SpringEDGE2008

Join us for Spring Convention 2008April 18-20, 2008 For registration details and a list of clinics: just turn the page.

Celebrating 60 Years! This year’s Convention will mark 60 contin-

uous years of operation by our Association. Our first annual meeting was held in 1948 under the name “Far West Ski Instructors Association.” Although our name has changed, the base values remain intact. See page 17 for a description of the 60 year history of the professional instruction in the West.

Convention Registration . . . . pgs . 2-5

Board of Directors Candidates . . . pgs . 8-11

Education - Certification Unity . . . . . . . . . . . . pg . 18

Perception: The Commander of Our Movements . . pg .20

Reach and Teach for the Stars

As Spring approaches and another season etches itself into our respective

memories we are reminded of some simple truths we have all learned over the years. PSIA and AASI have long been based around three simple tenets, Safety, Fun, and Learn-ing. These tenets have perpetual and recurring relevance to our current roles as instructors, as snowsports enthusi-asts, and as purveyors of the mountain experience.

Safety is first for a reason. Safety is everyone’s respon-sibility and we must remain ever-vigilant, especially as industry professionals and instructors. As evidenced by the three recent avalanches adjacent to my home resort in Southern California and the three resulting fatalities,

including two patrollers, our own safety and that of our students is ultimately our foremost responsibility. With

hundreds of runs down many of the same slopes each year familiarity can breed complacency, especially

President’s Message By Neil Bussiere, ASEA Western President

when those “special” days come along where we may tend to let ourselves and even our egos get ahead of us. Anticipate the unexpected and have a game plan for all possibilities which could arise. Above all, stay focused.

Next, The value and necessity of having fun is self-evident. As Instructors, most of you already recognize that a relaxed, fun atmosphere is necessary for learning to take place. Bring an element of fun to whatever you do and the rest will take care of itself.

Finally, learning is based around the student-cen-tered philosophy of putting our best effort forth on behalf of our students. When we were growing up we were always reminded to “Reach for the Stars”. For many that reach resulted in the pursuit and achieve-ment of a career built around snowsports education and instruction. In this current role as mentor and coach herein lies an evolved opportunity to reach for those stars by striving to “Teach for the Stars”. Which stars you may ask? No, not the parade of celebrities and VIPs who bypass the ticket windows in (cont. on pg.16)

Neil Bussiere, ASEA-W President

If you are taking one of the following exams or accreditation offerings:(Register for these events separate from Convention)

• Alpine Level 1 – 4/20-22 • Alpine Level 2 Teach Module – 4/21-22• Alpine Level 3 Teach Module – 4/21-22• Snowboard Level 1 Module – 4/21-23• Snowboard Level 2 Teach Module – 4/21-22• Snowboard Level 3 Teach Module – 4/21-22

Register Online or download our Event Application on

www.psia-w.org

For all Convention Events andIf you are taking one of the following:(Register for these events as part of Convention)

• Children’s Specialist 1 – 4/18-19• Seniors Accreditation 2 – 4/18-20• Nordic Telemark Level 1 – 4/19-20

Use the form to the rightthen fill out the clinic signup

form on page 4.

Or take advantage of our on-line signup option located on

www.psia-w.org, click on ‘Register Online’

Lift Tickets: All Mammoth events require a $10 a day lift ticket fee.

Thanks to Mammoth Mountain, and in particular the wonderful folks at the

Mammoth Snowsports School for their hospitality in hosting this event.

theedge • Spring 2008 Page 2

theedge The Edge is a publication of the The Western Division of Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA-W) and the American Association of Snowboard Instruc-tors (AASI-W) covering California and Nevada. We are one of nine divisions that make up the American Snow-sports Education Association (ASEA).

PSIA was founded in 1961 to develop a standardized system for teaching and to unify instructors throughout the country in the disciplines of: Alpine, Nordic, Snow-boarding, Adaptive, as well as Backcountry.

The Edge is published three times annually. For advertising submissions and information, contact our office:PSIA/AASI Western Division9709 Highway 267, Suite B, Truckee, CA. 96161phone (530) 587-7642fax (530) [email protected]

For all membership inquiries, check out our website at www.psia-w.org or contact our office for additional information.

How to Register

Tentative General Convention Schedule:

Thursday, April 17 –PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors Meeting 9 am

Friday, April 18 –AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines (see schedule on page 4)

6:00- 8:00 pm, Kick-Off Party at the Tusk Bar

Saturday, April 19 – AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines (see schedule on page 4) 6:30 – 10:00 pm, Banquet at the Grizzly Room, Canyon Lodge (Italian Buffet)

Sunday, April 20 – AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines (see schedule on page 4) Afternoon clinics end approximately 3:30 pm.

Spring Convention 2008 Mammoth Mountain, April 18-20

Celebrating 60 Years of Professionalism

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Spring Convention 2008 – April 18-20Registration Form

The 2008 PSIA/AASI-W Spring Convention will be held at Mammoth Mountain, April 18-20. Clinics are available morning and afternoon Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Our Kick-Off Party will be held

Friday evening from 5-7 pm. The banquet will be held on Saturday from 6:30-10 pm.

Please select ONE package: Cost Cost After April 5o Fri, Sat & Sun (includes Kick-Off Party and Banquet) $230 $260o Fri & Sat (includes Kick-Off Party and Banquet) $175 $205o Sat & Sun (includes Banquet) $160 $190o Fri & Sun (includes Kick-Off Party) $140 $160o Fri only (includes Kick-Off Party) $80 $100o Sat only (includes Banquet) $100 $120

A La Carte ordering: Cost Cost After April 5o Clinics only: (circle one) – Fri Sat Sun $70 $90o Kick-Off Party only – Fri 5-7 pm (guests welcome) $15 $18 o Banquet only – Sat 6:30-10 pm (guests welcome) $40 $45

If you do not have a Mammoth season pass, $10 x # of days add $10 for lift tickets per day to registration fee: $__________

Total Enclosed: $__________

Paying by Check: Check # _____________ Amount: $__________

Paying by: VISA or MASTERCARD card #_________- _________- _________- _________

Expiration Date: _________ Security code: _________ Please enter your T-shirt size: XL ___ L ____ M ____ S ____ (We will use this information to estimate sizes for out initial order. We cannot guaranteed everyone will get the exact size requested.)

Last minute registration will be accepted with late fees, however after April 15 there will be no one in the office. Please bring this form with you to the event. Late registrants are not guaranteed a T-shirt.

Membership Discipline: (circle one) Nordic Snowboard Adaptive Alpine

Name:_________________________________ PSIA#____________ Phone:_______________

Billing Address:_______________________________________ Email: ___________________

City, State, Zip_________________________________________________________________I ___________________ declare: I am an experienced skier 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, 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.

Signature:____________________________________________________ Date ____________ Signature of parent or guardian:__________________________________ Date ____________(Required if applicant is under 18.)

Please return form with payment to: PSIA-W • 9709 Highway 267 • Truckee, CA 96161or fax to: 530-587-4273 • For clinics – turn this page.

DO NOT SEND IN WITHOUT PAYMENT • REGISTRATION BY MAIL, FAX OR ONLINE ONLY • PHONE REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED


Friday, April 18

Friday morning: Clinic # __________________Clinic Title: _____________________________Friday afternoon: Clinic # _________________Clinic Title: _____________________________o Yes. I will attend the Kick-Off party.

Saturday, April 19

Saturday morning: Clinic # ________________Clinic Title: _____________________________Saturday afternoon: Clinic # _______________Clinic Title: _____________________________

o Yes. I will attend the Banquet dinner.

Sunday, April 20

Sunday morning: Clinic # _________________Clinic Title: _____________________________Sunday afternoon: Clinic # ________________Clinic Title: _____________________________

Please return form with payment to: PSIA-W 9709 Highway 267 • Truckee, CA 96161or fax to: 530-587-4273 (If faxing, please

be sure to fax both sides of this form.) To register for surrounding exams and accreditation offerings, please download our Event Application located on www.psia-w.org, click on ‘Event Calendar’ or take advantage of our on-line signup option by clicking ‘Register Online.’

