centrallinefall2006

As the season approaches and we begin tothink about our favorite season again wewill start to prepare our equipment forsnow. You have probably read thousandsof words on how to prepare yourequipment for the upcoming season suchas boot fit, edge tuning, binding settings,new goggles to see in that flat light, andmaybe even some new clothes to lookbetter and stay warmer. Do you ever stopand think about why you are returning toteach? We all know why we come back outto slide down the hill, it is fun. But why dowe teach? Let’s look at some of thereasons you hear around the hill when thetopic comes up;• New instructor at the new hire clinic: “Iwant a free lift ticket,” or “I have somespare time and needed to fill it,” or “I wantto become a better rider,” or my personalfavorite, “I want to earn lots of money.”• Second and third year instructor: “I washoping to begin teaching advancedlessons,” or “This job fits into myschedule and lets me ride,” or “I want toget my next certification level and moveout west.”• Seasoned instructor more than fiveyears: “I like to visit with my friends whoalso teach at this school,” or “It gets meout of the house on the weekend,” or “I amexcited about working on my next level ofcertification.”

These are only some of the reasons we allcome to the hill every year. I am sure youhave more reasons to come to the hill andthey are all valid reasons. I wanted to talkabout why we choose to teach, and what Ithink we need to focus on before the snowcomes. Most of the instructors I meet on

the hill are teaching because they love thesport and they love to pass on theirknowledge of the sport to other people.

That’s it, we teach because we love toteach. There is nothing more valuable thanknowledge. We have some and we want topass it along to students. The best feelingI have ever had has been from a student ofmine making a breakthrough on the hilland their pure joy and huge smile. I reallyenjoy their happiness when they get it. Itdoesn’t matter what “it” is, first linked turnor first time above the lip in the half pipe,but that they got “it”. I have never gottenthat kind of feeling from opening a paycheck. How about the feeling when youteach a child or young adult and then theparents check in at the end of a lesson andthe student brags to Mom or Dad aboutwhat they learned. It makes you feel gooddoesn’t it? How about you racingcoaches? How good is the feeling when aracer does a personal best or even wins arace and gives you credit for theirsuccess?

So, as this season approaches, let’s take acouple minutes to review your educationmaterials, attend a clinic at your hill, andreally sharpen, wax and tune your teachingskills. The better we are as educators themore “its” we will be able to deliver. Thinkabout it, the more “its” we deliver, themore times we get to have that bestfeeling that only snow sports instructorsget to have.

That’s why I teach, for that best feelingonly snow sports instructors get to haveand because I love to teach!

WHY DO WE TEACH?By Del Schirmer, Snowboard Director

EDUCATION EDITION2006-2007

IN THIS ISSUE11 WHY DO WE TEACH?

33 ADAPTABILITY

IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD,INVEST IN YOURSELF

44 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

55 PREPARING YOUR MIND

77 GETTING HIP

99 GOOD TO GREAT

1100 JEANNIE DISCUSSES “THETHEORY”

1111 IN MEMORIAM

PSIA-C ADOPTS NEWCORPORATE NAME

1133 SNOWSPORTS SCHOOLDIRECTORS RALLY 2006

1144 TRAINER’S DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM

1155 EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMERSERVICE

1166--2233 EVENT CALENDAR

2244--2288 EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

Looking for an event? Checkout the event calendar at

psia-c.org!

PSIA-C3225 West St. JosephLansing, Michigan 48917

Phone (517) 327-0601Fax (517) [email protected]

General Information Members shouldcontact their board representatives toshare concerns or opinions on policies orprocedures in order that they be moreeffectively represented.

Submissions: Submissions of articles,photos, and other items for publication arewelcome. All documents that aresubmitted will be published on the web,therefore they should be submitted inMicrosoft Word Format (7.0 or higher)with the following header: article name,date and author. Documents can haveminimal graphics (GIF/BMP) small size -no photographs (for website). Photographsmay be submitted to the office and will bepublished in the Central Line but will notbe published on the web. Please send tothe PSIA-C office at the above address.Articles are accepted on the condition thatthey are released for publication in allPSIA and PSIA division periodicals. PSIA-C reserves the right to edit all articles.

The Central Line, copyright © 2005,is published four times per year by theProfessional Ski Instructors of America-Central. Permission is hereby given to theProfessional Ski Instructors of America andother divisions to copy original materialfrom this newsletter providing credit isgiven to the Professional Ski Instructors ofAmerica-Central and the material is notaltered. Articles that contain specificcopyright notices may not be reprintedunless written permission is obtained fromthe author. It is requested that a copy ofany publication containing reprintedmaterial from this newsletter be sent to theeditor at the address above.

Subscriptions: Persons who are notmembers of PSIA-C can purchase a one-year (four issues) subscription to TheCentral Line for $15. Send your nameand address, along with your check, toPSIA-C at the above address.

Note: Materials published in TheCentral Line that have been provided bypersons who are not writing as PSIA-Cofficials are the responsibility of theauthor and are not necessarily endorsedby PSIA-C.

PSIA-C STAFF

Executive DirectorDonnelly K. Eurich

Director of Membership &Continuing EducationKelsey Gregory

Education CoordinatorKelsey Gregory

Administrative SupportHeather Frazier

Editor in ChiefEngelbert Gal

Director of Financial ServicesDonna Devereaux

2006/2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PresidentWm. “Skip” Dickel

Executive Vice PresidentBrent Heiman

Education Vice PresidentKris Agnew

Financial Vice PresidentGary Kepler

Marketing Vice PresidentEngelbert Gal

Alpine Directors1 Wm. "Skip" DickelJeff Lewin

2 Will NourseBrent Heiman

3 Robin K. RobertsThomas L. McIntosh

4 Kris AgnewWalter B. Sappington

5 Douglas WrenMark D. Foyteck

6 Engelbert GalGary D. Kepler

Nordic DirectorMichael Stockreiter

Snowboard Directors1, 2, 3 Del Schirmer4, 5, 6 Mindy Covington

Ex-Officio PSIA-N DirectorJohn Peppler

2006/2007 EDUCATION FOUNDATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS

PresidentWm. "Skip" Dickel

Executive Vice PresidentBrent Heiman

Financial Vice President &SecretaryGary Kepler

Alpine Directors1 Wm. "Skip" DickelJeff Lewin

2 Brent HeimannWill Nourse

3 Robin K. RobertsThomas L. McIntosh

4 Kris AgnewWalter B. Sappington

5 Douglas WrenMark D. Foyteck

6 Engelbert GalGary D. Kepler

Adaptive DirectorsDavid Henderson

Nordic DirectorMike Stockreiter

Snowboard Directors1, 2, 3 Del Schirmer4, 5, 6 Mindy Covington

Ex-Officio PSIA-N DirectorJohn Peppler

Contact information can be found

at www.psia-c.org/whoswho

THE CENTRAL LINETHE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL

SKI INSTRUCTORS OF AMERICA - CENTRAL

Ski, Ride and Instruct above all at Arapahoe Basin - the Legend!

Located in Summit County Colorado, also home to Keystone, Breckenridgeand Copper.

If you have a passion for skiing and riding A-Basin has opportunities for you inour Snowsports School.

Arapahoe Basin offers the following benefits: Longest season in Colorado,October to June; Competitive wages and Incentive programs, Training in-house from PSIA Education Staff, Skiing at fourteen other Colorado Resortsincluding Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone and Breckenridge; Health, Dental andVision Insurance for full time employees, Direct hiring possible throughinterview for full and part time positions.

Arapahoe Basin a Small Mountain that Rides Big where you have theopportunity to make an impact immediately.

If you would like to become part of the Legend, visit our web sitewww.arapahoebasin.com for more information and to complete anapplication.

For questions and interviews please contact Arapahoe Basin: 800-272-7246

Burt Skall Courtney Whitman,Snowsports Director Human Resources Manager970-513-5707 [email protected] [email protected]

PSIA-C/AASI-C Center Line 2 2006/2007 Education Edition

ADAPTABILITY......GETTING THEMOST OUT OFYOUR SKIING!

by Sherm WhitePSIA-E Alpine DCL Staff

A wise old sage once told me that skitechnique was simple: “You turn left, youturn right, or you go straight. If you turnright twice, you might have made amistake, but it depends.”

Well, with all the new school moves outthere now, you might also ski backwards orturn right twice on purpose. It all dependson what you want to do, on the terrain, andon the conditions you are faced with.

There is nothing like a big mountainexperience, with a wide variety of terrainand conditions to remind us that our abilityto turn any way, or go straight, isdetermined by our ability to recognize howwe mix the skills and apply the result to ourskiing. Things can get real complicated realfast. As instructors, we tend to spend a lotof time on intermediate, well-groomedtrails, where the skill blend is usually prettyconsistent. Changing the blend can betough - and traumatic. There is a reasonthat success in Levels 2 and 3 skiingdepends a lot on your ability to be versatileand adaptable.

I’ve attended several National Academiesover the years, including this past season inChamonix. It’s easy to avoid challengeswhen you are home working; it’s a lotharder when you have made a 5-daycommitment to be a customer. Whetheryou are in Snowbird or Chamonix, or anyother large resort, there is one commonthread: Lots of vertical, lots of terrain, andvariable weather- the ultimate terrain park.Just when you get in a groove, the situationchanges. Those little technical weaknesseswe all hide so well all season at home onthe groomers suddenly get brought to thesurface when faced with changeableconditions and challenging terrain.Adaptability becomes the key to survival (orat the least the key to a satisfying run). Thebest teachers always talk about letting theterrain do the teaching.

An advantage of the Academy format ishaving great coaches to help you makethose adaptations. You may hate it whileyou are experiencing it, but skiing in this

environment can only make you a betterskier. There is nothing like skiing downsome steep pitch covered with chopped upcruddy snow under the guidance of aNational Team member like Terry Barbouror Shawn Smith, and coming out onto anicely groomed trail. The adjustments youwere forced to make under adversitysuddenly make your groomer-turns feelthat much better.

While the conditions we ski may get morecomplicated, the basic mechanics we useare still pretty simple. Parking and riding isnot an option. So, how do you get moreadaptable in your skiing? There are plentyof opportunities for great terrain skiing inthe East. One of the most popular updateevents in PSIA-E recently has been theTrees and Steeps clinics. They all take placeat larger areas with a variety of terrain,which allows multiple groups of skiers ofall ages and levels. Even if you aren’tthinking about Level 2 or 3 certification,participate in certification training at yourhome area. All of the tasks involved in theskiing portion of exams are aimed attraining and testing your versatility andadaptability. Don’t use age or ability as anexcuse not to improve. You’ll almostalways find certified Level One skiers intheir sixties and beyond at these clinics,challenging themselves to ski more diverseterrain.

Even if you can’t make it to specificeducational events, there are things youcan do at home to increase your versatility.Here is a summary of some of the tips I’vegotten in recent years from skiing with thelikes of Chris Fellows, Terry Barbour, andShawn Smith of the PSIA National Team inconditions that Shawn has described asskiing “snow with attitude.”• Focus on your ankles. If they aren’tactively moving, neither are your feet oryour skis. You are in “park”.• Keep the outside foot moving, and try tomatch the swing of your pole tip with yourfoot as it moves. Keep your pole tipsmoving with your feet, or vice versa.• Edge both skis before the fall line, and bepatient. Keep moving from one set of edgesto the other without a transition.

How about some drills you can do on thegroomers at home?

—Ski a variety of turns on a variety ofterrain without poles. If you get some“snow with attitude”, try skiing that withoutpoles as well.

Continued on page 4


IInn AAnn UUnncceerrttaaiinnWWoorrlldd,, IInnvveesstt IInnYYoouurrsseellff

by Jeff LewinPSIA-C Board Representative

Is the economy bouncing back orheaded for the basement? Will gasprices hit $4 per gallon? Havehousing prices finally leveled off?Who knows? We do know thatleisure spending is up, so why notinvest in snowsports? Specifically,why not invest in your own value asa snowsports professional?

For 2006-07, Central Division isoffering s staggering number ofdiverse education and certificationevents. Even if you’re not due foreducation credit this season, thinkabout investing in yourself and takingan event! From racing to freestyle,children’s accreditation to the SilverFox series, and Fundamentals ofSnowsports Instruction to Level 3certification, we’ve got a great eventfor you.

And if you’re really looking tobroaden your horizons, why notexperience a whole new disciple?Find out what it takes to teach with afree heel or turn your world 90degrees and drop – or add – a plank.Attend an Adaptive event and find outwhat it’s like to teach a whole newclientele.

Every business wants to reach newcustomers in new markets. Andevery employee wants to be morevaluable to their employer. It’s anuncertain world out there, butsnowsports is a great place to be.Make an investment in yourself. Toreach new customers and maximizeyour value, sign up for an event – ortwo – this season!

Take an education eventthat is not an exam and

get $20 off your nextevent.

Hurry! You must take thesecond event before the

end of April 2007.

ATTENTION EXPERIENCED

SKI AND SNOWBOARD

INSTRUCTORS!

Put your knowledge and skill to work foryou and live at a Resort this winter.Chestnut Mountain is a full scaledestination resort located less than threehours drive west of Chicago. We boast 475vertical feet of elevation directlyoverlooking the Mississippi River, justsouth of historic Galena, IL.

Come join a PSIA/AASI school that offerscompetitive salaries and wages along withfree lodging and training to all instructors.All levels of certification are encouraged toinquire. Our Fall meeting is scheduled forSunday, October 15th at 10:00 a.m. in ourSkier Services Building.

