Spring 2012 Board of Directors Elections: See page 8 for candidate statements and voting instructions.
Join Us for Spring Convention at Northstar - April 13th - 15th, 2012 Greetings! Time to start getting excited about Convention 2012! This year’s convention will be held at Northstar in beautiful North Lake Tahoe. We are looking forward to taking advantage of what Northstar has to offer: awesome trees, great teaching terrain, and of course, amazing freestyle terrain. There is plenty to do and it is always a great time hanging out in the Village. I am very excited to announce that the Burton Academy will be hosting the snowboarding side of Convention this year. The Academy and its staff are super stoked to welcome all of our members and are looking forward to our annual Saturday afternoon rail/box jam.
Convention Registration . . . pgs. 2-5 Board of Directors Candidates . . pgs. 8-11 Sketches of Spain . . . . . . . . . . . pgs. 12-13 New Skill Same Hill . . pgs. 14-15
By Chris Lange
Our Kick-Off party will feature a tropical theme (Hula punch anyone?) with recognition given to best attire. This event will be held at the center of the Village, overlooking the ice rink and will include appetizers, beverages and fun with your fellow instructors. While the ice rink will not be in operation, we are looking forward to members getting their rollerskating groove on. Limitless opportunities abound for partying into the night at Northstar Village, and beyond. Lodging discounts will be available on site at discounted rates for this event. (cont’d on pg. 2)
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Spring Convention 2012
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Northstar, April 13-15, 2012
Join us for education and fun.
Tentative Schedule: see www.psia-w.org Thursday, April 12
9:00 am PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors Meeting Truckee Office
Friday, April 13
AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines 1:00 pm, Snowsports Management Meeting 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Kick-Off Party at the Village Ice Skating Rink
How to Register Take advantage of our secure on-line signup option through www.psia-w.org, click on the “Spring Convention” page. You will need your National ID# to log in.
Or, use the form to the right.
Saturday, April 14
AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines 4:00 pm, General Membership Meeting 6:00 - 10:00 pm, Banquet at Big Springs Lodge, Mid-Mountain
Sunday, April 15
t he
AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines Afternoon clinics end at 3:30 pm
edge
The Edge is a publication of the The Western Division of Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA-W) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI-W) covering California and Nevada. We are one of nine divisions that make up the American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA). PSIA was founded in 1961 to develop a standardized system for teaching and to unify instructors throughout the country in the disciplines of Alpine, Nordic, Snowboarding and Adaptive. The Edge is published two times annually. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors, and are not the policies and opinions of PSIA/AASI Western Division. For advertising submissions and information, contact our office: PSIA/AASI Western Division 9709 Highway 267, Suite B, Truckee, CA. 96161 phone (530) 587-7642 fax (530) 587-4273 admin@psia-w.org For all membership inquiries, check out our website at www. psia-w.org or contact our office for additional information.
Spring Convention (cont’d) (cont’d from pg. 1) The Banquet will be held on Saturday night at midmountain. Start your evening with a scenic gondola ride courtesy of Northstar. The banquet will feature a plentiful buffet, awards and presentations, and our Silent Auction fundraiser for the Education Foundation. Out on the snow, expect to really progress your skiing/riding and teaching. Of course we will have courses to help our exam candidates to get ready for their coming exams, and we also offer an exciting mix of guest clinicians and freestyle. You can view the clinics offered at www. psia-w.org, click on the Spring Convention page. Check in for all three days will be at one of the Convention rooms on the lower level of the Northstar Village. Lift tickets if you need them are being provided by Northstar for $ 15/day for our members who have registered for clinics.
Come help us celebrate the end of a season and have a rockin’ good time! I look forward to seeing all of you there! Chris Lange
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Spring Convention 2012 – April 13-15 Registration Form The 2012 PSIA/AASI-W Spring Convention will be held at Northstar, April 13-15th. Clinics are available morning and afternoon Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Our Kick-Off Party will be held at the ice skating rink in the village on Friday evening from 5:30 - 7:30. The banquet will be held at Big Springs Lodge, Mid-Mountain on Saturday from 6 - 10.
Please select ONE package:
Cost
Cost After April 3
#1 Fri, Sat & Sun clinics #2 Fri & Sat clinics #3 Sat & Sun clinics #4 Fri & Sun clinics #5 Fri only clinics #6 Sat only clinics #7 Sun only clinics
$195 $140 $140 $140 $75 $75 $75
$215 $160 $160 $160 $90 $90 $90
Add the Banquet and Kick-Off Party: Cost o Kick-Off Party $25 Tropical fun at the ice rink. Bring your Hawaiian shirt. o Banquet only – Sat 6-10 pm (guests welcome) $45 Join us at Big Springs Lodge, Mid-Mountain for an evening of fellowship. Gondola ride included. Thanks to Northstar for sponsoring the gondola.