Build Your Convention ScheduleChoose from the clinics listed at the bottom of this

page and continued on page 5 .

Please choose your morning and afternnon clinics for each day you will be attending the convention.

Convention ClinicsFriday, April 18AM ClinicsClinic# Discipline Clinic Title100 Senior Seniors Credential (all day all 3 days)101 Alpine Boot alignment clinic, on-snow102 Alpine Teaching Level 1103 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 1104 Alpine Teaching/Movement Analysis Level 2105 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 3 106 Alpine Race - GS - All levels train107 Alpine Secret Stuff and Dirty Tricks for Level 3 Teaching108 Alpine Ski Improvement with Demo Team Members, Level 1/2109 Alpine Shut up and Ski Level 3110 Alpine Video All Levels111 Alpine Mountain Tour-Levels 2/3112 Alpine Strong Inside Half-Levels 2/3113 Alpine Modern Ski Technique Update -All Levels114 Children’s Kids That Want To Rip115 Alpine It’s Only as Steep as You Think It Is –Level 1116 Alpine Trench Warfare-Carving Level 3117 Alpine Trench Warfare-Carving Level 1/2118 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician tba-All Levels, multiple groups 131 Snowboard Freeride Mammoth - All Levels 132 Snowboard Sliding Features - Intermediate

133 Snowboard The Cap Model - All Levels141 Nordic Corn/Crud Conditioning–For advanced skiers142 Nordic Telemark Transitions–For intermediate Skiers 151 Adaptive Fun with the Bi-Ski, all levels

Friday, April 18PM Clinics201 Alpine Teaching/Movement Analysis Level 2202 Alpine Teaching/ Movement Analysis Level 3203 Alpine Big Bumps, Demystify Your Demons Level 3204 Alpine Intro to Steeps Level 1205 Alpine Exploring Steeps and Chutes Level 2/3206 Alpine Free Ski with Demo Team Members Level 3207 Alpine Off- Piste Women Only Level 2/3208 Children’s Kid’s Movement Analysis209 Alpine How to Teach the Teachers- Level 3210 Alpine Teaching the REAL Steeps Level 2/3211 Alpine Transitional Snow Off- Piste Level 2/3 212 Alpine Drill It, Skill It , Down the Hill with It Level 2/3213 Alpine Video Shoot Out Level 1/2214 Alpine Kids That Rip Level 2/3215 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 1216 Alpine Secret Tricks and Dirty Tricks for Level 2 Teaching217 Alpine Improving Your Bag o’ Tricks Levels 2/3218 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician tba- All Levels, multiple groups


231 Snowboard Level 2 Teaching - All Levels 232 Snowboard Basic Pipe Riding - All Levels 233 Snowboard Steeps Tactics - Int/Adv241 Nordic Corn/Crud Conditioning–For intermediate skiers242 Nordic Telemark Transitions–For advanced skiers 251 Adaptive Introduction to Disabilities and Assists, all levels

Saturday, April 19AM Clinics100 Senior Seniors Credential (all day all 3 days)300 Children’s Children’s Specialist 1 (all day Saturday/Sunday)301 Alpine Boot Alignment Clinic, On-Snow302 Alpine Teach Level 2303 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 2304 Alpine Teach Level 3305 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 3306 Alpine Cruising the Mountain Level 1/2307 Alpine How to Ski Off Piste Without Getting Piste Off (Some Hiking possible) Levels 2-3308 Alpine Short Turns Level 3309 Alpine Video Level 3310 Alpine Pin Polisher Beyond Certification311 Alpine Carving Trench Warfare- Tenacious Edge Hold Level 3312 Alpine Senior Teach and Ski -All Levels313 Children’s Games to Play with Kids On & Off the Snow314 Children’s Relating to Kids (Teaching for Transfer and CAP model)

315 Alpine Women Only Level 1/2316 Alpine Progression Session Level 2317 Alpine Progression Session Level 3318 Alpine Improving Your Bag O’ Tricks-All Levels319 Alpine Race GS Gates Timed Runs and Race- All Levels320 Alpine Teach Bumps Demystify the Progression Level 2321 Alpine Teach Bumps Demystify the Progression Level 3322 Alpine Ski With Demo Team Session- All Levels323 Alpine Senior Issues With Shaped Skis (The Buy In)- All Levels324 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Free Ski Improvement –All Levels, multiple groups 331 Snowboard Intro to Freestyle Riding - All Levels 332 Snowboard Chix Only - All Levels 333 Snowboard Level 3 Teaching - Intermediate 334 Snowboard Freeride Mammoth - Intermediate341 Nordic Ski With a Demo Team Candidate–Intermediate skiers342 Nordic Telemark Transitions–For intermediate Skiers 351 Adaptive Fun with the Bi-Ski, all levels

Saturday, April 19PM Clinics401 Alpine Boot alignment clinic, on-snow402 Alpine It’s Only as Steep as You Think It Is -All Levels403 Alpine Level 1 Teaching/Movement Analysis404 Alpine Level 3 Teaching405 Alpine Teach Bumps Demystify the Progression Level 2406 Alpine Cruise the Mountain Level 1/2407 Alpine Ski with D Team- All Levels408 Alpine Advanced Park and Pipe409 Alpine Follow the Sun at Mammoth Level 2/3410 Alpine Crud Basics for PM Snow Level 2/L3411 Alpine Mogul Madness Skiing Level 1/2412 Alpine Mogul Madness Skiing Level3413 Alpine Chicks on Sticks Free Ski Level 1/2414 Alpine Still Skiing Seniors- All Levels

415 Children’s Props and How to Use Them416 Alpine Shut Up and Ski Level 2417 Alpine Senior Issues for Shaped Skis: The Buy In: All Levels418 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Free Ski Improvement –All Levels, multiple groups419 Children’s Challenging Children in a Group Lesson 431 Snowboard Teaching Advanced Kids - Int/Adv 432 Snowboard Movement Analysis - All Levels 433 Snowboard Pipe Riding - All Levels 434 Snowboard Level 2 Teaching - All Levels441 Nordic Ski With a Demo Team Candidate–Intermediate skiers442 Nordic Telemark Transitions–For intermediate Skiers 451 Adaptive Introduction to Disabilities and Assists, all levels

Sunday, April 20AM Clinics100 Senior Seniors Credential (all day all 3 days)300 Children’s Children’s Specialist 1 (all day Saturday/Sunday)501 Alpine Last Chance Exam Prep Level 2502 Alpine Last Chance Exam Prep Level 3503 Alpine Mountain tour Level 1/2504 Alpine Morning Hangover Cruise- All Levels505 Alpine Trench Warfare Carving Level 2506 Alpine Follow the Sun at Mammoth-All Levels507 Alpine Steeps for Level 3508 Alpine Steeps for Level 1/2509 Alpine Ski with Demo Team -All Levels510 Alpine Drills for Skills Level 2511 Alpine Drills for Skills Level 3512 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician tba –All Levels, multiple groups513 Children’s How to Teach Play, Drill, Adventure, Summary531 Snowboard Intro to Freestyle Coaching - All Levels 532 Snowboard Level 3 Teaching - Intermediate 533 Snowboard Freeriding Mammoth - All Levels 534 Snowboard Pipe Riding - All Levels541 Nordic Master the Moguls–For advanced skiers542 Nordic Tame the Terrain–For intermediate skiers551 Adaptive Fun with the Bi-Ski, all levels Sunday, April 20PM Clinics601 Alpine Boot alignment clinic, on-snow602 Alpine Go Big Park and Pipe603 Alpine Intro Park and Pipe604 Alpine Slush Bumps Session Level 1/2605 Alpine Slush Bumps Level 3606 Alpine Follow the Sun at Mammoth Level 2/3607 Alpine Steeps Level 2608 Alpine Steeps Level 3609 Alpine Last Chance Exam Prep Level 2610 Alpine Last Chance Exam Prep Level 3611 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician tba- All Levels, multiple groups612 Children’s Kids Bag of Tricks631 Snowboard The Big Park - Unbound - Advanced 632 Snowboard Steeps Tactics - Intermediate 633 Snowboard Multiple Intelligences - All Levels634 Snowboard Rippin’ Women - Intermediate641 Nordic Manage the Moguls–For advanced skiers642 Nordic Tackle the Terrain–For intermediate skiers651 Adaptive Introduction to Disabilities and Assists, all levels


Alpine By Mike Hafer, Alpine Vice President

Teaching Tips for Success

Effective teaching just takes a little bit of time and practice.

