Spring/Summer 2016 VOLUME 40 NUMBER 3

PSIA/ASSI Dues, Clinic Fees Intermountain President Rich Increases Explained McLaughlin (l) and Keith Lange (r) The PSIA/AASI Intermountain Board of present Norm Burton Directors continues to carefully evalu - with a plaque ate the division’s well-being in making commemorating his decisions that impact the membership. induction into the PSIA Intermountain As previously outlined in the Edge, the Division Hall of Fame board held several strategic planning during the 2016 (Stratcom) meetings from 2014-to date

Brian Oakden Spring Clinic banquet. to assess the division’s short- and long-term objectives. In weighing clinic fee and dues increases, the board N Many other divisions were preparing also increased employee compensa- wanted to ascertain what the other to increase their dues and/or clinic tion and travel reimbursement, so eight divisions were charging. T he re- feesinthe2015-16or2016-17seasons. employee compensation is more in- sults were eye-opening: The 2007-08 season was the last time line with the other divisions. N Intermountain’s Level 1 dues were Intermountain increased dues. The In regards to dues increases, our affilia - 50 percent of what PSIA/AASI-East 2010-11 season was the last time Inter - tion agreement stipulates that the divi - assessed its members; Level 2 and mountain raised clinic fees. Most recent sions should notify PSIA/AASI national of Level 3 dues were about 61 percent dues increases have been at the national any changes prior to implementation. As a of what PSIA/AASI-East assessed its level. Bottom line: Intermountain’s net result, there is a one fiscal year lag in exe - members (as of the 2014-15 season). income margin has averaged 6.8 percent cution.Theduesincrease(to$50)matches N Intermountain’s dues were around over the past five years; not enough to what four of the other divisions were 10-20 percent lower than six other continue to provide innovative products charging as of 2015, but is still below what divisions. Only PSIA/AASI-West’s and services, increase employee com - PSIA/AASI Rocky Mountain and dues matched Intermountain’s, and pensation, or generate sufficient reserves PSIA/AASI East assess their members. The that was for its Level 2 & Level 3 for the division’s long-term health. board believed that it could not unduly n - members (as of the 2014-15 season). With last season’s clinic fee crease member dues at one time to keep N Intermountain’s clinic fees were increase, Intermountain’s clinic fees pace with the other Divisions, and plans lower than the other eight divisions, are closer to what the other eight divi - on reviewing matters on an ongoing basis. and have not kept pace with sions are charging. In conjunction with inflation. the clinic fee adjustment, the board continued on 6

President ...... 2 Children...... 10 Notes from the office CS news. Spring Clinic ...... 8 Achievements ...... 12 Photos from Sun Valley. Recognition for hard work.

PROFESSIONALSNOWSPORTINSTRUCTIONINTHEINTERMOUNTAINWEST 2 PSIA-I N AASI-I

President’s Message The Instructors EDGE The Instructors EDGE, official publication of the Professional Ski Instructors of America Rich McLaughlin President PSIA/AASI Intermountain Intermountain Division and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors Hello! Once again we are coming out of a very success - Intermountain Division, is scheduled to be ful winter season. The snow this year was great and visi - published three times a year at a nonmember subscription rate of $15. tations to our resorts in the Intermountain division were strong. Some of the resorts even broke records! Opinions presented in the EDGE are those I had an exciting time in my first year at the reins as of the individual authors and do not president. I was able to travel to the national board meeting in Denver mid- necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the Professional Ski Instructors season with Kent Lundell, and had the chance to meet the standing board of America, Intermountain or the American members. I saw some really good presentations by the national team trainers Association of Snowboard Instructors, for the new publications coming out in the near future. Having never had the Inter mountain. Submission of articles and chance to see one of these meetings I had some preconceived ideas as to what photos is encouraged. Contact the editor. went on in them. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they run their business Editorial/Advertising Office very much like we run ours here in Intermountain. The board was very profes - Rodger Renstrom, Editor sional, friendly and down to earth. They all put in a lot of hard work to represent 770 Pinewood Dr, Sandy, UT the membership. I have to say they are very thorough and that Kent represents (v) 801 566-9727 (e) [email protected] us very well. I also want to congratulate Nick Herrin as the new CEO of the national board. PSIA-I Division, AASI-I Division Office Speaking to our members here in Intermountain, I want to welcome all of Vicki Mills, Kathy Sudweeks, Kathryn Milne our new members and send out a huge congratulation to everyone that achieved 7105 Highland Dr., Suite 201 Salt Lake City, UT 84121 certification this year! Thank you for all your time and effort to continue your (v) 801 942-2066, (f) 801 942-7837 education with us to strengthen your professional careers. I hope that everyone (e) [email protected] attained their goals this past season and will continue to do so in the future. This year’s Spring Clinic was Awesome! Thank you Sun Valley for putting PSIA-I, AASI-I Officers and Chairs President: Rich McLaughlin on a great three days. The event went off without a hitch. The clinics were well Administrative V. P. : Mike Thurgood attended. I don’t know about you though, I thought the weather was HOT! At Communications V.P. : Evan Ricks one point the thermometer read 70 degrees! It made for some great spring PSIA Board Representative : Kent Lundell riding and some great fun. Even the silent auction raised some money for the Certification Manager: Dustin Cooper Education Manager: scholarship fund. I want to thank Vicki and Kathy in our office for all their Stephen Helfenbein work in making it happen. They spent countless hours coordinating for this. Snowboard Manager: Open Susan Oakden even came out of retirement to once again help us out with the Nordic Manager: Grant Bishop coordination of the event and to make sure it all happened as smoothly as Adaptive Managers : Johnny Landward, Jason Malczyk possible. Brian Oakden was able to snap your picture for the records! Children’s Manager : Mark Nakada There are lots of congratulations at this time of year and my report would Ski School Management Committee : not be complete without a shout out to the new members of the national Maggie Loring teams! It was a very long and arduous process and I wish you success over the Current Board Members next four years. To those that tried out but did not make it onto the teams, 2014-2017: Carl Boyer, Nancy Kronthaler, your efforts are not in vain. You are stronger for the experience! Never give up. Evan Ricks, Joe Waggoner, The ASEA Presidents Council met by phone conference on May 31. The Mary Flinn Ware discussion was consultation —when and the nature of it —and basically cov - 2015-2018: Andy Baker, Mark Battaglia, Kent Lundell, Mark Nakada, ered communication between ASEA and the divisions in accordance with the Rich McLaughlin Affiliation Agreement. Also discussed was the November 4-5 conclave 2016-2019: Dave Butler, Anita Oliveri, agenda. This meeting will be to discuss and define the roles and responsibili - Charles Rodger, Mike ties of the national organization and the divisions. At this meeting we will also Thurgood, Coulter Tucker be choosing a new leader. Bill King will be stepping down from this roll.