Contact Rob Hupperich, Ski and BoardSchool Director with any questions [email protected] or call him at 1-815-777-1320 ext. 480

—Shuffle turns are great. You can’t parkyourself into a stance and still shuffle muchof anything. Mix up the drill by shufflingwith both feet, then with just the outsideski. Then, try shuffling just to the fall line.Not only will you develop a feel for keepingthe outside ski (which we frequently parkon) moving, but you will also strengthenyour inside ski movement and help yourselfmake an earlier commitment to the newturn.

—Probably the best thing you can do is tojust make sure that you go out and skiregardless of the weather or conditions. Ifyou only ski on perfect conditions, you’llonly build your skills to ski thoseconditions. Go out when it is icy, slushy,crusty, whatever, and take some friendswith you and coach each other. If no oneelse wants to go out, do it by yourself, andearn bragging rights in the locker room.

Remember, there really is no such thing asa bad day of skiing as long as we let ourmind and body adapt our skills to whateverthe mountain throws at us; you could beworking in an office - or worse.

This article originally appeared in the early fallissue of the PSIA-AASI Eastern DivisionSnowPro. It is reprinted with permission here.

Continued from page 3


MEMBER SPOTLIGHTThree Level III instructors at Trollhaugen Winter Recreation Area, Dresser,Wisconsin, have a total of 145 years of teaching experience and 125 years of PSIA.membership. They are, left to right, Dick Boulet (40 years of teaching), Pete Moreno(54 years of teaching), and Rollie Westman (51 years of teaching).

Dick first taught for the Minneapolis Park Board, Pete with the Otto Hollaus SkiSchool, and Rollie's first ski teaching was with the YWCA in El Paso, Texas. They arelooking forward to teaching another 100 years beginning this season!!

WHERE DO HANDGINEERS COME FROM:The History behind Manzella.With nearly 25 years as a glove maker, serving outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, sportsmen and even theexacting requirements of the military and law enforcement personnel, Manzella has built a reputation forquality, innovation, and great fitting gloves. Through that time, Manzella has created a special kind ofengineer that is all about hands and gloves - the Handgineer.

Handgineers design gloves. They design them as equipment with specific technical requirements toenhance the hands motion, comfort and protection during a specific sport or activity and most importantlythey design gloves differently for men and women.

Handgineers pioneered the first true fit for women in outdoor and ski gloves and we have taken thatknowledge and placed it throughout all our women’s line. Women have more slender, long fingers, thinnerwrists and a shorter pinky compared to a men’s hands and maintaining proper warmth is more than justinsulation… It’s fit too – and Manzella gloves have it!

Handgineers know the hand technically, study the hand in motion, and think about the hand while they arehome, asleep and other inappropriate times. They are fanatics!

We have created gloves that truly represent the best glove in each category or Best of Class. When youpick up a ski glove for example, you can be assured that there is no finer ski glove available.. No glove willbe better fitting or more functional or more comfortable.

Years of experience by the Manzella Handgineers have resulted in the simple Warm • Warmer • Warmestglove selection system and the Best of Class gloves, now you can pick your perfect pair of gloves in lessthan two minutes! We have done all the homework for you. All you need to know is your own preferences.It is really this easy…

1—Choose your activity – Skiing, boarding, mountaineering, whatever.

2—Choose a glove group from your personal comfort preference – Do you always have cold hands or areyou know as a heat generator. Here is our guide:Warm—For outdoor aerobic activities or people who are warm blooded, you know those of you that throwthe blankets off at night in the middle of winter.Warmer—For outdoor activities in variable conditions (most universal).Warmest—For extended cold weather outdoor activities or people who are cold handed (and probablyhave popsicle toes too…)

3—Choose your size and favorite style—or the one that has all the cool stuff calling you.We call this the Manzella Glove Selection System—catchyisn’t it? Visit us at www.manzella.com

800-784-4090

Continued on page 5

The purpose of this article is to help youfine-tune your emotional and mentalpreparation for your exam. We alreadyknow that you are a highly tuned andefficient snowsports teaching machine!Here are some tips and techniques to helpyou positively channel those pre exam andexam day nerves and jitters. Being able tomaster this aspect of your exam prep willput you right over the top!

In the Weeks Leading Up to the ExamSpend some time thinking about why youare choosing to seek certification: Is it toprove to yourself that you have the skill andtalent to succeed? Is it to demonstrate toothers that you have the skills and talentsto succeed? How important is this to you?

Seeking out and conquering newchallenges often drive human motivation.To achieve the high levels of excellence thatthe certification process requires, you aregoing to have to utilize all of your physical,mental and emotional skills to their fullcapacity. To accomplish this, you need toknow your levels of personal commitmentand self-control. Terry Orlick, in his book,In Search of Excellence, lists severalindicators of excellence that may help youassess your own levels of commitment andself-control. Consider the following:

Commitment•Constant hard work & the ability andwillingness to give a little extra•Never give up•Plan, evaluate and correct

Self-Control•Come through in tight situations•React to setbacks in mature and positiveways•Stay cool and confident under pressure

Excessive anxiety, which destroys skilledperformance, comes from exaggerating theimportance of the outcome of an event.While successfully completing all examrequirements is important, there areseveral things you can do to help keep youranxiety in check such as the simulationapproach and role-playing. If you areparticipating in the PSIA & AASI exampreparation clinics, you are most likelypracticing teaching sequences with yourstudy group and performing the variousexercises as assigned by the clinic leader.

As your preparation period draws to aclose, you may also participate in a mockexam, where you are trying to create real-life situations in an environment similar tothe one in which you are going to perform.All of these techniques are examples ofrole-playing and simulation.

PREPARINGYOUR MIND:

The Certification Exam

By Mike Niesen and Liz Ammerman

OK. You’ve been working hard to preparefor the PSIA / AASI certification exam.You’ve made the commitment to achievethat next level in your teaching and riding /skiing. In the off-season, you’ve exercisedregularly and are in top physical shape.You’ve studied the technical manuals sothat your knowledge is rock solid.

Since the season’s begun, you’ve attendedall the clinics, extensively practiced all ofthe skill exercises and have endlesslyrehearsed the teaching progressions.You’ve spent time on the slopes with yourpeers doing movement analysis along withsome video analysis of yourself and otherriders and skiers. You’ve also taken theopportunity to get some one-on-onecoaching from some of your area’s top-notch education staff members. Wow, youhave done a lot of work, haven’t you?You’re prepared, right? What else is there,you ask? Physically and mechanicallyyou’re totally dialed in.

But, how much time have you invested inpreparing mentally and emotionally foryour exam???

Instructors reading this article have failedsome exam at some point in theirsnowsports instructing journey, right? Andit’s probably safe to say that many of youhave jabbed your Examiner voodoo dollwith pins because they failed you at someaspect of your exam, correct? (Yeah, that’sit…blame the examiner!) Breakdowns inyour skiing/riding and teaching skillsduring an exam may be directly attributedyour mental and emotional preparation –think back to those experiences!

Over the past 15 years, there have beenmany articles in PSIA’s journal, theProfessional Skier on the requirements forcertifications and how to prepare for takingthe examinations. Much of this body ofknowledge centers on the technical andmechanical aspects of riding and teaching.

Every once in a while, an article will appearproviding some advice about how tomanage “test anxiety” but often, thesearticles will revert back to telling you thatthe best way to prepare is to “know yourstuff”. Well, duhhhhh!!

Another important thing to be aware of isyour “self-talk.” What is the little voice inyour head saying about your performance? Are you hearing your own words ofencouragement? Does the voicecontinually remind you that you can do it?Does it pump you up by saying, “Give ityour best shot?”

Often times, when we make a mistake orperceive that we’ve underperformed, weexperience negative thoughts saying orthinking, “How could I have been sodumb?” “You really blew it that time!”

KEY POINT: To counter the effects ofnegative self-talk, try to find a positiveaspect about the performance as well ashighlighting and analyzing the shortfall.While we certainly must correct the flaws inour performance, identifying what needsattention should be done in a positive andconfidence building manner.

In the Days Leading Up to the ExamOK … You’re entering the home stretch …You’ve successfully taken the written exam.You’ve been rehearsing the teachingprogressions and your peers and clinicleaders have given you positive feedbackabout your performance in the simulatedexam situations … You’re feeling goodabout your preparations, right? How abouta little more mental and emotional tuningup by preparing your Psych Plan? Here area couple of tips for such a plan:

•Avoid cramming. If you feel the need tocram for the exam, you are beginning tofeel test anxiety setting in. Review yourself-talk. If you’ve done your homework tothis point, don’t allow the little voices inyour mind to inject negative thoughts orelements of doubt about preparation.

•Use mental imagery or visualization todo a simulation of the exam entirely in yourmind. Using mental imagery gives you achance to deal with a situation in your headbefore you have to face it in the real world.Examples of performers using thistechnique are athletes in competition. Abasketball player visualizes the free throwswishing through the net. A racer at the topof the course is running the gates in his/hermind … visualizing every turn, everybump. The most important aspect aboutusing mental imagery is that you mustvisualize yourself executing the taskflawlessly. Combining this technique withappropriate self-talk will give you somepowerful tools for dealing with theemotional side of performance.


•Performers may not always achievedesired results because they are nervous,tense or too tight in the time leading up andinto their performance. Search out anddevelop methods to relax. Deep breathing,the really deep belly breaths, may helprelieve muscle tension. Visualize yourselfin a relaxing setting. Another effectiverelaxation technique is to develop a set ofsimple cue words such as relax, calm ortake it easy. The moment you start to feeltense or anxious, begin to recite your cuewords slowly and softly to yourself. Youmay begin to feel your stress level decreasealmost immediately. There are many othermethods to help you learn to relax. The keyis find a couple that you are comfortablewith and perfect them for your own use.

In Hours Leading Up to the ExamIT’S SHOWTIME! It’s time to rock and rollon your teaching assignments and blowaway your examiners! It’s time to earn thatnext certification level that you’ve workedso hard at over the past months and years!Most of the following tips may seem trivial,but if you make sure these things arecovered, you will minimize distractions thatoften lead to unwanted stress.

•Prepare a checklist of importantreminders —start with your gear. Do youhave everything? Hat, gloves, goggles,boots, board, skis, poles, etc. No, you’renot a little kid … but have you ever gottento the hill only to find that you forgot topack something you really need? Also,have you tuned your skis and boards tomaximize their performance and top matchthe conditions where your exam is beingheld? You don’t want to have to deal withthat type of self-induced stress on examday.Another type of checklist some peopleprepare is one that reminds them ofimportant points about the exam itself. Forexample:•Be sure to state lesson goal•Check for understanding•Don’t belabor points•Don’t rush – speak slowly•Provide flawless demos•Wrap up properly, etc.

These are all things that you’ve addressedmany times during your exam preparationclinics. Remind yourself, “I know this stuffcold. I don’t want to forget it in mynervousness.”

•Logistics —Do you know how to get tothe exam site? Where to park? What aboutlift tickets? What am I going to eat? Again,taking some time to address these issuesmay save you some anxious moments onexam day.

During the ExamYou’re at the exam site; you’re all booted upand on the snow. The examiner has set theexpectation for the day. Here are a few finalpointers to help you keep your composureand successfully navigate the day’s events:•Calmly run through your mental checklists•Practice your relaxation techniques•Stay positive, upbeat•Teach how you teach at your area. There is no need to do anything different.All of the material used at your ski &snowboard school should be based onPSIA & AASI principals and methodologies

Before you begin, whether it is the teachingassignment or executing a skill or task, takea deep breath and slowly count to 3. Thiswill seem like a tremendous amount ofdead air but it will give you a moment togather yourself and get started on the rightfoot

View your fellow group members asteammates. You are not in competitionwith each other. On chairlift rides, discussyour assignments, ask questions, andshare information. You’ll find the dialoguehelpful and perhaps even calming

SummaryPSAI & AASI are professional organizationswith high level but attainable performancestandards. Certification exams serve asbenchmarks in your progress as aprofessional in snowsports instruction.These tips and pointers come from years ofresearch in sport psychology and frompersonal experience in exam situations.Using them does not guarantee a passingresult, but will lessen the likelihood ofstress-induced mistakes. No matter whatthe result, take something more than thepin away from your exam experience. Usethe time as a way of learning about yourselfand what drives you to be an instructor.Good Luck!

Opt-in to save the environment

Receive membership renewal reminders,event reminders and most importantly, eventconfirmations in your e-mail box.

Sign in at the PSIA Member Services website athttp://www.psia.org/ or the AASI MemberServices website at http://www.aasi.org/ andedit your member profile.

Please be sure to have both [email protected] [email protected] in your address book orapproved senders email list.

Afton Alps -Daytime StaffAfton Alps is looking for enthusiastic andmotivated skiers and snowboarders whoenjoy working with kids to help teach our5th through 8th grade program.

Join an already enthusiastic daytime staffwho are helping to create the nextgeneration of skiers and boarders. Thebenefits of working with “graders” isendless! The program runs mostweekdays from 9am to about 12:30pm.

Afton Alps is also seeking instructors forvarious other night and weekend shifts.Anyone with a passion for snow sports isencouraged to apply!

Anyone interested should contact Justin at651.436.5245 x244 orvia email at [email protected]


Resources:Copeland, Jack. “The Evolution of Certification.”The Professional Skier, Spring 1996Hall, Johanna. “You Can Get More Than a Pin Formthe PSIA Exam Process.” The Professional Skier,Winter 1998Orlick, Terry. 1980. In Pursuit of Excellence.Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. Champaign, IL.Pringle, Doug. “Pin in Your Plans? Start ExamPreparation Now.” The Professional Skier, Winter 1997Rostad, Joan. “The Price and Payoff ofCertification.” The Professional Skier, Winter 1 –1991-92

Mike & Liz are level II alpine certifiedinstructors and have over 25 years ofcombined ski teaching experience –almost all of it at Hyland!

How to Teach

Looking for something alittle more up-to-date?

