Deliver the Goods(Continued on page 1)

Exciting Plans in Works for ConventionApril 27-29 at Mammoth Mountain



Bruce Sato lost his life in a kite-boarding accident, on Sun-day, June 4, 2006. Bruce was born in San Francisco, June 6, 1960. He was raised by his Mom, Natalie Sato, and lived there for a short time, then moved to Cleveland, and then to Pennsyl-vania. He went to High School in Harrisburg, Pa., and studied Political Science in college at Nassom, in Maine. By the time

he got to college he was into biking, climbing, skiing and kayaking.

Bruce started skiing when he was ten at Ski Roundtop in Pennsylvania. He started teaching skiing after college and became a member of PSIA-East.

In 1987 he packed his bags to move west and landed at Mammoth Mountain and joined PSIA-W. Bruce became very interested in snowboard-ing and was a pioneer in helping to

integrate snowboarding into the ‘Professional Ski Instructor’ umbrella. He was on PSIA’s first National Snowboarding Demonstration Team. He was instrumental in helping PSIA-W develop its snowboarding certification process and standards. This was all prior to the formation of the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. He was a technical master and was never afraid to challenge someone’s opinions or beliefs.

He called Lake Tahoe home and loved skiing, riding and sliding at Squaw Valley. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the resort with others and always had a knack for convincing you to make one more run. He had a passion for anything outdoors. Bruce will be sorely missed and most remembered for his sly grin of a smile and his infectious laugh. His mother, Natalie Sato, survives him.

- Submitted by Carl Underkoffler

In Memorium: Bruce SatoWe announce with sorrow the death of Debi Wilson, a long

time PSIA/AASI member.Beginning in high school and continuing her studies at

Chico State, Debi would travel to the Lake Tahoe area to ski whenever she could. For Debi, Lake Tahoe was paradise and

she dreamed of moving to Lake Tahoe early and often. In 1993 Debi began life as a ski instructor at Heavenly Valley.

Debi lived her life in par-adise following her dreams. She loved the outdoors and she made the best use of her time outdoors, skiing in the winter as much as

possible. In the summer it was boating, hiking, camping, and golf.

Now, more than 14 years later, on Aug. 21, 2006, Debi passed away. She was returning on her Wave Runner when God called her home. God provided her the perfect day at Emerald Bay, her most cherished spot on Earth. God blessed her with a painless and peaceful passing.

Debi started and ended as a spirit true to herself. She understood that life is fleeting and she consumed time as a precious commodity.

Debi’s bright flame and contagious smile has left our lives but not our hearts. She is loved so much by so many. She could not possibly be forgotten. Debi will always be missed and always be loved by all the lives she touched so graciously.

Article was previously printed in the Tahoe Tribune-Submitted by Greg Lyons

In Memorium: Debi Wilson

PSIA/AASI wishes to extend our gratitude to member Kelly Palicki, for her generosity of spirit in organizing the memorial and helping to settle the affairs of Bruce Sato.

There is also the possibility of some boot fitting clinics and demo ski clinics on the horizon. Hats off to Rusty Crook, Ted Pitcher and Mike Iman, who spear-headed the Senior’s clinics. The feedback was enthusiastic. Look forward to some cross discipline clinics, Nordic, and as I said, some special guest clinicians. We are also hoping to simplify the race registration and results postings.

Next year’s Convention dates are April 27, 28 and 29 at Mam-moth Mountain. We are hopeful that we will again be blessed with ample snow and good weather.

Most impressive to all of us is the energetic willingness of our membership to take some ownership of this event. The outpouring of volunteers and their efforts are not overlooked

or forgotten. After all, this is your event, and your chance to blow off some steam after a hard winter’s work. Anyone inter-ested in helping out at next year’s Convention can reach me at [email protected]. Any donations of product or services for the silent auction to benefit the Sodergren Foundation will be greatly appreciated.

I know I have some big shoes to fill and I am ready to go to bat to make this a success. See you in Mammoth!

Ski ya later, Weavin Steven Evenson

Exciting Plans in Works for Convention, April 27-29 at Mammoth(Continued from page 2)

Wanted: Weekend children’s ski coach for the 2006/2007 season. Private ski team in Truckee. Certification required. Interested parties email: [email protected].


Seizing Your Summit: A Reminder of Why We Teach, LiveBy Heidi Ettlinger, Publicity and Advisory Committee

If Mount Olympus, Greece, was the home of the mythical and powerful Zeus and Hera, then Mount Olympus, New Zealand must have been their winter playground. Today this majestic moun-tain beckons those who are undaunted in their quest for challenge and excitement. Beyond the adventure, the serenity allows one to ponder the true meaning of the journey and not the race to the destina-tion. Not only for the strong who live for the extreme, but those who have a deep appreciation for freedom in the moun-tains and desire forced isolation from phones and the internet. As pristine, raw, and rustic as they come, at this Club Field you share in the responsibilities of shovel-ing out and firing up the lifts, digging out the lodge, and evaluating snow safety.

In contrast to the rigors of the natu-ral environment, the lodge provides a homey appeal and genuine comradery among everyone staying there. Carefully preserved like a time capsule, it’s strate-gically perched in a prime nesting space between two giant ridge lines. I awoke every morning to Pete and Denis, long time club members and generous gentle-men, serving me (and my bunk mates) tea and coffee while we were still in bed. Stunned, I had just had the best night of sleep in months on the top bunk in an old drying room towering over 6 other people in bunks below, I heard there was a few feet of new snow and thought QUICK…. Fresh tracks! But what’s the hurry? There are only 30 of us and because the roads have been closed, it was all ours.

Skiing at Mt. Olympus calls for courage, agility, and trust. Essential gear includes an avalanche beacon, shovel, climbing har-ness, and a “nutcracker.” An adventure here could be just using the lifts, a series of high speed rope tows for which your “nutcrack-er” is essential. It hangs from your harness while you ski, and when you’re ready to go you grab the rope, slip the nutcracker over and hang on. Easy! Ha! This requires good timing and coordination; you don’t want to be holding the rope with your hand when

A lone skier makes his way near the Mt. Olympus Lodge (below), home for a summer adventure in New Zealand. Above, you know you have arrived when you see this view from atop the summit of Mt. Olympus. A video/slide show presentation of Mt. Olympus New Zealand & the 2006 PSIA National Academy in Chamonix will be presented at Fall Rally on December 3rd. Please check the calendar pages for more information about the Fall Rally and other upcoming events.


you reach the first pulley. The rope moves quickly, and although you can lean back and relax in your harness the metal pulley quickly approaching conjures up images of a meat grinder. Trusting you heard the instructions correctly, the nutcracker you are holding onto clinks and clanks through

the pulleys whizzling away at high speed. The tows are interconnected, which

makes riding some and ducking under others feel a bit like something out of Mad Max. You also quickly realize that you’ll do fine if you trust the simple


Alpine - Mike Hafer, Alpine VPLevel 1 Changes To an All-Inclusive Three-Day ModuleI would like to begin by introducing myself. I am Mike Hafer,

the new Alpine Vice President for the division. This is my sec-ond term on the Board of Directors. I have been an Examiner since ’99, on the Western Demo Team for two terms and I am currently working at Northstar. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, whether it is with the certification process or education in our division.