Some of you may remember my article from the Fall Edge, outlin-ing some of the possible signs of an early winter. Well, the next time I see thousands of pine needles on the ground

in the fall, I will be sure to tune up the snow blower! The snow has been plentiful and clinic participation has been strong. By now some of you are focusing toward your teaching modules and what it will take to be successful. I would recommend two areas of focus: the teaching model and preparation.

We have all been taught about the main components of the teach-ing model: Introduction, assess the student, determine goals and plan objectives, present and share information, guided practice, check for understanding, and summarize the lesson. The question is, have you ever really thought about each component and how it fits into a successful lesson?

First and foremost, let’s visit the introduction component. One can set the lesson for success within this component. As a teacher, one should understand the goals of the student and what experiences they bring to the table. This will enable the coach to create a path to the end goal. This can be very easy to figure out, just ask the student what their goal is.

With the student’s assistance, you as the teacher may want to develop an outline that will help the student achieve his or her goal. An outline can help set up a staircase of incremental successes that will lead to the ultimate goal. As a skier, you know how much time and effort it takes to be successful with our

own goals. An expert skier cannot be created overnight; however, with the right coaching, the path becomes much shorter.

Along the path of improving one’s skiing, information should be presented in such a way that our guests can understand it. There are many ways of learning. In order to keep it simple, let’s look at it in the four most basic forms: watcher, doer, thinker, and feeler. During a presen-tation to our guests, we must be able to provide the information in all four areas to address multiple learning styles within a group. The watcher needs to see what we are teaching. Demonstrations should cover the entire spectrum; to the group, in front of the group and away from the group. The “doer” will want time to attempt and practice the idea. The explanations should be given with a demonstration. Those that need a more technical explanation (thinker) may need a chair ride with you to discuss the movements in greater detail. For the feeler, we as the coach must be able to explain kinesthetical-ly to our students so that they leave with a new sensation.

Guided practice in my opinion should be just that. If the student continues to ski the same move-ment patterns they came with, they will just reinforce the habits that they brought to the lesson. Don’t be afraid to take a coach’s time out and review the correct movement pat-terns during the practice session. I like to emphasize quality vs. quantity. During the practice period, you will be able to determine whether or not the client understands what you have taught. The question I ask myself is, are they doing what I asked? If not, it is most likely that I did not address the preferred learning style of my guest. At this time I would change teaching tactics to meet the needs of the student.

Once successful with a change of movement patterns, it is time to revisit the desired goal so the student

understands the changes. Remember, the goal may be a bump run, steeps, powder, or maybe linking turns on a beginner slope. The lesson should al-ways wrap up with the goal in mind. The wrap up should also consist of some verbal coaching as well. I like to share with my clients: the runs they will enjoy, where the good snow is, what we covered, and finally an invitation to come back. In short, I think the summary is the most im-portant piece to a good lesson.

Even though the summary will have an enormous impact on the return potential of the guest, the content of the lesson carries a lot of weight. In other words, the skills that you as an instructor will be addressing need to be appropriate to the conditions and the outcome of the lesson. For instance, if I were teaching someone how to ski bumps, I may address movement patterns that focus toward rotary or pres-sure. One must consider the skills that are most dominant in different conditions. Typically if a student is having difficulties in certain condi-tions or terrain, it is due to a lack of understanding of the dominant skill needed.

If you are preparing for a teach-ing module, I recommend that you build progressions for each of the skills in a variety of conditions. This way you will have an outline to drive your teaching during the module. Then you can use your prepara-tion time to work out how you will deliver the topic so that it is catered toward the student that is assigned.

These ideas will help guide one through a module but more important will create success with your guests. Every time that I have been successful in a teaching situa-tion whether it be a real scenario or some type of certification process, I utilized the teaching model and I was prepared with an arsenal of progres-sions. This has been my formula for success. It just takes a little bit of time and practice.


By Chris Lange, AASI Convention Liason SnowboardingThe Lowdown on Convention

Greetings! This is Chris Lange your Western Division AASI Con-vention Liason for the upcoming 2008 Spring Convention, Mam-moth Mountain April 18-20th. If you have never had the chance to attend Convention before, it is a great way to wrap up your season by riding with your fellow AASI-W members in the sun, meeting new people, and enjoying all the goodness Mammoth has to offer.

We have listened to all of our members and are hoping to make this Convention the best ever for our Snowboard members. We have come of with rider specific clinic topics that focus on all aspects of snow-boarding and snowboard teaching. The clinics are for all abilities, from our new riders and instructors, to those who are throwing down and want to take it to the next Level.

Pre register using the form in-cluded in this newsletter. Of course you can still sign up on the days of the events, but spaces fill up fast.

We will also be offering special edition 2008 Convention bandannas designed by the Tech Team to put the final touch on what is going to be the best Snowboard Convention ever. We look forward to seeing everyone in Mammoth.

Here is a list of some of the topics that will be presented:

Pipe Riding: Riding pipe is super fun and Mammoth has one of the

best ½ pipes in the country, so why not ride it? Boost your first air, or take it to the next level. This clinic is for riders with solid riding skills.

Freeride Mammoth: Have you ever looked up at the mountain, pointed and said “I want to ride there”? In this clinic you will learn/perfect you freeriding skills. Terrain will include off-piste steep terrain. Learn how to choose a good line, and ride it smoothly. This clinic is for riders with solid to expert riding skills.

Movement Analysis: This clinic will focus how correctly practice move-ment analysis. With exams coming up, this is a great way to make sure you have your skills dialed in.

Chix Only: Presented by the top Western Division Tech Team women clinicians, these clinics will be focused on progressing women’s snowboarding and teaching to the next level.

Positions Available

Sierra Summit Mountain Resort’s Snowsports School is seeking full-time/part-time ski/board Supervisors, Trainers, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Novice Instructors for the 07/08-winter season. Sierra Summit is located 65 miles northeast of Fresno and offers a growing resort, comparable wages, onsite housing, an awesome mountain and an exciting opportunity. Please contact our Employee Services Office at 559-233-2500 ext 4300, or [email protected] and specify the position inquiring about.

LodgingMammoth has offered our membership discounts at all three Mammoth operated resorts, Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort, and The Village. Room options vary from regular hotel rooms to one and two bedroom condominiums, so combining with a group of friends can make the lodging pretty economical.

To make a reservation online:

A reservation fee of $15.00 will apply to all reservations, whether made online or by phone. Please note applicable taxes and fees are subject to change at the time of your stay.

You are welcome to stay in town where lodging may be less expensive. Other lodging choices are available on-line, www.mammothmountain.com. Mammoth Area Shuttle operates a dependable shuttle service to the Main Lodge.

Individuals may book reservations online at: https://lodging.mammothmountain.com/v1web/Availability.asp?WCI=Groups&WCE=GroupSelect%20 until Friday, March 14th, 2008, using the following information:Group ID: 4957Password: 37000778 Individuals may call 800-MAMMOTH (1-800-626-6684) for reservations by referencing the group name PSIA Regionals. Reservations are subject to the deposit and cancellation policies quoted by the vacation specialist.

Wrap up your season by riding with your fellow AASI-W members.

