President’s Message By Neil Bussiere, ASEA Western President Looking Forward to Powder “08”s 2008?….Is it possible that nearly a decade has elapsed since we all held our collective breath and questioned whether the clocks in our computers and our various forms of high-tech sliding apparatus would function in the new millennium? Quite recently, in digging through the closet, I was pleasantly surprised to see that red LED light on those fancy “piezoelectric” skis from millennia past still manages to flash and blink when the skis bend. I’ll take this to be a sign of good things to come in the ‘08, like Rudolph leading us through white-out Neil Bussiere, ASEA-W President
conditions to the promised land of perpetual powder in the new year. This new year’s arrival is not without reflection on recent successes. The past few months have seen a fresh look to our website, a well-attended Tech Team Training and Sports School Directors’ Meeting in Mammoth in mid-November, an energized Fall Rally in early December at Mammoth and an expanded and concerted effort to garner new membership across the division. Kudos to Heidi Ettlinger of our Publicity Committee for her selfless dedication of time and spearheading the efforts behind the website and updated recruiting materials, including the wealth of deliverables and information now available across all (cont. on pg. 2)
Board of Directors’ Elections Deadline for submission is February 8, 2008
Do you have energy and ideas and a spirit of volunteerism? Do you feel like you can fairly represent the membership of PSIA/AASI Western Division? Consider running for Board of Directors. Qualifications: A passion for the sport and a willingness to work hard in a cooperative setting for the benefit of the memberConvention ship. Attendance is required at two annual Update . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 3 Board of Director meetings, normally held in spring and summer. This Lessons from the year’s meetings are scheduled for April 17, 2008 in Dojo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 7 Mammoth and August 2-3, 2008 at our Truckee office. Try a Ski Race . . . . . pg.13 Rusty Crook – 70 Years on Skis & Still Going . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 15
Guidelines for submitting your candidacy: Prospective Board members should submit a candidate statement of approximately 300 words, and an electronic photo (head shot) to our office by February 8, 2008. Statements will be printed in the Spring issue of The Edge. Results will be announced the first week of April.
Check out the complete story on page 6.
Josh Spoelstra demonstrates beginning mono-ski turns.
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President’s Message
By Neil Bussiere
President’s Message (cont’d)
the
disciplines. Visit www.psia-w.org for a look if you haven’t already. Also, remember to consult the Member Benefits page and partake of the area discounts and freebies listed there. As we look forward into 2008 the coming of Spring means our annual Board of Directors’ election is nearing. If you are someone with good ideas and a passion for snowsports instruction please consider throwing your hat, make that helmet, into the mix. The deadline for the submittal of your Position Statement and photo to the office is February 8th. Don’t be shy and make your voice heard. We look forward to your involvement. Let’s hope my pair of blinking “Rudolph” skis is right and there will be powder for all in ’08. Toss in a clinic or two for good measure and keep your educational arsenal loaded with the latest info while maintaining your Educational Credits. Make tracks of progress wherever you go
and success is sure to follow. Remember, everyone benefits when we share the passion behind what we do. We hope to see you out there.
edge
Slide safely and shine brightly, Neil
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, Adaptive, as well as Backcountry. The Edge is published three times annually. 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. Additional photography for The Edge courtesy of Aaron Rosen.
In Memory of Kent Ehman By Aaron Herne
It is with great sadness that I share with the membership the passing of Kent “Y.T.” Ehman on 9/28/07. Kent’s steady support of our Division, contributions to our membership and enduring passion for winter sports is what sparks memories of him most. Anyone that took a powder run with him or a cruiser in the sun was treated to just the right amount of blab on the lift and a big Y.T. grin on the way down. He was the master at delivering the subliminal ski message; not a lot of talk with a whole lot of walk. He started his teaching career as part of the Echo Summit team, moving on to Kirkwood for 18 years, attaining position as staff trainer & supervisor as well as tech-team member. His responsibilities as F & B director @ Lake Tahoe Golf Course limited his time on the hill but he continued to teach and was part of Heavenly staff the past two seasons.
If you knew Kent pick a Y.T. day and take some time to have a run and remember his ski spirit. He will be missed. Happy to be his friend, Aaron Herne
Kent “Y.T.” Ehman.