Certification:The up to date information on certification is as follows: Level

II and Level III will remain the same. The skiing modules will be three days and the teaching modules will be two days. We will be offering three Level II skiing modules and two Level II teaching modules. As for Level III, we will be offering two skiing modules and one teaching module. This schedule is very similar to last year’s.

The big news for the upcoming season is the Level I format change. Level I will now be a three-day module. Unlike the other two certification processes, the Level I will be an all in-clusive module. The three days will consist of coaching on the candidate’s performance in their free skiing, demos, teaching, and movement analysis. At the end of the three days the candi-date will be given a pass (please see the national website for Level I standards) or fail grade. Successful completion of the Level I module in conjunction with 20 hours of teaching experience within a ski and snowboard school will entitle the candidate to receive their Level I certification. The Level 1 Module is open to anyone, and there is no prerequisite. There will be a Level I module offered every month throughout the season. We will not offer any traveling modules.

The other option for the Level I candidate is the in-house program. The in-house program offers snowsports schools with qualified trainers on staff to prepare their Level 1 candidates for the L1 exam. This is a proven course that continues to produce quality instructors in the division.

I would like to address one more topic: Petitions. Anyone that is interested in petitioning the certification process must do so by the Jan. 15th deadline. This is a strict date and any applications filed after this date will not be considered. Petitioning is the method for Instructors with a foreign certification to get equivalency within PSIA/AASI West. It is also a way for a member to reinstate their certification if they have allowed their membership to lapse.

This upcoming season is a Western Division Demonstration Team try out year. The divisional team is a qualifying team that will be invited to try out for the National Demonstration Team in the spring of 2008. Any PSIA Level III ski instructor (must be a U.S. citizen) in good standing with the Division is invited to try out. For those wishing to try out, there will be a preparatory clinic January 19 at Squaw Valley (see calendar). The try-outs will be held March 27-29 at Mammoth.

The process for the try-outs will be similar to the past. This will be a three-day event with a skiing cut after the second day and then selection of the final team on the night of the third day. These first two days will consist of all mountain skiing, the ability to show a variety of turn sizes and shapes, and any tasks or variations of Dog and Pony Show. This will give all candidates multiple chances to show their skiing skills. Following the ski-ing cut, the candidates continuing on will be asked to give an indoor presentation on any subject pertaining to the snowsports industry. The third day will consist of on the hill presentations to be determined by the selection committee. There are not a predetermined number of divisional representatives that the divi-sion can send. This is why there will not be a pre set number of selections at the time of the cuts. The division will send a team that will best represent the West to the National try-outs. Good luck to all the candidates for the upcoming season.

Education:I would like to say thanks to Heidi Ettlinger for all of her ef-

forts with the divisional surveys. These surveys will help us to deliver clinics to the division that you requested. I have tried to incorporate as many of these clinics as possible. Remember to sign up early, the deadlines are two weeks prior to the event dates.

I look forward to seeing as many of you on the hill as possible. Let’s make it another great season. See you when the snow flies!

By Greg Lyons, BODThank you for a successful debut of the Educational Season

Pass last year! The Season Pass can be used to attend as many of our Calendar education events as you wish. The price is $ 210 for the 06/07 season. Our goal is to make is easy and affordable for you to enhance your skills and increase your professionalism.

INCLUDED EVENTS: All education events, $60/ day, plus Fall Rally, Ed Core, Winter Carnival, Nordic Symposium Ed events and the Children’s Symposium Ed events are included.

EXCLUSIONS: All $70/ day (exams, certification, accredi-tation) events are excluded. Spring Convention is excluded.

One note, cancellation and late fees will apply, so please follow the standard policies for signing up and if necessary canceling your participation in events.

Late fees: We will charge your credit card $ 20 for late registration (within 2 weeks of event date).

Cancellation: We will charge your credit card 50% of the event fee for cancellations 2 days prior to the event, no refund for cancellations less than 2 days from the event.

Contact the Division office (530) 587-7642, or [email protected] to purchase.

PSIA/AASI-W Season Pass Offered


Nordic Notes - Urmas Franosch, Nordic ChairmanFall Symposium Is Returning To Mammoth Dec. 13-15The first cold snap of the year always

gets me thinking about skiing. Today’s cold wind stirs up fantasies of those early season trips to Redcone Bowl or White-wing – places where the soft pumice slopes offer good skiing on a minimal base. My home area Mammoth is once again up in the rotation for hosting the fall symposium (Dec. 13-15).

For those of you new to PSIA-W, this is THE big event on the Nordic calendar. Cross country and telemark instructors will get an early season tune-up on their skiing and teaching skills, and rub elbows at the après ski get-togethers. Check psia-w.org start-ing mid October for details on clinic topics, lodging packages and the Banquet. Mammoth has top to bottom snowmaking, and will certainly have some of the best conditions in California. Please see the sign up sheet on page 7.

Level 3 instructors are invited to attend clinician/ examiner training free of charge. Telemark training will be on Dec.11 at the slopeside center, main lodge; cross country training will follow on Dec. 12 at Tamarack. Both groups will meet at 8:30 am. Clinicians and examiners will be selected from those who participate in the training days.

The Symposium is also a good time to start working toward a certification. Level 1,2 and 3 prep clinics will be offered for telemark, and Level 1 for cross country. If you are considering trying for the next level certification, or just curious about what ski instruction is really like, sign up for a prep clinic. You will ski with one of the

By Geoff ClarkThis year Western Division will be

expanding it’s offerings of the backcoun-try clinics. All courses can be taken on Randonee gear, Telemark gear or with a splitboard. All courses are subject to ad-ditional fees for permits, lift tickets and paperwork. You will receive a gear list and are responsible for having the proper gear with you. The American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AI-ARE), www.avtraining.org, is responsible for putting together an impressive Level 1 avalanche course that is becoming the standard for backcountry avi courses and PSIA is offering a Level 1 at a reasonable price. The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), www.amga.com, is responsible for training and certifying Ski Guides in the USA. Your backcoun-try courses are led and taught using AMGA trained or certified ski guides.

division’s top educators and have a blast, while learning how you can improve your skills. Naturally you will find out your chances of passing the certification, but you will also come away with new teaching ideas and plenty of technical pointers.

The pathways through the certification levels are now clearer with the availability of the long awaited divi-sional telemark and cross country manuals. These booklets comple-ment the national PSIA manuals, and spell out the requirements and standards of the PSIA-W certification levels. Also included are detailed descriptions of the reference maneuvers and tasks used in the certification exams. Concepts such as “learning partnership,” “teaching cycle,” “primary movements,” and “fundamental skills” are explained, as are characteristics of student/instructor behavior.

Seasoned as well as novice instructors will find helpful tips on movement analysis and beginner progressions too. These two documents are downloadable at www.psia-w.org. Click on the link “Instructional Home.”

New for this year are avalanche and back country education events (see below and in Calendar). Plan ahead for the events you are interested in. Remember to sign up at least two weeks in advance, in order to help us schedule staff for the event. If there is a group of four or more who would like to schedule an event for a certain time and place, please contact Nordic chairman and chief examiner Urmas Franosch at: [email protected].

Starting in Nov., let the cold winds blow and bring us that snow!

-Avalanche training. This Level 1 course is taught using methodology from the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). You will learn how to recognize what causes avalanches, where avalanches will occur and how to make decisions about where to go and who to go with. You will learn about safety gear and how to use it. You should come away from this course with a better understanding of how the snow pack forms and what affect it has on the avalanche hazard. This is a 2-day course with 1/2 of the time spent inside with a fact filled PowerPoint presentation and the other 1/2 in the field. Taught by certified AIARE instructors.