Check out page 32!

EFFECTIVE SKI COACHING:

A text for coaches and instructorsby Tom Reynolds. Price: $24.95 +4.00 S/H. VISA/MC accepted.Write New Additions, P.O. Box883, Farmington, ME 04938.Phone (207) 778-3471

GETTING HIPby Beverly Vasseur

What are the most helpful techniquesyou can teach a woman wanting toimprove her skiing skills?The answer: Teach her to tip her skis foredging and use her hip for a powersource in the turn.

One of the most common problemswomen face when longing to move to ahigher level, is lack of angles and edgecontrol. They continue to pivot their skisbecause it is the only waythey understand to gainimmediate control over skisthat are moving too fastdown the fall line. The skierhesitates just long enoughfor the skis to jet forwardwhich then moves the hipback behind the feet. Thepivot can be immediategratification and control formaking a turn. Thisbecomes muscle memory asthe skier continues to make turns bytwisting the feet which pivots the skisacross the fall line. Women learn quicklythat by doing this they can slowthemselves down and thereby navigatealmost any terrain. As professional skiteachers we can teach about the initiationand control phase of the turn, stressingthat a good turn is a round turn (C-shaped). Students nod in agreement butthen ski away, after the lesson, doing thesame turn they have in muscle memory,we know it as “the Z turn”.

I would like to call attention to twoarticles that can help all of us forteaching. The first article, The Ankle-

Your Forgotten Joint by Megan Harvey &Katie Fry (The Professional SkierW2000), is very informative for helpingone understand that the foot and anklejoint are not inactive in the ski boot. Thepurpose of the article is easy to passalong to students, by demonstrating howto practice dorsi flexion and plantarflexion along with pronation andsupination with and without boots.Megan and Katie refer to this asinversion/eversion, but whateverlanguage you chose to use for teachingcan only be helpful for skiers who areoblivious about the role the foot plays inskiing.

The second article, Teach and Learn fromthe bottom up, by Pat Ronan (TPSW2006), helps one understanding howthe broader picture looks when we learnto use all of our joints. This article giveseasy to follow teaching sequences thatwill help the students succeed. Level 4/5students can begin to experience flexion,extension and alignment of the body intopositive movement patterns. The morefrequently one executes a specificmovement, the more likely that one willexecute that movement again and again,thus gaining muscle memory. Therepetitive practice of the rightmovements, tipping the skis not twistingthe skis, strengthens new muscles.Movements that once felt awkward orstrange will begin to be used with ease -and can then become a default response.Weekly training of the skill setsmentioned and practiced over a 5-6 weekperiod can help women successfullyembed these techniques into theirmuscle memory.

I am particularly interested in teachingwomen how to use their hips forangulation. What has been so elusive formost women is the power that hipangulation gives in a turn. Many women

attempting to mimic hip angulation endup in the back seat. They substitute ormay confuse the less desireablemovement pattern of the up downmotion where the hips move back, withthe correct in and out movement of thehips. Unfortunately, the ineffective orpoor movement pattern prevents themfrom progressing beyond theintermediate stage.

While the ankle and knee are the startingpoints for understanding angulation,instructors can build on this theme byexplaining how using flexed joints canput the hip and body in a strong position.

After weeks of teachingthese techniques womenhave acknowledged theyactually have felt the ski holdand could affirm theirmovement pattern bylooking back on their tracks.

Many instructors shy awayfrom teaching too muchabout hip angulation for fearof what the skier will end up

doing, but if women are not taught thisstrong power source for turns, they endup mimicking the up/down motion whichmoves them into the back seat, thusrelegating them to the terminalintermediate stage.

Tipping the skis and improving hipmovement are the two best techniquesthat you can teach this year to truly helpthe women in your classes GET HIP.

“Tipping the skis and improvinghip movement are the two besttechniques that you can teachthis year to truly help the womenin your classes GET HIP.”

Send us an article or

photo that is of interest to

the general membership

by December 31st and we

may just publish it on the

web or in the newsletter!


GOOD TO GREATBy David A. CookPSIA-C Education Staff Member—EmeritusSkijammers Ski SchoolMinneapolis, MN

I’d like you to consider the advance trainingclinics that we give to our best performingstudents. These might be to our fellowinstructors, our peers or the top students inour skiing, riding and racing programs. Wemight even be one of the participants inthese advanced clinics before we pass onwhat we learned to others. This group ofadvanced students is a discriminatingbunch; their expectations are high and theyexpect a stimulating and memorable day.

Over the years I have had the privilege ofattending quite a few very good clinics -even more clinics that were great. I havelistened to the excitement of others whohave reported back after attending amemorable great clinic. Good is just that -they’re good, but not great. Great clinicsare ones that charge the participants bothemotionally and intellectually, as well asbeing physically stimulating; making themmemorable.

Good and great clinics may start out thesame. The group leaders asks us ourwishes and desires, asks what we areworking on, watches us perform and thendives into tasks to improve both ourperformance and our awareness.Demonstrations are crisp with concisedescriptions. When needed, performancefeedback is offered with appropriatereteaching and guided practice to gainmastery. Each participant’s skiing or ridingis improved through practicing the tasks athand.

What’s often missing from the good clinicsis an underlying theme to tie the taskstogether. A theme that winds through eachtask, connecting the assorted dots (tasks),to create a mental picture of the day that’seasy to recall. A central theme makes for amemorable write-up in ones’ personalnotes. The best themes and presentationsare thought out and prepared in advanced,yet each participant’s individual and uniqueneeds are addressed within the context ofthe central theme. The best presenters haveevolved their “bag of tricks” to a “bag ofthemes.” They have different tactics toaddress each theme.

Having a central theme allows the day toflow with meaning, comprehension andimproved recall. Tasks are framed within

the context of the theme. Detours from thetheme are appropriate as the group’s needsdictate. Yet if the day lacks a central theme,most tasks are poorly recalled likemeaningless, scattered, superficialconversations. Great themes come acrosslike a wonderful storybook. Theintroduction is compelling, it draws you in.The development holds your attention andsatisfies your hunger, while the ending tiesit all together. When finished, youenthusiastically remember all of the partsand want to retell the story to others. Thetheme binds the book and glues thechapters together with meaning.

Central themes may be equipment focused:exploring the use of “shorties” to improveour skiing or the effective use of ourshaped skis. Others expand on a single taskto address multiple skills and movements:shuffling, one leg skiing, pivot slips, two-footed tracks or skating. Great themeshave repeated presentations from Interskiof our own, and other country’s,presentations; such as the “Three Sames”from Australia, 2002.

Just prior to the “Center Line” concept, ourD-Team struggled with the mechanics inthe Wedge Christy zone. Their presentationof the various Wedge Christies to othereducators at that time was a fantastictheme that compared and contrasteddifferent movement patterns. When theCenter Line concept started to limits theinstructors’ lateral teaching, a TeamMember had us perform classical rotation,counter rotation and split rotation turns tothe best of our ability to compare, contrastand discover the strengths and weaknessesof these techniques. The theme ofexploring the movements from pasttechniques, identifying the good, the badand the ugly, made it a memorable day.That clinic must have been over 15 yearsago, but I could present it today.

Some great themes are specific thoughtsthat denote actions: “The ability to releaseand engage both edges simultaneouslywith one movement,” “the effort to moveahead and stay ahead through out yourturns,” “two footed tracks, carving withboth skis.” I have listened to great coachesspend two days on each of these thoughts,while still addressing each participant’s

individual needs and presenting a wellrounded message of effectivecontemporary skiing. These themes madetheir presentations organized, memorableand re-teachable. I have also witnessedgreat coaches leave an unmemorableimpression over several days by lacking acentral theme.

Other themes are general, yet the day’sactivities are still couched within thesethemes as they present the tactics of: “crudand powder riding/skiing,” “skiing in the‘no-fall’ zone,” “dynamic, yet efficientmovements” or “energy and strengthmanagement, while effectively riding/skiingthe mountain all day.” Some recent themeshave explored the movements of effectiveand ineffective skiing. Others have used the“Stepping Stones” concept and presentedthe different parallel and non-parallel pathsa beginner skier might take as they tackleour sport.

Every year, our school, Skijammers, has acentral theme that drives our instructortraining and flavors our daily lessons. Forexample, one year our central theme was“Jammer Hands.” We noted thatinstructors, and students alike, had poorlydisciplined hand positions. Just saying“Jammer Hands” to a group of instructorsor students got them to snap their handsinto their proper place, with little furtherdiscussion.

I recently participated in a wonderful groupgolf lesson in Tucson. Our pro was a formerplayer on the women’s PGA tour. I could tellwithin two minutes that she was aseasoned teacher. She asked us what wewere looking for, asked us our handicapand watches us hit for 10 minutes withdifferent irons. She presented a simplegroup focus to compress the ball. She gavethe group simple thoughts on how tocompress the ball as she gave easy toremember individual suggestions to makeour next shot different. Her comments werenon-judgmental, encouraging and centeredaround compressing the ball! A verymemorable day.

I challenge you when presenting to aseasoned group of students to develop acentral theme for the day. After accessingyour student’s needs and evaluating theirabilities, frame your time with them into acentral theme. Develop and expand on it,take a few detours as needed, but if it isworthwhile, don’t abandon it. Use thetheme to make the day memorable andrepeatable for your students. Great lessonsare memorable; the central theme providesthe framework.

“Having a central themeallows the day to flowwith meaning,comprehension andimproved recall.”


JOB OPPORTUNITIES ATGRAND GENEVA

SNOWSPORTS SCHOOLSnowsports School Director -Person must be highly organized, able towork in a high pressure environment,able to think quickly, good customerservice skills required, minimum PSIAlevel 1 certification required, and must bedependable. Person will schedule ski andsnowboard lessons, work directly withthe group sales manager on specialprograms, will oversee new instructortraining program (ski and snowboard),schedule instructor clinics, organizetraining programs, review payroll, andtrack lessons. Person will also have toresolve any customer service issues atthe snowsports school. Basic computerknowledge required. MS Office and SMSprogram knowledge a plus. Position isseasonal full time with otheropportunities available at the resortduring the summer months dependingon qualifications.

Contact Hans W. Hauschild, Snowsports AreaDirector, at [email protected] (262)245-7530 with any questions.

Please email, fax (262) 249-4561 or sendresume to:

The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva, Attn:Snowsports, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, LakeGeneva, WI 53147, with experience andreferences.

Also now hiring ski and snowboardinstructors!

JEANNIE THORENDISCUSSES

“THE THEORY”By Jeannie Thoren, Member

Women, is your equipment right for you?Do you really know for sure? I have spentthe last 30 years studying the way in whichwomen’s skiing technique differs from theirmale counterparts. The weak link in awoman's skiing that keeps her from furtherprogress is usually her equipment.Women’s bodies are different than men’sand therefore their equipment shouldadjust accordingly! Men should especiallypay attention!

Women are not small men! They are notbetter, not worse just different. Of the manyphysical differences between the sexes, Iconcentrate on four. Center of Gravity,Knock-Knees, Wider Pelvis and differencesin ankle and knee flexion between thesexes. For example, let me illustrate the differencein Center of Gravity.A woman’s center ofgravity is on average one inch lower andfurther back than a man’s. She also carriesmore weight below the waist; around herhips, buttocks, and thighs. Men, broader inthe chest and shoulders, carry their weightabove the waist.

THE PROBLEMThis difference in anatomy accounts for awoman carrying her weight further back onher skis. You can think of a man as a pearstanding on its head, and a woman as apear sitting on its bottom. When a manflexes forward on his skis, his center ofgravity is over his toes. When a womanflexes forward, her center of gravity is overher heels. Skis initiate turns from the frontend of the skis, so when a skier’s weight isconcentrated too far back on the ski, theunweighted tip will shoot forward, wander,and possibly cross. Many women havedifficulty getting forward on their skis andstaying there.

THE SOLUTIONMoving the binding position forward on theskis puts the woman on the proper balancepoint of the ski. A woman "on top of herskis" can make smoother, quicker, andmore controlled turns.

Select retailers throughout the country,along with Dynastar, and Lange Ski Boots,will host Jeannie Thoren for acomplimentary (and fun) presentation on

how female skiers can improve theirexperience by understanding thedifferences between men’s and women’sequipment. The event begins with meetingJeannie informally during a wine andcheese social, before diving into the topicof women’s-specific ski gear. We invite anyfemale skier, regardless of her ability levelto come and join us for the fun. Bring yourquestions and skiing friends along, it’s agreat opportunity to meet and rub elbows,learn and laugh with an icon of women’s skiculture. The complete theory and detailscan be found at www.jeanniethoren.com

Jeannie Thorean will be at the followinglocations:

September-22 PIERCE SKATE & SKI 208 W 98th St.Minneapolis, Mn Reception & Presentation 6-9 PM September-23 PIERCE SKATE & SKI 208 W 98th St.Minneapolis, Mn Equipment Consultations 10AM to 5 PM September-24 PIERCE SKATE & SKI 208 W 98th St.Minneapolis, Mn Equipment Consultations 12:00 to 3:00

September-26 LES MOISE 18000 W Bluemound Rd/Brookfield,Wis Reception & Presentation 6:30-9 PM September-27 LES MOISE 18000 W Bluemound Rd/Brookfield,Wis Equipment Consultations 10AM to 5 PM September-28 LES MOISE 18000 W Bluemound Rd/Brookfield,Wis Equipment Consultations 10AM to 5 PM

September-29 VIKING 3422 W Fullerton/Chicago, Il Reception& Presentation 6-9 PM September-30 VIKING 3422 W Fullerton/Chicago, ilEquipment Consultations 10AM to 5 PM October-1 VIKING 3422 W Fullerton/Chicago, il EquipmentConsultations 11AM to 3 PM

October-2 SKI CO 430 S Main Rochester/MI Reception &Presentation 6-9 PM

October-3 BILL & PAULS 120 E Paris SE Grand Rapids, MIReception & Presentation 6-9 PM October-4 BILL & PAULS 120 E Paris SE Grand Rapids, MiEquipment Consultations 9AM to 9 PM

October-5 GEIGER'S 50 Shopping Plaza Chagrin Falls, OhReception & Presentation 6-9 PM October-6 GEIGER'S 50 Shopping Plaza Chagrin Falls, OhEquipment Consultations 9AM to 4 PM October-6 GEIGER'S 14710 Detroit St. Lakewood, OhReception & Presentation 6-9 PM October-7 GEIGER'S 14710 Detroit St. Lakewood EquipmentConsultations 9AM to 6 PM

October-8 BUCKEYE SPORTS 4610 State Rd Penninsula, OhReception & Presentation 6-9 PM October-9 BUCKEYE SPORTS 4610 State Rd Penninsula, OhEquipment Consultations 10AM to 5 PM

Don’t forget men are especially welcome too!