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Convention 2008-Mammoth April 18-20, 2008 The 2008 PSIA/AASI-W Spring Convention will be held at Mammoth Mountain, April 18-20, 2008. For those who have not attended one of our Conventions recently, this event is built around opportunities for camaraderie and fellowship with our fellow instructors, combined with an impressive array of on-snow clinics and learning experiences. Responding to member suggestions, we will be offering more selection for attendees who want to branch out to a snowboarding or adaptive clinic. How about, “Fun with Sit Skis?” Give it a try. We expect a very high-energy event, as tryouts for the PSIA/AASI National Tech Teams will be held at Mammoth a week after our event. Expect to see some out-of– Division members cruising the slopes with us.
• Saturday, April 19 – 6pm-8pm Friday Kick-Off Party at the Tusk Bar • Sunday, April 20 – 6pm –10pm, Saturday - Banquet at the Grizzly Room, Canyon Lodge
Tentative Schedule:
Lodging
• Thursday, April 17 PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors Meeting • April 18-20 – 8:30am – 4 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday Daily educational clinics, all disciplines
Mammoth has offered our membership discounts at all three Mammoth operated resorts, Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort, and The Village. Room options vary from regular hotel rooms to one and two bedroom condominiums, so combining with a group of friends can make the lodging pretty economical.
To make a reservation: OnLine: Individuals may book ONLINE up to and until the room block has been released on Friday, March 14th, 2008 at https://lodging. mammothmountain.com/v1web/Availability. asp?WCI=Groups&WCE=GroupSelect using the following information: • Group ID: 4957 • Password: 37000778 A reservation fee of $15.00 will apply to all reservations. Please note applicable taxes and fees are subject to change at the time of your stay. By Phone: Individuals may call 800-MAMMOTH (800-626-6684) for reservations by referencing the group name PSIA Regionals. Reservations are subject to the deposit and cancellation policies quoted by the vacation specialist. You are welcome to stay in town where lodging may be less expensive. Other lodging choices are available through the Mammoth reservation bureau, 800-462-5571 or www.mammothvacations.com. Mammoth Area Shuttle operates a dependable shuttle service to the Main Lodge.
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Alpine
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By Mike Hafer, Alpine Vice President
First Turns of the Season Once again Mammoth Mountain provided what Mother Nature could not in the early season. Thank you to the Mammoth Mountain snowmakers. Even with the limited coverage, the Tech Team was able to conduct its first training day of the season on November 14. The team’s agenda covered an array of topics including professional development, scheduling and how to better coach our Division’s trainers. This team is made up of highly motivated and professional individuals that are ready to serve the Division’s needs. I would like to introduce some not so new members to the Division’s Tech Team. Leigh Perini has rejoined the team and will be working at Alpine Meadows. Kevin Mitchell is no stranger to the Division. You can find him ripping up the crud at Sierra at Tahoe. Bud Heishman has been a long time member of the Division and will be helping out Northstar at Tahoe. Jim Gregory has planted his roots in Tahoe Donner. Last
but not least, Sean Johnson has joined the Diamond Peak team. These folks bring a ton of knowledge to the table with experience in other divisions, as regional Demo Team members and former National Team members. I am sure you will enjoy every opportunity you get to ski with this group. Due to the high demand for our team members, I would like to encourage the ski school directors to contact the individuals as soon possible to set up the Member School Clinics. The PSIA-
Tell All Your Friends This season we are kicking off several new member educational clinics and a new Level I certification module for people not currently working at a resort. We are encouraging current members to familiarize themselves with these new products (see Become a Member – New Member Events on our website), so they can share this information with family and friends who express an interest in becoming a snow sport instructor. The Publicity & Advisory Committee is also traveling around the division giving presentations on how to become a member and to answer questions on the benefits of membership and certification. If you’d like to schedule an opportunity for us to visit your resort or business, or would like to use our Member Recruitment Video, Flyers, or PowerPoint presentation for your own recruitment events please contact: heidiettlinger@yahoo.com. Heidi Ettlinger – Publicity & Advisory Committee
West administrative office has an up to date contact list for our Tech Team. Please remember that these clinics are meant for training purposes and not for certification. I would like to wish everyone the best for the upcoming holidays. I look forward to seeing you on the hill! Mike
Upcoming Alpine Events: Jan. 10 Ski Improvement w/D team, Squaw Valley Jan. 11 Teaching Tactics w/D team, Squaw Valley All day clinics with the best in the Nation, can’t beat that for $60. Jan. 12 Backcountry Day w/NASTC, Sugar Bowl Try your hand at randonee with the pros at NASTC. Jan. 14 & 15 L2 Ski & Teach Module Training, Alpine Meadows Taking the Level 3 this year? These events can help you. Jan. 27-28 Ski with the Regional D-Team, Snow Summit All day clinics with the best in the Nation, can’t beat that for $60. Jan. 29-31 L1 Module, Northstar Feb. 4-5 Senior’s Accreditation 1, Diamond Peak Feb. 4 & 5 L3 Ski & Teach Module Training, Alpine Meadows Taking the Level 3 this year? These events can help you. Feb. 6-8 L1 Module, Mammoth Feb. 10 Fundamentals of Instruction and Skill Dev., Snow Summit New to teaching? This is the course for you. Feb. 11-12 Ski w/Regional D-Team, Heavenly All day clinics with the best in the west, can’t beat that for $60. For complete descriptions and up-to-date schedule, check the Western Division website, www.psia-w.org. Remember the two-week deadline for signing up without a late fee.