-Introduction to Backcountry Riding. This course introduces you to the back-country environment and how to move

through it. Learn what you will need for a day out in the backcountry includ-ing: food, clothing, deciding where to go and if you should go. You will learn how to use skins, avalanche safety gear and about tour planning. Climbing and descending techniques will be covered in conjunction with track setting. Taught and led by AMGA trained or certified ski guides. This is a 2-day course.

-Overnight Backcountry touring. Learn to be comfortable on an overnight tour in the snow. You will see different shelter types, cooking options, packing, site selection, tour planning, etc. Taught and led by AMGA trained or certified ski guides. This is a 2-day course

-Multi-day Spring tour in the Sierra. Tour through the “Range of Light”. Location and dates are to be announced. Taught and led by AMGA trained or certified ski guides.

2006-07 PSIA/AASI-WBackcounty Events

National Nordic Rendezvous. April 6-8, 2007. Big Sky, Montana. Demo Team Members to clinic! Contact:www.psia-nrm.org, or 406-581-6139, for registration information.


PSIA-W Fall Nordic SymposiumRegistration

Mammoth and Tamarack Cross Country CenterDecember 13, 14 & 15, 2006

Name __________________________________________ Email ______________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________ Daytime phone ___________________

PSIA Member Yes No (if not currently a member, you must join PSIA/AASI) PSIA # ____________________

Certifi cation type ____________________________________________ Certifi cation level (circle): 1 2 3

Note: Registration due by December 1, 2006 or Late Fee applies!

Educational Clinics at $60.00 per day (circle days): Wednesday Thursday FridayCross country and telemark education clinics will be offered each day.I have enclosed $60.00/day. $___________

Telemark Level 1 Prep at $70 per day (Wednesday) $___________

Telemark Level 2 Prep at $70 per day (Wednesday) $___________

Cross Country Level 1 Prep at $70 per day (Thursday) $___________

Telemark Level 3 Prep at $70 per day ($140.00 total: Thursday and Friday) $___________

Banquet Wednesday evening at Roadway Inn, Mountain View Room, 5 pm-?. $___________Catering by Restaurant Skadi. Pay at the door.

Social at Tamarack Lodge on Thursday evening

Lift tickets at Mammoth are $10.00 per day, required for NDH clinics Trail passes at Tamarack are complimentary thanks to Tamarack Cross Country Center

Late fee of $20.00/day if after December 1, 2006 $___________

Total $___________

Paying by Check ❐ Check # _________________ Amount _________________ Sec.Code: _____________

Credit Card ❐ _______ _______ _______ _______ ________ ____________________________

VISA ❐ MasterCard ❐ Account # Expires Signature

Lodging specials will be offered at the Pine Cliff Resort, Mammoth Lakes (760-934-2447, www.pinecliff.net).Contact the PSIA-W with questions at 530-587-7642 and check our website - www.psia-w.org - for updates.

Mail to: PSIA-W 9709 Highway 267, Truckee, CA 96161 • Phone: 530-587-7642 • Fax: 530-587-4273


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By now you all have had your PO Boxes clogged with weighty periodicals. You know the ones I’m referring to: Powder, Freeze, Skiing, Ski, Trans World or my favorite, Ski Racing. I question all of you reading this, “Do those periodicals get you excited in anticipation of winter?” If not, this might be time to consider a career change.

For myself, as a gear junkie, I head to the buyer’s guide and equipment articles and start adding things to my Christmas wish list. My kids rip into their issue of Ski Racing and their excitement is evident with the anticipation of what this winter

has in store. More snow than last year, less? Who knows? All I can say is they were flying around the room mak-ing swooshing noises and pretending to be Ted Ligety.

I realized that the magazine was the cata-lyst that made them ex-cited about the coming change of season. It was not me telling them that winter is almost here, or demanding help in stacking our firewood. It was the pictures and articles that made them start asking questions and anticipating an ac-tivity that they love.

My eldest son is now trying even harder to ride his unicycle and has asked me to help him with a dry land training program. He is only 10, extremely motivated and trying to prepare his body and mind for the season that is almost upon us.

So what are you doing? It is never too late to start preparing for that first run. There

are so many things that you can do to help yourself, whether it’s reading your favorite book on technique and tactics or planning some ski or snowboard specific workouts. The important thing is to get started.

There is nothing better than preparing for sliding by partici-pating in another sport or activity. Make the workouts fun and you will be more motivated to do them regularly. The work you put into preparing for your sport will help you achieve your goals sooner.

I once had a mentor tell me, “A tuned mind is as important as a tuned ski.” He was correct, and every start to the season I

Carl Underkoffler - PSIA-W Executive VP

Anticipation/Excitement = Motivation/Preparationmake sure my mind is as sharp as I can make it.

But I do not neglect my equipment.If you are like many professionals I know, you skied or rode

the last time in spring, put your boards away and have not touched them since. If you’re like me you’ll have to find them first. Then get them ready, either take them to a shop for a tune up or do it yourself.

Don’t stop there. Your boots are a key ingredient as well.Make sure there isn’t anything living in them first. Fix

the broken buckles, check for wear-and-tear, make sure your foot beds are supportive and ask yourself if it is time for new ones. If you have had a pair of boots for more than one season (especially a Mammoth 200+ day season) it is time for new ones. I hate to tell you this but boots wear out. Just like skis loose their life, boots loose their resiliency. A good pair of boots is of utmost importance and should be on the top of your list.

It does not matter how you look at it, winter will be here. A little preparation now will make those first turns more enjoyable. So get your equipment checked, play hard and dive back into that magazine to get yourself excited about this winter.

Pray for snow!!!


By Ted PitcherOne of the wonderful things

about skiing and snowboard-ing in our Western Division is that the sports are old enough to have an interesting history, yet young enough that many of the movers and shakers involved in making that his-tory are still working in the industry and still active in our Division.

In an eff ort to help preserve our history, the PSIA/AASI Western Board has created the Heritage Committee. As the “old guy” on the Board, I was appointed to the Chair.

Our goal is to gather materi-

Coach Rusty Crook has asked us the question: ”Th e Boomers are coming! Are we ready?”

A signifi cant percentage of baby boomers are entering their 50’s and 60’s. Many have the leisure time, income and desire to continue to ski (I know, I’m one of them!) PSIA Western is responding to the needs of those skiers by developing a ground breaking fi rst in the country, Senior Specialist Accreditation.

If you are a Level II or III certifi ed instructor of any age, who has the desire to instruct senior clients, you can be part of this fi rst ever Senior Specialist Accreditation. A three day senior accreditation will take place at next year’s convention on April 27th, 28th, and 29th at Mammoth. We have also scheduled two one-day optional Senior Clinics, the fi rst in conjunction with the Fall Rally on Sunday December 3rd, and the second is on Tuesday February 13 at Diamond Peak.

Accreditation will consist of three days on snow and two eve-ning sessions. Successful candidates will receive a certifi cate and our new Senior Specialist Accreditation pin on the third day.

On-snow training and testing (along the lines of Children’s Specialist accreditation) will consist of:

1. Technical elements of contemporary skiing as applied to seniors. How modern technique can optimize strength and balance in senior skiers.