continued on

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 3

What I proposed in my election mani- Making PSIA-I/AASI-I Great Again ... festo was a commitment to PSIA/AASI, a commitment to serve the needs of the Or maybe just relevant? than a beauty competition, a foregone membership and to be ava ilable for the conclusion—that is, name recognition membership and the board throughout in terms of DECLs or resort managers the term of my appointment. By Charles A. Rodger providing an obvious advantage. I sus - What I can promise each of you is pect that some of Bernie Sanders’ sup - what I will not do as a representative. I Perhaps not exactly following in the porters, confronted as they are by the willnotacceptthestatusquo.Norwill Trumpster’s footsteps, but as with every - familiar HRC, may have similar feelings I accept that the membership con - thing that Mr. Trump says, there is per - about the interminable primaries and cerns are not addressed because the haps something we can take from his their outcome. In putting myself for - board representatives do not have messages as he tries to galvanize his elec - ward as a board candidate I recognized time during the busy winter ski/ride torate. I am not suggesting that we start that I am essentially an unknown, sim - season, and I will not accept that in issuing baseball caps with the message ply a PSIA member, but I have an our region, that “communication” is a “making PSIA-I/AASI-I great again,” but energy. I am committed to maintaining title and a responsibility bestowed as I read the various PSIA/AASI Inter - the P in PSIA (the P is not silent!) and I upon the communication VP. Com - mountain election proposals prior to believe that our membership deserves munication must be an objective and voting for an at-large Intermountain better representation. And now, of a responsibility for each and every board representative position, I was course, you can see that I am para - representative! I will insist that board struck by how similar the messages and phrasing Mr. Sanders and his promises communication with the member - the concerns of the candidates were. to rebuild the healthcare system, the ship is critical, and will actively seek In truth, in thinking about posting education system, and the current sys - mechanisms to enhance the flow of an application for a board position, I tem of funding political candidates. information. Further, I will ensure worried that the board representative This is, if nothing else, an equal oppor - election process would be little more tunity article! continued on 7

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 4 Certification

a slap on the wrist for mixing politics at the L2, L3 assessments.” A previous The Certification and our professional ski association. Edge article referred to “fitness for L3” No, wait, it’s not a digression in fact, for in a physical sense, in a technical sense, Process politics and our professionalism are a and in a mental sense. But who vali - sub-text of this article – read on! dates the level of readiness? Whose problem, whose In my experience, friends are not to Why an assessment be relied upon, at least not when it responsibility? The hard question first. I would sug - comes to assessing your skiing or teach - gest that the certification process is a ing proficiency. The resort director could By Charles A. Rodger verification and validation of our skills be a reliable source, but for multiple rea - as technical specialists and as effective sons, some of which are related to actu - It’s an old joke, but worth re-telling. communicators of ideas and concepts. I ally knowing who you are and what your How many DECL’s does it take to screw would further suggest that the ambition ambitions might be, are perhaps not the in a light bulb? The answer is at least to progress through the L1, L2, L3 levels most appropriate reference. However, it two – one to make the turns, and the has an associated compensatory aspect, would be fair to note that very few resort other to point out what to do and how but that this is possibly not the prime managers would refuse to sign off on a to do it. One could argue for a third to motivator. Each of us can surely recall certification assessment, again for rather evaluate the overall activity, and to ex - the pride that we felt when we com - obvious reasons. In my opinion, plain why it wasn’t done properly. pleted the Level 1 certification. PSIA/AASI clinics should be the most If there is anything that unites the It is also true that as we each embark appropriate forum for gauging the state PSIA/AASI–Intermountain member- on the certification process, we each of preparation, but it’s perhaps not so ship it is perhaps a distrust of the certi- begin to fully comprehend what it simple – read on! fication process and an means to be “fully certified.” It’s all about incomprehension of the outcome. But “the pin,”and the recognition of the time Examiner, clinic leader responsibilities as an Intermountain membership, we and the effort required to progress The political question! DECLs are should not feel alone in our frustra- through the various development stages. human (really, although you may feel tions, for these same uncertainties I would argue that the assessment differently depending on the outcome abound across the PSIA/AASI member- process is absolutely necessary, and it is of a particular examiners assessment!). ship, irrespective of division affiliation. necessarily rigorous. In the opinion of Presuming that everyone under- This dissatisfaction, incredulity, some, as with any assessment, it is a stands that certification is a process, fear, misunderstanding, and frustra - flawed process. Ultimately, although it is and not an entitlement based on years tion is very real if one follows the senti - not the primary driver in the certification of service, the examination, whatever ments expressed by members who process, it becomes the key that unlocks the level, should not be an exercise in contribute to the PSIA e-forum. But I access to increased compensation, and subjective observation but an exercise believe that it is no less real for the hopefully, an increased visibility with the in objective assessment. From a candi - Intermountain members, who with paying public through private lessons. As date point of view, and taking into their elevated hopes and expectations for the questions of certification rele - account the flame mail on the e-Forum, dutifully subscribe to the certification vance (in the eyes of the public) and it may seem that not all DECLs are process with an assessment fee that, on inherent value to the resort – read on! working from the same standpoint in average, represents about 10 hours of terms of expectation of performance. If work at their home resort. Candidate responsibilities candidates understand the concept of We could debate the cost of the The brutal truth. Candidates need preparation and the commitment of assessment, but that would perhaps be to be ready, not just for an assessment time (not to mention the expense of a digression. We could also discuss the of their technical skills or their teaching preparatory clinics), the preparedness sad level of political debate that we see abilities, but also for a verification of and the consistency on the part of the on our TV screens, debate that is sup - the national standards required for a DECL group is perhaps a useful discus - posed to be a discussion of national particular certification level. One could sion for the DECL group to pursue. Eve - relevance and impact. But that would debate my use of “national standards,” ryone has a story to tell when it comes to be not only a digression, perhaps also a for as one senior DECL admitted in a inconsistency in assessments, and con - collective admission of national shame. private communication, “if we [Inter - tradictions in the feedback of what one Actually, that sentence was just to see if mountain] were to apply the national should work on. If the stories are apoc - you were following this article – I expect standards we would see more failures ryphal, and perhaps even exaggera -