Craig Albright

Managing Director Mammoth Mountain Ski and Snowboard School • 47 years old• Married w/ 2 daughters (15 and 12 years old)• Member since 1982• Level 3 Alpine, Snowboard, Telemark• Alpine Examiner 1989 – 2003• Snowboard Examiner 1990-1995• PSIA-W Demo Team Member 1995-1996• PSIA/AASI-W BOD Member 1996 – currentHave held many chair and officer po-sitions in PSIA/AASI-W including:• Snowboard Cert Chair• Education VP• Certification VP• President• National BOD Rep• PSIA/AASI National BOD Rep 2002 – Current• National Teams Task Force 2003• Education Advisory Committee (Chair) 2004 - 2006• Operations VP 2006 - current

I have been blessed to have been able to call myself a Professional Ski and Snowboard Instructor my entire adult life. I have made my living,


Your Candidates For the PSIA-W Board of Directors

Following are alphabetical profiles submitted by the candidates for the PSIA-W Board of Directors. Successful candidates earn a three-year term on the Board. Now, it’s your turn to make your voice heard. Please, read all the profiles. Then vote. Simply use the attached, postage-paid ballot. Make four (4) selections from the list of seven by checking the names of those you would like to represent you. Please take this opportunity to vote. The deadline for mailing your ballot is April 9. Thank you.

supplemented with many a sum-mer flipping hamburgers, I joke you not!, in the winter sport instruction business as an instructor, supervisor, manager and now managing direc-tor at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. I have enjoyed and have been honored to serve the membership of PSIA/AASI Western over the last 12 years. It is my hope that you will support me with your vote as I seek to continue on the Western BOD for another three years. I thank you in advance for your support.

Neil Bussiere

• PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors – 1999-present• PSIA/AASI-W President – 2006- present• PSIA/AASI-W Executive VP – 2002-2006• PSIA/AASI-W Snowboard VP – 1999-2002• PSIA Level III Alpine Certified -1994• AASI Examiner/Clinician, Level III Certified - 1996• USSCA Level II Professional Coach - 1997• Technical Director, Mt High Winter Sports School, 1990- present

I again ask for your consideration in seeking a fourth term to the PSIA/AASI Western Board of Directors. As an individual, I consider myself fortunate to be involved with a truly rewarding and interactive occupation, that of winter sports instruction. As a member of PSIA/AASI-W, I consider myself equally fortunate to have an experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated Board of Directors at the helm of our diverse membership. I hope to see such leadership continue uninterrupted. I believe I can con-tinue to provide such leadership as I have for the past nine seasons. As your former Snowboard VP and Executive VP I personally au-thored motions to reflect the emerging snowboard membership, increasing revenue stream, and an evolving edu-cational focus across all disciplines. Furthermore, by training and solidi-fying a skilled core of educators we continue to turn the certification and educational agendas into financially viable entities which add membership value and generate record numbers in pursuit of certification. Most recently, as President, I have sought to “raise the bar”, both organizationally and strategically, with each Board meeting and continually challenged the board to establish new ways of doing busi-ness. Accordingly, the membership was able to benefit from an increased number of deliverables and delivery methods, educational updates, recruit-ment materials, and publications consistent with the latest national information and industry trends. These efforts have been supplemented by personal contributions to the latest national Movement Analysis publica-tions, editorial responsibilities for our divisional “Edge”, and again culmi-nated in the publication of the AASI-W


For the PSIA-W Board of Directors Your Candidates

Please use the Accompanying Ballot to Make Your Choice: Deadline is April 9.

Snowboard Certification Handbook for the division this past term. More so than ever, PSIA/AASI needs to remain a professional growth engine and resource for the working instructor while striving to provide educational direction. Having partici-pated in the national Strategic Plan-ning Committee working sessions in Lakewood, CO this past October, I remain engaged and working across the other divisions to represent these interests in an emerging national model. I look forward to the challeng-es that inevitably lie ahead and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to represent each of you going forward once again. Thank you.

Heidi Ettlinger

The past few years have been exciting and rewarding as a Board Member and head of the Publicity & Advisory Committee. The com-mittee’s most significant contribution was launching the new PSIA/AASI-W website, which we hope you’re all finding useful. For us, the experience highlighted several areas where we can improve, such as providing better educational materials and resources for our diverse membership. We be-lieve the website improvements have strengthened our association’s profes-sional image and hope they provide a better service for the entire member-ship. In addition to the website, the committee also: • Developed the Alpine Trainer’s &

Examiner’s Manual – 06/07 (Other disciplines used this

manual as a template)• Developed the Alpine Certifica-

tion Guides (posted on the new website) (Other disciplines used these guides as a template)

• Developed new score cards for the now formalized modules, to provide candidates more detailed feedback as they progress through the exam process.

• Circulated Educational Clinic Survey’s throughout the member-ship. This information was passed along to the other Committees to create venues that meet our mem-bership needs.

• Developed a Recruitment Pro-gram to further build our associa-tion’s membership. This included a video, powerpoint presentation, and brochure. This program is being evaluated as a tool to mar-ket the value and opportunities found in becoming a member of PSIA/AASI-W, and a professional snowsport instructor. It is hoped the materials will provide a real time look at the breadth of profes-sional instruction for a wide range of potential instructors.

I would appreciate the opportu-nity for another term on the Board to cement some of the good work we’ve accomplished and achieve some of the projects still on my list, including de-veloping more innovative educational materials (cd/dvd’s), and improving the clinics available to members seek-ing continuing education & camara-derie. I especially believe that building ties with member schools to further market the value of professional instructors is crucial to our livelihood, this will be one of the significant proj-ects to tackle next season. I would be happy to discuss any of my ideas with you, please feel free to email at [email protected]. I welcome your ongoing support and vote of confidence.

• Heavenly Valley Resort 1996- Present• Perisher Blue Ski Resort 2004 – Present• PSIA-W Technical & Demonstration Team• Producer: New Skiers & Riders Gearing to Go Guide• B.S. Human Services & Counseling

Doug Fagel

I hope that everyone is having a great season and enjoying the moun-tain life. My name is Douglas Fagel; I am currently the Snowboard Vice President for the Western Division and one of the AASI-W Regional Snowboard Demo Team Members. My passion for Snowsports Educa-tion continues to grow every year as I get more involved with PSIA/AASI Members throughout the division and throughout the country.

I am the Snowboard Manager for Sugar Bowl’s Mountain Sports Learn-ing Center and the Director for the Sugar Bowl Snowboard Team. I have been working full time as a snows-ports educator for the last decade and am working to update and produce new educational resources available to the members with in our division.My goals for the division are to: align our certification programs with the developments currently going on at the national level, to maintain the cohesiveness between the snowboard and alpine disciplines of the Western Division, and to continue to evolve (cont. on pg.10)


Your Candidates For the PSIA-W Board of Directors

our programs and offering to keep up with the on going progression of our sport. I ask you for your support in this year’s PSIA/AASI- W Board of Direc-tors election so that I can continue to work as your Snowboard Representa-tive. In my training towards National Demo Team Tryouts this April, I am focused on being successful at the team tryouts and striving to bring a Western Division snowboarder to the National Demo Team. Have a great rest of your season and I hope to see you at this years Spring Convention at Mammoth.

Sincerely,Douglas R. Fagel

Mark Palamaras

Growing up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland I did not have the oppor-tunity to ski until I went to college. It was from that point forward that many of my decisions were based on where and how often I could ski. After graduating college, I began instruct-ing, later earning my Level III and becoming a member of the Eastern Division Education Staff. My passion for skiing led my wife, son, and I to recently make Truckee, CA our home. I am currently a ski instructor and trainer at Sugar Bowl. I am anxious to give back to the organization that has helped me grow and improve as a student and teacher of the sport by serving on the Western Division board. I have several ideas for improving the division. First, I propose that we take advantage of our close proximity to major metro-

politan areas to significantly increase membership. The additional rev-enues generated would provide the resources needed to offer more events and benefits to our members. Second, discussions with current members have revealed that many do not feel adequately prepared for exams. I recommend that we have a Tech Team member visit each ski school at least once a year, creating an opportunity to transfer information and promote membership. Finally, I suggest that we educate the public about PSIA and what each certification level repre-sents. We might begin this initiative by getting a member ski school to charge for private lessons based on an instructor’s certification level. Along with these fresh ideas I would bring strong business, finan-cial, and organizational skills from my 15 years of experience building a successful money management firm. I am eager to contribute to the Western Division and thank you for your consideration.