FFRRIIEENNDDSS DDOONN’’TT LLEETT FFRRIIEENNDDSSTTAAKKEE AANNEEXXAAMMWWIITTHHOOUUTT FFIIRRSSTT TTAAKKIINNGG TTHHEEPPRREEPP!!

GGEETT PPRREEPPPPEEDD WWIITTHHPPSSIIAA--CC..PPAASSSS TTHHEE FFIIRRSSTT TTIIMMEE..

A mandatory educationevent is now requiredprior to all snowboardlevel 2/3 exams

Ed events can be almost anyevent that is not a test. ie: ridewith D-team, prep, RTD,freestyle accred, etc.


JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT

WELCH VILLAGE RESORT

The SkiLink Learning Center at Welch VillageResort is looking for enthusiastic instructors tojoin our team.

The SkiLink Learning Center is poised for asuccessful season. The learning center hasreceived national recognition as the first resort inNorth America to partner with PSIA on the Gowith a Pro marketing program. The learningcenter played a key role in Welch Village beingawarded an NSAA Customer Service Award.Plus, Welch Village will be partnering with aregional retail chain to offer an innovative learnto ski package available for purchase throughoutthe Twin Cities.

Welch Village instructors receive free continuingtraining by level 3 instructors, plus discountsthroughout the resort.

Openings:Elementary School Program – Theprogram helps 9000 5th-8th graders fromSouthern Minnesota learn to ski. The programgoes from January to the Mid-March, with mostteaching occurring Monday-Friday 9am-1pm,but evening ski and snowboard lessons areavailable. A commitment to teaching weekdaysin December and through the end of the seasonis needed.

Weekend & Holiday Team – Help teachpeople of all ages and ability levels how to skiand snowboard. Contact Mary B Rosett at 651-222-7079 x33 [email protected]

IN MEMORIAMAndrew FischerOn April 9th Perfect North Slopes lost oneof its own young instructors, AndrewFischer, in a tragic four wheeler accident;Andrew had just recently turned eighteenyears old and was planning to attendAkron University this fall. Andrew workedwith me during the last two seasons andprior to working with me, Andrew taughtin our Kids Camp program. Sadly, I hadjust sent a letter of recommendation toMike Bell, Boston Mills-Brandywine SkiSchool Director, recommending Andrewfor a position with their ski school nextseason.

This was an enthusiastic young man,joining PSIA as a student member andachieving his Level I all this season. I amsure those that knew Andrew, understandhe is now working very hard to get the lastword in with his new Head Instructor andprobably asking his new Head Instructor ifhe can wear the ball cap he and I tussledabout for a season. It was very ironic thatAndrew received the “Nicole MichelleBartz” award for Outstanding YoungInstructor this season, named in honor ofanother outstanding young instructor whotragically lost her life in 2003 at onlyeighteen years of age.

Andrew we (I) will miss you! Ski theconstant deep powder for us, teach like weknow you can, and Nicole, you have mypermission to interrupt him every once ina while.

John Cole Perfect North Slopes (&Andrews Friend)

Eldon AbbeyThompsonville – Eldon E. “Bud” Abbey, 77of Thompsonville, MI died Sunday, July 9,2006 at Munson Medical Center inTraverse City. He was born October 25,1928 in Lakeview, the son of Clifford andArleu (Peavey) Abbey.

Bud was an avid skier, and had been a skiinstructor for over 50 years. Ski Magazinerecently named him as one of the top 100ski instructors in the nation. CrystalMountain also named a ski run in Bud’shonor.

Bud was known for his hard work ethicand for his love of coaching and watchingchildren’s sports, especially those in whichhis grandchildren were participating. Hehad also enjoyed splitting wood,woodworking, hunting and beingoutdoors.

The members and staff of the CentralDivision would like to recognize these fineindividuals for sharing their joy andpassion with friends as well as studentsfor a sport we love.


PSIA-C ADOPTS NEW

CORPORATE NAME

The Profesional Ski Instructors ofAmerica-Central(PSIA-C) and AmericanAssociation of Snowboard Instructors-Central(AASI-C) will now operate as DBA(doing business as) organizations underthe umbrella corporate title of theAmerican Snowsports EducationAssociation-Central (ASEA-C).

It is important to note that while ASEA-Cis the new coporate name, the brandnames PSIA-C and AASI-C will notchange. This change follows national’smove two years ago. Each member willstill be identified by his or her affiliationwith either PSIA or AASI.

Don’t forget to

order manuals for

test from office

517-327 0601

Congratulations to our 2006Award recipients!

Recipient of the Lifetime AchievementAward:

Walter Rasula from Blizzard Ski School, MNJune Compton from Mad River Mountain, OHand Perfect North Slopes, INHenry Walder from Tyrolean Ski Adventures, MILouis Miller from Blizzard Ski School, MI

Recipient of the Instructor of the DivisionAward:

Arnie Wright from Cascade Mountain, WI

Recipient of the Instructor of the SectionAward:

Section 3 - Simon Unkovskoy from WilmotMountain, IL

Check the Early Winter 2006 Central LineNewsletter for more information on thesemembers!

Think that there is someoneelse that should have been on

the list and recognized?

Send in your nomination for aninstructor to be recognized

today!


STEPPING OUT OFBOUNDS

If you enjoy an occasional jauntout-of-bounds at those bigmountain ski areas you are at risk.It’s not the big bowls, cirques orchutes that normally nail people.It’s the small drainage or the shortcut to the lodge that normally takethe unsuspecting skier by surprise.Crested Butte lost two tourists inthe parking lot last year whilegetting their skis out of the car.There was a 100 ft. bank locatednext to the parking lot that justsuddenly gave up its snow.Avalanches simply follow physicallaws. Nature doesn’t care aboutyour agenda or who you are. Ifyou want to learn to read thesigns, read on.

The National Ski Patrol AvalancheGroup is offering an AvalancheFundamentals and Rescue Course(AFR) this fall at the BoyneHighlands on December 9th and10th concurrently with the PSIAevent. The course takes one fullday and a part of day two. Thecourse includes the following:

• Terrain Analysis• Weather• Snowpack Analysis• Route Finding• Mitigation• Slope Analysis• Transceiver Usage• Organized Rescue

If you ski in the backcountry youowe it to your partner to be able tofind him/her quickly if buried byavalanche. The best news of all isthat the course costs only $35 perperson.

Anyone can take this course. Youdon’t have to be a member of theNSP or PSIA to attend. This

course is a prerequisite to theprofessional grade course(Avalanche Level II) that is offeredin the Wasatch Range this year.The Avalanche Level II Course is aweek long and goes intoconsiderable depth in each of theabove subjects. We usually breakup the week with heli-skiing mid-week. That’s not part of theprogram but $250 gets you up themountain three times. Try to beatthat price. Another thing toconsider is that if you somedayseek big mountain employmentthis course puts you at the front ofthe line.

If you want more information onthe AFR Course contact KristiOlson at:

[email protected]

If you want information on theAvalanche Level II Course contactDarcy Hanley at:

[email protected]

Or:

[email protected]

Central Division Avalanche Advisor(513) 919-3129

SNOWSPORTSSCHOOL

DIRECTORSRALLY 2006

byRick Van Tongeren – S.S.D.Committee Chair

The Directors Rally (DR) was held inAugust at Crystal Mountain, Michigan,with over 400 in attendance. The DR wasin conjunction with the Midwest Ski AreasAssociation (M.S.A.A.) Summer Meetings& Trade Show. It was a fantasticopportunity to learn and gatherinformation about all facets of theSnowsports Industry. M.S.A.A. ExecutiveDirector, Chris Stoddard and his staff areto be commended for putting on a firstclass event!

The DR had 26 participants on the firstday, representing over 2,000 snowsportsinstructors. We had between 12 to15participants for the remaining twosessions; a number of which weresnowsports directors. We met each dayduring the event to exchange knowledge,ideas and experiences that snowsportsschools could utilize at their own areas.

The first session was an information-gathering seminar led by several guestspeakers that brought us up to speed towhat is currently happening within theAmerican Snowsports EducationAssociation (A.S.E.A).

Mark Dorsey, the interim ExecutiveDirector of A.S.E.A. National, gave us avery informative “on-line” presentation ofthe current web site (www.psia.org) andthe soon to be launched upgraded website. There were many opportunities to askquestions and improve our browsingtechniques on the site in order to quicklyretrieve specific information. A.S.E.A.National is developing several greatproducts that will be available in the nearfuture.

Kelsey Gregory, from A.S.E.A. – Central,took us on a tour of our Central Web site.It was great to have a “live” on line hookup to display the sites on a projector /screen so all could participate in thebrowsing. Both the National and Central web sitesare alive with valuable information andshould be checked often!

Engelbert Gal, A.S.E.A. - Central MarketingVP, presented a number of new posters &informational cards for us to promote“Taking Lessons From a Pro”. He sharedhighlights of the most recent BoardMeeting, the Central Line Newsletter, andsome of what the future holds forA.S.E.A.-C. We also had opportunities totalk about the 2006-07 tentative eventschedule.There were many questions asked of ourguest speakers, which was a greatopportunity for all those in attendance toshare and exchange ideas.

The second day was the director’s ThinkTank. The roundtable discussion was veryenlightening and productive withimproving our snowsports guest’sexperience at our areas as the mainobjective. Ideas ranged from improvingstaff training, implementing guest-specificprograms, facilities, hiring,communications, software, and facilitieslayout.

The Think Tank discussions could havegone on longer, but there was a fullagenda to attend with tremendous “breakout sessions” and guest speakers thatwere provided by M.S.A.A.

The third day was spent discussing theFall A.S.E.A.- Central Directors meeting atBoyne Highlands & Wild Mountain (onsnow). The focus then shifted to our nextSummer Rally (2007 at Chestnut Mtn.)and what types of presentations andprograms we’d like to include. Thisgathering proved to be a great start to anannual A.S.E.A.-C. Directors Rally with theM.S.A.A. Summer Meetings & TradeShow. The tie-in with M.S.A.A. wasappropriate and our director attendancewas better than anticipated as well. If youare a director and could not attend thisevent, we hope to see you at nextSummers Rally in Galena, Illinois!

Thanks to everyone that attended thisevent, a special thanks to Susan GarberVigland & John Reents for their help onthis project. Think global cooling!

Thank You!

PSIA and AASI would like to thank Johnand Amy Reents as well as Afton Alps fortheir service in representing ourorganization through the years to theMidwest Skis Areas Association. Onbehalf of the Central Division membersand staff thank you.


Your Opportunity to

ADVERTISEin the

CENTRAL LINE

Advertise your program, product,ski school, used equipment swap or

any other snowsport item in thePSIA-C newsletter. We offer

classified Ads and Display Ads.

Classified Ads:Classified Ads are line type ads run in a specific section of the

newsletter. Classified ads may varyin size and rates depending on the

number of words in the ad.

PSIA-C Member SkiSchools:

Help Wanted Ads - No ChargeOther Classified Ads - $10.00

minimum for 30 words or less, plus$.20 per word over 30.

Other Schools, Persons, or Orginizations:

All Classified Ads - $20.00minimum for 30 words or less, plus $.25 per word over 30.

Note: Long numbers and similar text (e.g. e-mail, addresses, etc.) will be divided into words for thepurpose of calculating the ad rate.

Camera ReadyDisplay Ads:

Full Page 7 1/2 ” x 10” $350

Half Page 7 1/2 ” x 5” $250

Quarter 3 1/2 ” x 5” $120

Eighth 3 1/2 ” x 21/2 ” $60

Display Ads will be set off fromthe surrounding text.

TRAINER’S DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM

Central Division Congratulates FirstAccredited Trainersby Vicki Garves Berg Education Staff

During the 2005-06 season the PSIA-C Trainers’ Accreditation wasintroduced.

The following people were motivated to complete this accreditationin this first year by attending all the required Trainers’ DevelopmentProgram (TDP) offerings.

We are excited to introduce you to our first PSIA-C AccreditedTrainers:

Craig Johnson-Wild MountainMick Corbett-Wild Mountain

Cathy Williamson-Ski Jammers Patrick Hall-Trollhaugen

Sharon Lahti-Spirit MountainHeidi Jo Karlsson-Sprit Mountain

Sandy Vicari-Giants RidgeShelly Pierson-Giants Ridge

Christian Bauerecker-Welch VillageNeal Menecke-Welch Village

Jim Andrews-Blizzard

Our new PSIA-C Accredited Trainers completed the three requiredTrainers’ Development Programs (TDP) events with five days ofparticipation and training.

