TheEdgeFall08

President’s Message

Ready for Your Turn

Each year Halloween reminds me that this is my favorite time of the year. The boots need to be dusted off,

the skis waxed, and new equipment blended into the quiver of boards, skis, and boots littering the garage. With the filing of all that returning instructor paperwork behind us, October is the time to prepare for our first significant snowfall and that much-an-ticipated first turn of the season.

Last Spring culminated with a rousingly suc-cessful Convention in Mammoth which saw a huge turnout in support of our candidates for the National Demonstration Teams. Thanks to Ceci Chourre for organizing the silent auction fundraiser to support

New National Teams Named . . . . . . . pg . 4 & 5

Event Calendar . . pgs . 12 & 13

Avoiding a Meltdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg .14

Understanding Senior Skiers . . . . . . . . . . . pg . 22

the candidates’ efforts and offset their expenses. Con-grats to Robin Barnes, Mike Hafer, and Josh Spoelstra, as well as returning members Mike Rogan and Doug Pierini for making the teams. The Western Division was well represented and can be proud of all those who tried out.

Administratively, Craig Albright, Heidi Ettlinger, and I were re-elected to three-year terms on the Board. We welcome Leigh Pierini to the board as our new Scholarship and Education Foundation Chair-person and recognize outgoing director Mike Hafer who served with distinction as Alpine VP these past few years. Mike continues to be the consummate pro-fessional and the Board will miss his dedication and attention to detail. Current Board member, Elianne (El) Furtney takes over for Mike as Alpine VP and we can look forward to continued dedication from El at

(cont’d on pg. 21)

Neil Bussiere, ASEA-W President

By Neil Bussiere, ASEA Western President

Stranger in a Strange LandBy Alain Bertrand

PSIA/AASI instructor Alain Bertrand tries his hand at running a snowsports school in China.

Land of famines, and communism! Now she is buying over IBM and America. For two centuries she used to inspire pity, now she instills awe. Being submitted to a continen-tal climate, (cold all right, but dry) skiing certainly was the last luxury I could imagine China would ever fall for. Alas, the Chinese are bright people but not so wise. Anything and everything that is “European-Ameri-can” is the most desirable. So when an old friend hired me to teach in the main Chinese ski resort in the winter 2005/06, it certainly threw me out of my stirrups.

An adventure in China... continued on pg. 18

Most Chinese ski resorts can be mastered with a wedge.

theedge • Fall 2008 Page 2

Fall Events

Alpine Fall Rally/ Ed Core Northstar, December 7-8Sunday-Monday

Space is limited to 100 partici-pants, so get this application in as soon as possible to the PSIA/AASI-W office. Cost is $40 per day, which includes a Northstar lift ticket.

Fall Rally is open to all alpine members and will offer a variety of Educational clinic topics. You may attend one or both days.

Alpine Ed Core is for Level 3 certified members and Level 2’s who are the primary trainers at their snowsports school. Trainers who

Looking for a great start to the 2008-09 season? Polish your skills and fulfill your educational requirements. Register online at www.psia-w.org, or use the “Event Application” at your right to sign up today. Thanks to our friends at Northstar for hosting these events.

will be conducting the Level 1 In-House program at their home resort will need to attend Sunday Dec. 7 Ed Core, OR the Dec. 15 In-House Training day at Mammoth.

Snowboard Ed Core Northstar, December 8-9Monday-Tuesday

Snowboard Ed Core is open to all Level 3 certs, and Level 2’s who are the primary trainers at their resort. Cost is $40 per day, which includes a Northstar lift ticket.

Snowboard In-House Trainers should plan to attend Ed Core, a Mini Ed or the Resort Trainer Accreditation.

Nordic SymposiumMammoth, December 10-12Wednesday-Friday Nordic Symposium is an event for Telemark and Cross Country

skiers to jump start the season with a variety of education clinics and exam prep opportunities.

The Cross Country events will be held at Tamarack Cross Country, and the Telemark clinics at Mam-moth.

The cost for all education events is $ 60 per day, and a sliding scale for Exam Preps (see below.)

Exam Preps offered at Nordic Symposium:Dec. 11–Cross Country Level 1 Prep Location: Tamarack XC Cost: $70Dec. 11–Telemark Level 1 Prep Location: Mammoth Cost: $70Dec. 11-12–Telemark Level 2 Prep Location: Mammoth Cost: $160

Participants will be required to purchase lift tickets unless they hold a pass at the above areas. Expected price is $10 at Mammoth.

theedge The Edge is a publication of the The Western Division of Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA-W) and the American Association of Snow-board Instructors (AASI-W) covering California and Nevada. We are one of nine divisions that make up the American Snowsports Education As-sociation (ASEA). PSIA was founded in 1961 to devel-op a standardized system for teach-ing and to unify instructors through-out the country in the disciplines of: Alpine, Nordic, Snowboarding, 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.

Feeling Creative?to: [email protected]. Please include your contact details. The Winner will be announced on January 15, 2009. All entries must be received by December 31, 2008. Good Luck!

Contact [email protected]

for more information!

WIN A FREE DAY OF CLINICS AT SPRING CONVENTION 2009!

This year Steve Evenson and the Convention Committee will be reviewing suggestions for the slogan that will be used on spring convention 2009 t-shirts and hats. If you have a crafty sugges-tion, put it in writing and email

Save the date . . .Spring Convention 2009 MammothApril 24,25,26Check the website for information on lodging, clinics, and schedule as the season progresses.


Mike Rogan

National tryouts had a decid-edly western flair last spring. First off the event was hosted by Mam-moth Mountain, allowing PSIA-AASI members from across the country to sample the mountain’s signature park and halfpipe fea-tures in addition to big mountain terrain, groomers, and a world class race corridor. And after an intense week of selection, there were five members of Western Division selected for the final teams: Robin Barnes, Mike Hafer, Doug Pierini, Michael Rogan, and Josh Spoelstra. In addition, Bill Bowness of Western was named the coach of the newly formed adaptive team.

National team members will be responsible for charting the course of snowsports instruction in the United States by working with snowsports schools through-out the country, conducting clin-ics, and serving as the public face of the organization.

The National Team selection process, which takes place every four years, started April 28, 2008 and consisted of five grueling days–three days of skiing and riding tasks followed by two more days of teaching and learning ac-tivities, in-depth interviews, and group project assessments.

A total of 139 candidates from all nine divisions of PSIA-AASI attended team selection. “It was a strong field, and many strong teachers, riders, and skiers

didn’t make the teams. It’s more than a job interview and it’s not an exam,” commented PSIA-AASI Executive Director Mark Dors-ey. “It’s not the fastest time wins


New PSIA-AASI National Teams Named for 2008-2012

or the biggest air wins. It’s really about consistent performance over five days–five days of Survivor meets American Idol.”

While a careful analysis of candidates’ snow-sliding abil-ity was used to narrow the field, the teaching segments, move-ment analysis, and interviews on customer service ethics and job perception are what clinched the victory for those candidates who made the teams. In total, 25 instructors were named to the 2008–2012 National Teams—Alpine (14), Snowboard (6), Nordic (4), and Adaptive (1 provisional). They will serve under the direction of Teams Manager Katie Fry and Coaches Rob Sogard (alpine), J. Scott McGee (nordic), Lane Clegg (snowboard), and Bill Bowness (adaptive).

ALPINEThe PSIA Alpine Team will

be composed of six incumbents, one former team member, and eight newcomers. Those returning to the team are Western Divi-sion members Doug Pierini and Michael Rogan, joined by Rob So-gard, Jeb Boyd, Nick Herrin, Dave Lyon and Bobby Murphy. Jim Schanzenbaker, who served on the

team from 2004–2008, regained a spot on the team and is joined by first-term members Robin Barnes, Matt Boyd, Mike Hafer, Eric Lip-ton, Dave Lundberg, David A. Oli-ver, and Jennifer Simpson. Rogan, who was named team captain, is the first non-coach team member to serve four consecutive terms.