2. Tactical elements and changes in tactics for seniors to optimize balance and strength in terrain and snow conditions.

3. Equipment-How modern skis (and the contemporary tech-nique they allow) can expand the enjoyment and limits of

Senior Accreditation By Ted PitcherWestern First Division To Develop Senior Specialist Accreditation

the senior skier.4. Methodology-How to work with seniors to “buy in” to the

new equipment and technique.5. Pace-How to establish a suitable pace for seniors.6. Group Dynamics-Many seniors have led interesting lives

with long skiing histories. Ways to use those backgrounds to establish group interaction (life long passion for snow sports!)

7. Adapting the teaching model to seniors.8. Working with advanced and expert senior skiers.9. Working with intermediate and novice senior skiers.10. Candidates will teach and be evaluated on the 3rd day.

Indoor sessions will consist of:1. Review of senior manual.2. Demographics of senior skiing population.3. Physiology of aging (strength, fl exibility, vision, hearing, bal-

ance and pre-season training).4. Psychology of aging.5. Equipment information-boot geometry and ski selection for

older skiers.6. How to establish a senior program at your ski school.

We think the interest is there in our membership to support this project. Th is accreditation will give our instructors working with seniors a goal to train for in an area of great interest to them. It will especially serve many of our long term member’s well, and prepare us for the invasion of the Boomers! Sign up!

Newly Formed Heritage Committee Seeks To Preserve Division Historyals, manuals, old publications, videos and any historical arti-facts that would be of interest to the membership and to produce historical articles for the Edge and website including articles on the founding of our Divi-sion, Divisional Demo Team, National Demo Team and indi-vidual stories and memories.

We want information on Alpine, Nordic, Snowboard and Adaptive histories. If you have any interest in helping us compile that history, and share some of your stories or artifacts with our membership, please contact me through the Divisional office.Western Division pioneer Nic Fiore


11/18 Skier Analysis/Improvement Mammoth (DSES)12/9 Mono-ski basics Mammoth (DSES)12/10 Four-Track Basics Mammoth (DSES)12/19 Bi-Ski Basics Mammoth (DSES)12/20 Cognitive Disabled Basics Mammoth (DSES)1/21-22 Adaptive Tech Team Training Alpine (TASS)1/23 Bi-ski basics Mtn High1/27-28 L1 Exam Event Bear Mtn (USARC)2/3-4 L1 Exam Event Mammoth (DSES)2/10-12 L1, L2, and L3 Exam Event Alpine (TASS)2/24-25 L1 Exam Event Sky Tavern3/10-11 L1 Exam Event Bear Mtn (USARC)3/17-18 L1 Exam Event Mammoth (DSES)3/24-26 L1, L2, and L3 Exam Event Alpine (TASS)

2/13 L1/2 Cogintive/VI Exam Event Alpine (TASS)2/27-28 L1/2 Cognitive/VI Exam Event Alpine (TASS)3/13 L1/2 Sit Down Exam Event Heavenly3/27-28 L1/2 Sit Down Exam Event HeavenlyTBD L3 Exam Event TBDTBD L3 Exam Event TBD

11/14-15 Tech Team Training Mammoth12/3-4 Fall Rally / Ed Core Squaw12/13-15 Level1 Module. Northstar1/11 Ski w/D-Team Sugar Bowl1/12 Tactics/Strategies for Teaching Sugar Bowl1/16-18 L2 Skiing Module Mt. Rose1/16-18 Level1 Module Snow Summit1/19 Western D-Team Prep Squaw1/22-23 Winter Carnival Squaw1/24-25 Level1 Module. Diamond Peak1/30 “Move”ment Analysis Alpine2/1 Tech Team Training Heavenly2/5-7 L2 Skiing Module Snow Summit2/7 Park Northstar

2/8 Pipe Northstar2/13 Seniors Diamond Peak2/14 Race Northstar2/15 Chix in the Off Piste Alpine2/26-28 Level1 Module Homewood2/28 Tech Team Tryouts June3/1 Tech Team Training June3/2 Shut Up & Ski Mammoth3/5-7 Level 3 Skiing Module Alpine3/9 Technical & Tactical Free Ski

ImprovementSquaw

3/12-14 Level 2 Skiing Module Alpine3/12-14 Level 2 Skiing Module Snow Summit3/15 Video Northstar3/15-16 Free Ride Accred. Squaw3/16 Chix on Stix Dealing with the

Yikes ZoneKirkwood

3/19 Teaching Ideas Sugar Bowl3/21-23 Level1 Module Mammoth3/27-29 D-Team Tryouts Mammoth4/16-18 Level 3 Skiing Module Mammoth4/18-20 Level 2 Teaching Module Mt. Rose4/18-20 Level 1 Module Northstar4/27-29 Convention Mammoth4/30-5/1 Level 2 Teaching Module Mammoth4/30-5/1 Level 3 Teaching Module Mammoth

2006/2007 PSIA/AASI-W Calendar of EventsPlease check our website - www.psia-w.org - for updates and additional details

Adaptive Adaptive SnowboardingRemember, deadline for signing up for Adap-tive events is 3 weeks prior to event date.

Alpine


Back Country

2006/2007 PSIA/AASI-W Calendar of EventsPlease check our website - www.psia-w.org - for updates and additional details

Children’s

1/31-2/1 Avalanche Level 1 course

Alpine Skills Int., Donner Summit

3/1 Avalanche Tour Kirkwood Backcountry3/8-9 Back Country

IntroductionHope Valley Backcountry

4/11-12 Back Country Overnight Tour

Kirkwood Backcountry

Open to all disciplines.

1/24-26 Children’s Specialist 2 Mammoth (Main Lodge)1/30-31 Children’s Symposium Northstar2/5-7 Children’s Specialist 2 Snow Summit2/8-9 Children’s Specialist 1 Snow Summit3/1-2 Children’s Specialist 1 Heavenly3/6-8 Children’s Specialist 2 Northstar4/28-29 Children’s Specialist 1 Mammoth (Convention)

12/11 Tele Examiner / Clinician Training Mammoth12/12 X-C Examiner / Clinician Training Mammoth12/13-15 X-C, Tele Fall Symposium Mammoth12/13 Telemark Level 1 prep Mammoth12/13 Telemark Level 2 prep Mammoth12/14 X-C Level 1 prep Mammoth12/14-15 Telemark Level 3 prep Mammoth1/7 Telemark Level 1 prep Sierra Summit1/9 X-C Level 1 prep Tahoe Donner1/11 X-C Level 2/3 prep Tahoe Donner1/16-17 Telemark Level 1 clinic Alpine1/18 Telemark Level 1 prep Alpine1/30 Telemark Level 2 prep Kirkwood1/31-2/1 Telemark Level 3 prep Kirkwood3/12 Telemark Level 1 exam Sierra Summit3/13 Telemark Level 1 exam Kirkwood3/14 Telemark Level 2 exam Kirkwood3/15-16 Telemark Level 3 exam Kirkwood3/18 X-C Level 1 exam Monticito-Sequoia

3/27 X-C Level 1 exam Tahoe Donner3/29 X-C Level 2/3 exam Tahoe Donner4/27-29 Convention Mammoth

