By Dana Forbes, Rocky Mountain CEO
Seven years ago, a snowboard instructor received a scholarship from PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain to attend the Women’s Summit. Later, she earned a second scholarship that supported her journey to Rocky Mountain Trainer (RMT) training.
Over the following six years, she achieved her RMT certification, earned a spot on the RM Regional Team, advanced to the National Team, and was ultimately hired as a member of our Rocky Mountain education staff.
Did all of this begin with a few unforgettable days spent at the Women’s Summit, surrounded by inspiring women leaders in the snowsports industry who recognized her potential, an event she may never have attended without that first scholarship? Quite possibly.
Knowing her as I do, I have no doubt she would have reached every goal she set for herself regardless. But the scholarship may have eased financial pressure, allowed her to focus more fully, and perhaps even accelerated her timeline, to be prepared for a selection that happens once every four years. That support could have made all the difference.
While RM is proud to host the Women’s Summit in Steamboat this March, this article isn’t about that event. It’s about the power of opportunity and how a single scholarship can change a career.
This is what we do for you as a member of Rocky Mountain.
During the 2024/25 season, we awarded 22 membership scholarships and 87 event scholarships, providing approximately $13,500 in financial support to individuals. In addition, we awarded $37,560 in TTP scholarships to member schools, helping subsidize training at all levels for both RM members and non-members.
We also support our nonprofit adaptive schools with eight clinic vouchers per school, giving directors the opportunity to provide instructors with access to training. As a thank-you to our member schools that host events and provide lift tickets, RM contributed $18,277 in vouchers for them to share with their instructors to attend events. Finally, RM also supports nonprofits connected to the industry—but separate from PSIA-AASI—with an additional $1,500 in scholarships.
Why do we do this? The answer is simple: impact. Imagine those scholarship recipients, like the woman mentioned earlier, who used their support not only to pursue their own dreams but also to inspire and uplift others. One of them is now both a National Team member and an education staff member, reaching and influencing hundreds of people!
How do we make this possible? Rocky Mountain has an educational foundation, which received $22,000 in cash donations last year from our generous members. We also maintain an investment fund, established 20 years ago, that earned $48,000 in interest last year. This fund was created with one purpose in mind: to give back to you—our members—by supporting your educational journey.
Maybe you’re someone who could use support. Maybe you’re in a position to give support. Or maybe, for now, you just need to know what we do for you. Either way, we’re here for you, and we deeply appreciate your membership.
Click here to make a donation.
Click here to apply for a scholarship.Â