One of the TDP training days consisted of an indoor/dryland sessionfocusing on guest services and pre-season staff training for theirhome areas. This was presented at the “Snowsports Conference” &Professional Development Series (PDS) last fall, as well as anunscheduled event held the Friday before the March 2006 Welchevent.

Recognition of Foundation DonationsThe PSIA/AASI-C Foundation will be recognizingthose who donate to this organization. Donate$15 or more to be recognized as a BRONZEContributing Donor. Increments of $50, $100and $150 or more will be recognized respectivelyas SILVER Sustaining, GOLD Supporting andPLATINUM Sponsoring Donors. Look for the Foundation Donors listed in ournewsletter and on the web.

Nominate a fellow instructor forInstructor of the Section for2006-2007 Season by April 1,2007.See www.psia-c.org for details.

Then the “Accredited Trainers” participated in the Trainers’Development Programs (TDP) I & II. TDP I was held at GiantsRidge in December & TDP II was held at Welch Village in March.Both the TDP I & II are two day events consisting of indoor andon-snow participation.

The TDP I topics are the teaching model & skiing model,primarily focused on training your staff to instruct their guestsfrom the “never-ever” beginner to an intermediate level. Thisweekend also helps the trainer better prepare staff for PSIA LevelI certification.

The TDP II topics are focused toward a more advanced trainingmode. This weekend consists of movement analysis andevaluation preparation. The TDP II is designed to help trainersassist their staff in achieving confidence in advanced levellessons and internal staff clinics. Additionally, TDP II can help thetrainers assist their staff members as they aspire to PSIAcertification Levels II & III.

Each of the TDP events has a workbook which gives theparticipants a curriculum and additional information designed tohelp the trainer in his or her home school. These workbooks arepacked full of information on the specific topics covered at theTDP events, however I am sure the “Accredited Trainers” listedabove would agree that the most valuable information theyreceived was from the exchange of ideas that we all sharedduring the events.

You can find more information on the “Trainers DevelopmentProgram” event offerings and the PSIA-C Trainers Accreditationrequirements, on the PSIA-C website and in the PSIA-C CentralLine publications.

CONGRATULATIONS to our new “PSIA-CAccredited Trainers.”


EXCELLENCE INCUSTOMERSERVICE:

The Formula for Successwith MRM Beginner

Skiers & Riders!

by John Domiano, Member and Editor

Because of our guests, we exist. Ourexistence as Snow Pros revolves aroundcreating a safe and exciting experience forour guests. We exist to provide a safe, funand learning environment. We exist tocreate and manage an environment towhich they will want to return to MadRiver Mountain (MRM) time and timeagain.

Perhaps the most crucial part of teachingbeginning skiers/boarders is preparationof the “game plan”; what we are going todo, why we are going to do it, and how weare going to encourage our guests toaccomplish movements that will lead toskillful skiing/boarders. Our credibility withour guests rests on our choices here. Ourdegree of success (and that of the guest)will depend on our strategy for our guest’sdevelopment and our ability to improviseand change our lesson plan given theexperiences that occur during the lesson,and our energy and judgement.

As with any equation, the Formula forSuccess with MRM Beginning Skiers &Riders has many variables. A ski lessonfor a beginner or group of beginningskiers/boarders invariably leads to avariety of situations, thus having manysolutions. A great Snow Pro has a solidunderstanding of the fundamentalmovements of efficient skiing/boarding,how variables will affect the outcomes,and how to manipulate the variables tocreate a solution that leads to success forour guests. Snow sports schools acrossthe country use many different teachingsystems, but the fundamental movementsthat lead to effective skiing/boardersremain the same. To be effective asa Snow Pro, it is critical to make accuratetechnical analyses, while keeping theguest’s goals (as well as your goals) inmind. Remember, we exist to give ourbeginning guests an exciting introductionto our skiers/boarders. We exist to helpour guests develop the skills that will leadto successful skiing/riding.BECAUSE THE CUSTOMER…

Because the customer has a need,we have a job to do.Because the customer has a choice,we must be the better choice.Because the customer has sensibilities,we must be considerate.Because the customer has an urgency,we must be quick.Because the customer is unique,we must be flexible.Because the customer has highexpectations,we must excel.Because the customer has influence,we have the hope of more customers.Because of the customer,We exist!

A Snow Pro not only representshim/herself, but also the Mad RiverMountain (MRM) Ski School, MRM andPSIA/AASI. Customer Service is one of themost important things that we, as SnowPros, do.

In PSIA/AASI we describe the way weinteract with customers as “Customer-Centered.” In order to act in a customer-centered way, a good rule of thumb is totry to see every situation from theperspective of the customer or fellowemployee.

Every time we interact with a guest, wewill leave a positive, neutral, or negativeimpression. Each of us has the ability topositively impact a guest’s perception ofthe resort, our ski school, or our fellowemployees. It is important to be aware ofcustomer service not only when teaching alesson, but anytime you can positivelyimpact a guest’s perception. Another wayto improve customer service is throughour interactions with other mountainemployees and more importantly, OURFIRST TIME GUESTS – from the momentthey enter the ticket office until the end oftheir first lesson.

When we treat our fellow employees withrespect and clearly communicate in aconstructive way, we facilitate betterservice and a friendlier environmentthroughout the resort.

Moreover, when we treat our first timeguests with the same passion andenthusiasm as we have for the sport, theywill have a positive experience both on thehill and with our staff; which will result inreturn visits to both MRM and our skischool.

Given the fact that the number one

reason for a customer to not return isperceived employee apathy, customerservice represents one of the greatestopportunities for us to inspire a life longpassion for the alpine environment!Editor’s note: Thank you on behalf of the associationfor sharing what your ski schools is doing at MadRiver Mountian. Tell us what you are doing at your resort by sendingus an e-mail at [email protected]

PRO APPRECIATIONDAY SUNDAY OCTOBER

1, 2006Celebrating its 30th Anniversary,Snowcrest Ski & Snowboard Centerof Crestwood, IL, a combinationretail store and indoor ski/snowboardtraining facility, utilizing theMogulslope Snowsports Trainer forskiing and snowboard instructionand the best stance analysis issponsoring a Pro Day on SundayOctober 1st, 2006 from 11:00am to5:00pm.

This event will get you pro pricingalong with the best advice onequipment, apparel and services.Snowcrest prides itself on doingextensive product testing, more thanany store in the country. Recentlynamed a Gold Medal Shop by SKIMagazine, Snowcrest is owned andoperated by certified instructors andrecognized by RealSkiers.Com andSki Press Magazine as one of theirprimary testers.

Snowcrest values your contributionsto the snowsports industry.Snowcrest employees share yourpassion for achieving positive resultswith equipment selection, alignmentand tuning. They too take pride inaiding you to be the best that you,the snowsports professional, can be.

PSIA/AASI Level I, II & III credentialsare required to attend this event. Forinfo on Snowcrest services visit ourwebsite at www.snowcrst.com or e-mail us at [email protected] pre-register, call (708) 389-4963– Pre registration is encouraged.

Save a few trees and help us save afew dollars by receiving the newsletter

in the electronic format.


CENTRAL DIVISION 2006/2007EVENTS CALENDAR

REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8AM FOR ALL EVENTS

Notes: * = Events with limited spaces; may fill prior to deadlines!Events with weekdays are highlighted in red

CHILDREN'S 2006/2007 CALENDAR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION PROGRAMSKNEE-HIGH KNOWLEDGE - 2 DAYS - $120 (All disciplines- Workbook Completion Required)(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline9100 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 9104 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20079101 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 9105 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20079102 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 9106 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20079103 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

CHILDREN'S MOVEMENT ANALYSIS - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Children's Accredited members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline9107 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 9111 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20079108 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 9112 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20079109 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 9113 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20079110 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

CHILDREN'S ACCREDITATION SERIESCHILDREN'S ACCREDITATION - 2 DAYS - $150 (All disciplines- Workbook Completion Required)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8100 Afton Alps, MI Dec. 2-3 11/17/206 8104 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20078101 Boyne Mountain, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8105 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20078102 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 8106 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20078103 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

FREESTYLE 2006/2007 CALENDAR FREESTYLE EDUCATION PROGRAMSFREESTYLE TEACHING DEVELOPMENT - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline6200 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2007

FREESTYLE CAMP -2 DAYS - $120(Open to Levels 1,2,3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline6201 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 6202 Alpine Valley, MI Feb. 3-4 1/19/2007

FREESTYLE ACCREDITATION SERIESFREESTYLE ACCREDITATION (BASIC) - 2 DAY - $150 Limited to 6 Participants(Open to Levels 1,2,3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8202 *Welch Village, MN Feb. 3-4 1/19/2007 8204 *Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20078203 *Tyrol Basin, WI Feb. 24-25 2/9/2007


Alpine 2006/2007 CalendarTEACHING SERIESTEACHING FUNDAMENTALS (A) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 1)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4100 Ski Brule, MI Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 4103 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/20064101 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 4104 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20074102 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006

TEACHING FUNDAMENTALS (B) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 2)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4105 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 4108 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20074106 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007 4109 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20074107 Schuss Mountain, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007

TEACHING FUNDAMENTALS (C) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4110 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 4112 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/20074111 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 4113 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 3-4 1/19/2007

SKIING SERIESFUNDAMENTALS OF SKI INSTRUCTION - 2 DAYS - $140 INCLUDES DIVISION DUES(New Instructors)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4114 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4115 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

SKIING FUNDAMENTALS (A) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 1)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4116 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 4118 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/20064117 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4119 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

SKIING FUNDAMENTALS (B) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 2)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4120 Ski Brule, MI Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 4123 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20074121 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 4124 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20074122 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

SKIING FUNDAMENTALS (C) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4125 Snow Creek, MO Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 4128 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/20074126 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 4129 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 3-4 1/19/20074127 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 4130 Schuss Mountain, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007

GREY WOLF SERIES - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Alpine 2 & 3 - very aggressive skiing)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4131 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4134 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20074132 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 4135 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20074133 Schuss Mountain, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007 4136 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/2007

SILVER FOX SERIES - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Senior Instructors)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4137 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4141 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20074138 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 4142 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20074139 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007 4143 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20074140 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007 4144 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/2007


VARIETY IN THE SPICE OF SKIING - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4145 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4147 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20074146 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007 4148 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/2007

EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS EXPERIENCE - 2 DAY S - $120(Open to all Members w/ 5+ years teaching)Num Location Dates Deadline4149 *Wild Mountain, MN Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

SPECIALTY SERIESREINSTATEMENT CLINIC - 3 DAYS - $150 plus dues and reinstatement fee.Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline6100 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 8-10 11/24/2006 6101 Welch Village, MN Mar. 2-4 2/16/2007

WOMEN'S CLINIC w/ D-Team - 2 DAYS - $200 (Open to Levels 1, 2, & 3)Num Location Dates Deadline6102 *Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 18-19 1/5/20076103 *Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 25-26 1/12/20076104 *Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20076105 *Paoli Peaks, IN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20076106 Aspen / Snowmass, CO Apr. 9-10 3/23/2007

WOMEN'S CLINIC w/ PSIA-C Leaders - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline6107 *Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006

MINI ACADEMY - 2 DAYS - $200 (Open to Levels 1, 2, & 3)Num Location Dates Deadline6108 *Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/20066109 *Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 25-26 1/12/20076110 *Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20076111 *Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20076112 *Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20076113 *Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/2007

SPRING RALLY - 2 DAYS - $150(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline9102 Aspen / Snowmass, CO Apr. 9-10 3/23/2007

VIDEO / MOVEMENT ANALYSIS - 2 DAYS - $150(Open to Levels 1, 2, & 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline6114 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 6119 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20076115 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 6120 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20076116 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 6121 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20076117 Afton Alps, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007 6122 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/20076118 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007

PATROLLER DEVELOPMENT - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Levels 1, 2, & 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline6123 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 6125 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20076124 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007

BEYOND SERIESEDUCATION STAFF DEVELOPMENT GROUP - 2 DAYS - $120 (Open to Level 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline7100 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/17/2006 7101 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/24/2006

D-TEAM CLINIC LEADERS!Spend two days with a

current or former D-Team member!

Save 20$ on your second educationevent of the season!


SNOWSPORT SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING - 2 DAYS - $120 (Open to School Directors)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline7102 Afton Alps, MN Nov. 30-Dec. 1 11/17/2006 7103 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 7-8 11/24/2006TRAINERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (1) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Levels 2 & 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline7104 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 7106 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/20077105 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006TRAINERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (2) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Levels 2 & 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline7107 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007 7108 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

VARIETY SERIESSAMPLER PLATTER - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline6126 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006

RACE SERIESREV IT UP A - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline6127 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 6129 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20076128 Schuss Mountain, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007 6130 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

REV IT UP B - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Levels 2 & 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline6131 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 6132 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007

RACE CAMP W/ D-TEAM - 2 DAYS - $200 (D-Team Clinic Leaders)(Open to Levels 1, 2 & 3)Num Location Dates Deadline6133 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

EDUCATION SERIESLEVEL 1 DEVELOPMENT GROUP - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Registered Members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8107 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 8110 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/20078108 Snow Creek, MO Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 8111 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 3-4 1/19/20078109 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 8112 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007

LEVEL 2 DEVELOPMENT GROUP - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 1)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8113 Snow Creek, MO Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 8114 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007

LEVEL 3 DEVELOPMENT GROUP - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 2)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8115 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8117 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/20078116 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 8118 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007

LEVEL 1 DEVELOPMENT GROUP (Exam Prep) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Registered Members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8119 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 8120 Boston Mills/ Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/2007

Take the Prep, then the Test. Pass the first time.