Western Division member Mike Hafer, a former Alpine Vice President, described the tryouts as “the most challenging endeavor that I have ever been involved in. Throughout the week you are com-peting against the most amazing and talented individuals in the country. I am so proud to be a part of this organization and am looking forward to the next four years.”

Added Robin Barnes, “Even though we were all trying out for a handful of open spots, the level of support and camaraderie shared amongst the candidates was inspiring. Each of us wanted to ac-knowledge our peers’ hard work and dedication. Each of us wanted to witness the level of talent that exists in this Association. Each of us wanted to see each other’s best.”

“It’s really about

consistent performance

over five days–five

days of Survivor meets

American Idol” – Mark Dorsey, PSIA-AASI Executive Director

Doug Pierini

Josh Spoelstra

SNOWBOARDThe AASI Snowboard

Team—a requirement for which is freestyle proficiency—is made up of Lane Clegg, Scott Anfang (who returns for his second consecutive term), Gregg Davis (a member of the team from 2000–2004), and newcomers Dave Lynch, Tom Morsch, Eric Rolls, and Josh Spoelstra.

For Josh Spoelstra, the week of tryouts was compounded in difficulty by a bad cold and some rough moments, including, “the switch 540, to heel edge catch, to


New PSIA-AASI National Teams Named for 2008-2012 We extend them our heartiest congratulations. New National Teams

Bill Bowness

mousetrap, to bruised butt and head concussion episode.” Spoelstra, as well, was amazed at the talent nationwide. “I am very proud of our own Western Division. We (Western AASI/PSIA) kicked some serious booty at tryouts, repre-senting strong. Thank you to my brothers (fellow western demo team members), our Western Tech Team for building such a strong core, and to our two Demo Team coaches, Blair Mcleod and Stu Rea.”

ADAPTIVEThe PSIA-AASI Adaptive

Team is new this year, represent-ing a major step forward in the

Mike Hafer

evolution of teaching disabled snowsports. Bill Bowness, who served as an adaptive representative on the alpine team for the past four years, now makes up the adaptive team. Joining Bowness as a provisional member of the PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team is Geoff Krill.

Including coaches, the new teams hail from the following divisions: Rocky Mountain (10), Western (6), Eastern (6), Inter-mountain (4), Northwest (2), Northern Rocky Mountain (1), and Central (1). In November, team members will reunite at Copper Mountain, Colorado to

train, develop educational materials, and plan activities and new directions for the next four years.

Western Division sent a team of 16 to the tryouts, including:

Alpine: Robin Barnes, Kemp Dowdy, Heidi Ettlinger, Jill Evans, Steve Evenson, Elianne Furtney, Mike Hafer, Greg Lyons, Marty Moore, Tim Rankins

Nordic: Aaron Pearlman, Lorenzo WorsterSnowboard: Steve Bethell, Doug Fagel, Ryan

Goralski, Josh Spoelstra

“I want to congratulate all of you for having the courage to step up and take this opportunity [and] for putting yourself in front of all of these selectors for the last five days,... I would just like all of us to be proud of ourselves and to continue to grow and mentor each other. I think that’s what really keeps this industry, this associa-tion, this vocation that we all love and do so strong. We’re all in this

together.”

– Teams Manager Katie Fry All photos by Jonathan Selkowitz/SelkoPhoto.

Robin Barnes


Alpine By Elianne Furtney, Alpine Vice President

Hello everyone from your new Alpine VP!

My name is Elianne Furt-ney and I am proud (and only slightly apprehensive) to have taken over the Alpine reins from Mike Hafer’s capable hands. I would say it’s a safe bet that like me, you love skiing with a strong and irrational passion. Running a close second to a good day skiing at Squaw Valley is the satisfaction derived from sharing that love with others through ski instruc-tion. I look forward to exploring that obsession with all of you through the incredibly talented Tech Team we have and a new event-packed calendar!

Did you ever see the BASF advertisement that said “we don’t make a lot of the products you use; we make them better?” In many ways that same statement could be used to describe what we do as PSIA educators. At our educational clinics the goal is not just to teach you to be a better skier but to help you become a better teacher of skiing – an argu-ably much more difficult task.

Sometimes I feel like the per-ception on the hill is that PSIA/

Alpine VP Elianne Furtney. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rosen.

“In reality, I strongly believe

that PSIA is about providing

resources and coaching to help

each instructor develop a

methodology and style that

works for them but shares a

common technical language.”– Elianne Furtney

Sugar Bowl’s Mountain Sport Learning Center is accepting applications for full/part time ski/snow-

board, PSIA/AASI Certified Instructors, Levels I/II/III for instructor/trainer positions.

Please contact Mike Iman at [email protected] or (530) 426-6770.

AASI wants everyone to teach the same things the same way, and make exactly the same turn all the time. In reality, I strongly believe that PSIA is about providing resources and coaching to help each instructor develop a meth-odology and style that works for them but shares a common tech-nical language.

When I began teaching at Alpine Meadows back in the day, we attended daily clinics and hungrily absorbed every tidbit and drill that came our way in order to build our own bag of tricks. As you may have noticed, times have changed and ski schools are often short-staffed and over-booked, leaving new instructors to sink or swim as they try to develop their own methodology. Whether you are preparing for an exam or just trying to keep your teaching fresh, look at the new expanded cal-endar of events for this year and remember that the clinicians of PSIA-W are waiting anxiously to share their passion and knowledge with you!

Ski/Ride Module ‘passes’ now carry over to the next season

At the April 17, 2008 PSIA/AASI Western Division Directors meeting, in response to a peti-tion circulated by members, the Board voted to make a significant change in our exam procedures. Beginning this season, a ‘pass’ in a Level 2 or 3 ski/ride module will carry over into the next consecu-

tive season. This will allow members a bit more flexibility in their path toward certifica-tion.

For example, if a Sally Snowboard-er passes the Snow-

board Level 2 Ride Module in February 2009, that ‘pass’ will stay active on her record until the end of the 2010 season. Some caveats: – Effective Date is August 1, 2008

and will not be applied retroac-tively to prior years.

– Candidates will still be expected to ski/ride at the certification level being pursued during their Teaching module. In the above example, if Sally waits until the end of the 2010 season to try the Level 2 Teach, she will be expected to execute demos and maneuvers consistent with the level demonstrated during her riding module the prior year.

Board Changes Exam Module


As we gear up for a new winter season, I need to express just how proud I am of the members of our regional demo teams. AASI-West has reached our goal of placing at least one of our regional team members on the national team, Josh Spoelstra. With the support of the Division, the Tech Team, and many oth-ers, Josh has accomplished what many of us dream of achieving. I look forward to working with Josh and the members of our regional team, Steve Bethell and Ryan Goralski, for years to come.

Congratulations Josh – Our National Snowboard Demo Team Member!!

Set Your Goals for the SeasonDon’t wait until New Year‘s!

Now is the time to hit the cal-endar and make your plans on how to approach your season. If we think about what we want to accomplish and seek to find the steps on how to reach those new bars in November, we can have a much more productive and fulfill-ing season. Keep yourself well rounded and set goals for your riding, teaching and knowledge base (this part may entail read-ing, but look how well you are doing right now…) If you need help determining what goals are attainable for you, don’t hesitate to ask me, one of my fellow Tech Teamers or any seasoned veteran in the industry.

NEW FOR 2009 SEASON!!

Riding Module Carry OverAll members that successfully

pass their Level II or III Riding Module will now be allowed to take their Teaching Module in the current and following season without having to re-sit the riding portion of the exam. This will

By Doug Fagel, Snowboard Vice President SnowboardingNew for 2009 Season!

help members who need more time to train and and/or meet the financial burdens of certification advancement.

We hope that this change will be seen as a benefit to our members, in particular candidates that have a desire to put more time and effort into preparing for the components of the exam.

New Education EventsWe are offering a whole new

line of purely educational events for this season! We recognize the list of snowboard educational events offered by the Western Division was shrinking and we are putting a stop to that trend. Educational events are the heart of our organization, so get out on the snow and share some new experiences without having to worry about the stress of a pass or fail exam. Take a look at the new event calendar for an event near you.