Nordic

11/14-15 Ed Core Mammoth11/16 Tech Team Training Mammoth12/3-4 Fall Rally Squaw1/9-11 Level 1 Module Mountain High1/9-11 Level 1 Module Sugar Bowl1/24 Intro to Park and Pipe Boreal1/24 Intro to Park and Pipe Bear Mountain1/25 Freestyle 1 Accred. Bear Mountain1/25 Freestyle 2 Accred. Northstar1/30 Trainers Accred. Prep 2 Sugar Bowl2/1 Trainers Accred. Prep 1 Bear Mountain2/8-10 Level 2 Riding Module Northstar2/13 Shut Up & Ride Park & Pipe Mammoth2/13 Shut Up and Ride Homewood2/26-28 Level 1 Module Heavenly2/26-28 Level 1 Module Shasta3/6-8 Level 1 Module Sierra Summit3/6-8 Level 1 Module Mammoth3/13-15 Level 1 Module Bear Mountain3/13-15 Level 1 Module Homewood3/13-15 Level 2 Riding Module Bear Mountain3/16 Trainers Accred. Prep 3 June Mountain3/20-21 Level 2 Teaching Module Sugar Bowl3/28-29 Level 2 Teaching Module Bear Mountain3/28-30 Level 2 Riding Module Kirkwood4/4-6 Level 2 Riding Module Squaw Valley4/4-6 Level 2 Riding Module Dodge Ridge4/4-6 Level 3 Riding Module Squaw Valley4/4-6 Level 3 Riding Module Mammoth4/18-20 Level 2 Riding Module Mammoth4/26 Trainers Accred. Exam Mammoth4/28 Freestyle 1 Accred. Mammoth4/28 Freestyle 2 Accred. Mammoth4/27-29 Convention Mammoth4/29-30 5/1 Level 1 Module Mammoth (Conv.)4/29-30 Level 2/3 Teaching Module Mammoth (Conv.)

Snowboarding


SIGNATURES / RELEASE

Sports School Director signature (required for exam only). I certify that the above candidate can teach competently up to the level required using the ATS/STS. __________________________________________ Signature

RELEASE:

I _________________________________ DECLARE: I AM AN EXPERIENCED SKIER/SNOWBOARDER AND INSTRUCTOR, I WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT. IN CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE TO AND PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT, I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE THE SKI AREAS, PSIA-W, EXAMINERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, MEMBERS, SPONSORS AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CONNECTED WITH THIS EVENT FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURY, DAMAGE OR DEATH, CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER UNINTENTIONAL CONDUCT. I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS OF SKIING/SNOWBOARDING, INCLUDING SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH. I AGREE TO ASSUME ALL RISKS AND TO RELEASE ALL PERSONS ABOVE FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE ACTIONABLE CONDUCT. I HAVE FULLY READ AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO THE ABOVE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

___________________APPLICANT SIGNATURE DATE PARENT OR GUARDIAN (REQUIRED IF APPLICANT IS UNDER 18) DATE

FAX OR MAIL TO: PSIA-W, 9709 HWY. 267, TRUCKEE, CA 96161 • FAX (530) 587-4273 (Please, no telephone registration)

PSIA-W / AASI-W EVENT APPLICATIONEDUCATION EVENTS, EXAMS AND IN-HOUSE TRAINING

DEADLINES: IN THE OFFICE 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO EVENT. LATE APPLICATIONSWILL BE SUBJECT TO A $20 LATE FEE. ADAPTIVE EVENTS HAVE A 3-WEEK DEADLINE

EVENT FEES - (All Educational Events are $60 per day. All Exam modules, accreditation events are $70 per day.)

Paying by Check ❐ Check # __________________ Amount $ ______________________ Security Code: __________________

Credit Card ❐ ____________ - ____________ - ____________ -____________ ______________________________VISA ❐ MASTERCARD ❐ Account # Expires

Signature ____________________________________________________________________

APPLICATION INFORMATIONNAME PHONE_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________EMAIL_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT MEMBERSHIP LEVEL

PSIA MEMBER # ______________________________________ ______ APPRENTICE(Required) ______ REGISTERED LEVEL 1 LEVEL II LEVEL III

EVENT INFORMATION

Event Type Location Date1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________Please list any physical or learning impairments for which PSIA-W needs to make accommodations in order to help you with the exam/educational process: _______________________________________________________________________________

IN-HOUSE TRAINING & CERTIFICATION Training Certification Snowboard (Portfolio & Handbook $20.00) ($70.00) Alpine (Portfolio $10.00, Study Guide can ($70.00) be downloaded at www.psia-w.org)

ADMINISTRATIVE FEES & POLICIESCANCELLATION FEE: 1 week or more prior to event $10 Less than 1 week and more than 2 business days prior to event 50% Less than 2 business days prior to event / No Shows 100% (no refund)

RETURNED CHECKS/DECLINED CHARGES: Returned checks will NOT be re-deposited and a $25 fee will be assessed. All returned checks or declined charges must be re-paid 2 business days prior to the event or registration will be cancelled.


Winds of Change Start To Blow in an Exciting New SeasonBoarding - Ken Mattson, Snowboarding Chair

Well it’s starting to feel like fall here in Tahoe. What an amazing place to spend a summer. I hope you all had a wonderful off-season. I have lots of new changes to tell you about.

The level one exam is going to a “module” format. This is good news for everyone. The test will offer the membership the same benefits that L2 and L3 candidates have been enjoying. The L1 module will consist of 3 con-secutive days of riding skills, demos, teaching and movement analysis. Our examining staff will provide coaching and feedback to assist candidates in understanding the standards and com-plying with them.

We will still offer the L1 in an in-house format as well.

The L2 and L3 Modules will no longer have preps. We will have 3 consecu-tive days of riding, and if invited on, 2 consecutive days of teaching a few weeks later. Exam standards for all three will be re-tooled over the next few weeks. Look for specific standards on the website in the future.

You can expect a lot more Children’s material in the modules as well as more responsible freestyle standards. I look forward to feedback from all Tech-Team members, as well as the general membership, in prepar-ing the new standards. Contact me via email with your suggestions at [email protected].

I would like to recognize a couple of our team members who are heading in new directions. Thanks to Kelly Smiley and Erick Sugimura for their hard work and dedication to our sport as well as our Division. Good luck to you both in your future endeavors.

The Team will be wearing a new patch on its jackets remembering Bruce Sato. The patch says ”One-4-BS.” The patch should remind all of us that we should take one … and teach one for Bruce. His passion for riding and teaching will live

on in all of us.Lastly, I would like to invite any L2

instructors who train their staff at their respective resorts to join all L3 and or Tech-Team member to attend Ed-Core in November. It is imperative that we are

all on the same page when it comes to training the membership with the new standards.

Enjoy autumn; winter will be here before we know it.

See ya out there.

A PSIA/AASI-W boarder flies over her shadow at the 2006 Spring Convention in Mammoth. The 2007 Convention returns to Mammoth in late April.