LEVEL 2 DEVELOPMENT GROUP (Exam Prep) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 1)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8121 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 8128 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 3-4 1/19/20078122 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8129 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20078123 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 8130 Boston Mills/ Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20078124 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 8131 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20078125 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 8132 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20078126 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 8133 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/20078127 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007

LEVEL 3 DEVELOPMENT GROUP (Exam Prep) - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 2)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8134 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 8141 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 3-4 1/19/20078135 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8142 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20078136 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 8143 Boston Mills/ Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20078137 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 8144 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20078138 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 8145 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20078139 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 8146 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/20078140 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007

CERTIFICATION SERIESLEVEL 1 EXAMS - 2 DAYS - $150 / STUDENTS - $125Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline1100 Ski Brule, MI Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 1109 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/20071101 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 2-3 11/17/2006 1110 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20071102 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 1111 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 3-4 1/19/20071103 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 1112 Schuss Mountain, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20071104 Snow Creek, MO Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 1113 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20071105 Hyland Hills, MN Jan. 9-11 12/29/2006 1114 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20071106 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 1115 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20071107 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 1116 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20071108 Perfect North Slopes Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 1117 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/2007

LEVEL 2 EXAMS - 3 DAYS - $225 (WRITTEN EXAM PREREQUISITE)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline2100 Afton Alps, MN Dec. 1-3 11/17/2006 2107 Schuss Mountain, MI Feb. 9-11 1/26/20072101 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 8-10 11/24/2006 2108 Sunburst, WI Feb. 9-11 1/26/20072102 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 2109 Boston Mills/Brandywine, OH Feb. 16-18 2/2/20072103 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 19-21 1/5/2007 2110 Welch Village, MN Mar. 2-4 2/16/20072104 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 19-21 1/5/2007 2111 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 9-11 2/23/20072105 Wild Mountain, MN Jan. 26-28 1/12/2007 2112 Marquette, MI Mar. 16-18 3/2/20072106 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 2-4 1/19/2007

LEVEL 3 EXAMS - 3 DAYS - $225(WRITTEN EXAM PREREQUISITE)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline3100 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 19-21 1/5/2007 3103 Welch Village, MN Mar. 2-4 2/16/20073101 Schuss Mountain, MI Feb. 9-11 1/26/2007 3104 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 9-11 2/23/20073102 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 19-21 1/5/2007 3105 Marquette, MI Mar. 16-18 3/2/2007

ADAPTIVE 2006/2007 CALENDAREDUCATION SERIESADAPTIVE WORKSHOP CLINIC - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4350 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 4352 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20074351 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 4353 Spirit Mountain, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007


FUNDAMENTALS OF ADAPTIVE SKI INSTRUCTION - NEW INSTRUCTORSNum Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4354 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 4356 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20074355 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 4357 Spirit Mountain, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007

CERTIFICATION SERIESLEVEL 1 EXAMS 2 DAYS - $150 / STUDENTS - $125(Prerequisite: Level 1 Exam Prep Packet)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline1300 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 1302 Pine Knob, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20071301 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 1303 Spirit Mountain, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007

LEVEL 2 EXAMS - 2 DAYS - $150(Prerequisite: Workshop Clinic)Num Location Dates Deadline2300 Spirit Mountain, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007

SNOWBOARD 2006/2007 CALENDAR TEACHING / RIDING SERIESRIDING / TEACHING DEVELOPMENT - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4200 Wild Mountain, MN Nov. 25-26 11/10/06 4205 Giants Ridge, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/074201 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 11/22/06 4206 Welch Village, MN Feb. 3-4 1/19/074202 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/06 4207 Crystal Mountain, MI Feb. 10-11 1/26/074203 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/07 4208 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/074204 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/07

SPECIALTY SERIESMINI ACADEMY (D-Team Clinic Leaders) - 2 DAYS - $200(Open to Levels 1,2,3)Num Location Dates Deadline6204 *Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/20066205 *Afton Alps, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20076206 *Alpine Valley, OH Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007

SPRING RALLY - 2 DAYS - $150(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline6207 Aspen / Snowmass, CO Apr. 9-10 3/23/2007

BIG SNOW OUTFITTERS SNOWBOARD CAMP (Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Notesn/a Blackjack, MI Jan. 6-7 Register w/ BSO Members can use this event for AASI-C education credit.

BEYOND SERIESDCL AUDITION - 2 DAYS - NO COST / NO CREDIT(Open to Level 3)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline7201 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007 7202 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

EXAM PREPARATORY SERIESLEVEL 2 PREP - 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 1)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8205 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8207 Afton Alps, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20078206 Crystal Mountain, MI Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

D-TEAM CLINIC LEADERS!Spend two days with a

current or former D-Team member!

Taking a test? Got the materials? Call (517) 327-0601 for the hookup.


LEVEL 3 PREP 2 DAYS - $120(Open to Level 2)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8208 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8210 Afton Alps, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20078209 Crystal Mountain, MI Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007

CERTIFICATION SERIESLEVEL 1 EXAM - 2 DAYS - $150 / STUDENTS - $125Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline1200 Wild Mountain, MN Nov. 25-26 11/10/2006 1212 Afton Alps, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/20071201 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 1213 Alpine Valley, MI Jan. 29-31 1/12/20071203 Brandywine, OH Dec. 18-20 (PM) 12/1/2006 1214 Pine Knob Feb. 3-4 1/19/20071204 Mad River, OH Jan. 6-7 12/22/2006 1215 Welch Village, MN Feb. 3-4 1/19/20071205 Wilmot, WI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 1216 Cascade Mountain, WI Feb. 3-4 1/19/20071206 Buck Hill, MN Jan. 16-18 (PM) 1/5/2007 1217 Alpine Valley, OH Feb. 10-11 1/26/20071207 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 1218 Sunburst, WI Feb. 10-11 1/26/20071208 Chestnut Mountain, IL Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 1219 Swiss Valley, MI Feb. 17-18 2/2/20071209 Perfect North Slopes, IN Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 1220 Lake Geneva, WI Feb. 24-25 2/9/20071210 Giants Ridge, MN Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007 1221 Tyrol Basin, WI Feb. 24-25 2/9/20071211 Crystal Mountain, MI Jan. 27-28 1/12/2007 1222 Marquette, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/2007

LEVEL 2 EXAM - 2 DAYS - $150Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline2201 Cannonsburg, MI Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007 2204 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/20072202 Alpine Valley, OH Feb. 10-11 1/26/2007 2205 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20072203 Tyrol Basin, WI Feb. 24-25 2/9/2007

LEVEL 3 EXAM - 2 DAYS - $150Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline2300 Welch Village, MN Mar. 3-4 2/16/2007 2301 Boyne Mountain, MI Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

NORDIC 2006/2007 CALENDAREDUCATION SERIESNORDIC TRACK WORKSHOP CLINIC - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4400 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 4403 Crystal Mountain, MI Jan. 20-21 1/5/20074401 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4404 Minocqua Winter Park, WI Mar. 10-11 2/23/20074402 Minocqua Winter Park, WI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006

TELEMARK WORKSHOP CLINIC - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4300 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 4303 Boston Mills, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20074301 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4304 Mt. Bohemia, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/20074302 Boyne Mountain, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 4305 Marquette, MI Mar. 25-26 3/10/2006

NORDIC TRACK INSTRUCTOR TRAINING - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4405 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 4408 Crystal Mountain, MI Jan. 20-21 1/5/20074406 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4409 Boyne Mountain, MI Feb. 24-25 2/9/20074407 Minocqua Winter Park, WI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4410 Minocqua Winter Park, WI Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

TELEMARK INSTRUCTOR TRAINING - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to all members)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline4306 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 4309 Boyne Mountain, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/20064307 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 4310 Boston Mills, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20074308 Indianhead, MI Dec. 11 11/24/2006 4311 Indianhead, MI Mar. 12 2/23/2007


EXAM PREPARATORY SERIESNORDIC TRACK LEVEL 2 PREP - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to Level 1)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8400 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 8402 Minoqcua Winter Park, WI Dec. 9-10 11/24/20068401 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8403 Crystal Mountain, MI Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007

TELEMARK LEVEL 2 PREP - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to Level 1)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8300 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 8303 Indianhead, MI Mar. 12 2/23/20078301 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8304 Mt. Bohemia, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/20078302 Indianhead, MI Dec. 11 11/24/2006

NORDIC TRACK LEVEL 3 PREP - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to Level 2)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8404 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 8406 Minoqcua Winter Park, WI Dec. 9-10 11/24/20068405 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8407 Crystal Mountain, MI Jan. 20-21 1/5/2007

TELEMARK LEVEL 3 PREP - 2 DAYS - $120 / 1 DAY - $85(Open to Level 2)Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline8305 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 8308 Boston Mills, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20078306 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 8309 Indianhead, MI Mar. 12 2/23/20078307 Indianhead, MI Dec. 11 11/24/2006 8310 Mt. Bohemia, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/2007

CERTIFICATION SERIESNORDIC TRACK LEVEL 1 - 2 DAYS - $150 / STUDENTS - $125Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline1400 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 1403 Crystal Mountain, MI Jan. 20-21 1/5/20071401 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 1404 Boyne Mountain, MI Feb. 24-25 2/9/20071402 Minocqua Winter Park, WI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 1405 Minocqua Winter Park, WI Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

TELEMARK LEVEL 1 - 1 DAY - $95 / 2 DAYS WITH PREP - $150 / STUDENTS - $125Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline1500 Trollhaugen, WI Nov. 18-19 11/3/2006 1503 Boyne Mountain, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/20061501 Boyne Highlands, MI Dec. 9-10 11/24/2006 1504 Boston Mills, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/20071502 Indianhead, MI Dec. 11 11/24/2006 1505 Indianhead, MI Mar. 12 2/23/2007

NORDIC TRACK LEVEL 2 - 2 DAYS - $150Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline2400 Boyne Mountain, MI Feb. 24-25 2/9/2007 2401 Minocqua Winter Park, WI Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

TELEMARK LEVEL 2 - 1 DAY - $952 DAYS WITH PREP - $150Num Location Dates Deadline Num Location Dates Deadline2500 Boyne Mountain, MI Jan. 13-14 12/29/2006 2502 Mt. Bohemia, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/20072501 Boston Mills, OH Feb. 17-18 2/2/2007

NORDIC TRACK LEVEL 3 - 2 DAYS - $150Num Location Dates Deadline3400 Minocqua Winter Park, WI Mar. 10-11 2/23/2007

TELEMARK LEVEL 3 2 DAYS - $150Num Location Dates Deadline3500 Mt. Bohemia, MI Mar. 17-18 3/2/2007

Don’t Forget!Save 20$ on your second

education event!


Children’s EventDescriptionsChildren’s EducationProgramKnee-High Knowledge2 Days-$120 (Open to all members)This two-day event is for the instructor who islooking for information on teaching snowsports tochildren. Any instructor who doesn’t have a lot ofexperience in working with children, young or old,will benefit from this clinic. The only prerequisite isthat you bring your enthusiasm and plan to have fun.Clinic participants will be introduced to the CAPModel, Multiple Intelligences, Teaching Model,Skiing/Riding Model, and Guest Service Model.This is a great clinic to take as a foundation forChildren’s Accreditation. Knee High Knowledge Workbook - A "Knee HighKnowledge Workbook" accompanies the Children'sKnee-High Knowledge clinic. Please complete thisworkbook and bring with you to the clinic. TheWorkbook is available on the PSIA C Website in PDFor WORD format.

Children’s Movement Analysis2 Days-$120 (Open to Children’s Accreditedmembers)For instructors that have completed the Children’sAccreditation this two day program will expand onthe “P” of the CAP model to highlight the physicaldevelopment of children and how it affectsassessing their movements and monitoring thelessons. Too often we think of children as smalladults and set goals to correct movements that arebased on development. By digging deeper we canunderstand the difference and work with children’sstrengths to help them improve and have fun. Jointhe ACE Team in our adventure of looking at tasks,turns, and lessons from a new perspective tosharpen your eyes in kid’s movement assessment.

Children’s AccreditationSeriesChildren’s Accreditation 2 Days -$150 (Open to all disciplines & allcertification levels)For: All Certified Levels with 2 years teachingexperience. This two-day event is geared toward thecertified instructor who wants to master the art ofchildren’s snowsport teaching. Participants will beevaluated on their teaching, technical, andmovement analysis skills and how they relate to theCAP model in children’s ski teaching. Theaccreditation process is designed to identify andwork on the movement analysis model, relatedtechnical concepts, the ATS teaching model, the

CAP model and the linking of these concepts foreffective children’s teaching at all ages and abilitylevels. Children's Accreditation Workbook - Eachparticipant is required to complete the "Children'sAccreditation Workbook" prior to participating in theEvent. The Workbook should be mailed (or emailed)back to the PSIA -C Office two weeks prior to thedate of the Event. Each participant will have accessto a workbook located on the PSIA-C website (PDF &MSword format)or by request to complete prior tothe weekend. This workbook will help theparticipant learn, prepare and formulate theconcepts and tactics that will be used throughout theweekend. (Please allow yourself two weeks tocomplete the workbook.) This event is open to ALLdisciplines (Alpine, Snowboard, Telemark,Adaptive).

Freestyle EventDescriptionsFreestyle EducationProgramFreestyle Teaching Development2 Days-$120 (Open to all members)This program is intended for the skiers andsnowboarders who can already perform freestylemaneuvers at a high level but are looking toincrease their ability to teach these maneuvers. Theclinic will focus on teaching beginner throughintermediate freestyle maneuvers. Additionaldiscussions on teaching/coaching more advancedfreestyle maneuvers and riders will also bediscussed as time and group experience facilitates.This is a how to teach freestyle, NOT a how to ridefreestyle clinic.

Freestyle Camp2 Days-$120 (Open to Levels I, II & III)Introduction to terrain park and half pipe riding withemphasis on utilizing freestyle riding movements.This would satisfy the Level 2/Level 3 exameducation prerequisite for Snowboard. This camp isopen to both Snowboarders and Skiers.