Trainer AccreditationWe are expanding our

trainer accreditation offer-ings! We are now offering a new Resort Trainer Ac-creditation for all members that are Level II certified or beyond. The Resort Trainer Program will instruct members on how to con-duct and develop train-ing programs for member schools throughout the division, including running an In-House Certification Program. It is a great way to get comfortable using new teaching methodolo-gies in front of one’s peers. The program will be avail-

Photo courtesy of Aaron Rosen.

able to all Level III Certified In-structors and is part of the path-way towards becoming a member of the AASI-W Tech Team.

The existing Trainer Accredi-tation will now be known as the Divisional Trainer Accreditation.

I am looking forward to see-ing you and all our new friends out on the snow this season.

“Education

events are the heart

of our organization,

so get out on the

snow and share

some new

experiences...”– Doug Fagel

On the Adaptive Snowboard side, there are also six disciplines but the breakdown of disabilities covered in each exam is slightly different from Adaptive Alpine. Adaptive Snowboard disabilities fall under; stand up, sit down and cognitive disabilities/ visual impairments. A candidate must also pass a one-day riding exam to earn the Level 1 pin, unless they previously hold a current Snowboard certification. Both Adaptive Alpine and Adaptive Snowboard require a written test at each level included in the Teach / Tech portion of the exam. The detail for the exam process and requirements can be found in the Level 1/2 Adaptive Study Guide available online. Adaptive has adopted the “coached” exam format so exams are a positive learning expe-rience. Back by popular


The Adaptive Commit-tee and the Adaptive Alpine & Snowboard Technical Teams have worked hard to clarify the PSIA-W Adaptive Exam process and standards. Our goal is to make the exams a great experi-ence for skiers and snowboard-ers, and achievable for full-time, part-time, and volunteer instruc-tors. The current exam standards and information about the exam process are available in the Adap-tive Study Guide posted on the PSIA-W website under the Adap-tive tab.

Similar to past years, Adap-tive Alpine Instructors wishing to take a Level 1 exam can do so in any one of six disciplines; cognitive disabilities, visual impairments, mono ski, bi ski, three-track or four-track. Passing a one-day Teaching / Technical exam in one discipline plus a one-day skiing exam (requirement waived if already certified), earns a Level 1 pin.

Adaptive By Robin Conners

Adaptive Level 1 and Level 2 Exam Formats and Standards

demand, exam preps are offered but not required before taking adaptive exams.

For Level 2 Adaptive Alpine or Adaptive Snowboard Certifica-tion the rest of the modules need to be attended and passed at a Level 2 standard along with the Level 2 ski or riding exam. There are no partial passes in these mod-ules. A candidate must pass both days during the two-day module to complete that portion of the exam. Exams in all disciplines must be a pass to earn the Level 2 pin. As in the past, there is a writ-ten test for each level and sliding apparatus.

Good luck to all of you seek-ing your certifications! The Adap-tive Tech Team Members are there to help you succeed. Do some research, study, ask questions, teach lots and be in touch.

Be part of the ADAPTIVE TEAM!

Supporting our Adaptive instructors with their certifications is an important element of our organization. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rosen.

Honing skills helps with exams. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rosen.

Come the fall, things start to change. At long at last here comes the rain.

The first flakes finally hit the trees. Out comes the gear and tune the skis.

I check the internet again. Another storm is rollin’ in.

Go wax ‘em up and try to sleep. Powder dreams of steep and deep…

Oh, Wee, Oh, I love to ski! Tele turns on bended knee.

Floating thru the glades and trees…

Magic wings on my feet….

– J. “Cedar” Seeger


And away we go….the 2009 season is upon us! The Climate Prediction Center is trending out of La Nina and moving to ENSO neutral conditions in the western Pacific which is good news for early season precip patterns.

The Nordic Summer Meeting was held in July. Sally Jones was re-elected Cross Coun-try Director, Geoff Clark was re-elected Backcountry Director, and Urmas Franosch continues as Chief Examiner. Many thanks to you all.

The 08-09 Nordic Symposium will be at Mammoth Dec 10-12. We have discounted lodging at the Pine Cliff Resort arranged, as well as inexpensive dorm style accommodations at the Davison Street Guesthouse. The Cross Country Examiner Clinician Training will be on Monday Dec 8th and the Telemark Training on the 9th. All level 3 members in those disciplines are invited to attend free of charge. Cross Country events are at Tamarack Nordic Center. World class clinicians and terrain make this a very valuable experience.

The Banquet will feature fine

By J. “Cedar” Seeger, Nordic Chair Nordic Notes

dining and entertainment in the Nordic tradition. (Cheap). Please mark your calendars, rat-hole some greenbacks and network for ride sharing etc.

This is our Big Event of the Season, tuning up our skills, gaining Ed Credits and generally getting REALLY STOKED about the season. Come on and bring yer buddies! See you there!

PSIA-W Backcountry Events 08-09. There is good news and bad news here. PSIA/AASI National is currently work-ing out the details of an “Out of Bounds Instructor”certification that will be offered by the Ameri-can Mountain Guides Association, and will be open to PSIA/AASI Level 3’s. While the details are still in process, we expect this cer-tification to be recognized by Na-tional and will offer our members an affordable and exciting method to upgrade their professionalism

Now for the bad news: we have had to cancel our Backcoun-try education course offerings, at least for the near term, as insur-ance coverage issues are worked out. We hope to be able to offer some form of Backcountry offer-

ings to our mem-bers in the near future. Stay tuned to our website and this newsletter for the latest informa-tion.

Exams and Prep clinics will be held throughout the course of the season, so please check the website for times, dates etc to mark your calendars appro-priately. Don’t let that exam get by you this season. Sign up for a Prep Clinic and go for it!

Let your Mem-bership lapse? Like to get rein-stated? We have a new program to make it easy and cheap(er) to get reinstated and begin enjoying the benefits of membership once again. Check with the office for details.

The PSIA-W Nordic Tech Team is being created. This team will be comprised of those who will be conducting exams and clinics this season. If you are a L3 member and would like to be involved, please contact Urmas or myself.

Feel free to contact me anytime… Cedar Seeger [email protected] 530 795-4670

Nordic Symposium – Dec 10-12.

Join us for three days of telemark and cross country clinics and fun with the cream of the PSIA/AASI Nordic crop.

Telemark events will be held at Mammoth, and cross country events at Tamarack Cross Country. See www.psia-w.org for details and registration information.


DESCENTE/DNA- 2008/2009PRO APPRECIATION PROGRAM!

Descente North America offers all PSIA-WEST members pro pricing on all available 2008/2009 performance apparel! Pro pricing offered is 20% below wholesale prices.

SHOP OUR CATALOGS ONLINE AT

www.descente.com www.ridedna.comMen and Women’s Descente/DNA jackets, pants and accessories all apply! Please note: Men’s pant sizing is by waist sizes 32-40. Women’s pant sizing 4-16. Men’s jacket sizing XS-XXL. Women’s jacket sizing 4-16. Accessories S-XXL. Examples:

8143 Mns Best 6175 Mns Munchie 9100/1 Lds Struts 5174/5 Lds Bots

7664 Mns Utility 6681 Mns Uncle Cyrus 5638 Lds Leopold

Descente North America supplies superior quality uniforms for the following resorts: Mammoth Mountain, Vail Resort Properties, Booth Creek Properties, and Boyne Mountain Resorts. Please contact us for any size uniform program you may be looking for._______________________________________________________________________________

To Order: Fill out form and fax to 949-362-7752. Check current availability and pricing by calling Customer Service at 800-999-0475. Please indicate that you are a PSIA-WEST member.

Name:_______________________________________ PSIA-WEST Member#______________P.O. Box______ Address________________________________________(No P.O. Box for Delivery)Zip Code__________ Phone #______________________________ VISA Master Card______________________________ Expiration Date_______________Name on the Card_______________________________________EMAIL________________________________________________Signature______________________________________________Style #__________ Color#__________ Size__________ Price__________Style #__________ Color#__________ Size__________ Price__________Style #__________ Color#__________ Size__________ Price__________Style #__________ Color#__________ Size__________ Price__________

Questions? Contact: Patty Kleiner at [email protected] Office: 949-362-3034 Cell: 562-537-2969

9603 Lds Tybor

Pro Appreciation Program.indd 1 9/15/08 4:12:29 PM


Greg Lyons – Children’s Chair Children’s

Have you seen a child complain of fatigue, sickness or a ‘mysterious injury’ to get out of participating in a lesson or activity? Do students show excessive worry or unrea-sonable fear and panic? Can they practice a task successfully on the carpet, but not when applying it in real situations on the hill?