2006/2007 PSIA/AASI Merchandise Order FormDescription Prices Quantity TotalAlpine Technical Manual 19.50 x ______ = __________Alpine Technical Video 22.50 x ______ = __________Alpine References Video (limited supply) 9.95 x ______ = __________Alpine Movement Analysis “Visual Clues” Pocket Guide 2nd Ed. 5.50 x ______ = __________Alpine Stepping Stones Pocket Guide “NEW” 9.50 x ______ = __________Professional Development Portfolio (Alpine) 9.50 x ______ = __________Core Concepts Manual 24.50 x ______ = __________AASI Snowboard Manual 19.95 x ______ = __________AASI Snowboard Video 19.95 x ______ = __________AASI Snowboard Movement Analysis Handbook 14.50 x ______ = __________AASI-W Snowboard Certification Handbook - 2005 Edition 19.95 x ______ = __________Park and Pipe Instructor’s Guide - NEW! 24.00 x ______ = __________Children’s Instruction Manual 19.95 x ______ = __________Children’s Ski and Snowboard Movement Guide 12.50 x ______ = __________Captain Zembo’s Ski/Snowboard Movement Guide 9.50 x ______ = __________Tactics for All Mountain Skiing - Chris Fellows - NEW! 29.50 x ______ = __________Nordic Technical Manual “NEW” 22.00 x ______ = __________Adaptive Snowsports Instruction Manual 24.50 x ______ = __________Universal Ski Techniques - Dr. George Twardokens 21.00 x ______ = __________PSIA Certification Pin Replacement - Level 1, 2 or 3 10.00 x ______ = __________AASI Certification Pin Replacement - Level 1, 2 or 3 10.00 x ______ = __________PSIA Lapel Pin 9.50 x ______ = __________Subtotal __________Tax 7.25% (Subtotal x .0725) ______ + __________Total Order = __________Shipping - Based on total order Order under $15 = $4.99 shipping Order $15-$49 = $6.99 shipping Order $50-$74 = $8.99 shipping Order $75-$149 = $10.99 shipping Preferred Shipping Method: Order $150 or over - call for pricing UPS _____ USPS _____

+ __________

GRAND TOTAL = __________

Name: __________________________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip: ___________________________________________________________Phone: _______________________ Email: ____________________________________Credit Card: ___________ VISA __________ MastercardCard #: _________________________________________________________________Expiration: _______________________________________________________________Security Code (last 3 digits of number on back signature panel): ____________________

Mail or fax form to:PSIA/AASI Western Division • 9709 Highway 267, Suite B • Truckee, CA 96161

Phone: 530.587.7642 • Fax: 530.587.4273


instructions, and avoid any thoughts that begin with, “what if…” Here you are assuming an entirely new set of risks and challenges far beyond “safety” as we know it at standard resorts. Trusting that it would all work out was the key in preserving my success and thrill factor, while doubting the system surely would have ruined it.

Later while attempting to summit Mt. Olympus, the challenge level lifted a notch as I abandoned my clip-in trekkers and narrow skins for boot packing. A very firm and steep climb ahead of me brought back images of previous climbs where having the right gear and knowledge separated taking a risk from feeling on the edge. Not having my trust worthy randonee bind-ings with crampons, I clung to the wall like spider woman. Sometimes it took all my strength to nail my boots into the ice and at other times a hollow area would swallow my entire leg as loose shale ran beneath my feet.

The shear exhilaration of finally mak-ing it to the top conjured up thoughts of “wow”, this is me! This adventure, like previous ones, completely captured me and is why I look to sharing the experi-ence of skiing with others. It also made me ponder my genetic make up! Have you heard of the theories behind the D4DR Gene? Discovered in 1996, it’s believed to influence some people to crave excit-ing new experiences and become thrill seekers, over other folks who are content with taking pictures and returning to the spa. I ponder what our students feel when they turn up to a lesson and travel up the mountain, marveling at the sensation of sliding on skis and riding the lifts. Their first time they trust us to bring them down safely, but over time we try to share with them the joy of adventure, not as an end point, but a collective experience of learning how to ski.

If it’s the people, places, and experiences that make life worth living then I reckon traveling to a ski area, learning to ski and

(Continued from page 4)

Seizing Your Summit: A Reminder of Why We Teach, LiveBy Heidi Ettlinger, Publicity and Advisory Committee

sharing in the adventure that snow sports can offer, really is living. Maybe that’s why so many of us who thought we were just taking a year off to “teach skiing,” really took on several years of life “worth living.” We as instructors and risk takers are not that far from our guests in needing some-one to trust, and a sense of adventure. But, sometimes we need a reminder of where it all started.

As I reflect on these discoveries I am reminded of our friends and fellow ad-venturers whose lives have ended abruptly. I believe for them, as they sought out challenge without hesitation, the journey is the most important thing. Our friends never wavered from their quest for thrills and testing themselves, sharing a passion for what they loved, and reminding us of why we teach.

Taking a break from digging out the rope tow.

Ken Mattson, PSIA-AASI-W Snowboard Vice President, and Homewood, are in the process of re-building our school from the ground up, and are looking for great people to join the team. We are committed to having the best SnowS-ports School around. Homewood is under new ownership and amazing plans are on the table. Here is your chance to get in on the ground floor.

Positions Available: Children’s School Manager F/T Seasonal**Supervisor/Lead Instructors F/T SeasonalCertified Instructors F/T, P/T, or HolidayApprentice Instructors F/T, P/T, or Holiday

Level 1 starts at $13 per hour, Level 2 starts at $15 per hour, Level 3 starts at $17 per hour. Minimum of 6 days per month. Family Season Pass benefits.

** Children’s Manager position comes with a competitive benefit package, and pay is based on experience and certification.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding employment with Homewood Mountain Resort. Tim Rantz Homewood Mountain Resort Human Resources Director [email protected] 530-525-2992x126


2006-07 Renewal DuesPSIA-W/AASI-W • 9709 Hwy. 267 • Truckee, CA 96161

(Not to be used for new memberships!)

Check one: (late fee included)

Registered Membership $95 Active Membership $95 Inactive Membership $95 Special Inactive $55 Student (please include school schedule) $60 Apprentice $55

Total Dues $ _______

Sodergren/Ed Found Donation $ _______

Total Amount Enclosed $ _______

Name __________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________

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Charge to: VISA MasterCard Expiration Date __________________

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Signature ________________________________ Security Code: __________

Please return this form with your remittance. You should receive your membership card shortly.You can check your membership status and pay online at www.psia.org.

Is this your last publication?If your dues are not received

by December 15th, you will be removed from the publications mailing list.


As a snow sport instructor, few things are as stressful as pursuing the next level in certifica-tion. From personal experience, I know that ‘temporarily missplacing’ a student on the mountain ranks high on the list, but it does not even come close to the stress one endures during a poor exam performance. Many of us have been there, and we know the hollow feeling that follows. We know we were better than our performance that day, but the proof, they say, is in the pudding, not to mention on the evaluation sheets.

There are a myriad of studies out there that address the reasons for poor exam performance. All one needs to do is to think of a psychological symptom and then search for it on the inter-net. Anxiety and poor self esteem are popular causes for poor performance and it is easy to find volumes of statistical data to support the theory. In my own experience as a candidate, as well as from exams I have given, research on psychological factors would be unnecessary because a lack of preparation was the obvious culprit.

What do I need to know or do in order to pass the exam? The question above is the most commonly asked question in

all of the prep clinics I have given as a clinician and is a question I always asked as a candidate. I was recently asked to give my opinion on the answer to that question and that is the reason for this article. The answer is relatively easy: What one needs to “know” is everything that is expected of a candidate for the level they are pursuing. What one needs to “do” is prepare.

Knowledge: Knowledge is the ultimate competitive advantage. Knowledge is power. Knowledge is your friend.

