Welcome to PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain!

Most instructors are interested in joining PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain because they are seeking certification.  They have approached a Snowsports school and found that the school pays more for certified instructors than for non-certified instructors.

Certification is about more than earning more money! It is a confirmation of ability and an opportunity to improve knowledge necessary to share your passion for Snowsports with your guests. The certification pathway involves studying and understanding educational materials that have been developed by industry professionals.  These materials reflect an agreed-upon belief system of what constitutes good skiing and riding skills and good teaching techniques. They are not the only ways to teach and to ski or ride but they represent systems and mechanics that are well proven to be fundamental and effective. It is our hope that in pursuing PSIA-AASI certification, you will enhance and add to the effective knowledge, skills and strengths you already possess, as opposed to replacing one belief system with another.

Annual member dues are $130 and the dues cycle is July 1 – June 30 each year. Certified members are required to maintain educational credits to keep the certification current. Active members are due for either 6 credits every season or 12 credits every other season (6 credits=1 day). The Certification Update course is suggested as the educational requirement at least once every 4 seasons for certified Alpine and Snowboard levels 2 and 3, unless the member is proceeding to further certification in primary or other disciplines.

Pursuing PSIA-AASI certification requires work on your part, but the effort is well worth the journey because you will become an even better skier or rider and educator than you already are, and have a lot of fun along the way. So what are you waiting for?  Choose ‘How to Join’ from the menu on the right and get started!

Please click here to view the PSIA-AASI Membership Guide

Over $20,000 in scholarships are granted to members annually to support your continuing education and certification. You can view them at the ‘Scholarships’ link from the menu on the right.

After you become a member you can attend educational clinics or start into the certification pathway. To view the certification pathway and education materials for each discipline, click the links below:

• Adaptive Alpine
• Adaptive Snowboard
• Alpine
• Children’s
• Cross Country
• Snowboard
• Telemark

The education materials page at the discipline links above will have the outline, standards, scorecards and other pertinent information to download. Once you have decided you want to join and pursue certification, you can find a list of all clinics, including Level 1 certification, from the following link.

You can view the event schedule at this link.

Inclusion for All

PSIA-AASI values lifelong adventures through education for all. To live our values, inclusion must be inherent in our culture; demonstrated through our Learning Connection℠ model and by our respect and support for each other, our students, and all whose lives can be enriched through snowsports. PSIA-AASI recognizes that opportunity, representation, acceptance, and access are not always distributed equitably throughout our organization or the snowsports industry as a whole. Whether intentional or not, the impact of exclusion is real.

Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC); the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) community; and other marginalized groups face barriers and conscious and unconscious bias in the snowsports industry. Some confront passive or active discrimination as students or leaders, in the snowsports school locker room, and on the slopes. This is, to some degree, because of the historically exclusive tradition of snowsports, pervasive discrimination and inequality in our nation, and our own organization’s missed opportunities to challenge the status quo. The PSIA-AASI community is not as representative, equitable, inclusive, or just as it could – and should – be. As educators, we cannot condone systems that privilege some over others and exclude individuals based on their race or identity. To create a culture of belonging that welcomes all, we acknowledge and embrace our responsibility to affect positive change within our sphere of influence.

Our Commitment

For PSIA-AASI as an organization, an employer, and a leader in the snowsports industry, it is imperative that we lead the way in fostering a safe, joyful, and accessible mountain environment. We commit to addressing barriers to access, inclusion, and leadership. We understand that when we address the needs of those who have historically been excluded, we positively impact everyone.

We will ensure that training, mentorship, guidance, and professional development are available to all – inclusive of age; ability; disability; socioeconomic status; ethnic origin; nationality; and racial, religious, social, sexual, or gender identity. Our path forward includes education, representation, partnership, and advocacy.

PSIA-AASI pledges to take diligent, sustainable, and continuous action to promote an inclusive and equitable snowsports community that provides opportunity to all members. We invite all stakeholders to hold us accountable and push us ahead.

Please click here for a full statement from PSIA-AASI. 

Rocky Mountain Division Land Acknowledgement

We at PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain would like to respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous Nations of these lands where we work, live, and recreate. We recognize the impact their forced removal and relocation has had on their communities, and we commit to educating ourselves and others about continued care for the land, and the inclusion and respect of these Nations.

Although by no means a comprehensive naming, we uplift the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Pâri (Pawnee), ^^(Osage), Pueblos, Apache, Hohokam, Nʉmʉnʉʉ Sookobitʉ (Comanche), Shiwinna (Zuni), Jumanos, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Gáuigú (Kiowa), Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha), Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Apsaalooké (Crow), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) as original inhabitants and stewards of the lands across the Rocky Mountain Region.