Your students may have the skills to participate, but their high anxiety levels may be preventing them from being successful.

Snow sports offer many op-portunities for anxiety for a child; separation from parents, the chal-lenge of learning a new skill or sport, meeting new people, change of routine, and worry at not being as good as one’s peers.

Anxiety can be facilitative or debilitating. Athletes with a higher level of self-confidence can channel their anxiety to facilitate improved performance. However, if too much anxiety is placed on an individual, or if an athlete’s self-confidence is low, the individual starts to doubt their ability to cope. Their perfor-mance level will begin to decline.

A mnemonic device called PRESSURE can help with anxiety.

Prepare Students must mentally pre-

pare for what they will face in their day. Anxious students often prefer a structured routine, or schedule. Create realistic goals because if they are too overwhelming for the indi-vidual this may result in increased anxiety.

RelaxBreathing exercises, stretching,

and imagining what you plan to happen. Imagery provides familiar-ity with the task at hand and also provides positive feedback of their imagined performance.

ExternalizeDon’t allow the student to get

down on themselves, or feel like

Reduce the Anxiety, Impress the Guests!

they are personally failing. Help them focus on the outside causes that are preventing progress. This can be of assistance when students feel that there are too many demands that are being put upon them.

Stay PositiveAcknowledgement of the impor-

tance that individuals should have confidence in their abilities. Self-confidence can be one of the biggest factors in a successful lesson. Give positive feedback. Seek out what your students do well and tell them!

Single mindedStay focused on the task at hand.

UniteResearch conducted comparing

athletes competing in team sports with those competing in individual sports report significantly higher self-confidence in team sport par-ticipants. Create a team. Even if it is a private lesson the team is you and your student. Develop a team name, handshake, cheer, and colors, do synchronized skiing, use guided discovery to share leadership of the next task or activity, etc.

Re-evaluate How important is this event in

the real world? Be patient and

understanding. Use the CAP Model to understand how students of vari-ous ages may view the same informa-tion differently.

Extend yourself Give your best performance

every time no matter how important, or unimportant, the event is.

Many factors go into making a student enjoy and perform at their optimum. By reducing their anxiety and building their self-confidence you will bring your students to the next level! Greg Lyons

Tell your students when they do well. Photo courtesy of (c) Corey Rich/www.coreyrich.com

Creating a team makes teaching easier. Photo courtesy of (c) Corey Rich/www.coreyrich.com


2008-09 E V E N T S Event Date Event Location Cost 1/24 Welcome to Adaptive Mammoth $60 1/27 Welcome to Adaptive Heavenly $60 1/31 Welcome to Adaptive Bear Mountain $60 2/10 L1/2 Teaching Imp. Alpine Meadows $60 2/24 L 3 Teaching Imp. Mammoth $60 2/28 L1/2 Teaching Imp. Mammoth $60 3/7 L1/2 Teaching IMP. Bear Mountain $60 3/16 L1/2 Exam Heavenly $70/$803/17,18 L1/2 Teach and Tech Heavenly $70/$80/day3/23 L1/2 Exam Mammoth $70/$803/24,25 L1/2 Teach and Tech Mammoth $70/$80/day3/30 L1/2 Exam Bear Mountain $70/$803/31,4/1 L1/2 Teach and Tech Bear Mountain $70/$80/day4/13 L1/2 Exam Mammoth $70/$804/14,15 L1/2 Teach and Tech Mammoth $70/$80/day4/20,21 L3 Ski/Ride Exam Mammoth $90/day 4/22,23,24 L3 Teach and Tech Mammoth $90/day 4/24 L 1/2 Teach and Tech Mammoth $70/$80

Event Date Event Location Cost12/7,8 Fall Rally / Ed Core/L1 In-house Trainer Training Northstar $40/day12/14 NIGTTG* Squaw $6012/15 L1 In-House Trainer Training Mammoth $4012/14-16 L1 Module Northstar $2101/4-9 6 day L1 Module Heavenly $6001/5 Boot Alignment Clinic Northstar $60 1/7&8 Mini Academy-Nat’l D Team Squaw $601/11 NIGTTG* Snow Summit $601/12 Building your Training Prog. Northstar $601/14 GS training Mammoth $601/14 L2 Ski Module Training Mammoth $601/15 L2 Teach Mod. Training Mammoth $601/15 Finding the “Cause” in “Cause & Effect” Heavenly $601/20 Intro to Bumps & Steeps Alpine $601/21 Teaching Props Kids/Adults Northstar $601/22 L2 Ski Module Training Heavenly $601/25 Skiing Tasks-Why they Rock Snow Summit $601/25 Senior Skiing Edu. Event Snow Summit $60

*New Instructors Guide to the Galaxy

Event Cost1/26 Adv. Bumps & Steeps / Freeskiing Tactics Mammoth $601/27 Exploring Short / Slalom Turns L2 & up Sierra @ Tahoe $601/27-29 L1 Module Mammoth $2102/1,2 Women’s Camp Squaw $60/day2/4 L3 Ski Module Training Alpine Meadows $602/5 L3 Teach Mod. Training Alpine Meadows $602/5 Intermediate Bumps/Steeps Kirkwood $602/9-11 L1 Module Heavenly $2102/9 Intro to Racing Fund. GS Northstar $602/10 Skiing Tasks-Why they Rock Mammoth $602/11 Skiing Skills w/ D team Mammoth $602/11 Women’s Intro to Bumps Sugarbowl $602/12 L2 Teach Mod.Training Northstar $602/15 NIGTTG* Alpine Meadows $602/22,23 Sen. Specialist L 1 Accred. Snow Summit $140 2/23 Developing Progressions Sugarbowl $602/24-26 L2 Ski Module Diamond Peak $242/25 Boot Alignment Clinic Mammoth $602/25 Tech Team Tryouts Mammoth $602/27 Senior Skiing Edu. Event Mt. Rose $602/28,3/1,2 L1 Module Snow Summit $2103/1-3 Sen.Specialist L 2 Accred. Snow Summit $2103/2 Adv. Bumps & Steeps Squaw $603/2 GS Training Sierra at Tahoe $603/3-5 L2 Ski Module Mammoth $2403/4 Fun & Games with Kids Mammoth $603/7-9 L2 Ski Module Snow Summit $2403/9-11 L3 Ski Module Mammoth $2703/9-11 L1 Module Alpine Meadows $2103/10 Teaching in Spanish Heavenly $603/11 ATW-”anything that works” Sugarbowl $603/18 Intro to Freestyle Boreal $603/23-25 Sen. Specialist L 2 Accred. Sugarbowl $2103/25 Crudbusters Squaw $603/28,29 L2 Teaching Module Snow Summit $1603/29-4/3 6 day L1 Module Mammoth $6003/30,31 Sen. Specialist L 1 Accred. Diamond Peak $1404/1-3 L1 Module Sierra at Tahoe $2104/1,2 Freestyle Accred Northstar $1404/6-8 L2 Ski Module Alpine Meadows $2404/6-8 L3 Ski Module Squaw $2704/26-28 L1 Module Mammoth $210

Alpine Events

Adaptive Events

Register online and check for updates or changes at www .psia-w .org .