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By Doug Fagel, Snowboard Vice President Starting off the 2007-2008 Season
Snowboarding
Upcoming Snowboard Events: Jan. 7-9 Level 1 Module, Alpine Meadows Jan. 17-18 Freestyle 1 Accreditation, Mammoth Jan. 22 Intro to Freestyle Coaching, Bear Mountain & Northstar Basic progressions and safety. Jan. 23-24 Freestyle 1 Accreditation, Northstar & Bear Mountain Jan. 28-30 Level 2 Riding Module, Kirkwood Jan. 31 Trainers Accreditation Prep, Sugar Bowl Learn to train your peers. Feb. 1 Intro to Park & Pipe Riding, Bear Mountain & Northstar Those who can do teach better. Improve your freestyle skills.
Upcoming Children’s Events:
I hope that everyone is enjoying the start of their winter season. I know I am. This season the snowboard members are working hard on many new goals; from increasing their abilities and specialties with the Children’s and Freestyle Accreditations, to striving to achieve certification advancements and pursuing the Trainer’s Accreditation to become next year’s newest Tech Team Members. The Western Division is proud to be a strong representative at the National level and is working with other divisions of AASI to help to bring more consistency and cohesiveness to the divisions. Look to our Snowboard Tech Team Staff and Regional Snowboard Demo Team for up to date information and changes occurring in AASI. Talk to your Member School Director to bring one of these snowboard educators to your home mountain.
Jan. 14-16 Children’s Specialist 2, Alpine Meadows Feb. 4-5 Children’s Specialist 1, Sierra at Tahoe Feb. 27-29 Children’s Specialist 2, Mammoth For complete descriptions and up-to-date schedule, check the Western Division website, www.psia-w.org. Remember the two-week deadline for signing up without a late fee.
Note to Members Training for Certification If you are planning on becoming certified or advancing your level of certification, then you should start preparing now. The biggest barrier to certification advancement is being ill prepared for the events. Take time early season to start focusing on your goals. Find other instructors and coaches with similar goals to help motivate one another throughout the season. It is much easier to work in a group, as a team, than working towards these goals on your own. Make sure to train for both the riding and the teaching portion of the Exam. Even though the Riding Module comes first people tend to have more difficulty with the Teaching Modules. Do not wait until after successfully passing the Riding Module to train
for the Teaching Module. There is too much information to learn in just a couple weeks. Realize the large support system within AASI West Membership is built for one another and don’t hesitate to utilize the knowledge of your fellow members.