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Communication 5

tions, there is a point to be made – if we can agree that defining the role of the Communication Corner examiner is a very slippery slope (no pun intended), forgive the mixed meta - Spring Clinic Follow Up phors but examiners must be on the same page. That is the examiners By Evan Ricks, PSIA-I/AASI-I Communications V.P should be trained to assess particular levels, and they must seek harmoniza - Greetings Members, I had the opportunity to attend the Spring Clinic in Sun tion and quality of practices. Valley. This is only the third Spring Clinic I’ve been able to attend in my 25 years as a member because I’m in the fields planting grain and getting ready The Bottom Line to plant the other crops. I had a great time learning with our friends from From a candidate perspective it may other divisions. be difficult to see the certification process I tend to gravitate toward the topics that involve teaching younger children as little more than a pass or fail system. I and I was not disappointed. I was able to get new ideas form the veteran teach - would argue that it is not simply a binary ers that were in the same class as I was. We shared ideas, taught each other, and situation, but rather a learning process for even did a few drills that would help a student progress in their skiing. I have everyone, regardless of the outcome. The found in all the clinics I’ve attended over the years that there is always some - lesson learned however may not be easily thing new to learn or a way to be a more efficient skier or snowboarder. assimilated, particularly when differing For the first time I was also involved to a small degree in the planning for the expectations have been set in preparatory Sun Valley event. I’d like to thank Brian and Susan Oakden for taking the lead in clinics or in non-exam situations. In addi- many aspects of the planning for our division, and Kirsten Huotte from the tion, if the Level 1 exam is one in which North West Division for helping make the event a success. We had many donors considerable coaching for success is the contribute silent auction items. They deserve recognition and thanks also. rule, how much coaching for success We are already in the planning stages for next year’s Spring Clinic to be should the candidate expect from the held in the Salt Lake Area. I hope that you can attend and celebrate with us examiner at the L2 or L3 assessments? and who knows, you too may learn something new. I This is a question not only for the candi- dates, but also for the examiners. In summary, candidates need to be fully aware of the standards and expec - PRESIDENT continued from 2 tations. But it’s a two way street. exam - iners have an obligation to be utterly I want to thank the current board members for their work this past winter. professional and harmonized in their We have accomplished a lot over the past year and will continue to do so in approach to an examination, to be fully the future. My executive committee has been outstanding! Mike has put in aware of the technical and teaching quite a bit of work on the budget. Evan, Joe and Kent Thank You! standards for each level, and to be pre - To the new board members Anita Oliveri Region III, Colter Tucker Region pared to carry out each exam with a IV, and Dave Butler, Charlie Rodger, Mike Thurgood as at Large. Welcome harmonized approach, upholding the and welcome back! We have much to do and with your hard work and dedica - ambitions of validity and reliability. tion we can accomplish it. Your thoughts ... Questions — Char - Moving forward lets make this next year in Intermountain the best we can, les Rodger, a PSIA-I/AASI-I board mem - so that we can all meet our goals and represent our membership to the best of ber and Alpine Level 1 instructor,, can be our abilities. — Sincerely, Rich McLaughlin reached at: [email protected]

DUES continued from 1 other divisions, retain its employees, or 2017. Please feel free to contact a board execute forward planning. It is for representative if you have any ques - The board wants to continue to those reasons that the board believed it tions or comments. — Sincerely, Rich provide the membership with quality necessary to increase member dues McLaughlin, president; Michael Thur - products and services. Without the and clinic fees. good, administrative VP; Evan Ricks, dues and clinic fee increases, Inter - Please note, the dues increase is not communications VP. mountain cannot keep pace with the scheduled to take effect until June 30,

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 6 Policy

Delinquent Credits Policy

By Evan Ricks, Psia-I/AASI-I Communication V.P.

By One of the purposes of PSIA/AASI is to train instructors and help them through the certification process. To main - tain this certification members are required to attend six hours of training each year. We have had several members over the years that have not completed their credits to main - tain certification. The office has had a difficult time trying to decide what to do in regards to those who have not been able to, for one reason or another, complete the required hours. The pur - pose was never just to let folks pay a penalty (equal to one clinic day) and never go to any clinics and still maintain their certification status. In an effort to help clarify this policy, the board has written and adopted a clarification in the delin - quent dues policy. A copy of the policy is in the Policy and Procedure Manuel that can be read in its entirety on line on the PSIA-I website. I have copied a section of the policy here.

Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements: This policy will take effect on July 1, 2017: PSIA/AASI-I requires the accrual of twelve (12) hours clinic credit by a member every two dues cycles – unless a member has applied for inactive status as described under “Inactive Status”. Failure to accrue twelve (12) hours of edu- cation credit (CEU) within this period will result in the fol- lowing penalties, if the delinquent member wants to remain current: N First “dues cycle” penalty following a CEU delin - quency: An assessment fee of two times (2x) the cur - rent daily clinic fee N Second “dues cycle” penalty following a CEU delin - quency: An assessment fee of three times (3x) the cur - rent daily clinic fee If a member does not pay the delinquent assessment fees when due, and subse - quently accrue 12 hours of education credit, the member’s certification will become null and void. No further “delinquent education” penalty fees will be allowed; recertification will be required. Should a member pay dues after this point, they will be a Registered member. There are policies in place for members who have to take a leave of absence and are not able to complete their credit hours. If you find yourself in this position, where schooling, work, illness, or injury takes you out of commis - sion, there is a way to maintain your certification. Please review the policy on leave of absence on how to proceed should you find the need. If you need further clarification contact your board member. I

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Education 7

GREAT continued from 3 that you,

the membership, are kept fully in - Alpine Education formed of board meetings, and I will actively solicit input from you prior to By Stephen Helfenbein,, PSIA-I Education Manager the board meetings. As some of the more avid readers Summer is a tough time for some of us, is it not? For me of the Edge might recall from a previ - it’s a great time to recover, reflect and plan. With that said, ous article that I wrote, I have consid - I am anticipating the next winter more than anything I erable respect for the board can remember. The way the season ended was like receiv - representatives, for their accomplish - ing a birthday present you’re not allowed to open for six more months. ments, for volunteering their time, for I participated in the PSIA National Alpine Team Selection process this the efforts they make, efforts that go spring in Breckenridge, CO. Becoming a team member has been a goal of largely unrecognized. Collectively, mine since I first learned of the team about 20 years ago. At the time, I was the board representatives can count teaching skiing part time during college breaks in Aspen. I stumbled across an upon years of experience in the ski article in a ski magazine titled something to the effect of “Is there a right way industry—the PSIA/AASI Intermoun - to ski?” It featured world-class skiers from different alpine skiing back - tain Executive Committee group of grounds: ski racers, mogul skiers, extreme skiers and a ski instructor: PSIA three (the president, administrative Intermountain’s own and national team alumni Scott Mathers. VP and communications VP) taken Many of the details of the article are vague to me now but its affect on me was alone can count on approximately huge! The article gave me the distinct impression that the ski instructor was the 100 years of experience! However, it is man! Not only could he hang with all the skiers in the group (all of whom would my personal experience, and it seems have been considered ski celebrities of the time), he seemed to stand out in a way to be yours also, that despite the hon- that completely surprised the author. I may have only been teaching skiing for a orable intentions of the board repre- few years and was a completely knuckle-headed twenty year old, but I was ener- sentatives, something is missing. I gized about skiing in a way that was totally new to me. I had a mission! will assure you (and the board) that The series of decisions that this article would influence are numerous and my ambition is not uniquely to over- important in shaping the arc of my life. More than any one thing in my his- throw, nor necessarily to do the FedEx tory, that article was the reason I headed toward Breckenridge last April to thing and deliver changes overnight, experience one of the most edifying, exhilarating, gut wrenching, exhausting, but to raise the standard for the bene - inspiring experiences available to a ski pro. fit of the membe rship, to break down This was my third team tryout. My experience at each one was a little dif - the walls that have effectively, if ferent, mostly because I was different. You arrive at a tryout the best version of unwittingly, been erected. yourself, leave stripped down to your core and head home to rebuild. While you are required to evolve over time to meet the ever-increasing demands of The election process and numbers the process, similarities can be found. The good news is that our elec - There are awful aspects to each tryout! tronic voting system appears to work You don’t sleep, because you can’t. You try not to worry about what you more effectively and more efficiently have already done. You anticipate all of the challenges waiting for you. You try than the system that the great state of to read between the lines: “Why did they make us do that task? What were Utah recently launched! The shock - they looking for during the indoor session?” It’s very hard to stay focused and ing news is the relatively poor level of in the moment. You do everything you can, and miserably fail to avoid asking voting in our PSIA-I/AASI-I division. I yourself “What if I make it? What if I don’t?” wonder if we have all become so This leads directly to not being able to eat. Not a huge inconvenience detached from our professional because you have no appetite anyway. You find energy in places you didn’t organization that our board has know existed. You burn up every last reserve in the tank. essentially become irrelevant in help - You undermine your confidence by comparing yourself to everyone. “She ing each one of us do the job that we really ripped that ! There’s no way I did nearly as well. Whoa, he just gave a love to do. I would argue that the board is absolutely relevant and continued on page 17 addendum continued on 10