C A L E N D A R Event Cost4/27-29 L2 Ski Module Mammoth $2404/27-29 L3 Ski Module Mammoth $2404/27,28 L2 Teaching Module Mammoth $1604/27,28 L3 Teaching Module Mammoth $180

Event Date Event Location Cost1/27-29 Children’s Cert. L 2 Alpine Meadows $210 2/4,5 Children’s Cert. L 1 Mt. High $140 2/25,26 Children’s Cert. L 1 Diamond Peak $140 3/11-13 Children’s Cert. L 2 Mammoth $210 3/18,19 Children’s Cert. L 1 Mammoth $140 4/25,26 Children’s Cert. L 1 Mammoth tba

Event Date Event Location Cost12/10-12 Nordic Symposium Mammoth/ Tamarack XC12/11 L1 Prep Cross Country Tamarack XC $7012/11 L1 Prep Telemark Mammoth $7012/11,12 L2 Prep Telemark Mammoth $1601/11 L1 Prep Telemark Sierra at Tahoe $701/14 L2/3 Prep Cross Country Tahoe Donner $80/$901/26 L1 Prep Telemark Northstar $701/27,28 L2 Prep Telemark Northstar $1601/29,30 L3 Prep Telemark Alpine Meadows $1803/9 L1 Exam Telemark Northstar $703/10,11 L2 Exam Telemark Northstar $1603/12,13 L3 Exam Telemark Alpine Meadows $1803/25 L1 Exam Cross Country Tahoe Donner $703/29 L1 Exam Telemark Sierra at Tahoe $703/31 L2/3 Exam Cross Country Tahoe Donner $80/$90 Event Date Event Location Cost12/8,9 Ed Core Northstar $40/day 12/15-17 Level 1 Module Northstar $210 12/18 Mini Ed Mammoth $40/day 12/18 Mini Ed Bear Mountain $40/day 1/6,7 Resort Trainers Acc. Alpine Meadows $140 1/8 Intro to Freestyle Coaching Northstar $60 1/8 Race Tactics Bear Mountain $60 1/9 Snowboard Cross Tactics Boreal $60 1/13-15 L1 Module Mammoth $210

Event Cost1/13 Ride w/ Demo Team Mammoth $60 1/20 Freestyle Riding Basics Boreal $60 1/21,22 Freestyle L 1 Accred. Bear Mountain $140 1/21,22 Freestyle Level 1 Accred. Northstar $1401/23 Divisional Trainer - Prep 1 Heavenly $70 1/26 Ride w/ Demo Team Kirkwook $60 1/30 Chix Only Squaw Valley $60 2/2-4 L1 Module Alpine Meadows $210 2/2-4 L2 Riding Module Sierra @ Tahoe $240 2/6 Divisional Trainer - Prep 1 Snow Summit $70 2/6 Pipe Riding Improvement Mammoth $60 2/9-11 L3 Riding Module Mammoth $270 2/12 L2 Teach Training Alpine Meadows $60 2/23,24 L2 Teaching Module Alpine Meadows $160 2/23 Intro to Freestyle Coaching Bear Mountain $60 2/25-27 L1 Module Mammoth $210 3/3-5 L2 Riding Module Squaw Valley $240 3/3-5 L3 Riding Module Squaw Valley $270 3/8-10 L2 Riding Module Bear Mountain $2403/9-11 L1 Module Sierra Summit $210 3/9-11 L1 Module Mt. Shasta $210 3/16-18 L1 Module Homewood $210 3/16 Divisional Trainer - Prep 2 Mammoth $70 3/19 Creative Teaching Heavenly $603/20 Movement Analysis Tech. Mammoth $60 3/20 Ride w/ Demo Team Bear Mountain $60 3/23-25 L2 Riding Module Mammoth $240 3/23-25 L3 Riding Module Mammoth $2703/26 Creative Teaching Mammoth $60 3/27 Movement Analysis Tech. Heavenly $60 3/30,31,4/1 Freestyle L2 Acc. Northstar $210 3/30,31,4/1 L1 Module Mt. High $210 4/2,3 L2 Teaching Module Snow Summit $160 4/23,24 Divisional Trainer - Exam Mammoth $140 4/23,24 Freestyle Level 1 Acc. Mammoth $140 4/23 L2 & 3 Teach Training Mammoth $604/27-29 L1 Module Mammoth $210 4/27,28 L2 Teaching Module Mammoth $160 4/27,28 L3 Teaching Module Mammoth $180

And Spring Convention April 24-26 at Mammoth. Remember, sign up two weeks before the event to guarantee a spot!

Children’s Events

Nordic Events

Register online and check for updates or changes at www .psia-w .org .

Snowboarding Events


Avoid a Meltdown By Carl Underkoffler – Executive Vice President

will remind you why you chose this line of work. It’s not easy to say NO to a client, but sometimes a mental health day is necessary. Make sure you get away from your resort to try out another lift system. If you don’t feel like going out in the weather, try finding a quiet place indoors, like an unoc-cupied conference room, to chill or just read a book. If all else fails, close your eyes and take 10 long, deep breaths.

Offer a helping hand. Your co-worker or manager

may have personal issues that are wreaking havoc at work. Though you clearly want to respect every-one’s privacy, ask your co-worker if everything is OK. If he/she dis-closes a problem, encourage him to find solutions. Many employ-ers offer an assistance program to employees with resources that will help with issues like childcare, elder care and drug and alcohol dependency. Sometimes a co-worker just needs a set of ears to listen.

It is important to address issues that trigger a meltdown be-fore they happen, Your co-work-ers, managers and resorts may be understanding to a degree; espe-cially if you are apologetic about it afterwards, but there is a risk of crossing the line. A meltdown could result in probation, suspen-sion and ultimately termination. If the issue is important enough to trigger a meltdown, it should be a priority to address the issue and resolve it.

Good luck and pray for snow.

“If all else fails, close

your eyes and take 10

long, deep breaths.”

– Carl Underkoffler

Even if you like your job, chances are you have experienced a bad day, a day where something or someone at work was wear-ing you down. And if a work-re-lated incident is combined with problems that happen at home or outside of work place, you may feel overwhelmed.

Even happy workplaces can spark meltdowns. You have all witnessed (participated in?) one, admit it. You get stuck with a beginning lesson three days in a row. Or you see your ‘per-sonal’ client go out with another instructor because you have an assignment already. Sometimes, those commonplace stressful moments keep building until a meltdown happens–a massive, off-the-tracks-train-wreck melt-down. And it can happen to the most professional employee or staff member.

Does any of this sound familiar? If you, a co-worker or a manager is nearing a meltdown, this may be a sign that things at work are out of balance. You and your workmates should consider these preventative measures:

Encourage communication at work.

Discussing workplace

stress and blowing off a little steam is important. Nobody wants to create a negative at-mosphere with nonstop ranting about work, but if those frustra-tions are impacting your ability to get the job done or are impact-ing a number of people on your team, it’s not healthy. Include your supervisor or upper man-agement in the discussions. Go for a run after work and chat on the chair about what happened and how to avoid it again. Large schools and small schools need teamwork to run smoothly.

Assess your workload.

Meltdowns are more likely to happen if a larger portion of the workload is resting on one set of shoulders. If the balance of work in your department is off-kilter, talk to your supervisor or man-ager. He/she may not be aware of the issue. Even if you are incred-ibly busy, take the time to cross-train other employees whenever you can. The investment of time pays off handsomely when those co-workers are able to take on a bigger workload.

Take a break. With layoffs, injuries, Visa

issues and reduced staffing levels, many workers have been pushed

to the brink simply be-cause they feel over-

whelmed. Take a break; make

a run. It

Taking a break can help you avoid a massive meltdown. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rosen.

We are in the process of preparing to launch another big season! This year there are loads of web improvements like the soon to be released new home page features. We are striving to keep you up to date with the latest event changes, industry videos, national press releases, and better connections to what is happen-ing throughout the division. Look for member loyalty giveaways at education events, media support resources for the member schools recruitment events, and a host of regional & resort meetings to pro-mote our association and educate instructors on the value of joining our team.