T-shirt $5.00(optional): Preorder a T-shirt to commemorate the event. Please indicate size: ___S ___M ___L ___XL $__________ Northstar Lift Tickets $15.00: $__________ Total Enclosed: $__________ Paying by Check: Check # _____________
Amount: $__________
Paying by: VISA or MASTERCARD card #_________- _________- _________- _________ Expiration Date: _________ Security code: _________ Last minute registration will be accepted with late fees, however after April 11 there will be no sign ups through the office. Please bring this form with you to the event. Late registrants are not guaranteed a T-shirt.
Membership Discipline: (circle one) Nordic Snowboard Adaptive Alpine Name:_________________________________ PSIA#____________ Phone:_______________ Billing Address:_______________________________________ Email: ___________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________________________________________ I _____________________________________________________ declare: I am an experienced skier/ snowboarder and instructor. I wish to participate in this event. In consideration of acceptance to and participation in this event, I hereby waive, release and forever discharge the ski/ snowboard areas, PSIA/AASI-W, examiners, employees, agents, members, sponsors and all other persons connected with this event from any and all liability for injury, damage or death, caused by the negligence or other unintentional conduct. I am aware of the risks of snowsports, including serious injury and death. I agree to assume all the risks and to release all persons above from any liability for negligence or otherwise actionable conduct. I have fully read and voluntarily agree to the above terms and conditions.
Signature:____________________________________________________ Date ____________ Signature of parent or guardian:__________________________________ Date ____________ (Required if applicant is under 18.)
Please return form with payment to: PSIA-W • 9709 Highway 267 • Truckee, CA 96161 or fax to: 530-587-4273 • For clinics – visit www.psia-w.org.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE SEE REVERSE FOR CLINIC SIGN-UP FORM.
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Build Your Convention Schedule
Choose your clinics from the list posted on our Spring Convention page, www.psia-w.org/event-center/spring-convention/. If you do not have internet access contact Western Division office for a clinic list. Please choose your morning and afternoon clinics for each day you will be attending the convention.
Friday, April 13
Sunday, April 15
Friday morning: Clinic #___________________ Clinic Title:______________________________ Friday afternoon: Clinic #__________________ Clinic Title:______________________________
Sunday morning: Clinic #__________________ Clinic Title:______________________________ Sunday afternoon: Clinic #_________________ Clinic Title:______________________________
Saturday, April 14
Please return form with payment to: PSIA-W 9709 Highway 267 • Truckee, CA 96161 or fax to: 530-587-4273 Can I change my mind? You may be allowed to move to another clinic the day of the event if space is available. Other clinics you would like to see offered:
Saturday morning: Clinic #_________________ Clinic Title:______________________________ Saturday afternoon: Clinic #________________ Clinic Title:______________________________
Featured Convention Events Senior Mastery of Skiing, Skiing improvement - open to all members. April 14-15 This is a popular skiing improvement event open to any member regardless of certification level. Join Mike Iman for a fun and educational clinic aimed at senior instructors who want to ski longer, stronger and better. We will work with you to help you understand how good contemporary technique and equipment can improve your skiing, and help you ski more efficiently with less strain and effort. This is a full day clinic offered both Saturday or Sunday.
To sign up, go to the Spring Convention page. Senior Specialist Level 1 Accreditation- April 14-15, Northstar This event is designed for Level I certified Alpine instructors. This two day event encompasses skiing improvement, video analysis and senior skiing and teaching models for beginning and intermediate senior skiers. Your teaching will be
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evaluated the afternoon of the second day (no skiing test). Successful candidates will receive our Senior Specialist Level I pin.
To sign up, go to the Spring Convention page. Children’s Specialist 1 April 14-15, Northstar This Nationally recognized Accreditation explores the CAP model (how kids think, move, and feel) and teaching progressions for children in different age zones. We will also explore children’s movement patterns “kids moveology”, and cover building kid friendly teaching progressions with the Play, Drill, Adventure, Summary method. Coaching on your own skiing/riding skills and improvement is included, if desired. This is a pass/fail event. Successful candidates will receive our Children’s Specialist Level I pin
To sign up, go to the Spring Convention page. Exams: All season-ending exams will be held at Squaw Valley beginning April 16. Register for these exams listed below separate from Convention. Alpine L1 Module 4/16-18 Alpine L2 Ski Module 4/16-17 Alpine L3 Ski Module 4/16-17 Alpine L2 Teach Module 4/16-18 Alpine L3 Teach Module 4/16-18 Adaptive Exams 4/16-18 Snowboard L1 Module 4/16-18 Snowboard L2 Teach Module 4/16-18 Snowboard L3 Teach Module 4/16-18
Telemark clinics – unconventional fun at the PSIA-W Spring Convention! Calling all telemarkers! Join the Western gang of freeheel freaks at the Spring Convention at Northstar April 13-15. We will be making a spectacle of ourselves with unconventional fun and games on skis. As always, telemark clinics at Convention will be educational and informative, but this year the theme will be inventive, experimental, and in a word…unconventional. This theme is inspired by the Norwegian Interski presentation of 1999, as well as the Finnish presentation from the St. Anton Interski last winter. These presentations explored the ways in which skiing could be taught without explicitly calling attention to technique. Unexpected tricks, exercises and tasks short circuit the analytical mind, allowing the body to directly experience functional skiing movements. This lighthearted approach to skill development relies on skiing maneuvers performed mostly on less challenging terrain. See telemark director Aaron Pearlman’s article in this issue for some examples. Those of you who remember his “Ski with Elvis” clinic will have some idea of what to expect when the telemark component of the Convention goes unconventional!