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016

10 Children

GREAT continued from 7 essential, but our own ignorance of Children’s Corner how the board, the PSIA-I/AASI-I of - fice and the DECL organizing group By Mark Nakada, PSIA-I/AASI-I Children’s Manager actually functions serves only to minimize our engagement in the Aloha! I hope you’re having a nice summer. election process. As a group of As Children’s Program Manager, I’m required to PSIA/AASI members, we must be en - submit an annual program review to the board at its gaged in our organization, we cannot spring meeting. Over the past four seasons, the chil - simply sit back and complain. Nor dren’s program has grown in terms of interest and par - should we be happy that PSIA/AASI ticipation. To those members that have taken the time to join us at one of our is simply an educational organiza - events, I thank you! tion; our collective ambition should However, in studying the metrics, I uncovered a disconcerting trend: The be much more than the establish - penetration rate of Level 1 me mbers participating in a CS1 event has ment of a st andard for a perfectly remained flat, averaging 30.2 percent. What does this mean? Less than one- third of our newer members are taking a valuable educational clinic, which As a group of PSIA/AASI could help them to earn more money. Several years ago, the National Children’s Task Force (NCTF) asked me to members, we must be engaged in develop a one-page analysis for resort and snowsports school managers to our organization, we cannot simply help t hem better understand the benefits of the CS program. Although the data is somewhat dated, I thought you still might find the findings of interest: sit back and complain. Why Should You Invest in PSIA-AASI’s Children’s Specialist (CS) Programs? executed snowboard/ ski turn. In the Snowsports Business — The Good News: “Downhill Snowsports visits absence of active engagement in pro- post[ed] an impressive rebound to a total of 56.6 million. At a preliminary cesses and decision-making, we will estimate of 56.6 million visits, the U.S. ski industry recorded its largest year- simply get what we deserve in terms of over-year percentage gain (up 11.0 percent) and absolute gain (up 5.6 mil- a governing body. lion) in 30 years. Downhill snowsports visits were up in each of the six geo- As I have written previously, apa - graphic regions of the US and in all four size categories of ski areas.” (2012/13 thy is the cancer that eats at our NSAA/Kottke National Preliminary Report) democratic process, a cancer that Snowsports Business — The Not So Good News: “A total of 127 areas provided destroys our ambition to make data on total lesson volumes for both 2012/13 and 2011/12. At these resorts, total change, to make progress. On a per - lessons given were up a slight 0.6 percent (21,323 lessons per area), while total sonal and individual basis, we must visits at this same resort sample increased by 8.3 percent. As a result, the lesson not allow ourselves to conform to participation rate declined by 7.1 percent. Maintaining or increasing this Chomsky’s famous characterization, lesson-to-visits penetration ratio will be important in the long-term growth of “all over the place from the popular Snowsports.” (2012/13 NSAA/Kottke National Preliminary Report) culture to the propaganda system, Where and How Can I Grow My Business? Food for thought: “Children there is constant pressure to make were more likely than adults to take alpine lessons (83.4percent vs. 73.6 per - people feel that they are helpless, that cent). Conversely, children were less likely than adults to take snowboard les - the only role they can have is to ratify sons (16.6percent vs. 26.4 percent). One might speculate on the reasons for decisions and to consume ….” the relative disinterest in lessons by snowboarders. Regardless, this lower ratio may represent an opportunity for increased marketing and outreach by Identifying the issues resorts, and programs to stimulate snowboarder lesson participation.” There are a host of issues that con - (2011/12 NSAA/Kottke National Report) front our division and our profes - “Children’s lessons were more prevalent (58.5 percent of lessons) than adult sional organization, but some are lessons (41.5 percent). By age, the Midwest and Pacific Northwest regions give issues that are also of a national con - the highest proportion of children’s lessons (64 percent each), followed by the cern and are being addressed by our Northeast (62 percent), Rocky Mountains (60 percent), Pacific Southwest (53 percent) and Southeast (43 percent).” (2011/12 NSAA/Kottke national report) continued on next page

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Children 11

Great continued from previous page As a snowsports manager, you understand the benefit of instructor certifi - cation, and its value in providing a better product and enhanced customer colleagues in other divisions. I want to service. If a significant portion of your lesson volume and revenues are driven understand and promote an active col - by children’s lessons, here’s why you should consider adding PSIA-AASI’s laboration across divisions, from both Children’s Specialist programs to your instructor training efforts: a PSIA perspective and from an AASI What are the benefits for your guests? viewpoint. PSIA-AASI’s Children’s Specialist programs provide additional instructor As the new at–large representative education—so instructors can better understand how children develop physi - for the membership, I need the sup - cally, mentally, and emotionally—at different stages and ages. This information port of all my PSIA-I/AASI-I col- becomes even more valuable when applied in family lesson environments. leagues if I am to be successful in my What are the benefits for your instructors? ambition to make PSIA-I/AASI-I great N Instructors that have gone through the CS program are more adapt - again for our membership. I need your able and can think quicker on their feet; input. I am willing to carry your con - N The Children’s Specialist program inspires creativity, adds a level of cerns and your ambitions for our or - fun to the education process, and goes into more depth on children’s ganization to our PSIA-I/AASI-I board, development and its impact in creating a dynamic snowsports lesson; but I know that all the changes will not N The Children’s Specialist program allows instructors from different be delivered overnight, that we must disciplines to participate in the same group, which allows for a sharing choose the issues carefully, keeping in of distinctive views and new ideas. mind the resources available to PSIA-I/AASI-I. “One of my best learning experiences. I learned a lot and I can say that all It was not an accident that my elec- that information is really useful in my classes right now. My class handling is tion proposal and this article have my better, my kids are happier, and their safety is almost always guaranteed. The email address included. I will assure you clinician was one of the nicest guys I met - always ready to hear [about] our that I am happy to be contacted at any teaching experiences and share his passion for teaching the little guys. I think time, to hear of your ideas and your con- that PSIA should encourage more instructors to take this training, it is really cerns, to be your voice! — Charles Rodger, needed,” PSIA-W Instructor – after attending a CS event, March 2013. a PSIA-I/AASI-I board member and Alpine Level 1 instructor,, can be reached “I have been instructing children for quite a while but wanted to learn to at: [email protected] teach better. I did not come to the event with the thought that I was already really good at it, so I could just continue on as always. I was not disappointed. The clinics and the process opened up so much more for me to learn and start practicing right away that apply directly to my present job,” PSIA-W Instructor – after attending a CS event, February 2013.