This season will be challeng-ing given that many of our inter-national friends did not get their visas to return. Personally I will

Fall Updates

miss the camaraderie and welcomed diversity that they lend to our resorts. Our association and the industry benefit from the ideas that are generated when people from around the world work together. Over the next few months many resorts will face an even greater chal-lenge as they attempt to train and support large numbers of new in-structors. Hopefully our PSIA/AASI members can encour-age these new folks to use our association as an opportunity for professional growth, and to take advantage of our talented clini-cians while learning how to share their passion for snow sports


Heidi Ettlinger – Publicity & Advisory Committee Publicity

Finding the Right Soap to Reach Your Personal SummitHeidi Ettlinger – Publicity & Advisory Committee

My heart is pounding, sweat is pouring down my arms and I’m clipped into a bike that doesn’t actually go anywhere. At the front of the room is an RPM instructor calling out, “Resistance equals results.” She takes another breath and shouts, “If you want to achieve your goals you need to put on more resistance now!” I reach for my towel and then crank up the resistance dial. Gener-ally I prefer peddling through mud puddles arriving home dirty, stinky, sweaty, and riding a wave of endorphins. But something very powerful in this class has generated a drive in me to train harder then I ever have before. I reminisce for a moment about all of the trainers that have helped me develop personally and profes-sionally as an instructor. Luckily for us in the snow sport industry

this becomes more like a lifelong partnership, and launches the motivation we carry back to the people we teach.

The leader of our peloton is 2-time winter Olympic com-petitor, Manuela Berchtold, who competed on the freestyle world cup circuit for 10 years and has held several top 10 and top 20 rankings. She’s an inspirational gem who founded High Coun-try Fitness, nestled in the snowy mountains of Australia. Manuela is the first person to acknowledge that as an athlete she’s had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows as a competitor. Her train-ing philosophy, Train for what you want! “Put into it what you want to get out of it. The people who don’t achieve what they wanted to achieve, probably didn’t train hard enough.”

In May I finished my own version of the Olympics, the PSIA National Demo Team Tryouts. Our opening ceremony didn’t look anything like Beijing, but as a competitor you felt every bit of the pressure from the media crews filming, team selectors lining the sides of each run, and folks cheering for you who had traveled from all around the country to watch this event. Although I didn’t make the final team, I com-peted up until the very last cut. It was like coming in second when only first place gets an actual medal. I desperately searched for that special brand of soap that


through teaching. Last season we made several improvements to accessing online resources for education and certification events. Please continue to send us your feedback, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

Being part of a supportive & passionate team makes our membership secure and happy. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rosen.

Manuela Berchtold 2006 Winter Olympics


(cont’d from pg. 15)could just wash away the disap-pointment.

About 6 weeks later I finally found the soap (and some answers to my own questions about mo-tivation) when I began my RPM classes with Manuela. Sometimes just before the hardest segment of our ride she’d say, “I want you to think about the reasons why you are here and what you want to achieve. How hard do you want to work to achieve that?” I knew deep inside what I was here for, but looking around the room were small signs pasted to the wall confirming this:

• Aim High – Knowing that the quality of the goals you choose influences your character .

• Never Give Up – Understanding that ability comes only through persistence .

• Believe in Yourself – Even when others doubt you, have confidence in yourself .

• Perseverance – The dif-ference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowl-edge, but rather, in lack of will!

How many of us wish we could detach our selves from the outcome and really focus on the process? Whether we are at-tempting to improve our career, personal fitness, or training for another level of certification in our discipline. Sometimes it’s how we go about the weeks, months, and maybe years of planning and preparing that makes all the differ-ence in the end.

Another one of Manuela’s favorite sayings, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Have you ever had that feeling? Did I prepare enough? You look around at the folks standing next to you and wonder, well, how much did they prepare? Manuela told me

images is important. Try building a library of video clips that you can watch daily, or log-on to the Movement Matrix from the national site.

2. Learn how to voluntarily relax. Being able to control your levels of relaxation will help you achieve a state of being energized but relaxed enough to perform. Our mind and body have a deep connec-tion that affects our performance. If we are overly anxious, the body cannot perform to its peak potential. We’ve all been there before, standing at the top of a run our heart racing, our mind flipping from thought to thought like a motorized rolodex. We arrive at the bottom of the trail and wonder – what happened? Finding the right levels of being pumped up but focused takes time. Learn what works for you and prac-tice this while teaching before you use it at a big event.

3. Set goals and develop posi-tive self talk. Negative thoughts and emotions have a negative effect on our actions. Stopping this cycle and replacing those thoughts with positive ones re-connects our brain with our body to support putting thoughts into action.

Many elite athletes use posi-tive affirmations to gain a compet-itive edge, when physically they are equal to their competitor.

There’s something quite re-markable about competing, push-ing your limits, and striving for excellence. Ideally, we’d probably all like to get to the bottom of the run and know we did our abso-lute best, and many will rise with the cream to sit on the top. The choice is yours this season to put into it what you want to get out of it. Sometimes the only resistance to achieving our results lies solely within us. View life’s challenges and your own dreams with de-termination, and don’t forget to thank the people that helped you along the way.

Finding the Right Soap to Reach Your Personal Summit (cont’d)Heidi Ettlinger – Publicity & Advisory Committee

that one year before the Olympics she earned enough money so she could focus the entire season just on her training. This included getting the right hours of sleep each night, a strict daily nutri-tion schedule, in-door and on-hill training sessions, all to take her to a peak fitness level and ultimate preparedness. She said, “I wanted to get to the bottom of the run and know… That there was noth-ing else I could have done to be more prepared, and be able to be content with my results.” This was definitely the silver bullet I’d been missing; I wished I could have been more prepared.

“I want you to think about the reasons why you are here and what you want to achieve.

How hard do you want to work to

achieve that?”– Manuela

If you want to prepare for your next big event, attain another level of certification, strive to be a resort trainer, try out for the Tech-nical Team or maybe get ready for the next national team tryouts, consider checking out online resources like, The Sierra Center for Peak Performance. They offer a wealth of services that compli-ment the on and off-hill portions of your training. Some of their suggestions are listed below:

1. Mentally rehearse what it is you are attempting to do as often as possible. The power of visualiza-tion is often equal to that of physical practice. Whether it be mentally rehearsing the activity in your mind or watching a video of someone per-forming it perfectly, cementing these


National ASEA Report - Summer 2008

At our summer meeting, held June 6-8 in Colo-rado, the National Board reviewed the accomplish-ments of the past winter, considered proposals, and approved a budget for the Association’s fiscal year.

Highlights of the year include: A very successful teams tryout at Mammoth

Mountain in May where the new Alpine, Snowboard, Nordic and Adaptive Teams were selected. The new teams will serve four year terms as the “educational face” of the organization both nationally, and interna-tionally at InterSki in St. Anton, Austria in January of 2011.

Kim Seevers, as the Director of the Education Department continues to produce high quality educa-tional materials in an increasing number of mediums. The new Snowboard Manual and the new Movement Matrix (a web-based movement analysis tool) lead the long list of work produced by the Education Depart-ment during the last fiscal year.

Wendy Schrupp, our Communications Director, is busy with two main projects this year. First, the re-design of the National website and second, the retool-ing of our publications TPS and TPR into one multi-discipline publication which will be titled 32 Degrees: The Journal of Professional Snowsports Instruction. The first issue of 32 Degrees will be published in the fall.

Marketing Director, Andy Hawk reports a good summer for sponsorship contracts even in the tight-ening economic climate. We have renewed mulit-year contracts with: Blizzard/Technica, Booster Strap, Burton/Red/Anon, Bushnell (Bolle), Dale of Norway, Duofold, Dynastar/Lang, Elan/Dalbello, Grabber, Leki, Nordica, Reusch, Rossignol, Swany, Volkl/Marker, and Rudy Project. Additionally, Andy signed new mulit-year contracts with: POD (helmets, eyewear, and protection), Salomon, Todi (footwear), Turtle Fur, TwentyTwo Designs (telemark bindings) and Voz Sports (helmet to helmet communication).

Certainly the association’s largest project this year is the upgrade of our association software system. This web based application provides the association with the tools to manage dues billing and payment, event registration, education credits, etc…as well as tools to allow us to more effectively use the web a distribution pipeline for our future generations of educational products (i.e. Movement Matrix). This project is not without its challenges. Getting nine di-visions who have been operating fairly independently for 50 years to all adopt similar policies, procedures and naming conventions requires compromise and adjustments by each division, but it is encouraging that there is broad based support across the divisions for moving the association in this direction. The

By Craig Albright – ASEA Operations VP & Western National Representative

expenditure for the AMS (association management software) is considerable at more than $400k, but this investment should allow us to provide a much greater consistency and efficiency of member service when completed.