Our regional office in Steamboat Springs stands in the Yampa Valley. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the past and continued stewardship of Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) Nation and other Indigenous Nations upon whose native lands we now reside.

To learn more about the history of the Ute Nation, click here: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/history/

To learn about the Indigenous Peoples of the area where you reside or work, click here: https://native-land.ca/

There are many benefits to being a member

• Top quality educational events and training: A registered member can attend any type of training event offered by PSIA-AASI:  Cross Country, Telemark, Alpine, Snowboard, Adaptive, Freestyle or Kids
• Certification opportunities in all disciplines
• Discounted lift tickets at many Rocky Mountain member schools – please reach out to the lift ticket office directly to ask about discounts provided
• Scholarship programs
• Monthly e-newsletter: From Instructor to Instructor
• Discounts with Choice Hotels
• Opportunity to attend clinics in other divisions which will transfer to your RM member account
• An active voice: An entry-level, registered member is entitled to vote in PSIA-AASI RM general elections. (Certified instructors with active status in good standing are eligible to hold office by vote of the general membership.)
• Your dues total gives you membership in PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain Region & PSIA-AASI National.

PSIA-AASI National discounts:

• For a complete list of discounts, please visit their website at http://www.thesnowpros.org
• Subscription to 32 Degrees: The Journal of Professional Snowsports Instruction
• Accessories Catalog via US postal mail or online at http://www.thesnowpros.org

Member Only Pro Deals

“Pro Deals” for pros only. Support these generous sponsors and suppliers who support you through these special offers. Click the “Show Pro Offers Details” link on the Sponsor Card for the details.

Search Entries:

Choice Hotels Choice Hotels

Role(s): Sponsorships

  Show Pro Offer Details         Show Sponsor Details     Visit Website   

Offer Details

To receive the discount, you should go to http://www.choicehotels.com,
or call (800) 258-2847
and use our PSIA special rate identification number.

Remember to give your PSIA Special Rate ID along with your Choice Privileges member # to receive your discount while earning Choice Privileges points!

You can obtain the PSIA special rate identification number in the next issue of the Instructor to Instructor newsletter within the Choice Hotels advertisement.

If you are also a Choice Privileges rewards program member, be sure to have your rewards ID number available as well.

There is also a way to be kept up-to-date on all of the happenings and be aware of all the offers which we can take advantage of at Choice Hotels International through a new complimentary e-newsletter. To subscribe to the SOS Sentinel, send an e-mail using this link: Subscribe to Choice SOS Sentinel.

About Sponsor

PSIA/AASI members SAVEat Choice Hotels International®! Great Brands…Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® brands and Ascend Collection® properties.

• 15% discount at more than 5,800 participating locations worldwide!
• Convenience of booking via a toll-free reservation number or the Choice Hotels web site.
• A Special Rate ID number dedicated to our members for use in making discounted reservations.

Now save even more! Sign up for the Choice Privileges® rewards program today to start earning points towards free nights, flights and more in addition to your 15% discount! It’s fast, free and easy to join. Earn points at participating hotels. Go to http://www.choiceprivileges.com or call 888.770.6800 to sign up today!

 

Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation

Role(s): Sponsorships

  Show Pro Offer Details         Show Sponsor Details     Visit Website   

Offer Details

Dear PSIA Instructors,

I’m writing from the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation and would like to touch base with you and your organization.  Our mission is to financially assist alpine guides, patrollers or instructors who require surgery in order to continue their careers.  Since our inception in 2011, we have financially supported just under 100 candidates with career-threatening injuries worldwide.

This year, it is our goal to increase mission outreach and awareness within PSIA/AASI.   In a profession such as ski and snowboard instructing, there is much risk and loss of income if unable to perform the mandatory duties involved within this career.  We as a foundation would like to financially support candidates who meet our key criteria with any surgical procedures and associated rehabilitation that would enable a limitless career return.

Key Criteria

1.     Career threatening injury (chronic or acute).

2.    Documentation supporting career and/or career intent within the guiding, patrolling, or instructing organization.

3.     Medical expenses related to injury would present a considerable financial hardship.

To find more information, please visit our website http://www.keesbfoundation.org, our Facebook Page (please “like” us too), or email me directly at Joanna@keesbfoundation.org.

Thank you for your time.