Freestyle AccreditationSeriesFreestyle Accreditation (Basic) 2 Days -$150 (Limited to 6 Participants)Freestyle accreditation is for snowsports instructorswho wish to specialize their skills in freestyletraining and teaching. The accreditation is a one dayevent that will test the candidate’s ability to coachand perform introductory and intermediate levels offreestyle maneuvers. At the fundamental level,

single movement tricks such as 180, 360 and singlegrabs, all with several seconds of airtime overjumps, single rail maneuvers, several halfpipetricks and natural terrain abilities are the minimumexpected abilities. This accreditation is open toboth snowboarders and skiers.

Alpine EventDescriptionsTeaching SeriesTeaching Fundamentals (A)

2 Days -$120(Open to Level I)This clinic will assist you in teaching level 1-4skiers. This clinic will focus primarily with theBeginner/Novice Zone. You will learn the details ofthe phases of teaching from providing your studentsa sense of comfort, explaining to them aboutequipment and how to use it, and about theResponsibility Code.

Teaching Fundamentals (B)

2 Days -$120(Open to Level II)This clinic will focus primarily with the IntermediateZone. You will learn how to teach skills andmovement pools that are contained at this level.Also, to understand exercises that are applicable forthis level of skier.

Teaching Fundamentals (C)

2 Days -$120(Open to Level III)This clinic will focus on the Advanced Zone. You willlearn how to teach skills and movement pools thatare contained at this level. Also, to understandexercises that are applicable for this level of skier.

Skiing SeriesFundamentals of Ski Instruction -

New Instructors2 Days -$140(Includes Divisional Dues)Designed for the individual new to alpine skiteaching. Participants will learn the basicprincipals and philosophies of the AmericanTeaching System, which includes: the CustomerService Model, the Teaching Model, and the SkiingModel. Once this course is completed eachparticipant will have the ability to teach individualsthe basics of alpine skiing: ATS Levels 1-4. Thewritten test for Level 1 certification is optional andcan be completed during this course.


Skiing Fundamentals (A) 2 Days -$120(Open to Level I)This clinic will focus primarily on theBeginner/Novice Zone. You will learn exercises thatwill help your beginning students. Some of thoseexercises may include: getting into their skis,getting up from falls, balance and differenttechniques for stopping and slowing down.

Skiing Fundamentals (B) 2 Days -$120(Open to Level II)This clinic will focus primarily on the IntermediateZone. You will learn exercises that will help yourstudents to understand skills, movement pools,biomechanics, etc. for the skier at this level. Someof those exercises may include: skiing lots of turnshapes, carving on groomed terrain, and shortdynamic turns on steeper terrain

Skiing Fundamentals (C) 2 Days -$120(Open to Level III)This clinic will focus primarily on the IntermediateZone. You will learn exercises that will help yourstudents to understand skills, movement pools,biomechanics, etc. for the skier at this level. Someof those exercises may include: skiing lots of turnshapes, carving on groomed terrain, and shortdynamic turns on steeper terrain

Grey Wolf Series 2 Days -$120(Open to Level II&III-very agressiveskiing)There is no time to stand around and talk! Thisclinic is for the individual who wants to ski hard anddynamic all day! There will be different topicsbased on the skiing conditions.

Silver Fox Series 2 Days -$120(Open to Senior Instructors)This clinic is focused toward the senior instructorwanting to improve his or her skiing techniques.This clinic is slower pace with minimal skiing. Thegroup will decide what skiing topics to focus on.This clinic will combine skiing and indoor roundtable discussions through out the day.

Variety in the spice of skiing 2 Days -$120(Open to all members)Introduction to alternative tactics and techniques forvariety of terrain and conditions. Get out of yourtrench -making rut! Learn to love the crud!Breakable crust? I spit on it! Cement doesn't haveto be sticky! In this course you'll create a variety ofturn initiations, shapes and skill blending with aneye towards use in the mountains when you meet orwant to create new learning challenges for yourself.

Experienced Instructors Experience2 Days -$120

(Open to all Members w/ 5+ years teaching)

This clinic is focused toward the senior instructorwanting to improve his or her skiing techniques.This clinic is slower pace with minimal skiing. Thegroup will decide what skiing topics to focus on.This clinic will combine skiing and indoor roundtable discussions through out the day.

Specialty SeriesReinstatement Event3 Days -$150 plus dues andreinstatement fee.This event is for the member who is rejoining PSIA-C from an extended lapse. The individual will befamiliarized with the latest teaching and skiingtrends. *For additional locations please contact theCentral Division office.

Women’s Clinic with D-Team2 Days -$200(Open to Levels I,II&III-Clinic ran by D-Team Staff)This event will give you the opportunity to work withnationally renowned women professionals buildingon your skiing skills and confidence. The experienceand relationships developed with this event couldlast a lifetime.

Women’s Clinic 2 Days -$120(Open to all members-Clinic ran byPSIA-C Staff)This two-day event is a perfect opportunity forwomen to enjoy a women’s only ski clinic, withemphasis on camaraderie, as well as skillimprovement in a positive, supportive environment.The group will concentrate on employing a skillsbased approach, touch on biomechanical issuesusing alignment, stance, balance drills, efficientmovement patterns, and tactical exploration at aneasy pace. This group will explore the visual cues togood skiing, skill refinement, as well as educationon women’s specific equipment.

Mini Academy 2 Days -$200(Open to Levels I,II & III)The Mini Academy is considered by manyparticipants as one of our best events! This eventuses current or former National Demonstration Teammembers to conduct skiing improvement clinics.Participants will spend two days with a D-teammember, receiving valuable ski improvementinstruction from some of the best ski instructors inthe country.

Spring Rally 2 Days -$150(Open to Levels I,II & III)Wind down the PSIA-C season with two great days ifskiing in Aspen, CO with fellow PSIA-C skiers andclinicians!

Video / Movement Analysis 2 Days -$150(Open to Levels I, II & III)Participants will develop their personal skiing skillsand movement analysis skills through on hill andindoor video feedback. Numbers will be limited toone group, so sign up early.

Silver Fox Series 2 Days -$120(Open to Senior Instructors)This clinic is focused toward the senior instructorwanting to improve his or her skiing techniques.This clinic is slower pace with minimal skiing. Thegroup will decide what skiing topics to focus on.This clinic will combine skiing and indoor roundtable discussions through out the day.

Patroller Development2 Days -$120(Open to Levels I, II & III)This workshop is designed for NSP/PSIA duomembers registered in with the NSP-C Ski School. It is Designed specifically to help NSP Trainersimprove their evaluator skills by developing a betterunderstanding of good skiing, thus improving theirability to deliver toboggan handling training.Instructors for this course will have completed anorientation in patrolling and toboggan handling.

Beyond SeriesEducation Staff Development Group 2 Days -$120(Open to Level III)For: Alpine Level 3, with written recommendationfrom Ski School Director. This event will take theplace of what was formerly known as “EducationStaff Audition.” This revised hiring process willbegin with registering for the Education StaffDevelopment Group. The weekend will consist ofthe following evaluation components:

1. Skiing skills evaluation2. Group Leadership skills evaluation3. Movement analysis skill exercises4. Demonstration of technical knowledge

(Methods will be determined by the individual groupleaders.)This is the first step in the hiring process for theEducation Staff; it is not a “pass or fail” situation.

Can’t wait to learn something new? Did you check out the free resources at psia-c.org?

Find study guides and workbooks online.


Snowsports School DirectorsMeeting 2 Days -$120This seminar is designed to meet the professionalneeds of the member ski school director byproviding industry specific information in businessdevelopment, quality assurance, training andadministration.

Trainers Development Program (1)2 Days -$120(Open to Levels II & III)The Education Staff will work with the ski schooltrainer to assist new hires and current instructors intheir school. This course will help train the skischool trainer to be a better coach to instructors withteaching and skiing and customer service skills.

Trainers Development Program (2) 2 Days -$120(Open to Levels II & III)This clinic will help you develop your ski schoolpersonnel with evaluation and movement analysisskills.

Sampler Platter 2 Days -$120(Open to Levels II & III)If you want variety - this clinic is for you! You willcover four different topics in two days! The topicsyou will cover are: Skiing, Tune up, Development - Get back on your skilegs. Start the season off with a skiing refresher,concentrating on eliminating the bad moves andinstilling the good ones. Movement Pools - Explore the pools we draw fromfor better skiing from the beginner through advancedand applying these movements to your own skiing.Movement Analysis - Explore how to look at and findthe strong movements and the weak ones to aid inyour own skiing and aid in setting lesson plans.Video analysis - See it on tape. Get videoed and seewhat you are doing compared to what the group hasbeen working on.

Race SeriesRev It Up A2 Days -$150(Open to all members)Spend a weekend with top notch racing coaches andex-olympic athletes! This group will focus on thebasics of ski racing, setting courses and runninggates. While this is the introduction to racing,advanced coaching techniques and topics will beintroduced.

Rev It Up B 2 Days -$120(Open to all members)Spend a weekend with top racing coaches and ex-olympic athletes! Turn it up a notch! This groups

focus will be on self improvement and the skills andtechniques required to be competative at all levels.Advanced coaching techniques and topics will beexplored.

Rev It Up W/ D-Team2 Days -$200(Open to Levels II & III)This clinic will be similar to Rev It Up B, but led bya current or former National Demonstration Teammember.

Education SeriesLevel I Development Group 2 Days -$120(Open to Registered Members)Designed to improve the instructors skiing, teachingand technical knowledge and it’s application tovarious levels of skiers. You will investigate moreinto the teaching model and create a positivestudent/instructor experience. With the practicalapplication of the American Teaching System, thisclinic will utilize the teaching model, biomechanics, etc., and the content of skiing andteaching formats appropriate for the Alpine Level 1Certified instructor.

Level II Development Group 2 Days -$120(Open to Level I)Designed to improve the instructors skiing, teachingand technical knowledge and it’s application tovarious levels of skiers. You will investigate moreinto the teaching model and create a positivestudent/instructor experience. With the practicalapplication of the American Teaching System, thisclinic will utilize the teaching model, biomechanics, etc., and the content of skiing andteaching formats appropriate for the Alpine Level 2Certified instructor.

Level III Development Group 2 Days -$120(Open to Level II)Designed to improve the instructors skiing, teachingand technical knowledge and it’s application tovarious levels of skiers. You will investigate moreinto the teaching model and create a positivestudent/instructor experience. With the practicalapplication of the American Teaching System, thisclinic will utilize the teaching model, biomechanics, etc., and the content of skiing andteaching formats appropriate for the Alpine Level 3Certified instructor.

Level I Development Group (Exam Prep) 2 Days -$120(Open to Registered Members)This course is designed to fine tune your skills forthose people that are interested in taking the Level1 exam in either the current or following season.

This will answer your questions about examformats, how teaching assignments are made, whatthe examiner is looking for in the various skiingtasks and how different movements lead to differentoutcomes. The participants will be working on theirskiing and teaching performance in a way that willbe easily transferred to your customers at your homearea. This is a great way to either fine tune yourskills for the exam, or receive honest feedback onhow your development is progressing.

Level II Development Group (Exam Prep) 2 Days -$120(Open to Level I)This course is designed to fine tune your skills forthose people that are interested in taking the Level2 exam in either the current or following season.This will answer your questions about examformats, how teaching assignments are made, whatthe examiner is looking for in the various skiingtasks and how different movements lead to differentoutcomes. The participants will be working on theirskiing and teaching performance in a way that willbe easily transferred to your customers at your homearea. This is a great way to either fine tune yourskills for the exam, or receive honest feedback onhow your development is progressing.

Level III Development Group (Exam Prep) 2 Days -$120(Open to Level II)This course is designed and highly recommendedfor the instructor that is preparing for the Level 3exam. You will be working on teaching, in a veryrelaxed format, at the level of the group with astrong emphasis on movement analysis and a lot ofcoaching from the group leader. The skiing phasewill be based on high level tasks with the focusbeing movement patterns and desired outcomes.The group leader will guide you through thetechnical discussions in a non- intimidatingatmosphere. The same group leader both daysinsures continuity and a full package program.

Certification SeriesLevel I Exam2 Days -$150 / Students -$125TAKING THE LEVEL 1 WRITTEN EXAM IN ADVANCEIS SUGGESTED, BUT NOT REQUIRED.For: registered instructors, basic instructors, andnew members at least 16 years of age having 10hours of teaching experienced verified by a skischool director. For instructors who wish to beevaluated to see if their ski instructing skills meetthe PSIA National Standards for the certified Level Imembership. The PSIA-C education staff memberwill review the basics for the American TeachingSystem. Day 1 will consist of review and educationof teaching at the Beginner / Novice Zone, and skiingskills of the Intermediate Zone. The Second day will


include an evaluation of the candidates teachingskills at the beginner/novice zone and skiing skills atthe intermediate zone. At the conclusion of thisclinic, candidates will receive a written assessmentof their level of proficiency. Candidates must be acurrent National member to receive a pin.

Level II Exam3 Days -$225(Written Exam Prerequisite)DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS EXAM UNLESS YOUHAVE FULFILLED YOUR WRITTEN EXAMREQUIREMENTS.For: certified level I instructors at least 18 years ofage with a minimum of 60 hours of teachingexperience verified by a ski school director and whohas successfully completed the written portion ofthe level II exam. For instructors who wish to beevaluated on their skiing and teaching abilitieswhich must meet the PSIA National standards forcertified level II membership. The candidate will beevaluated on his/her skiing ability and theapplication of the skills, biomechanics, movementpools, etc. that are demonstrated. The candidatewill be evaluated on his/her teaching and knowledgeapplication of skills, movement pools,biomechanics, etc. through such things asmovement analysis and skill development commonto the intermediate zone skiers. The candidate mustpass the skiing and teaching phases of the exam twoout of the three days, minimum, to become certifiedlevel II. Candidates must be a current Nationalmember to receive a pin.