What does this mean for you? Regardless of your certification level, if you’re interested in enhancing your teaching knowledge base, understanding why some things work (and some things don’t) for specific ages, and possibly increase your earning potential, please consider taking one of our CS events next season.

In other news: The NCTF has had numerous member inquiries regarding CS credential reciprocity with other Snowsports federations/associations. Unfortunately, at this time, no international children’s credentialing agreements are in place; you must be a member of PSIA/AASI, and have your Level 1 and/or Level 2 certification to receive a CS certificate.

The CS Team is working on minor revisions to the CS1, CS2 and CS3/ACE3 Brian Oakden workbooks this summer. The updated workbooks – as well as a 2016-17 Pro - PSIA/AASI Intermountain member Leonid gram Syllabus will be posted in the fall. — Thanks for your continued support. Feldman displays his 20-year award during the 2016 Spring Clinic at Sun Valley.

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 12 Achievements

Achievements and Awards: Certification

Alpine Certification Grunow, Lani Snowbasin Patronis, Rodrigo Deer Valley Hovey, Rick Park City Gwin, Larry J. Park City Patterson, Clair A. Deer Valley Hymas, Steve Powder Mt Haarer, Eric Deer Valley Petersen, Todd B. Solitude Jensen, Caleb Sundance Level 1 Haarer, Eric Deer Valley Pettigrew, Skylar A. Park City Johnson, Iain Park City Hagedorn, Andrew W. Solitude Phillips, Joel H. Brian Head Johnson, Michael Solitude Albers, Taylor Park City Haigh, Jonathan Park City Pollock, Calvin J. Deer Valley Johnson, Shane Deer Valley Aldred, Daryn M. Sundance Hanan, Matthew L. NAC Pong, Madison Beaver Mt Jones, Lindsay Beaver Mt Antola, Carlo L. Snowbird Hansen, Sarah Brighton Porreca, William Deer Valley Kampe, Stefan Deer Valley Archbold, Philip Park City Harrop, Rhonda K. Sundance Prager, Jesse Jackson Hole Kelley, Stan Powder Mt Arnold, Ashley M. Brighton Harward, Brinnlie E. Deer Valley Reichert, Melissa Snow King Knutson, Heidi Snowbasin Ash, Reggie Park City Haslam, Luigi Snowbird Reis, Tina Deer Valley Krochmal, Michael Deer Valley Babcock, Michaela C.Cherry Peak Heackley, Mike J. Deer Valley Richards, Collin J. Sundance Krumwiede, Pam Pebble Creek Baker, Brandon K. Alta Heasley, Sarah Snowbird Rosenfield, Kirstie G. Park City Lindsey, Ryan Alta Ball, Jackson NA Henry, Valerie G. Deer Valley Salisbury, Kyle Sundance Maffei, Robin Jackson Hole Bambach, Matt G. Jackson Hole Hepworth, Alex Cherry Peak Samuels, Matt D. NA Mason, Julia Park City Barsketis, Justin J. Park City Herbert, Amanda C. Park City Sayre, Daniel P. Brighton Matherson, Jess Park City Barton, Richard A. Deer Valley Hickman, Jim Brighton Sevigny, Amanda Brighton Mersereau, Steve Snowbird Beatty, John W. Jackson Hole Hitchcock, Kaitlin D. Alta Sharp, Scott c. Park City Michalko, George Deer Valley Beazer, David M. Cherry Peak Hogan, Jim T. Park City Sirignano, Paulie W. Snowbird Miller, Phil Snowbasin Beihl, Ian F. Jackson Hole Hortin, Joshua M. Cherry Peak Smith, Daine Deer Valley Morse, Jesse Snowbird Belk, Sam Jackson Hole Hudson, John M. Park City Smith, Jeffrey L. Snowbird Passage, Chris Deer Valley Beney, Pierre-Jean Brian Head Hugo, Lauren J. NA Spinelli, Franco A. Snowbird Praggastis, Chris Alta Bennett, Amanda M. Alta Iglesias, Facundo N. NA Stankey, Naoka Snowbasin Rainey, Nancy Deer Valley Bernhard, Matt R. Park City Johnson, Timothy K. Deer Valley St Clair, Gina M. Snow King Rector, Mark Jackson Hole Bernstein, David M. Solitude Kalt, Haley C. Sundance Stember, John Snow King Ryon, Charles Snowbird Binger, Elsa G. Jackson Hole Kaufman, Chelsea C. Park City Stephens, Tessa M. Park City Scharp, Trey Jackson Hole Bishop, Cassity Beaver Mt Kelly, Denise L. Sundance Stern, Daniel H. Deer Valley Schiner, Shannon Jackson Hole Bond, Kristen Deer Valley Klemme, Alex S. Deer Valley Swearingen, Colton Park City Schrieber, Michael Deer Valley Bouchard, Shae L. Targhee Knighton, Suzanne B.Jackson Hole Tasevac, Aydin Snowbird Seamons, Sarah Deer Valley Bradshaw, Diane Deer Valley Krajewski, Matthew Park City Taylor, Bryce Brian Head Slade, Rina Park City Braun, Ira Park City Krieger, Lance F. Jackson Hole Thelen, Jacob M. Snowbird Sorger, Michelle Park City Brennen, Alex P. Park City Langlow, Jessica Jackson Hole Thompson, Linda J. Brian Head Stover, Evan Jackson Hole Brinkerhoff, Ann Sundance Larsen, Courtney R. Cherry Peak Thomson, Amanda B. Cherry Peak Swearingen, Colton Park City Brooks, James R. Jackson Hole Leaman, Debbie Brighton Tiszenkel, Matthew A. Deer Valley Teranes, Michael Park City Brower, Kyle Sundance Leavitt, Jonathan F. Deer Valley Tobin, Keigan M. Snowbird Vetterli, Kent Park City Bryk, Jonah S. Deer Valley Lebold, Stephanie D. Park City Tomasini, Josh S. Snowy Range Weston, Bret Deer Valley Byrne, Michael S. Solitude Leckington, Marcene C. Park City Trask, Hannah C. Jackson Hole White, Bud Brighton Campbell, Josh S. Sundance Lessels, Abigail Deer Valley Turcotte, Elizabeth A. Targhee Wilson, James Park City Carkeek, Kelsey M. Jackson Hole Lewallen, Reed NAC Tuttle, Ana Alta Chapman, Clare A. Alta Li, Ningnan Park City Vallejo, Margaret Park City Christie, Robert L. Park City Lord, Taylor M. Snowbasin Vignogna, Joseph D. Park City Alpine Level 3 Claflin, Michael K. Sundance Loutrel, Lara D. Snowbird Weber, Stephen Targhee Ahles, Tyler Jackson Hole Coles, Rhett Sundance Lytle, Chuck R. Deer Valley Willey, Jeremy Sundance Berger, Laura Jackson Hole Comstock, Mackenzie Park City Maghiar, Martin J. Park City Williams, Michael B. Alta Brideau, Ray Snowbird Cottle, Tanner Alta Malloy, Elysia K. Brighton Wilson, Ken A. NAC Brooks, Herbert Jackson Hole Crawley, Sally A. Brighton Masliah, Laurent A. Park City Winn, David O. Cherry Peak Decker, Chris Snowbird Crowther, Charlie Park City Mason, Julia Park City Wolfe, Mary C. Targhee Dunne Rosch, Joseph Park City Daniell, Corrine C. Park City Mayfield, Craig D. Park City Wright, Samuel L. Alta Eldred, John Alta De Leon, Daniel Park City McDermott, Brian P. Targhee Zeliff, Caite W. Jackson Hole Gerdin, Theresa Jackson Hole Dean, Natalie O. Deer Valley McDonough, Daniel J. Deer Valley Zukerman, Brad S. Solitude Haaser, Craig NA DeCol, Tyler Park City McGill, Sean P. Park City Zwaan, John A. Park City Handman, Luke Snowbasin Dempster, George W. Park City McIlwaine, Ross D. Park City Johnson, Julie NA Detweiler, Kelly C. Deer Valley Mehring, Stephen Snowbasin Johnston, Cordell Alta DeVincentis, Kate S. Alta Mercado, Bacilio NA Alpine Level 2 Kohlmoos, Cassidy Jackson Hole Diebold, Lindsie W. Targhee Meyer, Stephanie NA Abel-Ernst, Rachel Jackson Hole Miller, Elizabeth Targhee Downs, Tyler Sundance Miani, Marne’ Brian Head Allen, Teresa Snowbasin Muecke, Susi Snowbird Drummond, Jennifer L. NA Mock, Katelyn Snowbird Armbrecht, Henry Deer Valley O’Malley, Megan NA Dryden, Stephen A. Deer Valley Montgomery, Lauren R. Park City Baumgartner, Keith Deer Valley Owen, Patrick Jackson Hole Eddy, Travis Park City Moulton, Jacob S. Brian Head Brennan, Max Alta Russell, Jared Snowbasin Einhorn, Eric C. NAC Muckler, Brett P. Deer Valley Brown, Chris Brian Head Simonds, Seth Deer Valley Ellison, Kathryn J. Deer Valley Murphy, Trevor Park City Byrne, Jerome Solitude Smith, Tim Deer Valley Fairchild, Brad C. Park City Myers, Steven W. Park City Callahan, Tim Deer Valley Swearingen, Colton Park City Fitzgerald, Karlie M. Park City Nagle, Joseph NA Chalova, Katya Deer Valley Teresko, Nick Deer Valley Fleer, August Park City Nedurian, Taylor L. Solitude Cho, Albert Deer Valley Fonnesbeck, Tyler Park City Newcomb, Randy W. Park City Coleman, Sandy Park City Gannett, Anna T. Deer Valley Nielsen, Brian H. Snow Basin Delaney, Laura Brighton Giannini, Alissa Targhee Nissen, Bailey J. NAC Doty, Jonathan Alta Gosch, Allison B. Park City Nolan, Tim Targhee Falsone, Dominic Deer Valley Graf, Dave Snowbasin Orr, Mallory S. Snow King Fritsche, Debbie Deer Valley Greene, Nicki Snowbasin Oversby, Courtney Jackson Hole Ganer, Sky Jackson Hole Greenwald, Denise F. Snowbird Pagels, Casey NAC Havlicak, Austin Park City Griffeth, Linda Cherry Peak Palola, Aniken Alta Heymering, Matthew Brighton