Warm Regards,

Joanna Greenwalt
Executive Director
Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation

About Sponsor

The Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation is a non-profit resource for alpine industry professionals seeking orthopedic medical care. The foundation is inspired by and created in memory of Kees Brenninkmeyer, who passed away while actively pursuing a career as an alpine ski and mountaineering guide. It is established to financially assist alpine guides, patrollers, or instructors who require surgery in order to continue their career. Since their inception in 2011, they have financially assisted over 45 injured alpine professionals who all achieved a full career return after advanced surgical treatment and quality pre- and post-operative care. Please find additional information about the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation on their website www.keesbfoundation.org.

 

Smartwool SmartwoolSmartwool Pro Deals

Role(s): Sponsorships

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Offer Details

Create an account at Smartwool for details.

About Sponsor

We want to affect positive change in the world within which we live, play and do business. We believe in capitalism with a conscience. We acknowledge an accountability to all humankind, demonstrated through compassion, active kindness and respect.

 

TheSnowPros.org TheSnowPros.orgwww.thesnowpros.org

Role(s): Sponsorships

  Show Sponsor Details     Visit Website   

About Sponsor

The majority of pro deals are offered at http://www.thesnowpros.org. Once there, log-in and select Shop and then Pro Offers in the menu on the homepage to view the Official Suppliers of PSIA-AASI.

 

Woodward Copper Woodward Copper Home Phone: (970) 968-3400home Work Email: INTERNET

Role(s): Sponsorships

  Show Sponsor Details     Visit Website   

About Sponsor

BARN PASS:  only $150 for PSIA & AASI Members – Members will need to show their current PSIA/AASI member card at the barn front desk in order to purchase.

Come and enjoy everything our 19,000 square feet indoor wonderland has to offer all season long.  Purchase now and enjoy this all access pass until April 25, 2021.  *Please note, Barn days and hours of operation are subject to change at any time.

 

Scholarships – Winter Submission Deadline 2023-24

Level 1 Certification Scholarship

Who may apply: Instructors who are current PSIA-AASI members or interested in joining and attending the Level 1 certification.

Type of event: Level 1 certification in any discipline

Scholarship amount: Eleven $180 scholarships per season (half price of event).

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Level 2 or 3 Clinic Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members who meet the prerequisite requirements of the scholarship application they are applying for.

Type of event: Level 2 or 3 prep clinic in any discipline

Scholarship amount: Twelve $125 scholarships per season.

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Level 2 or 3 Assessment Day Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members who meet the prerequisite requirements of the scholarship application they are applying for.

Type of event: Level 2 or 3 exam day in any discipline

Scholarship amount: Eighteen $125 scholarships per season.

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Children’s Specialist 1 Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members who meet the prerequisite requirements of the scholarship application they are applying for.

Type of event: Children’s Specialist 1 for any discipline

Scholarship amount: Four $125 scholarships per season.

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Children’s Specialist 2 Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members who meet the prerequisite requirements of the scholarship application they are applying for.

Type of event: Children’s Specialist 2 for any discipline

Scholarship amount: Five $125 scholarships per season.

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Freestyle Specialist Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members who meet the prerequisite requirements of the scholarship application they are applying for.

Type of event: Freestyle Specialist for any discipline

Scholarship amount: Five $125 scholarships per season.

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Rocky Mountain Trainer Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members who meet the prerequisite requirements of the scholarship application they are applying for.

Type of event: Rocky Mountain Trainer exam for any discipline

Scholarship amount: Two $125 scholarships per season

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Educational Event Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members who meet the prerequisite requirements of the scholarship application they are applying for.

Type of event: Specialty Educational Events to be used during the season

Scholarship amount: Two $125 scholarships per season.

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

New Member Scholarship

Who may apply: Instructors who are teaching for a PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain member school and joining PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain for the first time.

Type of scholarship: Each member school is given between 1-4 membership scholarships, depending on the member school size

Scholarship amount: $130 total membership dues amount

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: February 1st

Renewing Member Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members who are renewing (or have renewed) their membership for the season.

Type of scholarship: Eight $130 scholarships per season.

Scholarship amount: $130 total membership dues amount

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th

Jeff Patterson Memorial Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members

Type of event: Preferred to be entry-level clinics for level 1 certification in any discipline.

Scholarship amount: Five $125 scholarships per season.