To obtain knowledge, one must first determine what they need to know. For a PSIA or AASI module or exam, you can obtain this information from the national standards or the various study guides available on-line or from the PSIA catalogue. You can also ask your staff trainers or ski school directors. Once you know what you need to know, it is time to study. To study, in this sense, means committing the information to memory. You are finished studying as soon as you can retrieve the information from memory at the time the information is needed.

Preparation: The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared.” The Girl Scout motto is “Be Prepared.” Preparation is everything. Prepara-tion is the key. Besides, the ladies are seldom wrong.

Preparing for a certification event is easy and should be fun part. First, you need to ski, tele, ride, or whatever. Next, you need to teach. And finally, you need to be able to apply all the things you learned in your studies to real life situations on the hill. To explain this, let me give you my take on each of these concepts.

Riding: Find out what level of riding is required for the certification you wish to pursue. Once you identify the re-quirements, strive to exceed them. If the level requires easy

So You’re Thinking of Taking an Exam ... ?By Jimmy Smith, Adaptive Chair

blue bumps, work toward being proficient in hard black bumps. If off-piste riding is required, seek out the trees and avoid the groomed runs. You should work on your demonstrations until they are crisp, clean, and worthy of a discriminating student. Be-ing an overachiever is a good thing. If you can walk the walk you will be a better rider and a better instructor.

Teaching: After all, this is an organization for instructors. If we didn’t love to teach, we wouldn’t be here. Besides, our students will let us know if our progressions are worth using. Of course, what works for one student may not work at all with another. You need to be able to be flexible to meet your student’s needs. You also need to be able to adapt your progressions when necessary to accomplish the goals of the lessons. With each lesson you teach, you gain experience and knowledge in what works and what doesn’t.

Application: This involves applying the knowledge obtained from your study sessions to the events on the hill. The more you teach, the more the knowledge gained from studying will start to make sense. As you begin to expand your knowledge base, you will begin to embrace or question the information you learn from books and/or clinics.

If a concept is worth learning, it is also worth questioning. Just because Finlay Torrance or Neil Bussiere says so is not an acceptable reason to accept a statement or concept as fact. Test it, question it, and prove it right or wrong. Feel free to ques-tion your clinicians on the concepts they present. Any clinician worth their salt will be happy to prove the concept and help you understand. Testing and questioning the concepts you are working on will help you to better understand the relationship between the concept and its effect on your riding or teaching.

Studying and preparing are the best ways to get ready for a cer-tification event. But there is one more item that can be crucial for eliminating anxiety and being successful: Self confidence. Self con-fidence allows you to not only appear professional and credible, but it also allows you to find self worth even when things are not going exactly as you would like. It takes a person who is comfortable with their own abilities to be able to recover from a poor performance in one instance, and shine like a star in the next instance. In most cases, you are judged not by the mistake you make, but your reaction and performance that follows the mistake.

Studying, preparation, and self confidence are essential for getting the most from a certification event. Self confidence comes from suc-cess. Success comes from being good at what you do. Being good at what you do requires that you know what you are doing and practice. Putting in the necessary time and effort in personal preparation for an upcoming certification event will allow the event to be the fun experience it should be. It will also make getting the pin, regardless of the discipline, a forgone conclusion.

Get Some (Ed) CreditWrite an article that is accepted

for publication in The Edge, and you will receive 1 ed credit. Submit article ideas, outline, opening para-graph to Mitch, [email protected], for pre-approval.


Enjoyment opportunities

Consistently ranked #1 in Guest Service by readers of SKI magazine.

Deer Valley is now seeking applicants for Ski Instructors and Supervisorswho enjoy working with children and families for the 2006– 2007 ski season. Chris Katzenberger

Ski School Recruiting Manager P.O. Box 739

Park City, UT 84060435-645-6635

[email protected]

SEND RESUME TO:

Online applications accepted at www.deervalley.com

REQUIREMENTS:Must be an advanced skier capable of skiing beginner throughadvanced terrain and variable conditions. Must have goodcommunication skills and be able to work weekends andholidays. Must have knowledge of PSIA or ISIA teachingmethodology and be able to teach adults and children in bothprivate and group settings. Must be able to lift a minimum of40 pounds. Pay is commensurate with certification and experience.

The summer of 2006 has been one of transition for AASI/PSIA National.

After six years as the President and Chairman of the Board of the Ameri-can Snowsports Education Association (ASEA), John Armstrong retired as of the end of our June meeting. John has served our membership well during his long tenure as both the Western Division’s National Board Representative and more recently as the National President. John’s passion for our profession, ability to cre-ate great relationships, attention to detail, wry wit and professional demeanor will not be an easy act to follow. Thank you, John, for the great leadership you have provided these many years.

The ASEA Board of Directors elected Ray Allard (ASEA-E) as our new National President and Chairman of the Board.

“I’m excited about our future,” Allard said. “AASI/PSIA is financially sound, well respected within the snowsports industry, and ably served by a knowledgeable board and a talented staff – all elements required for moving the organization forward and continuing to offer the members a large array of world-class benefits, services, educational materials and programs.”

Ray has worked at both the divisional and national levels of the organization for nearly three decades and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to apply. The results of the remaining office positions were: Eric Sheckleton (NRM) Execu-tive Vice President; Craig Albright (W), Operations Vice President; Jerry Warren (IM), Communications Vice President.

At the staff level, former Assistant Ex-ecutive Director, Mark Dorsey, has been named Executive Director of ASEA and its affiliates AASI/PSIA, replacing Steven Over. Mark has been with the organiza-tion for 17 years most of this time serving as the Marketing Director. Mark is largely responsible for the strong sponsorship, pro deal and member benefits that we have come to expect from AASI/PSIA. Mr. Over will be retiring in the summer of 2007 after 16 years in the position. Stephen has been the driving force in leading our organization to the position

of industry respect and financial security it enjoys today. We owe Stephen a debt of gratitude for serving our members well.

Kim Seavers is the new Education Di-rector for AASI/PSIA. Kim has served as an examiner and trainer in the Eastern Division for many years and recently was its Education Director. In Kim we have the blend of high level administrative skills, with on hill credibility that can be so dif-ficult to find. She replaces Linda Crockett who served as the Education Director for 13 years. Linda has relocated to Glenwood Springs with her husband Allan to be closer to Aspen and Rifle’s rock climbing. She will continue to work on some education projects on a contract basis.

The National Education department is working through this transition from Linda to Kim with a number of interest-ing projects in the “pipeline.” The new Alpine Technical Manual and Snowboard Technical Manuals should be out before Spring. The “Best Practices in Teaching” task force is working on both web and print based materials that can be used by all disciplines. No timeline for release is set, but watch the website for updates.

Speaking of the website, the Education

Advisory Committee (EAC) is pushing for more and more of our educational material to be web based, with more images/video and interactive. With the hope that a pic-ture is worth a thousand words, the Board approved funding for a new Alpine DVD that will be shot this winter. The focus of this project is to provide images to go with the skiing concepts and written certifica-tion standards. A revision of the Children’s manual is works with a tentative release of fall, 2007, as well as hosting the National Nordic Track Examiners College in West Yellowstone this November.

The 18th Interski, the International Congress for ski and snowboard instruc-tion, is scheduled for South Korea Jan 27- Feb 3. AASI/PSIA will be sending a full delegation to both present and gather the latest in ski and snowboard teaching techniques, methodologies and perfor-mance. Interski is held every 4 years. Members interested in attending should consult the national website.