Level III Exam 3 Days -$225(Written Exam Prerequisite)DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS EXAM UNLESS YOUHAVE FULFILLED YOUR WRITTEN EXAMREQUIREMENTS.For: certified level II instructors at least 18 years ofage and have successfully completed the writtenportion of the level III exam. For instructors whowish to be evaluated on their skiing and teachingabilities which must meet the PSIA Nationalstandards for certified level III membership. Thismember is one whose high levels of skill andknowledge allow him/her to make anuncompromised contribution to the association andthe ski industry. The candidate will be evaluated onhis/her skiing ability and the application of theskills, biomechanics, movement pools, etc. that aredemonstrated. The candidate will be evaluated onhis/her teaching and knowledge application ofskills, movement pools, biomechanics, etc. throughsuch things as movement analysis, skilldevelopment, movement outcomes, etc. Thecandidate must pass the skiing and teaching phasesof the exam two out of the three days, minimum, tobecome certified level III. Candidates must be acurrent National member to receive a pin.

Adaptive EventDescriptionsEducation Series

Adaptive Workshop Clininc2 Days -$120 / 1 Day -$85(Open to all members)We offer training in all six adaptive disciplines:three track, four track, developmentally disabled,visually impaired, mono–ski, and bi-ski.Participants will be exposed to teaching concepts,safety, adaptive skiing equipment, the abilities ofour students, and review the exam standards. Eachadaptive event is tailored to the members needs.Depending upon group size and diversity, we try tooffer training for new adaptive instructors as well asexam preparation and continuing education forcertified instructors. If you have a specific area ofinterest, please indicate this on your eventapplication.

Fundamentals of Adaptive SkiInstruction - New Instructors2 Days -$140 (Includes Divisional Dues)The FUN program is designed for new members whoare interested in becoming an Adaptive SkiInstructor. Participants will learn the basicprincipals and philosophies of the AmericanTeaching System as it applies to adaptiveinstruction. The FUN program is ran in conjunctionwith the adaptive workshop clinics.

Certification SeriesAll exam candidates are encouraged to downloadthe Adaptive Level I Exam Prep packet from thePSIA-C website.

Level I Exam2 Days -$150 / Students -$125(Prerequisite: Level 1 Exam PrepPacket)For: Registered Instructors, Basic Instructors andnew members at least 16 years old having one yearof adaptive ski instructor training or teachingexperience verified by a ski school director. This isa two-day event. The Level 1 Certification Clinic is acombination clinic and evaluation with the first daya clinic and personal skiing evaluation and thesecond day a teaching technical evaluation.Participants are evaluated in a single adaptivediscipline. It is recommended that an instructorattend an adaptive workshop clinic prior to theCertification Clinic.

Level II Exam2 Days -$150(Prerequisite: Workshop Clinic)For: Adaptive Certified Level 1 Instructors at least 17years old. Full certification becomes effective onthe member's 18th birthday. This program tests aninstructor’s personal skiing skills, teaching abilityand technical knowledge in all six adaptivedisciplines. Before taking the Level 2 Certification,you must complete an adaptive workshop clinic,Adaptive Level 2 examination preparation, and/oran Alpine Level 2 examination preparation.Adaptive Level 2 Exams are two days.

Level III Exam PSIA-C will consider offering an adaptive Level 3exam if there is sufficient interest in the Division.Certified Level 2 instructors may also attend anexam in PSIA-Eastern or PSIA-Rocky MountainDivisions.

NOTE: EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ADAPTIVEEVENTSPSIA-C does not own adaptive ski equipment for useduring education events. Therefore, we ask allparticipants to bring adaptive ski equipment to theevents.

Snowboard EventDescriptionsRiding / Teaching Series

Riding / Teaching Development2 Days-$120 / 1 Day-$85(Open to all members)The above program will cover teaching andprofessional knowledge regarding snowboarding onday one and will cover riding on day two. This is anexcellent course to take if you are seeking a one-day continuing education credit.

Specialty SeriesMini Academy (D-Team ClinicLeaders) 2 Days -$200 (Open to Levels I, II & III)Clinic participants will ride with a current or formerNational Demonstration Team Member for two days.The team members will work with the group on thelatest development in snowboarding and teaching atthe national level.

Spring Rally 2 Days -$120 (Open to all members)Wind down the AASI-C season with two great days ofboarding in Snowmass, Colorado with fellow AASI-Cboarders and clinicians!


Spring Rally 2 Days -$199 before Dec 1 + $25for EC (optional) (Open to all members)AASI and Big Snow Outfitters (BSO) have teamed upto provide a unique educational experience. AASImembers are able to attend the two-day BSOsnowboard camp and receive a one-year educationcredit. The camp is staffed by AASI education staffand pro riders from Burton and Ride. It is located inthe upper peninsula of Michigan at Blackjack SkiResort. This is your opportunity to be coached by asponsored professional rider for two whole days.You must register with BSO to attend the camp andregister with the AASI central office if you would likea one-year education credit. The camp is open tothe public. For questions or additional information,call Mark or Debbie at (906) 667-0184 (before Nov.1) or BSO at (906) 663-4646 after Nov. 1. For morecamp information: www.skibso.com/camp.asp

Beyond SeriesDCL Audition2 Days-No Cost / No Credit(Open to Level III)APPLY EARLY! This is a program for Level 3certified instructors who are interested in becomingmembers of the PSIA – C education staff. Pleasehave your Snowsports Director send a letter ofrecommendation to the PSIA – C office on yourbehalf.

Exam Preparatory SeriesLevel II & III Prep2 Days-$120 (Open to Level II & III)Participants will receive individualized feedback ontheir teaching, riding and professional knowledge.Day 1 will focus on teaching and professionalknowledge. Day 2 will focus primarily on riding.

Certification Series**Members now required to take an education eventprior to taking their first level II and II exams.**

Level I Exam2 Days-$150 (Open to Registered Members)For: Snowboard Registered Instructors, BasicInstructors and new members at least 16 years old,having ten or more hours of training or teachingexperience verified by a Snowsports school director.This is a two-day clinic and exam. The first day usesa clinic format to review AASI maneuvers andteaching concepts used to introduce new riders tothe sport. Day two examines candidates on theirability to teach and ride various maneuvers used inan introductory snowboard lesson.

Level II Exam2 Days-$150 (Open to Level I)For: AASI Certified Level 1Instructors at least 17years old with a minimum of 60 hours of teachingexperience verified by a ski school director. Fullcertification becomes effective on the members 18thbirthday. This is a two-day exam with one examineron Saturday, one examiner on Sunday. Candidateswill be tested both days on their skills associatedwith teaching, riding and professional knowledge.See the level 2 certification guide for more details.Written exam will be given on Sunday morning.

Level III Exam2 Days-$150 (Open to Level II)For: AASI Certified Level 2 Instructors. This is atwo-day exam with one examiner on Saturday andone examiner on Sunday. Candidates will be testedboth days on their skills associated with teaching,riding and professional knowledge. See the level 3certification guide for more details. Written examwill be given on Sunday morning.

Nordic EventDescriptionsEducation SeriesNordic Workshop Clinics2 Days -$120 / 1 Day - $85(Open to all members)This program is a comprehensive overview ofdiscipline specific technique from the beginner toadvance skier. Clinics will provide enhanced skiing,teaching and technical fundamentals for theexperienced instructor.

Nordic Instructor Training 2 Days -$120 / 1 Day - $85(Open to all members)This event includes personal skiing improvementwith instruction in all cross-country tracktechniques, teaching strategies, teachingprogressions, and risk awareness. It is offered withthree subgroups for Certified Level 1, Level 2 orLevel 3 members.

Exam Preparatory SeriesNordic Level II Prep2 Days -$120 / 1 Day - $85(Open to Level I)This event is recommended for all Certified Level 1instructors who plan to take the Level 2 exam or whowould like to further their skiing and teaching skills.Nordic Track exam preps are two days. NordicDownhill is one day. Both skiing and teachingknowledge is covered in this event. Each Nordicevent is tailored to the members need.

Nordic Level III Prep 2 Days -$120 / 1 Day - $85(Open to Level II)This event is recommended for all Certified Level 2instructors who plan to take the Level 3 exam or whowould like to further their skiing and teaching skills.Nordic Track exam preps are two days. NordicDownhill is one day. Both skiing and teachingknowledge is covered in this event. Each Nordicevent is tailored to the members need.

Certification SeriesNordic Level I Exam2 Days-$150 / Students-$125 / 1Day-$95 (2 days w/prep-$150)(Open to Registered Members)For: Registered Instructors, Basic Instructors andnew members at least 16 years old, having ten ormore hours of training or teaching experienceverified by a ski school director. This is a two-dayclinic for Nordic Track, and a one-day for NordicDownhill. The Level 1 Certification Clinic is acombination clinic and evaluation. The clinicianswill clinic the group on those topics required in theevaluation and evaluate the group on the progressmade toward achieving the listed standards.

Nordic Level II Exam 2 Days -$150 / 1 DAY - $95(2 days w/prep-$150)(Open to Level I)For: Nordic Certified Level I Instructors at least 17years old. Full certification becomes effective onthe members 18th birthday. This program tests aninstructor’s skiing skills, teaching ability andtechnical knowledge. The Level 2 exam prep isrecommended. Nordic Track Level 2 Exams are twodays. Nordic Downhill Level 2 Exams are one day.

Nordic Level III Exam2 Days -$150(Open to Level II)This program tests in instructor’s skiing skills,

teaching ability and technical knowledge. The Level

3 exam prep is recommended. Both Nordic Track

Level 3 Exams and Nordic Downhill are two days.

NOTE: SKI EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR

NORDIC EVENTS

All Level 2 and Level 3 Nordic track exam prep andexam participants must use waxable traditionalequipment as well as specific skating equipment.Nordic track Level 1 does not require thisequipment, but it is strongly suggested.Metal–edged Nordic downhill equipment is requiredduring Nordic downhill but not Nordic track events.


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Upcoming Center Line CopyDeadlines

Late Winter 2007—Dec 20thSpring 2007—Mar 20thFall 2007—July 20th

Writing Guidlines

General membersubmissions to the CenterLine should be sent [email protected] as a MSWord attachment.

Members are encouraged towrite articles and share theirthoughts and ideas with themembership.

IS THIS YOUR LAST ISSUE OF THECENTER LINE?Have you paid your 2006-2007 association dues? If you have not,then you are not on the PSIA/AASI or Central list and will no longerreceive national or central division benefits. To remain involved withthe organization call 517-327-0601or for more information on ourreinstatement program.

PSIA-C3225 West S. JosephLansing, Michigan 48917

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

CLEVELAND OHPERMIT 2180

TRANSITION FROM TRANSACTION TO RELATIONSHIPBy Engelbert GalBoard of Director

What happens when the customer walks into theresort? When they buy a ticket are they justanother anonymous transaction? They may needa lesson. Are they offered one? If they sign up fora lesson, what happens to their name andpreferences? No matter if I am a resort owner,manager, or ski school director, thesetransactions or shall I say relationships are fartoo important to be filed away in the basement.Think about all of the visitors in a season. Whatcould happen if they could come back one moretime or buy one more lesson?

How does the public learn about skiing? Whatactually triggers a family decision to go skiing?When I watch a mother carrying rental forms, lifttickets and lunches only to make her next stopthe local ski shop because someone forgotgloves, a hat or even a jacket; I wonder whatextent mom will go through to ensure the kidshave fun.

Skiing is not a cheap recreation by any means.What is the breaking point for our fellow winterenthusiasts? Is it the ski school that doesn’t haveenough instructors to take out the kids? Is it therental person that gave out the wrongequipment? Is there no breaking point for the“super mom” (or dad) but the lack of reason tocome back again?

People that come outside in the winter to spendtime on the white stuff with us want to love us.They want to have fun and create a memorabletime. Consumers that make a concerted effort toenjoy the sport should know and feel they areappreciated and invited back. They should havea reason to tell all of their friends and familyabout us. I am surprised by the amount ofmoney spent on broadcast advertising as well asthe amount of mass spending on things liketelevision, radio, pizza boxes and the like. I feelthat it is a very impersonal way to make a personfeel that they are special! What do you think?Personalization or advertising via a van with amegaphone on top? Maybe the person readingthis (that’s you) is the person in personal thatcan affect the lives of one or even hundreds ofcustomers today. How many customers do youinteract with per day?

Each participant in the snowsports industry cando a little bit to help grow our industry in whatJeff Lewin calls “uncertain times”.

What can instructors do? When was the last timeyou thought about handing out your businesscard or one of those free tip/safety booklets thatnational offers us at the end of your lesson?How about a website or even a little newsletter toour customers telling them what you’ve been

working on with clients. We can work with ourcurrent customers and make sure they comeback. Resorts can begin to collect customerinformation, preferences for those who arealready customers cater to their needs and offerthem programs that create value and giver themreasons to become more initimate with theindustry. Directors can work with areamanagement to fill in the slower times withspecials and events that generate more lessonsand makes that targeted group more active (likecollege students). Even with the best terrain andmarketing promotions, the people on the snowand at the resort are best able to give ourcustomers a name, face and experience they canremember. These faces and names are going tobe why people come back.

As ambassadors for the ski industry, whether weare on the clock or not, instructor jacket on oroff, we should ensure that we are turningtransactions into relationships. Helping the momwith three screaming kids find her way to therental department or maybe that person withtheir face buried in the trail map find the smiledeep inside may just make the difference in these“uncertain times”.