Leigh (Thompson) Pierini

Experience:• 17 year full time member of PSIA• 11 years Alpine Examiner (in 3 divisions: PSIA-I, PSIA-E, and PSIA-W)• Served as PSIA-I Alpine Education Manager• During my years, I have been: Instructor/Trainer/Supervisor /Manager/Director within 7 ski & snowboard schools across the country

• Regional Alpine Demo Team member of PSIA-I

It would be an honor for me to serve on PSIA-W Board of Directors. Being familiar with the organiza-tion of PSIA from within 3 divisions, I feel my national knowledge would be an asset to the board, as well as the overall membership. I have been directly involved in the development of programs and educational materials that have benefited the members and staff of PSIA. As a full time member of PSIA for the past 17 years, my background provides a useful perspective. I feel I will bring an innovative and forward thinking contribution and will be a positive force in making our division on “the cutting edge.” If giving the opportunity to be on this board, I will commit to the growth of our organization, not only encourage continued quality of edu-cation, but to aid in bringing it to a new level, and strive to represent the VOICE and wishes of this member-ship. Thank you!

David R. Precit

Director Squaw Valley Ski & Snow-board School

Why I’m running for the Board of Directors.• What motivates people to become

instructors? Access to education, certification, higher wages, prod-uct discounts, etc. As a member of the board I will work to see

and now I desire to serve you as a member of the Board of Directors. Teaching snowboarding is a passion and an art form, and I was very fortunate to witness the birth of AASI and be involved in its growth as an organization. As an active tech team member, I have had the oppor-tunity to evolve with the association, witness all the profound changes, and work with many exceptional individuals. The commitment and dedication of our membership in the pursuit of promoting higher educa-tional standards is extraordinary. As an examiner, clinician, snowboard and ski instructor, I realize this has been my quest, to serve others for the betterment of the sport as well as to improve myself. Each of you possesses the spirit of giving, and I often marvel at the display of selflessness as I watch members of our organization teach and inspire the public, as well as one another. You all have unique gifts to give and ideas to share, and I look forward to serving as your representa-tive on the BOD, and if elected I will do my best to help our division continue to spread the joy, the passion, and continue the pursuit of educa-tional excellence with a continued snowboard pres-ence on the board. I hope that you will cast your vote for me, and I thank you for your con-sideration.

Please use the Accompanying Ballot to Make Your Choice: Deadline is April 9.

that member benefits continue to grow.

• My position here at Squaw Valley enables to me to act as a spokes person for our organization. Maintaining a wage scale that is based on certification, hosting education and certification events at minimal, or no additional charge to the membership and keeping the interests of “Profes-sional Instructors” at hand, while blending with corporate and industry challenges.

• What has PSIA / AASI done for me? As a Professional Instructor, my career has benefited measur-ably through my affiliation with the organization; I would not be where I am today without PSIA. The education, the travel op-portunities, the healthy lifestyle and the invaluable life skills have shaped my career as well as my character. As a board member I will be in a position to reciprocate and “give back to the organiza-tion.”

Clay Sawyer

Hello, my name is Clay Sawyer, and I am requesting your vote for election to the Board of Directors, Western Division PSIA/AASI. I am a current snowboard tech team examiner and clinician, a certified skier, and at my home resort in Southern California, the level 1 in-house snowboard trainer. It has been my pleasure to serve you for the last few years as clinician and examiner,


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Adaptive By Nicole Charshafian, PSIA/AASI-W Adaptive Tech Team Member/Examiner

When dealing with a beginning student with one or multiple disabili-ties one of the questions that passes through an adaptive instructor’s head is…POLES OR NO POLES???

Now as with just about every adaptive lesson there is the rule and there is the reason to break the rule.

And below are my key reasons NOT to give a student poles1. Weapons!!! They can be dangerous to themselves and/or others.2. Pat your head and rub your tummy syndrome!! The cognitive issues are such that poles are a distraction. 3. Grasp issues- where the skier’s physical limitations make poles difficult or impossible to hold. (Yes, but with man’s greatest invention- DUCT TAPE nothing is impossible)4. The necessity to use other adaptive equipment such as bam- boo poles, two point holds or other physical assists.5. Young children where poles can just be a bit too much to handle.

Now here are my arguments for introducing pole early on. Poles are not just a cumbersome pain in the behind!! They are an important part of our equipment. They are a tool that is as important as all the other tools that we pack as skiers.

Let’s look at the obvious rea-sons for poles first. 1. Moving around on the flats. For

a beginner skier maneuvering around on flats or slight hills (becoming “edge aware”) is a tall order to ask of someone who may be dealing with over coming disabilities as well.

Think about for example…. -An amputee skiing with a pros-

thetic who at a beginning level is not kinesthetically aware enough

Working with Adaptive Students – Poles or No Poles: That is the Question

to achieve edge angles.

-A skier with strength or bal-ance deficits on one side of the body.

-A cogni-tively impaired student who cannot grasp the concept of engaging edges to prevent sliding.

2. Getting in and out of skies independently and easily. Just because a skier has a disability doesn’t mean they cannot or do not want to become indepen-dent.

3. Stopping and starting in a lift line and on flats can be both difficult and dangerous when a skier doesn’t have poles to aid maneuvering. (Low vision skiers who are accustomed to using a cane can quickly and easily adapt to using ski poles in a similar manner.)

Now let’s go onto the less obvi-ous reasons.1. Stance and balance- used correctly

poles can be a tremendou aid in getting our skiers into a good athletic stance and to help

maintain dynamic balance. They are a great visual cue for the skier. This covers just about all adaptive skiers except for some of our low vision skiers.

2. Kinesthetic awareness- this is the biggy!!! (And I find with a cognitively impaired skier this can be a key issue as many are kinesthetic learners. They learn by feel and doing things, not usually by our over worded, over technical explanations!!!)

-Dragging the poles can tell a skier a lot about the snow conditions through vibration and sound. This is exceptionally

important for low vision skiers but also applies to cognitively impaired and amputee skiers too. It can be a great “distractive” focus for cognitive-ly impaired skiers.

-The pitch of the slope can be felt through the poles too, either with a drag or simply by stick-ing the poles in the snow when static. Again this is exceptionally important for low vision skiers but also applies to cognitively impaired and amputee skiers too. Beginning skiers some-times have difficulty discerning downhill. But by sticking both poles in the snow, while stand-ing on the side of a hill, they can usually choose the higher pole, which gives an easy reference for hill direction.

3. Trying to introduce poles at a later date can

a. Cause anxiety and confusion especially with cognitively im-paired skiers.

b. Cause changes to entire move-ment patterns.

Poles are not an “optional extra” they are an important part of our arsenal as skiers. Think of how important they are in terrain such as steeps and moguls and for the skier’s rhythm and flow throughout turns I think all of what I have men-tioned above should be considered when the question enters your mind, POLES OR NO POLES...Through my years of experience teaching adaptive lessons my answer is POLES!!!


By John “Cedar” Seeger, Chairman Nordic Notes

Thanks to the loyal and dedi-cated work of our fine members, the Nordic Symposium was held Jan 9-11, 2008. We had good snow conditions, a reasonable turnout of both telemark and cross country members, and a real good time, shar-ing and learning together. Special thanks to SUGAR BOWL and ROYAL GORGE for hosting us and provid-ing professional support. The official 2008 Nordic Symposium will be in Mammoth next December.