Race Coach and Recreation CoachTahoe Donner Association is looking for both a Race Coach and a Recreation Coach for the 08-09 winter season.

Job Requirements:* Min. 1 year coaching experience;* PSIA II/III or equivalent;* Valid Class C Driver License;* Current CPR and First Aid certifications recommended;* Certification in ski binding procedures.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:* Provide excellent customer service to customers, employees,

and business partners.* Must demonstrate proficient ability in skiing skills.* Coach participants on proper ski form, technique, and

equipment.* Assist with area set up, races, promotions, and special events.* Maintain current knowledge of teaching and skiing techniques.* Set up race courses and timing equipment.* Assist with snow removal including shoveling and clearing

snow from walkways, stairs, equipment and other areas as needed.

Duration: December 1 - April 12Wage: $16.31 - $21.86/hour

Please fill out an application online at www.tahoedonner.com or in person at Northwoods Clubhouse, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161. For more information, please call (530) 587-9415 or email [email protected].

Come hang at one of our Ed events. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rosen.

“...I launched on one

more mission: find

a real mountain for

these poor folks to

ski on.” – Alain Bertrand on “ski resorts” in China.


(cont’d from pg. 1) In China,

most of the hills they call “ski resorts”enjoy a vertical elevation of 400 feet and are easily mastered with a wedge. On weekends, even a wedge is too much, since the place turns into an anthill black with people who are too busy playing in the snow to bother about skiing.

My first duty was to turn some local peasants into instruc-tors in a matter of 2 weeks. I protested ‘I was not too gifted for working out miracles’. The flat-tering answer came as: ‘Aren’t you French, ski instructor and from Chamonix? So do your job.’ Then, I lost a few boys to the cold (minus 35° Celsius), a few girls walked away with a boyfriend, one ended up singing Xmas carols in the local Catholic church. These people in the boondocks are Roman Catholics, for some reason! Still, 10 days later, I turned out 10 instructors out of 10 total beginners. They would not qualify for certification with PSIA/AASI-WEST, but they could teach a decent wedge and ski black diamond parallel without disparaging their uniform.

My next mission was teach-ing the aging and well fed Party big wheels. My instructions were again simple and clear: NEVER LET THE BIG MEN FALL! Keep-ing their bums off the snow is the single achievement of a whole ski life I’m most proud of. I had to steer clear of helpless begin-ners’ wrecking in front; I had to fend off schuss-boomers belting along at 20 miles an hour, plant-ing poles to deflect impending impacts and rushing to hold up

Stranger in a Strange Land (cont’d) By Alain Bertrand

the wobbling 200 pound Party rich. In their eyes, these were run of the mill events. The only achievement that fascinated them was that I could ski the whole hill backward. Never expect recogni-tion.

I made one good friend out of the big wheels, and found out they knew they had to end up democratic, but were pondering where to start from and when. I think they now know where but haven’t decided when!

Riding my sense of cultural superiority, I launched on one more mission: find a real moun-tain for these poor folks to ski on. I resorted to the old dimwit

and found out the most exciting downhill piste could be drawn on its’ East face and an extensive rec-reational resort could be designed on its upper levels. Three times as close to town as any other miser-able little ski field, twice as much of a vertical drop as any of the northern major resorts and ten times as big in sheer surface.

Aware I was sitting on a mountain of gold, I kept my trove secret until I found an investor wielding a few billions. As I didn’t find any, I resigned myself to let-ting some Chinese ski colleagues in on the secret. They rushed to my invitation, and eagerly scru-tinized the valley I had selected. Unfortunately, my mountain bore no resemblance to the little slopes they usually skied on. They could not fancy the cable-car giving direct access to Peking, or picture a World Cup or Olympic resort there, as I could. This is how I became the laughing stock of the professional ski community in China. They christened me the “East slope dimwit” and bend over with laughter at any allusion to my endeavor.

Nowadays, as I grow in age and mental simplicity, I realize that too obvious a fact can be a major obstacle to understanding. My Chinese friends standing in front of a mountain that does not fit their preconceived view of a ski area, deny its existence. Is it that we see what does not exist? Or do we not see what does ex-ist? I’m wondering how much of myself is left to exist!

Alain, a long-time PSIA/AASI-West instructor, numbers the ‘victims’ of his ski lessons to over 10,000. Based on his experiences in China, unsuccessfully translat-ing the French and PSIA teaching systems into Chinese, Alain has developed the Panda method of skiing instruction and written a book “Glee.” Have a look at www.skipanda.com.

Western way of searching maps and selecting the closest high mountain next to Peking. As 90% of China is mountains, I had no difficulty spotting a 4,000 footer just 26 miles by the freeway from Tian An Men square, the heart of Peking. I climbed the mountain


By Leigh Pierini, Foundation Chairperson Education FoundationI’m honored to have been

selected as the Chairperson of the PSIA-Western Education Founda-tion and I look forward to sharing my ideas with you as well as hearing from you on your ideas about how to grow our Founda-tion.

Before I get started in sharing with you the next steps for the Foundation, I want to thank my predecessors who lay an amazing platform for our work. In particu-lar, I want to thank Chris Fellows for his dedication to the Educa-tion Foundation/Sodergren Fund. Chris has been committed to the Foundation for the past 10 years. He was the Education Founda-tion Chair for many years. Chris was instrumental in starting the Sodergren Fund in 1998 in honor of Mike and Mariam Sodergren. The Sodergren Fund was de-signed to help instructors finance their education needs. “Mike and Mim exemplified what we all strive for as ski and snowboard professionals, as well as what we strive for as quality people,” stated Fellows in the 2005 Fall Edge edition.

Moving ForwardSince my appointment as

the new Education Foundation Chairperson in April, I have been busy building on the work that has been done thus far. We have formed and Education Founda-tion Committee. This committee consists of Leigh Pierini, Presi-dent, Barclay Moore, Vice-Presi-dent, Katherine Hayes-Rodriguez, Treasurer, Mitch Dion, Secretary, Chris Fellows, Past President, and Dave Achey, committee mem-ber. Every committee member has extensive investments, both personal and professional, to the Association.

Mike and Mim Sodergren.

The Committees’ vision is to:• Promote exceptional stan-

dards at all levels and disciplines of snow sport instruction

• Build leadership in individ-uals through education, training and adventure

• Inspire a lifelong passion for snow sports, adventure and the mountain experience

• Connect snow sport instruc-tors of the world together in order to share, learn and grow

New StructureAs part of the overall effort

to increase understanding of the Foundation’s work in the member-ship, the Committee has created a new organizational structure for the entity. (please see chart below)

The Education Foundation and the Sodergren Fund in the

past 10 years have been a name that is one in the same. This com-mittee has cleared some blurred lines to make your membership donations and the services the Foundation provides easier to understand.


Organizational Structure

General Scholarships-Adaptive-Alpine-Childrens-Nordic-Snowboard

General Scholarships-Adaptive-Alpine-Childrens-Nordic-Snowboard

Sodergren ScholarshipSodergren Scholarship

Education FoundationEducation Foundation

Member SupportMember SupportScholarshipsScholarships


Education Foundation (cont’d)By Leigh Pierini, Foundation Chairperson

(cont’d from pg. 19)

Specifically, the restructuring will be as follows:

The Education Foundation is a part of the division and is set up as a non-profit corporation with a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status. Within this foundation, there are scholarships offered. The Sodergren Scholarship remains an important part of our Founda-tion offerings. The committee has broadened the scholarship offerings to:

• Provide benefits to all certi-fied levels of instructors and all disciplines

• Assist instructors based on economic need

Scholarships We will be offering scholar-

ships for attendees to certifica-

tion events as well as educa-tional events, which represents a significant change in the structure of the Foundation. In addition, we will be offering a scholarship through the Sodergren Fund, which will be open to a member who desires an Academy type education/experience and/or a weeklong intensive immersion training course.