Look for clinic topics to be posted on www.psia-w.org/event-center/springConvention/ in early March.
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Lift Tickets at Northstar A Privilege, Not a Right Northstar will be offering $15.00 lift tickets for members for each day they are registered for Convention. We greatly appreciate Northstar’s cooperation in hosting this event, and ask our members to be considerate of the proper use of these tickets. 1) $15 Tickets are for PSIA/AASI members for the days they are signed up for Convention only. 2) PSIA/AASI members who are not registered for Convention on a particular day are responsible for their own tickets. 3) One ticket per attendee per day. If you lose a ticket, you will be required to buy a Northstar day pass at normal prices!
Thank you for your cooperation, slide safely, and enjoy the event.
Lodging at Northstar Northstar has set up special rates for this event on hotel rooms and condos at or near the resort. You can reserve by calling Northstar at 1-800-GO NORTH (466-6784). Use the booking code CC0PSI for the Spring Convention. Other lodging choices: Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge, etc.) Call 800258-2847 and use the PSIA/AASI Special Rate ID # 00802187. See the “Choice Hotels Lodging” page on www.psia-w.org under Member Services. Share a condo: Generally the least expensive way to stay in Northstar is to join with a group of fellow instructors and rent a condominium.
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Release
By Elianne Furtney
I’ve been known to comment that from one turn to another is moving from 2 your last turn is like a bad relationedges to 4 edges back to 2 edges. The moship: It’s important to know when the ment of being on 4 edges or two flat skis time has come to move on. Earlier in (even if only for a microsecond) delivers the season I was talking about anticitwo great things: first, you have options. pation and how critical a countered, From a flat ski, you can edge the skis either ready position is as you use the end subtly or strongly, or you can use rotary of one turn to set up for the next. Asskills to manipulate the ski depending on sume you have achieved this strong the conditions and terrain. Secondly, you ready position; upper body solid and have the opportunity to experience one of facing in the new direction of travel, the most exhilarating and addictive sensaeyes looking ahead, prepared in both tions in skiing (and life). When you release mind and body your edges in perfect for what is balance with the coming next. slope, you undergo “Now what?” a momentary feeling you may ask. of weightlessness as How do we take if you are free-falling advantage of the through space. While optimized posiat first this might tion we have cause some similar achieved? Reemotions to actually lease! The time falling (whoa!) evenhas come to let tually it becomes go…of your an exhilarating and edges, that is! essential part of a How do we take advantage of the optimized From a good turn transition. good anticipated position? Free your edges, free position, very your mind? Maybe little energy not, but it definitely is required to makes for more vermove into the satile and balanced new turn. If you skiing. find yourself On a personal needing an note, I find myself explosive lunge readying for a differin the direction ent kind of transiof the new turn, tion. Due to increasyou have probing responsibilities ably let yourself elsewhere, I am not get too far back seeking reelection to or over-rotated the PSIA-W Board Skis can be edged either subtly or strongly. at the end of the of Directors. It has last turn. Try been an honor and starting your privilege to serve the movements from the feet up, focusmembership and I plan to stay involved ing on flattening the skis by moving with the Tech Team and perhaps run again toward the little toe of the new inside in the future, but for now, even though this ski allowing the hips to cross over as has been a great relationship, it is time for needed to stay balanced. Too often in me to let go and fall into my next phase, our enthusiasm for early high edge whatever that may bring. angles, we rush right through the transition to our new edges, missing out on a movement that’s not only super functional but also super fun! One way of thinking of the transition
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Notes from the desk of Greg Lyons, Executive VP & Education Foundation President Scholarships and donations are in full motion during the writing of the “Edge”.
We have received over 40 applications and will soon be announcing this year’s successful applicants. We thank you all who have made donations in the past; it is greatly appreciated by our scholarship recipients and our Foundation leadership. If you are in the position to donate please try our new “Donate Now” button on the Foundation section of the PSIA website, http://psia-w.org/psiaaasi-education-foundation/. We look forward to helping as many of our scholarship applicants as we can!
Here is a Documentary I would recommend for snowsport buffs:
“Fire on the Mountain.” I thought it was interesting to see how snow sports in America were influenced by the 10th Mountain division. From Netflix review “The film interviews many veterans and has great old skiing footage. It takes you from the forming of the unit in the 1930s all the way to the post-war ski industry and how the 10th’s members stamped their influence on it. An elite group of champion skiers, mountain climbers and European mountaineers become the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, America’s only mountain and winter warfare fighting unit. From the intensive training atop the Colorado Rockies to the spectacular night climb of Italy’s Riva Ridge -- where the 10th scored their biggest victory against Hitler’s troops -- the exploits of this famous division are scrupulously chronicled.”