Please tune into the Backcountry program offerings as there is excel-lent value and opportunity to blaze some new trails in your snowsports career. There is quite a buzz within the organization as a whole to the BC program. It’s happening.

I’ll see you at CONVENTION in Mammoth April 18-20. We’ll have numerous fun and valuable telemark clinics, good skiing and a great wrap up of another great season! Check the Convention sign up section of our website for updates and listings.

I would like to thank all of the Western Division Nordic members for your assistance and support in my first year as Chairman. It has been a learning curve and rewarding in ways I might not have imagined.

National Nordic Demo Team Tryouts Generate ExcitementBy Urmas Franosch

The PSIA National Nordic Demonstration Team embodies the

highest aspirations of Nordic ski educators in the United States. This team is selected once every four years from the top cross country and telemark instructors in the country. For the first time in its history, the team tryouts will take place at Mam-moth Mountain from April 27 to May 2. Approximately 20 candidates from among the nine divisions of PSIA will demonstrate their ski-ing, teaching, and indoor presen-tation skills over 6 grueling days. Alpine, snowboard and adaptive teams will also be selected.

The team members are increasingly viewed as authori-ties on Nordic skiing by the international ski industry. Team members collaborate on the establishment of education and certification curricula and standards. They are also charged with generating educational materials such as manuals and DVD’s. Most im-portantly, they are the link between PSIA national, and the membership. Demo team mem-bers communicate the fruits of their experiences and education to the members through clinics and events such as the Nordic Fall Symposium, Spring Conven-tion and the Nor-dic Rendezvous. They are also directly involved with divisional certification pro-grams.

If you have the opportunity to be in Mammoth at the end of April, keep an eye out for those trying out. You will see some of the best

Todd Yuen navigates the powder at Sugar Bowl, Nordic Symposium 2008.

skiers in North America plying their craft. While only four will be chosen, all those trying out have devoted years to honing their skills, and are world class practitioners of their sport. Rub elbows with these folks and buy them a beer; but don’t keep them up too late – they have a big day ahead of them!

Nordic enthusiasts at the Symposium, (left to right) Scott Van Fossen, Larry Drennan, Urmas Franosch, Hans Peter Baier, Cedar Seeger.

Children’s By Greg Lyons, Children’s Chair


Limited Terrain can be wonderful for a lesson!

President’s Message cont . By Neil Bussiere

On a recent cold, windy day, with very little of the mountain open, my class of children seemed to be having the time of their lives. I asked myself, “Why are they having so much fun on the limited terrain we keep repeating over and over?”

Part of the answer is, they simply became more confident with each run. They were the masters of their environment! Imagine a racer being able to run a course multiple times prior to having a timed run. As the students became aware of what terrain was ahead of them earlier and earlier, they were able to shift their thoughts from survival to a learning mode. They were more willing to explore new movement patterns.

As the kids comfort level grew, anxiety turned to play, and play al-lowed better learning. We took advan-tage of the limited crowds and skied from one edge of the trail to the other. At times we turned the sides of some of the trails into natural quarter pipes. We would ski high up on the sides of some trails and turn them in to natural quarter pipes. We went up and down the quarter pipe as fast as we could working primarily on balance

and rotary, but could have emphasized edging or pressure, as well. There were no jumps, but we did find three to four inch piles of snow that we use to ‘get some air.’

Natural props and entertain-ment were factors. For this day we had no poles or extra Props (Frisbee, Hula Hoop, Cones, Beanie Babies, Pole, Flags, different color tapes, balloons, etc.) What we did have was facial expressions, creative ways to use our bodies, shadows and slow signs. We played multiple versions of Simon Says. Using facial expres-sions we skied with huge smiles, ugly frowns, intentionally laughing and faking crying. While skiing we had our arms crossed, we had one hand on the head, we tried one hand on the hip and the other sticking out to the side like a teapot, we did airplane and birds moves, we held our knees and made racecars sounds. We pretended that we had bow and arrows and shot trees, all while skiing down the hill. When the sun was behind us we used our shadows to get immediate visual feedback. Some feedback was about skiing, and some was about how silly we could be!

And then there were the “slow signs” in the middle of the trail. We used them as a gate for “J” turns. Down the hill on one side of the sign and see how far up the hill on the other side of the sign you can go. This “J” turn task can be used to foster competition between group members or individual students. We also used the signs as stopping points, as visual cues of where to focus, and if it is safe, as an object to spray snow with a hockey stop.

In a beginner lesson I have my students do multiple straight runs and basic balancing drills with slight variations added every other run. These drills are completed over a small area of terrain. Extra time spent on the basics, equals much stronger understanding and success as the lesson moves on. What I witnessed in this lesson was a different version of a similar concept. Due to limited terrain my students were able get comfortable enough to practice new ideas on the same areas of terrain over and over again.

Greg Lyons

favor of the marketing dept, but those stars that reflect your true potential as an instructor. Think of it this way. Each student is like a star in the sky, essentially an untapped resource waiting for you to explore and unlock their true potential.

As focused instructors it’s no coincidence that Safety, Fun, and Learning are an ingrained part of our being and behavior.

With every opportunity to mentor and coach comes the responsibility to deliver a quality lesson and safe

mountain experience. As dedicated instructors we bring a wealth of tools and knowledge to bear in an effort to realize these goals. Strive to make every lesson your best and remember the best teachers are perpetual stu-dents. They are always willing to learn.

With that said, Spring also means the annual PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors election is now underway. Within this issue you will find the future leaders of your division. Please take time to consider their statements carefully and return your ballots prior

to the early-April deadline. For those elected their selection will mark the start of a deeper contribution to the membership and reinforce your votes of confidence in them. And remem-ber, in the end Spring has a way of making everything shine. Make the best of your season and we hope to see you shining brightly at Conven-tion in April. In the meantime stay sharp and stay safe. Neil


By John Armstrong, National Past Board President Heritage60 Years of PSIA-W-AASI

PSIA Western is 60 years old!

As the interest in skiing devel-oped in this country in the 1930’s, there was a recognized need for controls over ski teaching, primarily to protect the public. Ski teaching in the United States has strong European roots. European instructors were brought here because there were no qualified instructors available. Follow-ing the European system, the United States found it necessary to inaugurate a program of ski teacher certifica-tion in the Eastern region by the year 1937. The program was considered a success and became a basis for the other divisions of the national ski association to follow. The California Ski Association, The Pacific North-west Ski Association and the Southern Rocky Mountain Ski Association made plans for certification during 1940-42, but these were not initiated with enthusiasm until after World War II.

In the West, the California Ski Association introduced a revised plan for certification of ski instructors, May 28 1946. Under the guidance of the California Ski Association and Mr. Cortland T. Hill, annual instruc-tors meetings were made feasible. This resulted in the beginning of the successful Far West Ski Instructors Association, which was organized as a non-profit corporation in 1947. Our first annual meeting was in 1948, and one of the initial proposals was to

move toward a national federation of ski instructors.

In 1952, Tommi Tyndall, Presi-dent of FWSIA was named tempo-rary chairman of a group to begin a national organization. FWSIA mem-bers Nic Fiori and Cortland Hill also played key roles in the effort to form a national organization.

FWSIA reorganized under the name PSIA-Western Division in 1980. Subsequently, the AASI- Western Division nomenclature was added as snowboard instruction became more prevalent and recognized. The division has always played a strong role in national AASI and PSIA affairs and has led efforts for instruc-tion in the USA to be of a uniformly high level and consistent in the deliv-ery of its product to students in the Sierra Nevada region.

Take a moment to reflect on 60 years of our fellow profession-als working hard to create a credible education and certification program. Celebrate their efforts by recognizing what the division offers up and com-ing pros today. Honor our founders and the divisions past by working to advance our profession.