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Jeff Patterson was an inspirational teacher and rider who had a tremendous passion and enthusiasm for snowboarding and skiing. Jeff was involved in PSIA-AASI snowboard programs from the inception, participating in the first Level 2 and 3 snowboard exams offered by the Eastern Region. Jeff served as a trainer and examiner for PSIA-AASI RM since 1998 and was lead examiner/snowboard committee chair for several seasons. He took ongoing training and professional development very seriously: he was Level 2 Alpine Certified, Level 3 Snowboard certified and Children’s and Freestyle accredited. He sat on both the regional and national Board of Directors.

Edwin Terrell Memorial Scholarship

Who may apply: Current PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain members who teach in the Southern District at the location the Edwin Terrell Clinic is being held that season.

Type of event: Edwin Terrell Memorial Clinic.

Scholarship amount: Tuition to the Edwin Terrell Memorial clinic.

Details of application: Send an email request with an event application to PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain along with a written recommendation from your member school director.

Application deadline: January 1 of the season applying.

Edwin Terrell was a PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain Alpine Divisional Clinic Leader who worked as a staff trainer and racing coach at the Santa Fe Ski School. He valued his ski education very highly and was always looking to expand it along with the education of other ski instructors. Edwin was also an accomplished climber. He climbed and skied for the joy and experience of it and lived to share this love with others. Edwin’s spirit remains alive through this memoriam.

Daryle Bogenrief Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members

Type of eligible event: Entry-level courses for new instructors, preferably Adaptive but will not be limited by discipline.

Scholarship amount: Two $250 awards per year.

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

Daryle Bogenrief began membership with PSIA-AASI in January, 2001. He attained all three levels of certification by April 2003 then proceeded to Alpine Trainer Accredited status in April, 2004. He was selected an Alpine Examiner 1 in April, 2005 – one of the youngest people to be selected in recent years. Daryle passed away in the summer of 2005 in a rafting accident. During his time as an instructor he had a passion for helping returning soldiers to ski. This scholarship has been established to assist new instructors in their path to certification.

Dirk Muller Memorial Scholarship

Who may apply: PSIA-AASI Members

Type of event: Alpine Level 2 or 3 certification

Scholarship amount: Five $125 scholarships awarded per season

Details of application: Complete and submit application form

Application deadline: December 15th and February 1st (if you apply for the Dec. 15th deadline and are not awarded a scholarship, your application will be included in the Feb 1st deadline)

After a stellar skiing career that spanned over 40 years at Breckenridge, Dirk Muller passed away from cancer on February 9, 2018 at the age of 63. He excelled in downhill skiing and jumping for his high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota before moving to Colorado in 1974. His individual passion for skiing, racing, and jumping were only equaled by his love of teaching. He was an exceptional athlete who possessed tremendous people skills and taught literally thousands of students to ski with his patient encouragement. He achieved various certifications from the PSIA over the years, yet he never forgot his humble beginnings in the early 1970’s trying to get established in the Breckenridge community.  He requested that a memorial scholarship fund be established in his name to assist others with the financial cost of certification.

Non-Profit Education Foundation Scholarship

Who may apply: Non-profit organizations. As a Non-Profit organization, is is our goal to be in support of other Non-Profits whose mission is to support growth and development in the snowsports industry.

Scholarship amount: $2,500 total scholarship funds to be divided among applicants awarded

Details of application: Complete and submit application form and essay

Application deadline: December 15th

Membership Status

Active

• Instructor is teaching full or part-time during a season

• Annual membership dues for current members are required and are due on or before June 30 every year. $130 is the dues fee for membership in both Rocky Mountain Division and National organization of PSIA-AASI

• 12 hours (2 days) of educational clinics are required every other year for certified instructors. Each clinic day constitutes six hours of clinic credit. You may also take a one-day clinic every year, for six credit hours each year

Inactive

• Inactive status is not a voluntary status – this is a status Active members are moved to if they are delinquent in the CEU requirements.

• Members will remain Inactive until they catch up on all CEU’s due for that season, at which point their status will move back to active.

• Members will remain Inactive for a period of 4 seasons, if they have still not attained the required CEU’s, they will be automatically moved to Alumni status

Senior

• Must be at least 75 years of age

• Must have at least 10 years of membership in PSIA-RM

• Annual divisional dues payment are $20 less than active status

• Senior members are still required to meet the educational credit requirements

Alumni

• Instructor is not teaching, not planning to return to teaching

• Must submit a request for status change

• Must have at least 6 years of membership in PSIA-AASI

• Annual divisional dues payment of $34 and National dues payment of $30 required

• Alumni members are not required to meet the educational credit requirements, and certifications are expired

• Must complete the reinstatement program if alumni members wish to move back to active status

Membership Forms