Insurance for PSIA-AASI Members for $185 per year.
A sad and too common experience in our industry is to see one of our friends go down with an injury and find that they have no medical coverage. One of the great advantages of being a PSIA or AASI member is that for only $ 185 a year you can purchase insurance that features coverage during teaching or training for skiing and snowboarding. This policy, offered through SportsInsurance.com, is valid worldwide, including the USA and Canada. What is covered? Accidental Medical Coverage for many medical services up to $50,000 per accident while participating in skiing and snowboarding activities, with a $2,500 deductible per accident. This General Liability policy including Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions coverage for bodily injury or property damage to third parties
during an instructional accident caused by any act or omission arising out of instructional services provided by an insured instructor. $1,000,000 per claim made during the coverage period per insured member, $2,000,000 aggregate. This policy also includes $500,000 of Abuse and Molestation coverage. Important note: You must be a member in good standing and at least a current Certified Level I to obtain this coverage. See the National website, www.psia-w.org for more information and to sign up.
Sponsor the Spring Convention, April 13-15 at Northstar The Western Division’s Annual Convention is our showcase event of the season. With expected attendance of over 350 instructor participants from resorts all over California and Nevada for three days of on-snow education and fun, social events and camaraderie, this is a great opportunity to showcase a product or service that might be of interest to our members. We are offering Sponsorship and Advertising opportunities for vendors and businesses. We are also welcoming donations to our Auction and Raffle. For information on how you or your business might participate, contact mdion@psia-w.org.
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Your Candidates
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For the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors
Following are alphabetical profiles submitted by the candidates for the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors. Successful candidates earn a three-year term on the Board. Now, it’s your turn to make your voice heard. Please, read all the profiles.
HOW TO VOTE: You will be allowed to vote for no more than four of the candidates. You can vote “On-Line” or using the form on pg. 11. On-Line voting: All members in good standing with a valid email in our database will be sent an invitation to cast an online ballot on or about March 1, 2012. You will have until April 2, 2012 to cast your ballot. Your vote will be tabulated anonymously by and independent web-based election provider, Election Buddy. Members can only cast one ballot and then will be locked out of voting again. If you do not receive your invitation to vote, please contact our office for assistance. (info@psia-w.org or (530) 587-7642.) Mail-In ballot: If you do not want to, or are unable to vote on-line, please mail the ballot on pg. 11 to our office. You MUST include your National ID # on the ballot for your vote to be counted. Ballots must be received in our office by April 2, 2012 to be counted.
Christopher Barrett
My name is Christopher Barrett. My passion and dedication for snowsports has resulted in numerous contributions to my employers. I’m an instructor/trainer at Mountain High. As a full time instructor I can appreciate the challenge of building a client base through “student centered - goal oriented” coaching. This approach helps enhance the lesson and amplify the amount of retention in my guests. Being in the industry for 14 years and having experience at different resorts in the US and Australia, I’ve gained invaluable understanding and different perspectives. To better understand every aspect of the mountain and how to best interact with the guests, I’ve worked in every department. Snowboarding and skiing are not only my career, they are the love of my life! I was the innovator of 8 hour blocks so my clients could get a discounted rate for lessons is bulk. My drive and enthusiasm have influenced and encouraged countless guests and instructors to pursue elevated education through PSIA/AASI; resulting in improved coaching and riding at higher standards.
It would be a privilege and an honor to represent PSIA/AASI-W. Being a member of the board would provide an opportunity for me to share my knowledge and experience with an industry that has given me everything. I believe through PSIA/ AASI promoting the service concepts, instructors can make an individual connection with their guests. I would like to offer specific clinics that target sales, teach the art of a lesson and help with tangible and professional development. These techniques have been the secret to my success and I would like to contribute my experience, knowledge and understanding with instructors by giving them sales management tools and a skill set that brings the guests back every time. • AASI Level 3 • AASI Level 1 Freestyle • AASI Level 1 Children’s
Christopher Barrett
Brent Boblitt
Dear PSIA-W Member, I am interested serving on the Board of Directors. Since joining PSIA
in 1981 I have been a Ski Instructor, Supervisor, Examiner, Race Coach, Race Director, Head Coach and Manager of a Ski School. I believe with this past I would be able to help the Western Division get even stronger than it is now. I for one would like to see every instructor in our division become a member, a certified member. I also know that some instructors in our division feel that it’s not necessary to become a member or continue to be a member. I would like to change that. Some ideas• Free Clinics- use level 3 instructors or alumni examiners. • Fewer days for the exam- less days equal less money spent for the candidate. • ½ pass- if you pass your skiing but not your teaching in an exam you keep that forever, such as level 3 skiing only. • Re-testing- if you fail one portion of the test you could re-take that portion for a minimal testing fee instead of paying for the whole test, (such as demo’s) • In house level 2- test the level 2 as you would the level 1 but make it two days. • Better discounts- ski area tickets, products, etc… These are just some of the ideas that have been brought to my attention by members of our division. If you have any other ideas please don’t hesitate to email me at bboblitt@ sugarbowl.com.