John ArmstrongMammoth Mountain/ PSIA/AASI National Past Board President

Material for this article taken from Bill Lash, PSIA President. “Progress report on the development of the national council of ski instructors of America” July 9, 1952.

Our Division is old enough to have a rich history, and young enough that many of the “old guard” are still active in PSIA/AASI-W.

The Heritage Committee invites you to dust off those old photos, memorabilia or stories you may want to share with your fellow instructors. Send inquiries to the PSIAW office by email or “snail mail” US Postal service for publication in the “Edge”. PSIA-Western-AASI 9709 Hwy 267 Truckee, CA 96161Email: [email protected]

Come on snowboarders, telemarkers, cross country, adaptive, back country and alpiners. Our younger members need to know all that cool stuff that we did back in the day!

Ted Pitcher, Heritage Chair.

Thanks to Bob Sorvaag for the big air shot in the Fall 2007 issue of the Edge. Go Big Bob!

Angora Fire Impacts Instructors By Mitch Dion

When the Angora fire roared through a residential neighborhood outside of South Lake Tahoe last sum-mer, ski industry workers represented a high percentage of the victims.

Valued PSIA/AASI Tech Team members Aaron and Debs Herne lost their home and most of their posses-

sions. Recognizing that rebuilding their lives was going to be a hardship, PSIA/AASI member Randy Turner, an Alpine Level 3 cert from Sierra at Tahoe, took the bull by the horns and tried to help. Using his contacts as an equipment rep, Randy was able to hook up the victims with various

vendors and replace equipment.“As ski instructors, we can’t make

a living without skis, boots and poles, (cont. on pg.23)

Education By Finlay Torrance, Education Chair


Certification Unity

In the Fall I joined a group of PSIA/AASI examiners and education experts to explore the possibility of creating a nationally standardized level three exam. I have never been involved in a more politically sensitive project, with career ending potential than this one. I would say this is al-most as sensitive an issue as a national health care program and with almost as many special interest groups. Here is the story...

In 1961 PSIA was established af-ter seven divisions spent ten years get-ting to know one another and finally trusting one another. The national body comprised the seven diverse associations as well as independent schools employing ski techniques from around the world. Standardiza-tion of technique with a national method of instruction was the goal, which I think we accomplished by publishing great educational materi-als like Alpine Technical Manual, American Teaching System, Core Concepts for Snowsports Instruction etc. Where we missed the boat was on the creation of a national examination format.

Today, the nine (AASI/PSIA) divi-sions that comprise our association, (West, North West, Rocky Mountain, Northern Rocky Mountain, Inter-mountain, Northern Intermountain, Central, East and Alaska), each work closely, but with relative autonomy from our head office in Lakewood,

Colorado. Our office in Colorado is the national and international home of the association and holds the license and rights for our name and branding. Divisions have their own educational/examination staff and of-fice support paid with divisional dues. The divisional staff communicates with, but do not report to the na-tional office. This means our national association governs by persuasion and influence rather than power and mandate. So what is the issue?

Over recent years, a perception has arisen that some divisions’ exams are easier to pass than others. Incon-sistent standards, whether true or untrue, are detrimental to our associa-tion and our reputation international-ly. We are often judged on our lowest level of proficiency as validated by any one division. This is why national exam standards are important.

Each division appears to have a parallax view of the national exam standards. Just like observing a moun-tain from different sides, one face may appear unclimbable, while the other face is an easy walk up. Our national association sets the exam standard as the elevation of the summit, and does not dictate the route to get there. Each division picks their own route to the national standard depending on the terrain and snow conditions prevalent in their region.

With each division interpreting the national written standards in the way that best fit their needs, each

division is fulfilling the needs of its membership but not necessarily the national standard. This has happened because the divisions have not been talking to each other on a regular enough basis to assure consistency.

Exam processes follow along the same lines. Each division has a dif-ferent exam format which allows the division to tailor its exam to satisfy its membership’s needs and expectations. To highlight my point, here are some of the nine divisional approaches presently used. One division has a two-day exam with a partial pass, meaning you can fail a day and still pass the exam. Some divisions exam-ine skiing and teaching in the same day. Some do not look at race, park or pipe as within the scope of level three. Some have specific designated runs for bumps and steeps and sometimes scorecards are all over the place.

Where does this leave us as a division? Today we employ an exam formats with written components, MA components, and technical skills module (three days) including race, park and pipe. Once successfully passing the technical module, we have an invitational teaching module (two days) that allows the examiner to focus on the teaching and demonstra-tion skills of the candidates.

We have found this to be a suc-cessful exam format as we can provide our candidates pertinent feedback that they can work on, even if you are unsuccessful in the “exam”. From your feedback, we believe our present format provides a student centered approach to our exam, avoiding what was once a very stressful experience. We were once intentionally process centered, which did not necessarily follow the methodology or concepts of our educational materials. How-ever, currently our format is just part of the problem adding to our national inconsistency.

Our structure stands in sharp contrast to the Canadian association (CASI/CSIA), which has 23,000 mem-bers and a larger geographical area

PSIA/AASIoffer great educational materials.

Join us for the:2nd ANNUAL EDUCATION FUND

GOLF TOURNAMENTWHEN: 9:00 AM SHOTGUN

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2008GENOA LAKES, NV

$85 per person is for golf and box lunch! Proceeds RAISE MONEY FOR THE

EDUCATION/SODERGREN FOUNDATION

NEW : Hole-in-One contest for a $35,000 SUBARU Tribeca donated by Zack Salah

at South Shore Motors .Format: This will be a four-person scramble. Everyone hits, picks the groups best shot and everyone hits again. Individuals welcome: we will match you with a team. This is a great opportunity to meet others and have a good time! Mulligans will be available at 1 for $8, 4 for $25. Genoa Lakes Golf Club & Resort features 36 championship holes on two semi-private courses built for players in pursuit of the ultimate game. USA Today ranked the LAKES COURSE among the Top Ten Courses to Die For, and Golf Digest calls it one of America’s best. The RESORT COURSE received a rating of 4 1/2 out of a possible 5 STARS from Golf Digest. A Raffle will occur after golf. To donate a raffle item please contact the office.

For signup information, check the Western Division website: www.psia-w.org.


Education

than the United States. CSIA has six regions of-fering only level one courses. All other exams are administered through their national office, which unarguably contributes to the consistency of their national standard. All other snow sports nations have a national examination format or method-ology, which allows for national uniformity of message and a rapid ability to adapt to changing techniques or equipment advancements.

My belief is that as professional instruc-tors, we are viable and valuable participants in an international community. Our top level of certification should be something that we are proud to share with other skiing nations. Profes-sional qualifications take time, dedication, and a financial commitment to attain, and need to reflect high levels of both quality and consistency to be credible.

I would like your feedback on areas of inter-est or concern that I can present to the taskforce members from our other divisions. Of particular interest would be what you like, or dislike, about our modular coaching approach, or how you would like to see the examination process in this country advanced.

Thanks for your time and feedback,May the force be with you.

Certification Unity (cont’d)

Each division appears to have a parallax view of the national exam standards. Just like observing a mountain from different sides, one face may appear unclimbable, while the other face is an easy walk up.

Perception: By George Twardokens


The Commander of Our Movements

As skiers, riders and instructors, a lot of our time and energy is spent analyzing, discussing and dissecting the motor output or ‘movements’ required by our sports. Yet, in reality most skiing/riding skills are composed of a triad, i.e., sensor-motor-feedback loop. Sensory input identified in the brain as a recognizable impression is called perception. It is the first step in this process and is critical to the selection of motor response, i.e., the move-ment component of a skill.

When an instructor chooses the line of descent, which is followed by the student, the descent is usually successful and pleasant. The student might be oblivi-ous to facts such as the wise use of terrain, predictions of snow conditions, speeds within their comfort zone, collisions avoided, accidents prevented. Though a lot of perceptual experiences were transferred from the leader to the followers, the followers, (particularly children) may report that they have learned nothing.