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Accreditations 13

Achievements and Awards: Certification and Accreditations

Snowboard Certification Adaptive Certification Children’s Specialist Tessa Stephens Park City Daun Van Sickle Deer Valley Kent Vetterli Deer Valley Level 1 Alpine Level 1 CS1 Courtney Winegar Snowbasin Kelly Anderson Park City Boyce, Sierra Targhee Ream, Kaden R. NAC Teresa Allen Snowbasin Drooks, Jared Jackson Hole Stromberg, Hannah E. NAC Laura Delaney Brighton Meyers, Tyler Targhee Bohrer, Jan NAC Stephanie Ensign Snowbasin CS2 Shenefelt, Aspen Jackson Hole Lewallen, Reed NAC Matthew Heymering Brighton Tera Adams Park City/ NAC Sloven, Jonah Jackson Hole Einhorn, Eric C. NAC Jeremiah McFerrin Park City Philippe Astie Park City Starich, Olivia Jackson Hole Durham, S T. Targhee David Petersen Snowbasin Teri Cooper Not affiliated Baveda, Igor Brighton Meyers, Tyler W. Targhee Ashley Pitcher Park City Nathan Jarvis Park City Cazavilan, Caz Snowbird Trask, Hannah C. Jackson Hole Daniel Ybarra Sundance Pat Pond Deer Valley Davis, Nathan Brighton Pilon, Lindsay Targhee Sierra Boyce Grand Targhee Tim Sattelmeier Park City Hopkins, Garrett Park City Ferneyhough, Alex NA Lindsie Diebold Grand Targhee Derek Althof Deer Valley Mays, Kyle Park City Giannini, Alissa Targhee Ben Dunbar Grand Targhee Sean Baker Jackson Hole Bertelsen, Samantha Park City Quint, Kristine A. Targhee Tyler Durham Grand Targhee Trip Barden Jackson Hole Blythe, Patrick Snowbird Monk, Paul Targhee Alex Ferneyhough Not affiliated Grant Bishop Jackson Hole Gianvito, Daniel Powder Mt Beadle, Kirstin Jackson Hole Alissa Giannini Grand Targhee Arvin Cheng Jackson Hole Atchison, Luke Park City Robey, Katherine M. Targhee Julia Pieper Grand Targhee Abigail Matalavage Jackson Hole Harris, McKensee Park City Bowen, Emma D. Targhee Lindsay Pilon Grand Targhee Jesse Morse Snowbird Nuttall, Chase Park City Tortel, Reve Park City Kristine Quint Grand Targhee Joey Stoeger Snowbird Greenberg, Janie Park City Wilson, Ken A. NAC Hillary Clairmont Jackson Hole Sam Sturgeon Not affiliated Drumiler, Jordan Park City Hanan, Matthew L. NAC Nick Farney Jackson Hole Patti Ardovino Deer Valley Weber, Preston Snowbird Ryan, Matthew J. NA Rachel Helmerichs Jackson Hole Michelle Argentine Deer Valley Smith,Jeffrey Snowbird Leard, Joshua M. NAC Suzanne Knighton Jackson Hole Laura Berger Jackson Hole Dwyer, Nick Solitude Godleski, Christine NAC Mike McGee Not affiliated Chris Brown Brian Head Levy, Brett Park City Scott Meissner Jackson Hole Daniel Brown National Ability Roelofs, Tim Brian Head Russell Nelson Jackson Hole Alpine Level 2 Center Kobrin, Scott Park City Susan Nestor Park City Jill Calhoun Deer Valley Moulton, Jacob Brian Head Bitterfeld, Leandra NAC Sarah Wemple Jackson Hole Megan Hanrahan Park City Watkins, Mark Western Division Keir, Devon A. NAC Martha Anderson Not affiliated Jamie Hill Park City Taylor, Bryce Brian Head Morton, Hunter L. NAC Hollis Davenport Jackson Hole Damion Lee Park City Johnson, Trevin Brian Head Glos, Adam Jackson Hole Eric Dorr Jackson Hole Seth Morris Park City Caccavella,Nick Brian Head Bartlett, Pete N. Jackson Hole Cassie Elliott Jackson Hole Daniel Powell Park City Blanchard, Nathan Brian Head Grover, Janalee Targhee Kevin Emery Jackson Hole Jenna Powell Park City Giffin, Nicholas Brian Head Wolf, Sarah T. Eagle Mountain Jack Graig-Tiso Jackson Hole Holiman, Jordan Brian Head Smilek, Christopher Eagle Greta Junker Not affiliated Echivarre, Boz Park City Mountain Cassidy Kohlmoos Jackson Hole CS3 Carpenter, Gwynee Jackson Hole Biggerstaff, Chad Eagle Mountain Judy Kortum Snow King Paul Franzeim Jackson Hole Fitting, Lennon Park City Sanders, Tara Targhee Jessica Langlow Jackson Hole Theresa Gerdin Jackson Hole Gasper, Michele Snowbird Bing Linhardt Jackson Hole Ryan Ravinsky Jackson Hole Nielsen, Jacob Park City Kris Lunde Jackson Hole Evan Toal Jackson Hole Thiriot, Brandon Park City Nordic Certification Ryan McCartney Snow King Black, Jonathan Park City Graham Messe Jackson Hole Davis, John Park City Echo Miller Jackson Hole Alpine Freestyle Farrer, Dallin Park City Cross Country Level 1 Ted Oliver Jackson Hole Handman, Luke Snowbasin Jesse Prager Jackson Hole Lovelace, Madison Park City Lindsay Hale Sundance Jeff Silliman Jackson Hole Prager, Jesse Jackson Hole Mikulich, Matthew Park City Ashly McQueen NA Sam Sturgeon Not affiliated Hagood, Nathaniel Jackson Hole Robinson, Scott Snowbasin Jennifer Ritter Ogden Nordic Abigayle Verthein Jackson Hole Moore, Alden Jackson Hole