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For the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors • PSIA MEMBER SINCE 1981 • LEVEL 2 CERTIFIED 1982 • LEVEL 3 CERTIFIED 1984 • LEVEL 3 COACHES CERTIFICATE(also certified chief of course, chief of race,referee)
Thanks for considering me for your vote. Sincerely, Brent Boblitt
CeCi Chourre
My Focus: I strive to represent the everyday instructor. Areas like testing standards, costs to stay in the industry and scholarship have continued to be my focus. I may not be a Director of a Snowsports school, Tech team member or Full Time Level III instructor, but I bring a unique set of Corporate Fundraising, Marketing and Member Organizational skills that our western division needs today. These skills to be fully used will need the access that only a Board of Director member is provided. Your votes will only help me help you. As a regular part-time member, here are several projects I initiated to benefit our organization: • Gathered 700 signatures from members to motivate Board vote to allow Ski/Ride section of Level II or III to count for 2 years. • Raised nearly $30,000 in funds for member scholarship assistance over 3 years with Convention Auction. • 2008: $13,500 for Regional Demo tryout for National Demo Team • 2010: $9,000 Scholarship Fund • 2011: $7,400 Scholarship Fund • Increased scholarship awarded from
5 to 22 to membership • Developed: • Corporate Sponsorship: to offset Convention administration costs. • On-site training of effective scholarship and recommendation writing (7 resorts) • Application went from 5 to 120. • Designed Volunteer Fundraising and Membership Representative Committees. • Partnership with Calstar to offer membership rate of $30. • Enhanced use of Email Newsletter to give member monthly seasonal updates. • Advocated an Adaptive Scholarship that you can directly give your contributions too. • Appointed by Board of Directors, Chair of the Fundraising committee 2010-2011 Credentials • PSIA NW/Western Member: 8 years • Level II Alpine and Level I Adaptive • 40 years involvement via Recreational, Collegiate Racing and Instructing • Master in Corporate Coaching and Team Building • 10 years Non-profit Organization: Jr League, International Soroptimist, and Ski Duck • 4 years Washington Ski Team Board Member Let’s work together, to help our members pursue their individual snow sports goals.
Your Candidates Hello fellow members of PSIA/ AASI-W. My name is Steve Evenson (aka Weavin Steven) and I would like announce my intent to run for another term on the Board of Directors. The members of this Division deserve a committed and passionate BOD to serve them. As a front line instructor, I am out there every day working with our membership on an intimate basis. I feel that I can represent everyday working instructors at a base level. As a Level 3 examiner, I am also cognizant of the constant progression of the exam process and an advocate of developing a fair but stringent testing process. I have listened to the wants and needs of the membership and tried to represent you accordingly. As the Convention Chair I am amazed at the diversity and passion exuded by this organization, from new members all the way to the Tech Team. It has been an honor to serve both the membership and the current Board members and I would be equally honored to continue in this capacity. Pray for snow and I’ll ski ya later.
Weavin’ Steven Evenson
Chris Lange
CeCi Chourre
Steven Evenson My name is Chris Lange and I would appreciate your vote for the PSIA/AASI Western Division Board of Directors. I am an AASI-W Tech Team member, a Level 3 examiner, and a member of the AASI-W Professional Development Committee. I have served as the Western Division Convention Chair for 2012 and 2011. Currently I am an instructor and staff trainer at the Burton (cont’d on pg. 10)
Watch for an email with voting instructions or mail in the ballot on pg. 11. Votes will be accepted through April 2, 2012.
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Your Candidates (cont’d from pg. 9) Snowboard Academy at Northstar. I have been an instructor and a member of PSIA/AASI for 18 years. I am proud to be a member of the Western Division, as I find our membership extremely enthusiastic and passionate about snowports and snowsports instruction. My priorities as a board member would be to first and foremost, listen to and advocate your needs and interests as members of this division. I feel that in order for the progression of snowsports instruction we must respect tradition and welcome contemporary ideas, while encouraging to learn from each other, and sharing interdisciplinary knowledge. Our organization has grown by our efforts to develop a strong relationship between the represented disciplines. Continuing to foster the sense of team and camaraderie amongst disciplines is essential to our success as an organization. I have always worked passionately to represent the needs our instructors and our profession. My passion is, you, the membership. Instructors are the core of our respective sports and it is important for us to have the tools to keep developing professionally and individually, so that we can continue to inspire our guests with the love for snow that we all share. My passion and dedication to our profession and our industry is infallible. It would be an honor to represent you on the PSIA/AASI Western Division Board of directors. Career Highlights • 2010-Present Coach and Trainer, Burton Snowboard Academy, Northstar • 2010-Present Western Division Convention Chair • 2005-Present AASI Western Division Tech Team • 2008-2009 Marketing Assistant Boreal Mountain Resort • 2006-2008 Ski School Manager Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
Chris Lange
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For the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors Tim Rankins
I would like to put my energy towards you, the membership through your vote to continue to move this division forward in strength and leadership.