ApplicationArguably the final criterion of theory is its successful application in practise. Hence, I want to offer an example of

perceptual training well re-ceived during my clinics.

1. On a gentle slope plant a ski pole as a marker.

2. Assemble the ski-ers about 60 feet above the marker

3. The tester stands about 10 feet behind the marker, facing the skiers

4. One by one the skiers descend in a straight run toward the tester

5. As the skier is ap-proaching the marker, the tester chooses one of the three hand signals requesting a right turn, a left turn, or a stop. (Figures 1, 2 & 3)

The degree of difficulty in this exercise increases with the skier’s speed. It is

also increasingly more challenging to respond to the com-mand, the shorter the distance between the skier and the marker.

Note: An expedient person may simply anticipate the command and show an astonishing speed in the comple-tion of the task. However, in this case, the probability of anticipating correctly are only one in three. When it is not a game and the consequences are grave, it is a bad idea to gamble with such odds.

ConclusionPerceptual input is ubiquitous in all snow sports and

all levels of skill acquisition. It is essential in recreational skiing, freestyle, racing, and in mountain touring because all these sports have input before output. If more train-ing is devoted to the input component of the skill it may pay large dividends. Increasing safety on the slopes by

being able to stop or to turn on demand is one of the benefits of this type of train-ing. Making training more exciting due to its novelty is the other.

Figure 1: Stop command is given and Eva’s instant response (via stop-Christie) is correct. Photo by Halina Twardokens.

Proficiency in the perceptual component of a skill is a hallmark of a master-instructor and mountain guides.

Perception, if understood better, may find more emphasis in instructor training.


PerceptionThe Commander of Our Movements (cont’d)

Figure 2: Turn left command is given and Eva’s response is correct. Photo by Halina Twardokens.

Figure 3: Turn left command is given. Eva’ stops instead of turning left. Then she argues that it was not anticipation, but that I gave the signal too late. Photo by Halina Twardokens.

SourcesSchmidt, R. Motor Learn-

ing and Performance. Human Kinetics Books, Champaign, IL 1991

Twardokens, G. Univer-sal Ski Techniques. Printer Services University of Nevada, Reno 1992.

PSIA/AASI Honorary Member George Twardokens is a former ski coach and kinesi-ology lecturer at the University of Nevada, Reno, and is an expert on the biomechanics of skiing.

In this virtually uncharted area of perception in skiing, many exercises and training regimens are waiting to

be discovered. Let’s search for new possibilities to improve instruction. May it be so!

This article was origi-nally published in the Spring 2006 issue of The Profession-al Skier magazine. Our grati-tude to editors for permission to reuse this material.

In Memorial By John Ward


George Dessaux

We are looking for instructors for the Spring 2008 season.

Level 1 Certified starts at $14.00 per hr.Level 2 Certified starts at $16.00 per hr.Level 3 Certified starts at $18.00 per hr.

Add an additional $8.00 per hr. for

request private lessons.Additional incentives for additional

certification/accreditations.

Season pass benefits to Homewood as well as our sister mountain, Alpine Meadows for all employees.

Contact Ken Mattson, SnowSports School Program Manager

[email protected]

It is with great sadness to an-nounce the passing of a friend and mentor, Georges Dessaux.

He passed away in the home he designed and built in Running Springs, Ca. on November 29th at the age of 88.

He truly had a love of the mountains and of skiing. He was invited to come to California, from Switzerland in 1950, to head up the newly formed ski school at Green Valley Lake. In 1953 “George” took the position of Ski School Direc-tor at Snow Valley in Southern California, and held that position until 1972. From there he returned

to Switzerland for a year. He then went to Brian head, Utah, fol-lowed by the old Holiday Hill in Wrightwood (Mountain High), finally returning back to Green Valley Lake in 1982.

He was a long time member of Far West Ski Assoc. and P.S.I.A. and served as an examiner at one time.

He is survived by his wife of many years Jill, a son Lynn, and a daughter Nicky Kompaniez, Snow Summit Children’s Learn-ing Center Supervisor, who have requested a private remembrance.

George will always be remem-bered as a gentleman with that European charm and grace, and will certainly be missed, especially by those of us at Snow Valley and Snow Summit.

George was well known for raising his glass, filled with his favorite adult beverage, and telling great stories of skiing.

I say we carry on the tradi-tion...

Submitted with permission,John Ward

National Demo Team TryoutsBest of luck to all our Regional Demo teams who will be trying out for the PSIA National Team in early May at Mammoth:

Alpine:Kemp Dowdy Steve EvensonTim Rankins Greg LyonsRobin Barnes Jill EvansEliane Furtney Heidi EttlingerMarty Moore Mike Hafer

Snowboard:Steve Bethell Doug FagelRyan Michael Goralski Josh Spoelstra

Nordic:William T. Jaskar Peter MayfieldAaron Pearlman Sally JonesLoranzo Worster

Adaptive:Brent Kuemmerle Will Rahill


2008 Renewal DuesYes, it is that time again. The dues

for PSIA/AASI membership are due on June 30, 2008 for the year 2008/2009. The base rate for dues has been raised $ 10 which will flow to the National Organization, ASEA. The Western Di-vision portion of the dues will remain the same.

For our new members, here are a few tips to save money:• Pay on time. Late fees ($20) begin on July 1, 2008.

• Not sure if you are returning as an instrucotr next year? Sign up as an Inactive or Special Inactive Member. You can up- grade to active membership later in the year without late fees.

How to Pay:1) Use the form below to mail in your payment, or2) Pay online through the National website, www.psia-w.org:

Allow National until May 15 (est) to have this link live. a. Enter your national ID# (located on your membership card and on the mailing label of your “Pro Skier” or “Pro Rider” magazine).b. Enter your password c. Once you are logged in to your member profile page you can renew online.

boots. Even sunglasses and other ac-cessories are essential,” Turner said.

In addition to the Herne’s, Turner’s efforts will help six other families who work at Tahoe snowsports areas.

The PSIA/AASI Board of Directors did their part, waiving dues for the Herne’s and replacing their supply of manuals, pins and educational materials.

Thanks to the following equipment suppliers who supported this effort:

Head Skies, George CrownHead/Palmer Snowboard, Guy Preston Leki Ski Poles-Alpine Sports, Tom Lane

SportstarProSales, Kip SunsetEuro Socks, Alan Jacober

By Mitch Dion Angora Fire Impacts cont .

For a complete description of membership categories, go to www.psia.org,

click on ‘Become a Member’ then ‘Types of Membership.’

$85

$85

$85

$45

$50

$45

Email__________________________________________________________ Your email address is for us to better communicate information about coming events and registration questions and details. We do not share your contact information with any other entity.

PSIA W Ski Education FoundationPSIA - Western Division – AASI9709 Hwy . 267, Truckee, CA 96161(530) 587-7642, Fax: (530) 587-4273Email: admin@psia-w .orgWebsite: www .psia-w .org

Nonprofit Org .

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Sacramento, CA

Permit No .1704

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PSIA-W/AASI-W Board of Directors & Officers 2007-08 Officers:President Neil BussiereExecutive Vice President Carl UnderkofflerAlpine VP Mike HaferSnowboard VP Doug FagelNat’l PSIA Representative Craig AlbrightPast President Dave Achey

Directors:Craig Albright (08), Neil Bussiere (08), Heidi Ettlinger (08), Steve Evenson (09), Elianne Furtney (09), Chris Fellows (09), Mike Hafer (08), Greg Lyons (10), Ken Mattson (10), Ted Pitcher (09), Finlay Torrance (10), Carl Underkoffler (10) .

Nordic Chairperson: John “Cedar” SeegerAdaptive Chairperson: Glen Smith

PSIA-W holds its first Level I Seniors Specialist Accreditation at Mt. Rose on Feb 4th and 5th. Twenty six instructors attended, including twenty candidates, four clinicians and two clinicians in training.

Documents

SpringEDGE2008