It is much easier to work in a group, as a team, than working towards these goals on your own. – Doug Fagel
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Adaptive
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By Glen Smith, Adaptive Chairperson
AASI-W Scores a First! emergency stops. Snowboard instructors can be much more effective by dropping the heel side edge to stop. So, the process was started in 2004. Disciplines have been defined, study guides have been developed, certification criteria have been written, and education events and exams have been conducted. Since there were no adaptive snowboard examiners, each exam utilized an adaptive Josh bucket assists ski examiner and a snowboard Three years ago, several Brent Kuemmerle snowboarders requested help from examiner. in the mono-ski. Josh Spoelstra joined the the PSIA-W Adaptive Committee team in 2005/6. Josh has been to establish an adaptive snowsnowboarding for 19 years, and board discipline. As with anything has a Bachelor of Arts degree new, there was initial resistance from Trinity Western University from skiers within the adaptive with a minor in outdoor recrecommunity. Some of the reactions ation. Josh spent several years at included: “it will never work” Mount Shasta before coming to to “Obviously, snowboarding is Heavenly. He has telemark and harder to learn, so why should snowboard certifications, is a someone with a disability freestyle examiner, and serves on even try?” the AASI-W Committee in charge However, there are some of professional development. He disabilities that seem to work also heads up the snowboard out better for snowboarding, for training staff at Heavenly. Josh instance skiers with leg amputawas able to help with the snowtions have difficulty controlling board examiner responsibilities rotary and some angles of the ski. over the last two years. Having two feet on the snowboard Josh has worked with people overcomes some of these probwith disabilities in the past and lems. Skiers assisting a bi-skier was able to combine these skills are in a wedge position much of to help with the adaptive snowthe time, and have difficulty with board development. When we started the program, PSIA/ Upcoming Adaptive Events: AASI-Rocky Mountain Jan. 22 was one year ahead Welcome to Adaptive Ski/SB, Heavenly of us. Thanks to an Jan. 26 Education Foundation Welcome to Adaptive Ski/SB, Mammoth grant, we were able to Feb. 2 send Brent Kuemmerle Welcome to Adaptive Ski/SB, Big Bear to Rocky to observe events and learn about Try out skiing and riding on adaptive snowboard assists. This equipment knowledge was essen For complete descriptions and up-to-date schedule, tial to the development check the Western Division website, www.psia-w.org. of the program in our Remember the two-week deadline for signing up without division. a late fee.
Three disciplines were established: • Cognitive Disabilities – All disabilities affecting mental processes • Sit-down – Disabilities affecting the legs such that the rider can not stand up to ride • Stand-up – Disabilities that do not affect mental abilities but allow the rider to stand up Our program requires the candidate to ride the bi-ski and monoski to the beginner / intermediate level, and teach to the expert level in all three disciplines to students with multiple disabilities. In addition they must pass the AASI Snowboard module equivalent to their certification level. Josh completed the Level 1 and Level 2 requirements over the last two years, and participated in the first Level 3 teaching and technical prep and exam in the United States last year at Mammoth, along with Kuemmerle, Travis Thiele and Neil Woodruff. All four passed their Adaptive Snowboard Level 3 Teach and Tech. Since Josh already has his AASI Level 3 riding, he becomes the first L 3 Adaptive Snowboard Certified Instructor in the U.S. Those of us who have been involved in the development of adaptive snowboard are very proud of the accomplishments of the program. We congratulate Josh, but need to recognize that Josh’s accomplishment is the result of the energy and passion of a number of individuals. In addition to Brent, Travis and Neil, outgoing Snowboard Chairperson Ken Mattson provided oversight and financial support, and Marty Moore for helping out as an examiner. We look forward to the growth and development of the program. Glen Smith Adaptive Committee Chairman
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By Sally Jones, Chief Examiner for PSIA-W Cross Country Lessons from the Dojo A few years ago I was looking for a new challenge. My focus over the previous decade or so had been fine-tuning my skiing and instruction skills. I had achieved my goals of becoming Level 3 certified in both cross country and telemark skiing and was leading clinics and exams for PSIA-W. I had found myself less driven and somewhat restless without a clear goal and direction to stimulate my learning. I was also feeling less connected to what it is like to be a beginner. It was from this place that I stumbled across the Japanese Martial Art of Aikido. I had no previous experience of martial arts, nor any intent to begin studying one, but the flowing moves and rolls and the graceful power of the throws attracted me the first time I saw it. I was soon signed up for a class with a local Dojo (Dojo is Japanese for place of training), and was about to embark on a new wild and wonderful journey of self-discovery. As I approached my black belt test this fall, the rigor and focus of
Nordic Notes
Upcoming Nordic Events:
training reminded me of Jan. 10 X-C Level 1 Prep, Royal Gorge preparing for my Level Jan. 11 X-C Level 2-3 Prep, Tahoe Donner 3 exams - the commitJan. 28 Telemark Level 1 Prep, Mt. Rose ment to practice, the Jan. 29-30 performance anxiety, the Telemark Level 2 Prep, Mt. Rose falls and crashes as well Jan. 31-Feb.1 as the yahoo moments. Telemark Level 3 Prep, Kirkwood I would like to share my insight from my recent Upcoming Backcountry Events: experiences of what it is to strive for mastery Jan. 15-17 in any pursuit, in the AIARE Avalanche Level 1 course, Kirkwood hope it will help and inspire anyone heading For complete descriptions and up-to-date schedule, towards a “big” exam check the Western Division website, www.psia-w.org. this season. Remember the two-week deadline for signing up without The Journey or the a late fee. destination? Unfortunately in our “been there, done Achieving the next level of that, got the T shirt” culture, certification will hopefully be recmany people see the destination ognized in your next pay check, of the “black belt” (or the level but is that really why we put 3 gold pin) as the reason. It typiourselves through the humbling cally takes 5-6 years of dedicated experience of taking exams? The training to achieve the rank of bigger drive is that there is someblack belt. As you approach your thing in the human nature that test you begin to realize that its craves the personal satisfaction, true what they told you– that the recognition of moving forward the rank of black belt is actually and of achievement of goals. certifying you as being ready to It was hard for me to swallow be a beginner in the fact that I had not passed at the real teachthe first attempt for my Level 3 ings of the art of Telemark. At the time I was devaikido. Hmmm! astated by the “failure”, and yes a That in itself has little angry! It was a very different thrown a new experience a few years later when light on I did not pass my first try at one of my skiing! my earlier aikido tests. (cont. on pg. 10)
Studies show that it takes at least 300 repetitions to achieve basic muscle memory and over 3,000 to embody a move. – Sally Jones Sally Jones clocking some diagonal stride reps
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Western Sales Representative Office: 418.877.5584 ext 241 Mobile: 418.655.0210 sdesnoyers@avalancheskiwear.com
Sebastien Desnoyers
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Nordic Notes By Sally Jones, Chief Examiner for PSIA-W Cross Country Lessons from the Dojo (cont’d) The realization that “the test” is not the end – its just a benchmark for us to see where we are in our growth. Not passing (“failing”?) can often be a gift. I can now see clearly that I was not ready for my first Level 3 attempt, and by being encouraged to get another season under my skis has made me a much stronger skier and teacher.
Practice Practice Practice Studies show that it takes at least 300 repetitions to achieve basic muscle memory and over 3000 to embody a move- ie to achieve a level of being able to perform without having to think about it. Some of the most basic looking moves in aikido are fondly known as 20 year techniques. The basic move can be learned fairly quickly – just like the diagonal stride. 300 reps happen within a few laps of the teaching lanes. And 3000 reps are clocked on a tour pretty quickly – but are we practicing “good form”?? Do we walk our talk with all those drills we encourage our students to try ?......and have we been striving to find the next layer in our learning? If our balance has been subtly compromising our ability to glide on a flat ski, or we have been leaving our leg behind on a skate push off, or swinging our poles with tight shoulders all these years – the 300 / 3000 counter starts again. So as we approach the season be thinking what moves do I need to practice to take my skiing to the next level? Being Willing to be a Beginner As our skills improve in any discipline we undertake, it is easy to forget how overwhelming it can be to be a beginner. Stepping on the mat in an aikido dojo was a very alien environment to me and being humbled by being a beginner again is one of the best things I’ve done recently to become a better teacher. “ which leg does what, while what arm goes where, and you want me to do what with my hips…….and I’m supposed to relax?!”
The most important lessons we teach are the beginner lessons. We are given the opportunity in a beginner lesson to make or break a potential convert to our sport. The more compassionate and in touch we are to what the beginner is thinking and feeling, the more likely we are to succeed. If you haven’t put on a beginners hat in a while, I challenge you to do so, whether it is picking up a guitar or strapping on a snowboard for the first time or learning to juggle. By stepping into something new is not only stimulating and will keep you young, it will also tune you in to a heightened awareness of the beginners world . Sally Jones is The Chief Examiner for PSIA-W Cross Country, and is also a Clinician/examiner in Telemark. She has been teaching and coaching for almost 20 years in California and New Zealand, and currently runs The Nordic Programs at The Auburn Ski Club Training Center on Donner Summit. Sally is also a US Ski Team Certified Coach, an Associate coach with Strozzi Institute for Embodied Leadership, and teaches aikido in Truckee. sally@inactioncoaching.com
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By Greg Lyons
Education Foundation
1st Annual Education Fund Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Left to right, Frank Deras, Randy Bell and Bob Gerrero measuring for ‘close to the pin.’