Thank you and have a safe and great season. Tim Rankins
Dave Sutherland Hi, Tim Rankins asking for your vote for the Board of Directors. I have been involved with this division since the early eighties and have seen many changes through the years. The direction we have always taken is to be a leader in education, scholarships, funds and certification. I have been full certified since 1987, been an examiner since the mid nineties, tech team member, two term w-demo team, children specialists two, senior specialists and a resort trainer. I have had the opportunity to ski, train, and examine with many of you in this division over the past twenty plus years. I am very proud to say this is such a strong division, not only in what we do but most of all, how we do it! We have implemented an accreditation for both seniors and children specialties, with numerous ways to obtain training for these events. I will focus on the continuation of these and future programs that will focus on the memberships training and educational needs. Our membership is growing rapidly, along with the industry changing so quickly, year to year, many are now making this theirprimary career. While some are taking the opportunity to create a second career, adding a new direction to their lives that offers a great lifestyle! In the years that I have taught and coached this sport, there has always been a driving factor that has always motivated me... making connections with people, creating breakthroughs with them, helping them accomplish their goals and giving them the best experience I can to make their visit a rewarding one!
Thank you all here in SoCal who have expressed your support for me to once again run (and hopefully serve) on the Board of Directors. It is a group for which I have the utmost respect. Since the 50th Anniversary of PSIA at Aspen/Snowmass, I have had the opportunity to meet with Mark Dorsey, National Executive Director while he has been here in the West to discuss the future of our organization. His presence here has been drawn by the fact that our Division has the highest percentage of new members of any Div. in the country and he wants to know what we are doing to have such success. I simply stated that it starts from the leadership we have at the top. Congratulations to our Board of Directors. In one way, I feel that I have been a part of that success by being one member of a small panel who select the recipients of the Ed Foundation and Soddy Fund Scholarships. Over the years, I have been a champion of the small and remote areas of our division as their resources for training are not as fruitful as the major resorts and that this is a responsibility of the Division to assist these places who often are at the forefront of the first time guest to our sport. In this effort, if I may have the liberty to
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For the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors express my gratitude to Janine Gerdis, of Mt Shasta, for it has been though our efforts and others, that in some small way, have brought the Division to you by implementing such opportunities as the “Traveling Clinic”, the “Level One In House” and “Member School Clinics”. Having started this instructing “business” in 457BC, I have seen many changes: Duck tape has been replaced by Goretex, GLM (for those who need to:Google: Cliff Taylor/ Graduated Length Method) by Rocker technology, that I believe I can bring to the Board some unique perspectives (some of you might remember Dave’s Out Of The Box column.)
I appreciate your vote. Dave Sutherland
Finlay Torrance
Hello. My name is Finlay Torrance and I would respectfully request your vote for the PSIA/AASI-w Board of Directors. I work as a Director at the Mammoth Mountain Ski & Snowboard School and enjoy mountaineering, fly fishing and building the occasional chairlift in my spare time. Things you should know about me: • 27 years teaching and coaching in Scotland, France, New Zealand and the USA.
Your Candidates • PSIA National Demo Team selector 2006. • PSIA Examiners Exchange contributor • AASI/PSIA National Freestyle Taskforce Member 2003 • Current Alpine Tech Team member • Prominent in the creation of the Alpine freestyle accreditation • Alpine & Snowboard Level 3 certified • Past Board member 2004-2010 I have worked as a weekend warrior and as a full time pro in big and small schools. I wish to volunteer my time because I feel that my scope of experience can help our board continue to make good decisions and ultimately improve our educational and exam offerings to you the member.
Thanks for your time Finlay Torrance
You will be allowed to vote for no more than four of the candidates. You can vote “On-Line” or using the form below. On-Line voting: All members in good standing with a valid email in our database will be sent an invitation to cast an online ballot on or about March 1, 2012. You will have until April 2, 2012 to cast your ballot. Your vote will be tabulated anonymously by and independent web-based election provider, Election Buddy. Members can only cast one ballot and then will be locked out of voting again. If you do not receive your invitation to vote, please contact our office for assistance. (info@psia-w.org or (530) 587-7642.) Mail-In ballot: If you do not want to, or are unable to vote on-line, please mail the below ballot to our office.
!
3VOTE
Help determine the direction of PSIA/AASI-W. Vote for four (4) of the eight (8) candidates below for the Board of Directors by marking the box in front of your choices. Successful candidates earn a three-year term on the Board. Please return this ballot to PSIA-W. You MUST include your National ID# on the ballot for your vote to be counted. Ballots must be received in our office by April 2, 2012. National ID#_______________________
m Christopher Barrett m Brent Boblitt m CeCi Chourre m Steven Evenson
m Chris Lange m Tim Rankins m Dave Sutherland m Finlay Torrance
Vote for no more than 4 candidates. Mail your completed ballot to: PSIA/AASI-W, 9709 Hwy 267, Suite B, Truckee, CA. 96161
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Sketches of Spain To answer the first questions everyone will ask—yes, there is skiing in southeast Spain outside Granada and itlooks a lot like Mammoth. Sierra Nevada Station sits on a 13,000’ peak above Andalusian orange groves and olives and, when standing on the summit beside the weather and astronomical research stations looking east, you can see the Mediterranean before you rip down 4,000 vertical feet of open bowls.This is the site that will be the home of the 2015 University Winter Games. Between March 27 and April 8, 2011, Esquela Official de Esqui and Fundacion Deporte y Desafio in cooperation with event co-sponsor Vodafone and in collaboration with Sierra Nevada Resort, RFEDI (Real Federacion Espanola de Desportes) held their first course in adaptive snowboarding. Fundacion Deporte y Desafio (D&D), a leader in Spanish Adaptive Sports, was founded in 1998. D&D, based in Madrid, is a sports program predicated on the theory that an access to sports helps foster a complete, integrated society and teaches crossover skills for vocational studies. I find this a truly amazing premise and mission statement to which my paraphrase does an injustice.