Obviously, to do these wonderful things and keep the foundation healthy we need to raise money. We have many fund-raising ideas that will be fun to participate in. We will keep you posted!

In summary, I would like to add that I am committed to build-ing on the work of my predeces-sors, to create vibrant, exciting Foundation scholarship offerings

and am working hard to assure that every membership donation is being well spent.

Happy skiing!Leigh Pierini, ChairWestern Education Foundation of PSIA/AASI

P.S. Please use the enclosed envelope to send in your

donation TODAY to support our

wonderful members!


By Neil Bussiere President’s Message (cont’d)(cont’d from pg. 1)the helm of the Alpine activities. Meanwhile, Education Chair, Finlay Torrance is hard at work chairing a National Unity Task Force char-tered to investigate the possibility of bringing national reciprocity to the Level III Exam process. Good luck Finlay and stay tuned for more information as the season develops.

If you’re seeing pumpkins as part of your daily routine it might be time for you to rum-mage through your own garage and locate the goods. Check your equipment thoroughly and start your countdown to the first signs of winter. Above all, be ready….ready for your turn, that first turn of the season. Stay sharp and carve cleanly, Neil

We’re all looking forward to a great ‘08-‘09 season. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rosen.

Ski Teaching in Spanish or Portuguese

Handbooks with side-by-side translations for children/adults

Audio Tapes or CDs with Text

Enor Martinez www.skiteaching.com

3508 Virginia Way [email protected] (email)

Salt Lake City, Utah 84109 (801) 466-9039

(cont’d from pg. 17)A reflection of this need to

standardize policies and proce-dures across the divisions is seen in the work of the Certification Unity Task Force.

This task force is chaired by the Western Division’s Fin-lay Torrance. The task force is looking into how to move from the divisions being all in agree-ment regarding the Certification Standards (which we have had for many years) to the next level by establishing a unified certification process. They have begun work on the Level 3 being the first level to try and establish a nationwide exam process that all divisions would follow.

This is really a revolutionary undertaking and it will be inter-esting to see how much progress they can make towards a unified national exam process. Finlay will no doubt have more informa-

National ASEA Report - Summer 2008 tion about this in his upcoming reports.

The Association is still in a relatively strong fiscal position. The National Board has operated at a budget surplus for much of the last decade and has built up a comfortable reserve.

With the large expenditure for AMS and our final deconsoli-dation (sharing staff and resourc-es) from our former partners NSP (National Ski Patrol), we approved a deficit operational budget for FY 08-09 with a plan in place to bring the operational budget back to a small surplus by FY 09-10. The board is dedicated to managing the Association’s fi-nances in a fashion that ensures our long term financial health and stability.

“Getting nine divisions who have

been operating fairly independently

for 50 years to all adopt similar

policies, procedures and naming

conventions requires compromise

and adjustments...”

– Craig Albright


Understanding Senior Skiers By Peggy Connor

Developmental Intelligence and the Senior Skier – Part One of a Four Part Series

Developmental intelligence improves with age. (1) Certainly as the human organism moves into a period that I affectionately refer to as “advanced adolescence”, there are changes ... but they are not all bad. Older individuals can actually integrate and correlate many types of thought processes better than their younger counterparts. Thus, there is a lot to be said for the wisdom that comes with age. Now, finally, there is scientific documentation to prove that long held theory.

In a nutshell, what happens is that the two brain hemi-spheres actually communicate more effectively, ie: the left and the right brain can share and process informa-tion more rapidly through complex integrated path-ways that took years to develop.

When you analyze the “two brains” … yes, you actually have two brains up there, the right brain and the left brain, each has different func-tions. The right brain is busy doing its spatial perception thing, communicating in the abstract world with its intui-tive skills, integrating emotions and feelings, and interpreting visual data through pictures. Meanwhile, “old lefty” is busy communicating with words while logically analyzing everything that comes in through its various perception centers. And yes, the brain keeps growing with age, new brain cells do develop. The net result is called “systemic thinking”.

“Systemic thinking” allows the senior skier to do just that ... systemic skiing.

Dr Gene Cohen, director of the Center on Ag-ing, Health and Humanities at George Washington Medical Center, describes these new ideas about the maturing brain in his recent book, The Mature Mind;

The Positive Power of the Aging Brain.Dr. Cohen states that it is in the later stages of

life, between the ages of 60 and 80 that the informa-tion processing center achieves its greatest density and reach.

Cohen defines developmental intelligence as the “maturing of cognition, emotional intelligence, judg-ment, social skills, life experience and conscious-ness” along with their integration and synergy.

Moreover, according to Wil-liam Keyser, Man-aging Director of Work Savvy, (the folks who have figured out that hiring seniors over the age of 55 has many advantages), “given that the brain’s emotional circuitry matures with and becomes more balanced with age, your judgments will most likely be more balanced, too.” Relate that to the fundamen-tal concepts of our ski instruc-tors teaching model and it is quite valuable. If the cognitive center of the skier is functioning in

a more balanced mode, so will the skier. So, to ski or not to ski as a senior, the choice is

yours. But knowing that your brain is more centered than ever before makes it a more approachable task. Lateral thinking leads to lateral skiing.

Peggy Connor MD is a physician/surgeon special-izing in environmental medicine and its relationship to cancer causation. Teaching skiing is her passion. She is PSIA certified in Level I Alpine, Level I Children’s Specialist and is PSIA-W certified as Senior Specialist, currently instructing at Northstar. Footnotes:(1) Your Aging Brain Is Good for Business William Keyser, Managing Director of WorkSavvy LLC http://www.55-alive.com/BooksandGamesphp?artID=7208

Because skiing integrates both left and right sides of the brain, a more mature and therefore more balanced brain, may excel.


By Ted Pitcher Senior Program Expands

In addition to our very suc-cessful Seniors Specialist Accredi-tation, we have added three new educational events that will help any instructor who is working with Senior clientele. These events are open to any member of any age, without prerequisite.

1. Introduction to Teaching Skiing to seniors. This one day event focuses on contemporary skiing mechanics as applied to your own personal skiing, includ-ing video analysis. Our teach-ing focus is on how to adapt the teaching model and methodology to beginner and low intermediate senior skiers.

Schedule for introduction to Senior Teaching and Skiing: Sunday Jan. 25th Snow Summit

Friday February 27th Mt. Rose

New Educational Events2. In addition, at Convention

this spring we have added a two day clinic on advanced skiing and teaching of Senior skiers. This ed-ucational event is also open to any member regardless of certification and will cover the same curricu-lum as our Level II Accreditation without the teaching evaluations. We will use video analysis to help coach your personal skiing.

Schedule:

Saturday and Sunday April 24th and 25th-PSIAW Convention at Mammoth Mountain.

For those of you interested in our Level I or Level II Seniors Specialist Accreditation, check out the Accreditation description, prerequisites and free manuals available on our website www.psia-w.org

Level I Seniors Specialist Ac-creditation schedule:

Sunday and Monday February 22nd and 23rd Snow Summit

Monday and Tuesday March 30th and 31st Diamond Peak

Level II Senior Specialist Accreditation schedule:

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday March 1st, 2nd, 3rd Snow Summit

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday March 23rd, 24th, 25th Sugar Bowl

Emphasis for all senior clinics is education, improving teaching and skiing skills and of course, fun. We’ll see you on the snow!

$105$105$105$ 55$ 70$ 55

Nonprofit Org .

U .S . Postage

PAID

Sacramento, CA

Permit No .1704ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PSIA-W/AASI-W Board of Directors & Officers 2008-09 Officers:President Neil BussiereExecutive Vice President Carl UnderkofflerAlpine VP Elianne FurtneySnowboard VP Doug FagelNat’l PSIA Representative Craig AlbrightPast President Dave Achey

Directors:Craig Albright (11), Neil Bussiere (11), Heidi Ettlinger (11), Steve Evenson (09), Elianne Furtney (09), Chris Fellows (09), Leigh Pierini (11), Greg Lyons (10), Ken Mattson (10), Ted Pitcher (09), Finlay Torrance (10), Carl Underkoffler (10) .

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

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

Documents

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