Scheffler, Mitch Park City Kristen Makanoa NA Daniel Brown NAC Meissner, Scott Jackson Hole Sibley, Konnor Park City Jason Thornton NA Julie Burkholder Park City Bates, Natalie Jackson Hole Solt, Josh Park City Kendall Heller NA Nancy Capobianco Not affiliated Messe, Graham Jackson Hole Vega, John Park City Michael Nagro NA Katya Chalova Deer Valley Weatherley, Paul Park City Justin McQueen NA Dave Del Carlo Snowbasin Luke Zeleznick Ogden Nordic Kelly Detweiler Deer Valley Snowboard Freestyle Melisa Griffith NA Monika Duran Park City Level 2 Any McQueen NA Chris Gaillard NAC Emery, Kevin Jackson Hole Linford, John Snowbasin / Powder Lance Helberg Park City Wiley, Cristina Jackson Hole Fredricks, Nick Jackson Hole Telemark Level 2 Shane Johnson Deer Valley Shenefelt, Aspen Jackson Hole Higgins, Jack Park City Chris Sherman Park City Katz, David Jackson Hole Diego Allolio Snow King Tim Smith Deer Valley Taylor, Mark Snowbasin Carvel Harward Brighton Thomas Bingham Wolf Ridge Emery, Kevin Jackson Hole Joey Dempster Park City Smith, Jeffrey Snowbird Erin Einhorn NAC Sandra Garrett Deer Valley Sarah Heitman Park City Level 3 Scott Kobrin Park City Gambino, Hunter Park City Brett Krummenacher Deer Valley Dan Levinson Park City Paul Pearson Deer Valley

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 14 Membership

comments about PSIA, a good friend 1986 moved to Snowbird, got selected Ron Kipp, 40 Years told me that it is not right complain if to the last PSIA?I Alpine Team. A couple of you don t know the idiosyncrasies of National Demo Team tryouts and now as Raised on Mt. Hood in Oregon it was the organization. So, I went to the divi - the older guy find myself now on the other only natural that I started my teaching sional examiner and clinic leader try - side of the score card at the PSIA Alpine there. In 1976 I took my Associates test outs and was selected. A couple years Team tryouts for which I am proud. not having any idea what it even was. later I got selected to the NW Tech PSIA has been an important part of Our ski school supervisor was the Divi - Team and then to represent the NW on my professional and personal growth. sion Certification VP, so it was, I guess, the National Examiner exchange. To Teaching makes you a good learner required. Seeing and meeting instruc - fulfill my off?snow knowledge void, I which I think serves basic underlying tors from other ski schools was a real got voted onto the NW BOD. This components of human nature. My pro - eye opener to this home town kid. opened my eyes not only divisionally fessional career has always been related In 1980 after making some derogatory but nationally as well. to ski teaching in some way.

Instructors of the Year

Alta Cherry Peak Jackson Nordic Valley Snowbird Jim McArdle Full Time Courtney Larsen Beth Carlson Adult Alpine Paulette Nyman Ray Brideau Neal Sorensen Part Time Matt Oare Ride Rachel Sheidow Adult Ride Jeff Smith Ride Pat Milligan Youth Alpine Park City Beaver Mountain Deer Valley Kevin Emery Youth Ride Stefan Gosch Snow King Erica Seamons John Close Jack Higgins Snowboard Judy Kortum Privates/Training Kelly Canyon Brian Head Kent Vetterli Children’s Melissa Holm Pebble Creek Solitude Jordan Cotts Sarah Bartholf Kelly Boardman-Fowler Eagle Point NAC Brighton Kim Peterson Devon Kier Powder Mountain Sundance Bud White Christine Godleski Rookie Daniel Giantivo Frank Young Grand Targhee of the Year Janalee Grover Snowbasin Paul Monk Snowboard Dave K. Petersen

Membership 20 year Brian Frees Fredrickson Mark Battaglia Stewart Walz James Menei Michelle Barratt Arthur Haskell Lorenzo O Falan Marian Blaser R.K. Olsen Gary Herbert Peggy Philbrick Anne Brown Dori Pratt Stephen Bigger 40 year John Brill Jason Heimink Matthew Shaw Robert Greene Scott Rissmann Brooke Hontz Scott Sherner Kim Hoover Janie Fausold Thomas Prosek Jim Brown Pete Friedman John Carlson Jeremy Jolley Don Simon Bruce Keller Francis Wikstrom Kyle Kostohris Musret Tasevac JudyAnn Klco Carolyn Fushimi Hal Charlesworth Chip Herron Marlene Darling Randall Larsen Ryan Turner Terry Loiselle Rion Martell Eric Uquillas Craig Panarisi Linda Heymering 50 year Beate Ely Croft Ron Kipp Robyn Christiansen Donna Everitt Jeremy Mayor Cory Wright Lisa Price Thad McGowan Brian Righter Nancy Kronthaler John Dobrosky John Everitt Robert LaMoure William Goldberg Leonid Feldman Barry McKay Dub Shawhan Richard McLaughlin 30 Year Gregory Short Carrie Lee John Raemer Gregory Fransen Dana Adams Steven McFarland William Selvage Mya Frantti Karen Meleca- Helene Taylor