By Richard “Neill” Woodruff
I was honored to be asked to be the snowboard clinician for this first Spanish Adaptive Snowboard course. The course, considered somewhere between an American level 1 and Level 2 adaptive,consisted of 30 hours of specific on-snow snowboard training in addition to the 60 hours of ski clinics shadowed prior to the training and extensive nightly theory sessions. An equivalent credential to an AASI L2 was a prerequisite for admission to the course, with 23 candidates being accepted to participate. All candidates demonstrated an astounding degree of enthusiasm and focus throughout the grueling process. The snowboard curriculum was modeled to a large degree on the PSIA techniques as twenty years earlier consultants from California and Colorado came to help the then fledgling Spanish Adaptive Ski program. Candidates worked with hands-on techniques, snow-wing, tethers, mono-ski, biski, dual-ski, and kart-ski. In 2012 the Riderbar is scheduled to be added for the second course. As I said earlier, the atmosphere was incredible and seemed almost closer to a party than a 14-day exam. The clinics were conducted in a relaxed open forum with a mixture of Spanish and English. I am ashamed
Graduates of the course at the final pick-up clinic.
to say that my Spanish is very flawed being gleaned from work and dinners in Chile. Chilean Castilliano is a very different animal from the Andaluse that was lingual Franca for the course. We persevered and the candidates politely tolerated my stuttering, “ummms” and thick Yankee (used to describe all North Americans) accent. Another lingual impediment was the fact that Adaptive Snowboard is so new that some terms couldn’t be translated. The irony wasn’t lost on me that someone with such poor Spanish was helping to refine the language to some small degree and it, therefore, seemed better for the candidates to arrive at a consensus and create the vocabulary to be used as the patois of instructors. The group nevertheless progressed and began to take students out, first shadowing skiers when possible, then shadowed by clinicians, and finally graduating to solo. This process served as exam practicals. Where these students came from is an interesting story in and of itself. D&D holds a parallel event with several sessions for adaptive students during the time period of the course. Fundacion Deporte y Desafio accepts applications for scholarships to be given to adaptive students of all varieties. Included in these is a five-day stay in the main resort hotel and three hours of classes a day. The D&D event serves as purpose, publicity, and student base for the course. With this complete explanation said, the reader can truly appreciate the carnival atmosphere at Sierra Nevada during these two weeks. Finally on the 12th night there was a written exam on theory. We hit the snow again the next morning for our last scheduled class, went to the café for a snack in the afternoon and, at long last, it was graduation. After the banquet the candidates, event participants, and the party moved to a local bar that had been rented out complete with DJ as the venue. Speeches came and went, the
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Sketches of Spain (cont’d) candidates and participants matriculated, ultimately, in true Continental style, the celebration began in earnest. Without missing a beat, music fired up and dancing continued till the small hours of the morning. At breakfast and on the hill everyone looked a little sad and tired the next day as we said our good-byes at a last anticlimactic pick-up clinic hoping that we would all meet again for the next step in 2012.
For more information see;www.deporteydesafio. com, http://adaptadoubi.blogspot.com/, http://vodafone. com/content/index/about/foundation/about_foundation, andhttp://teleton.clfor a similar Chilean program. Neil Woodruff is a certified Adaptive Snowboard Level 3, Snowboard Level 3 and a member of the Adaptive Tech Team for Western Division. A candidate taking a mono-ski out for the first time.
Dues Increase on the Way Citing the need to reinvest in education programs and resources—and after thorough analysis of the association’s financial needs— the ‘National’ PSIA-AASI Board of Directors voted to increase dues by $11 per member for 2012–13. The effect on Western Division members will be to raise the overall dues total to $96. PSIA/AASI has put special effort into member benefits, as evidenced by providing the ‘Movement Matrix’ at no charge to all members. In addition to access to professional development and education, members enjoy pro deals on top equipment and clothing brands, discounts on lift tickets at resorts, and other benefits such as access to professional liability and medical insurance at a very low cost. Here in Western Division we continue to focus on giving our members top value. Most members are aware that a portion of their dues supports the administration and certification programs in Western Division. Our component of the dues will remain unchanged ($35), keeping us the lowest priced Division in the Association. This is evidence of the strong commitment our Board of Directors has watching costs and keeping membership affordable. One more tip, late fees are increasing as well, so paying by the June 30 deadline will be your best option for saving money. If you want to learn more about the financial picture of the National Association you can view the full report at www.thesnowpros.org.