National Academy will be held Snow-bird, Utah April 21-26. Register online at www.psia.org or in the latest “Pro Skier.”

As you can see, there is a lot happening in the National office. I look forward to the new energy and enthusiasm to bloom into a strong and exciting future for the National Organization.

National Report by Craig AlbrightJohn Armstrong

Retires from ASEA


Adult and Children’s Supervisor Position Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is currently accepting applications for the position of ski/snow-board trainer and supervisor for the 2006/07 season. The position includes super-vising daily operations and promoting the training program for instructors. Level III certification required, supervisory experience strongly preferred.

Instructor PositionMt. Rose Ski Tahoe is currently accepting instructor applications for the 2006/07 sea-son. We are looking for responsible and enthusiastic individuals to fill both part and full time positions. Benefits include a season pass for you and a friend if you work the minimum of days, discounts on food and equipment, competitive wages, and much more.

Fill out an application online today at www.skirose.com or contact:Cliff WilsonSki School DirectorMt. Rose Ski Tahoe775-849-0704 (ext 220)[email protected]

Surprise! You’re Teaching Kids Today? Here Are Some TipsGreg Lyons, Co-Chair Children’s Committee

What? I’m teaching kids today?It is the midst of the holiday season.

You, a very confident adult instructor, find yourself volunteered to help out in the kids department. As you walk to line-up shaking in your boots you are thinking, “What am I going to teach?”

This article has a few tricks.• Take the time to get to know your

students, allowing your students to be comfortable and confident in you.

• When meeting your students, get eye to eye with sunglasses off and greet them. Learn their names and teach them a trick to remember yours. Years ago, a co-worker started his lesson by stating “My name is Jake and today you kids are going to be Jake’s Snow Snakes.” He mentioned the team name often throughout the day, which created an all-inclusive feeling for the kids, and reinforced his name recognition.

• Give short brief instruction, provid-ing accurate demo’s. Keep your vast knowledge about a particular task to yourself. Your depth of knowledge allows you to break down tasks into small man-ageable steps for kids. Try to use simple and fun terminology that builds these small steps into a progression.

• Build the lesson around games and fun tasks. This will result in a successful lesson for all!

• Try teaching one-ski skiing or boarding: 1) With one foot strapped in statically, have

them pretend their unattached foot is glued to the ground; see if they can slide their attached foot forward and backward.

2) Release the glued foot and it is now as light as a feather. Can they lift it in the air and balance over their ski or board?

3) Pretend they are now riding a scoot-er and use their free foot to power them over to that sign, tree, person, etc.

4) Have a follow-me adventure on your scooters.

5) Play red light green light on your scooters.

6) Pretend their scooter is now at-tached to a clock and travel around like the hands of the clock. And so on….

• Point out things your students are doing right! This gives you a chance to give feedback and build confidence.

• Demonstrate often. Children are of-ten very good “watchers”! Simon says?

• Kids warm and cool quickly. Remind them to zip and unzip jackets as needed.

• Watch energy levels. Tailor your lessons to fit the energizer kid who keeps going and

Who: All Disciplines What: Children’s mini conventionWhen: January 25th and 26th.Where: NorthstarWhy: Up to 50 percent of a snowsport school’s lessons involve children.

This event will offer two days of morning and afternoon clinics. Topic ideas: Improvement through skills and drills, adding to your ‘Bag of Tricks’. (this may be broken into alpine/snowboard components depending on signups)Ideas for helping with challenging students in a group lesson,CAP Model Movement AnalysisSpider webbing current events into lessons plans A ½ day ‘Kids School managers’ session for children’s program supervisors to exchange ideas, etc.

Sign up using the ‘Event Application’ located in this issue of the “Edge.” For reg-istration questions, please contact our Truckee office, [email protected], (530) 587-7642.

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going, versus the ones who need to move in baby steps with many small breaks.

My final suggestion is to read the Children’s Instruction Manual. Better yet, sign up for the Children’s Specialist Accreditation.

When teaching kids, a snowsport instructor’s version of Bob the Builder says “Can you do it, Yes you can!”

Children’s Symposium - Northstar, Jan. 25-26


NonprofitU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #2325

San Diego, CA

PSIA - Western Division - AASI9709 Hwy. 267, Truckee, CA 96161(530) 587-7642, Fax: (530) 587-4273Email: [email protected] site: www.psia-w.orgForwarding service requested

PSIA-W/AASI-W Board of Directors and Officers2006-2007

OfficersPresident Neil Bussiere (08)Executive Vice President Carl Underkoffler (07)Alpine Vice President Mike Hafer (08)Snowboard Vice President Ken Mattson (07)PSIA Representative Craig Albright (08)Past President Dave Achey (06)

DirectorsCraig Albright (08), Neil Bussiere (08), Heidi Ettlinger (08), Steve Evenson (09), Elianne Furtney (09), Chris Fellows (09), Mike Hafer (08), Greg Lyons (07), Ken Mattson (07), Ted Pitcher (09), Finlay Torrance (07), Carl Underkoffler (07).

Nordic Chairperson - Urmas FranoschAdaptive Chairperson - Jimmy Smith

Sodergren Fund/Education Foundation Getting a Boost The PSIA/AASI-W Education Foundation is pleased to an-

nounce a new project, recently approved by the Board, that will investigate the growth potential of the Soddy Fund and Education Foundation.

The goal of the project is to test the feasibility of growing the Foundation significantly through a combination of individual, corporate and private giving strategies. The Foundation began as a memorial fund for Mariam and Mike Sodergen in 1997 and currently offers approximately $70,000 in funds to support instructor educational development. The Fund has grown slowly and steadily over the past 9 years and the Board is now interested in seeing if there is potential to take it to the next level.

Truckee-based consulting firm, Streamline Consulting Group, has been hired to conduct this feasibility study over the next 5 months to research and test the potential of the Foundation’s expansion.

“We are very excited to be working with PSIA-W on this proj-ect and believe that there is a lot of potential to raise additional funds for the Foundation,” said Streamline’s Seana Doherty.

The Feasibility Study will include:• Best-practices research: who is doing a great job with the

education foundations that we can learn from?• Identifying and testing key messages/branding for the Foun-

dation: What excites people most about this Foundation? How best do we capture the essence/spirit of the Foundation’s core?

• Field Testing: What is the membership saying about the future and key messages of the Foundation? Included in this will be a membership survey that Streamline will conduct at the Fall Rally, Directors Meeting and Nordic Symposium.

• Stakeholder Interviews: What are the views of the leaders and key stakeholders of PSIA-W about the future of the foundation?

• Test Fundraisings Potential: Through a year-end mailing strategy, Streamline will test giving levels of members and potential donors

Findings from the above research will be presented to the Board at the April meeting in Mammoth.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the PSIA-W Education Foundation/Soddy Fund to find out what it would take to really move to the next level and have a significant impact on offering resources for our instructors,” said Chris Fellows, Education Foundation Chair.

Streamline Consulting Group specializes in building the ca-pacity of community-based organizations by offering services of fund/program development, strategic planning, communica-tions, facilitation and community outreach. Streamline’s client list includes Sierra College, Placer County Health and Human Services, Trust for Public Land, Tahoe Forest Hospital District, North Carolina Outward Bound School and Sierra Business Council. For more information about Streamline please go to www.streamlineconsultinggroup.com.

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