Spring Clinic 2015 Silent Auction Donors The 2016 Spring Clinic Silent Auction was a great success. Please stop in and thank the following donors:

Aloho Chip Herron Mary Flinn Ware Sport Loft Blender Bottle Deer Valley Resort Ron Kipp Stage Stunt Goggle Booster Strap & Slide On Dynastar Maggie Loring Sure Foot Bolle Earl Middlemiss Mike Thurgood Superior Tune Brian Oakden Evan Ricks Oh My Jewelry Swany Carl Boyer Grand Targhee Resort Ski & See US Ski Team Chris Katzenberger Icebreaker Snowbird Mountain School Wasatch Powder House Christy Sports Kitty Kubacki Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Membership 15

A better version PSIA/ASSI Intermountain We loaded in the van members Ron Kipp, Off to an test Dori Pratt, Chip I had no idea Herron, Nancy It seemed like a fest. Kronthaler and Tom The day was done Prosek received They gave me a pin 40-year member A beer with new friends awards at the 2016 I think I found my kin. Spring Clinic in Sun Valley. With orange stretch pants and wind in my hair I loved this life I lived without a care. Brian Oakden Powder to crud snow to rain Surviving the worst drought year ever I learned all I could Dori Pratt, 40 Years It was filling my brain. and earning Associate certification (Level 2), I was hired at Alta in 1978, Clinics, exams, and tryouts, achieving Full certification (Level 3) in My family moved to Park City, in 1960. I manuals for studies 1979. Building a private lesson clientele, was five, my dad was enthralled with ski - this is what we did me and buddies. working trail crew in summers, racing ing, so we spent every weekend at Snow masters and earning USSA level 1 coach- Park, (where Deer Valley is now). We skied Exams never ceased ing, immersed me in ski teaching. in the morning, used up our ten punch Now they gave me a book Returning to the Midwest one pass and then went tubing till dark. This is what you do And this is where you look. summer, I had an opportunity to work When Park City Resort was built and in the trading pits in Chicago. As my open in 1963 [as Treasure Mountain] we Is it skidded or carved? interest in this business grew, I started to ski there. I had lessons with Round or square? became a commuter instructor, teach- some of the ski instructors who would I will be there to help you If you would please dare. ing privates at Alta and being a Market later become my mentors when I became Maker in the pits of Chicago. Torn a ski instructor at the age of 17, in 1973. My pants are no longer orange between two diverse worlds, I got I taught at Park City until 1981, and now my ski family has many some advise from Alf Engen. He when Deer Valley opened, I was one of I am so happy with this life It has filled me plenty. grabbed my arm (he would do that 25 ski instructors its first year. I taught when he wanted your undivided there for two years, returned to Park — Ronald W. Kipp a PSIA-I DECL and Al - attention) he said You go, do the best City, became an examiner, served on pine Sport Education Manager for the you can, then come back . Following the PSIA-I Board of Directors for two US Ski and Snowboard Association his advise, after 20 years in the pits, I terms, met my husband (Tom Petti - came back to Alta in 2006. grew) as his examiner, got married, got I kept current with PSIA, attending a real job, had a kid, quit real job, back national academies in Val d’ Isere, Cha - to teaching skiing at Deer Valley for the Tom Prosek, 40 years monix, Whistler and some local clinics. past 15 years. I am a full time artist, These days I spend my winters enjoying (jeweler, painter), I have multiple col - Growing up in the Midwest where the teaching and skiing good snow with lege degrees, a mother, a wife, a golfer, fairways are lush and flat, downhill friends. Summers are spent cycling to a horseback rider, a bike rider, and a skiing was not an option for me. At - stay in shape and waiting for winter. I new knee survivor. I tending the University of Utah, I started skiing at Snowbird. Ski teach - ing began with the Granite school dis - trict program at Park West. Graduating Children’s Manuals from the U in 1976 and joining PSIA-I We have children’s manuals and handbooks available. Visit the at the Spring Clinic, I was set to begin a psia-i.org store or contact the office for details. career in ski teaching.

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 16

The Instructors EDGE ™ A publication of: PSIA Intermountain Division, AASI Intermountain Division 7105 Highland Dr., Suite 201 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121

Event Coordinator Position conjunction with the Discipline Man- (IMD) assessments, clinics and events. PSIA AASI Intermountain Division is hir- agers (DM’S) and office staff to sched- Please contact [email protected] for ing a new position, Events Specialist Coor- ule, coordinate and manage the additional information. I dinator. This Coordinator will work in logistics of PSIA-AASI Intermountain

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016 CORRECTION 17

Omission This portion of Alpine Education Manager Stephen Helfenbein’s Alpine Educa - tion column did not appear in the Spring/Summer Edge. Here is the rest of Ste - phen’s article.

EDUCATION continued from 7

super creative and original teaching segment. I’ll bet the selectors have al - ready heard my idea hundreds of times over the years.” In spite of all that, there are things about each tryout that are amazing! The talent — you are with the best pros in America! Both the selectors and your peers are THE leaders, legends and innovators in our industry. The amount of experience already compiled by everyone there is beyond quanti - fication. The degree of commitment possessed by so many like-minded peo - ple is pure inspiration. The proximity to greatness is invigorating and intoxicating! Competing — this is not something you get to do much as a ski instructor. Engaging in competitive scenarios is vital to our evolution in any context. How - ever the tryout- context is weird. You are fully competing against one another for some pretty high stakes, but you also care about, support and collaborate with as many of your peers as you can. You would like the chance to be team- mates with everyone once the dust settles. Personal growth — all challenges possess the potential to educate. You are not entitled to the lessons though. There’s more work required! You have to reflect, seek further information, greater support and go back into the gaunt- let for more. Accessing this process can change skiing from a frivolous act of leisure into a metaphor for your life. It gives the opportunity to dare greatly, pursue doggedly, give selflessly and achieve humbly. This process can hap - pen every day, multiple times a day potentially as well as over the span of decades. This time through the process was successful not just because I had finally completed the mission I began over 20 years ago by earning a spot on the 2016 - 2020 team. It was a success because I am learning something new. As anyone who has ever fought hard to reach a goal can confirm, the feeling of arriving at the goal is just a bit hollow. You don’t want to stay there too long. The more compelling realization is that so much more is waiting further ahead of you. I know precious little about what awaits, but I could not be more stoked to go ahead and remain engaged in the process of learning new things, seeking challenges and assessing progress. Regardless of where you find yourself in your process, we share similar experiences and feelings. If I may be so bold as to offer advice based on my experience please know I do so with total humility and without expectation. Do not be overly focused on reaching the end. If your end is a certification pin, a pay raise, a sponsorship or promotion, these things are insufficient indica - tors of success. The process is the reward and your full engagement with it is success. Please enjoy your summer, stay engaged and attack the coming win ter with all the energy you can summon. I am looking forward to skiing with as many of you as I possibly can. I

INSTRUCTORS EDGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016