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New Skill Same Hill
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By Aaron Pearlman
I have been consistently reminded of the mantra, “New Skill, Same Hill” this season. Many of us have been teaching day after day on the same 1 or 2 runs due to a lack of snow (or great snowmaking, your choice of terminology.) However, this is not uncommon for early season lessons and as instructors we must adapt. Have fun with the snow we’re given and make it exciting for both you and your clients. “If you can’t be with the one you love honey, love the one you’re with.” CSNY Some say that it’s not challenging or exciting enough out there but I beg to differ. Skiing on an easy slope can encourage us to try the most difficult maneuvers which are required at top-level skiing. Excitement can be experienced in the ability to master complex, expert movements in our own skiing on early season or limited terrain. Sharing this with our guests provides for challenging and exciting moments just like skiing down double black diamonds. Ever had one of those lessons where a student was pushed to a challenging slope and everything they learned went out the window because they were too busy being Psyched-Out? Even though being personally challenged by terrain is a great exercise for any ability level, we can agree that not a lot of skill refinement takes place at these moments. The real exploration of new movements takes place in comfortable or even easy environments. Would you want to jump off that 10-Foot cornice into a 55 degree couloir with only one ski on? Neither would your guest; but they might be willing to try it somewhere easier. Good coaches know, the best learning can occur in comfortable environments rather than on the most extreme slopes or conditions. It’s hard to think of that new skill while thinking OMG, if I don’t get this right I’ll Die down there! Winters that start off with light snow provide an opportunity to warm up for the season and practice some expert moves before really needing them. All kinds of
challenging maneuvers can be practiced with the calm of knowing you’re in a comfortable environment. The list of skiing maneuvers is virtually endless ranging from one-foot carving (Monorails) to edge set hop turns. Some other practice drills include; Telemark turns on XC gear, White Pass turns, railroad tracks, switch-skiing, etc. Let your imagination go and be creative! One of my favorite Telemark drills is turning on the inside foot only (keep heel down for success). Many Telemark skiers incorrectly put too much weight on the front (outside) foot and therefore have little or no control with the back (inside) ski. Picking up the outside foot, off the snow, insures that the inside foot will get lots of practice and mileage. You must focus on the balance, steering, edging and pressure control without relying on the outside foot as a crutch. At first begin with side-slipping on the uphill ski only, then try traversing on it, progress to J-turns and ultimately try to ride the inside ski all the way through each arc, skiing rhythmically down the hill. Now, all you have to do is go back to making Telemark turns but feel the same precision and active control with the newly trained inside foot. This can help to improve your Telemark turns, even on easiest terrain.
If you consider the “New Skill, Same Hill” concept with every lesson/clinic, your chance for success will be much higher. Often our guests need this same type of early season refresher, even as late as “Spring Skiing”. They may only get one or two chances a year to ski. As everyday professionals, we build up strength and skills throughout the winter season. We need to remember about those early season drills or practice that brought us to this point.
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New Skill Same Hill (cont’d) So, my tip of the day is, decrease the terrain and increase the difficulty level of practice drills for greater success in your lessons. During the early season or in a season like this, don’t just slide down the mountain, do something good for yourself, try some challenging drills that have the opportunity to improve a “New Skill on the Same Hill”.
Aaron Pearlman PSIA-W Telemark Director Northstar California
Decrease the terrain, increase the difficulty level.
Western Division Race Camp May 7-9 Location: Mammoth NEW this season. This is a 3-day event that will focus on racing fundamentals and tactics. It is designed for everyone, even those who have never had experience in gates. Participants will be grouped according to similarities in skill, pace and goals. The camp will include slalom and giant slalom practice. Participants can expect to run through a variety of drills, tactically set courses and full length courses. The camp will also include directed free-skiing, video analysis and off-hill activities. The focus of the camp will be on developing participants’ technical skills toward greater precision and accuracy, learning racing tactics and strategies and increasing confidence in the race course.
PSIA W Ski Education Foundation
PSIA - Western Division – AASI 9709 Hwy. 267, Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 587-7642, Fax: (530) 587-4273 Email: info@psia-w.org Website: www.psia-w.org ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PSIA-W/AASI-W Board of Directors & Officers 2011/12 Officers: President Executive Vice President Alpine VP Snowboard VP PSIA Nat’l Board Rep Past President
Carl Underkoffler Greg Lyons Elianne Furtney Doug Fagel Neil Bussiere Neil Bussiere
Directors: Neil Bussiere (14), Heidi Ettlinger (14), Steve Evenson (12), Doug Fagel (13), Steve Fengler (13), Elianne Furtney (12), Chris Lange (12), Greg Lyons (13), Ted Pitcher (12), Dan Ray (14), Bryan Schilling (14), Carl Underkoffler (13). Nordic Chairperson: Urmas Franosch Adaptive Chairperson: Glen Smith
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