A group of over 40 ski instructors gathered at Northstar this fall for the first ever PSIA/AASI Education Foundation Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Northstar had the course in top shape. It was a beautiful fall day and we met our goals of having a lot of fun while raising money for the Education Fund! “Perfect Day, we had a blast!” Steve Evenson’s comment summed up the feeling of all who attended. The event included a fourperson scramble, putting contest, and raffle with over forty prizes. Prizes included new Salomon skis and bindings, golf clubs, complimentary rounds of golf to Empire Ranch, Genoa, Montreaux Golf, Lake Tahoe Golf, and Northstar, rib dinners, tunes, foot beds, and products from DNA, Volkl, Tecnica, Marker, NASTC, etc. National D-Team Members Mike Rogan and Chris Fellows each donated a day of training. Western D-Team Member Mike Hafer donated time at Northstar. Patti and Dan Kleiner represented the southern portion of our division, as well as donating
Descente North America products for the raffle. Aaron Rosen and Jon Jacobson deserve special thanks. Their donation of time, organization skills and ability to motivate others significantly helped this event meet its goal of raising money. Over $3000 was added to the Education Fund.
The gang enjoying Northstar.
Look for another golf event coming this spring/early summer. We will try to schedule it at least two months in advance and shoot to have it on a weekend day. Look for bigger and better prizes too! A big prize HoleIn-One contest is a possibility! We’ll keep you posted. I have one additional memory of this event. Kent Ehman, whose nickname was Y.T., a long-term Level Three Alpine Instructor was my contact at Lake Tahoe Golf Course. As he handed me four complimentary rounds of golf he did so with a huge smile, and wished me and the upcoming tournament his best. Kent passed away September 28, 2007, three days prior to our event. We missed him then, we will think of him always!
Thank you to all who participated and donated!
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Excelling at the Entry Level and Beyond By Carl Underkoffler, PSIA-W Executive Vice President You’ve finally earned your jacket as a ski or snowboard pro and are anxious to apply your passion and expertise to one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet. You’re on the way but don’t set your sights too high just yet. It takes time and a steady record of achievements to reach your potential. Following are a few ideas to help you make the most of your first job and excel as an entry-level employee:
Observe dynamics of other employees. Pay attention to the behaviors and accomplishments valued in the school. Ask yourself what types of people seem most successful and identify the attributes they share. Consider identifying a star performer who can serve as a mentor and provide advice. Watch other instructors and note how they teach, interact and deal with people.
Go beyond the call of duty. Demonstrate a strong work ethic by completing your assignments -- no matter how tedious or tiring they may seem. Offer to assist colleagues with their lessons or take on those tasks no one else wants to do. As managers and supervisors see your tenacity and drive, you will be rewarded.
Take the driver’s seat. No matter how supportive or sympathetic your supervisor is, it’s not his or her obligation to advance your career. It’s up to you to build your knowledge and acquire new skills. Volunteer for lessons and projects. Pursue professional development opportunities both within and outside the organization. Take classes or attend training sessions that will help you better perform your current duties or prepare you for more complex assignments. Join a professional organization. Get certified.
Show confidence, not cockiness. Employers’ chief complaints regarding recent new hires are that they expect too much too soon and presume they know as much -- or even more -- than seasoned employees. Understand that you will need to earn your stripes before being given greater responsibility. Doing an excellent job on every lesson you’re assigned to is the best way to impress your manager and win your colleagues’ respect.
Feedback and Reflection. Ask your supervisor for a performance evaluation. Some schools also do peer reviews, which add a different point of view from your supervisor
or manager. These reviews will identify your strengths and weaknesses and provide strategies for improving your overall performance. The acclaim will come in handy when you seek a promotion or apply for a new job. Your first job is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and what kind of work you prefer. You will also learn about ‘bosses’, the variety of differing management styles and what kind you thrive on. Teaching is not for everyone. If, over time, you learn that you would be happier in another type of role, inquire about other openings that might be available on the mountain Have fun. All work and no play could lead to burnout. A guest can tell if you are not having fun. Make sure to leave room in your schedule to ride, ski and socialize and get to know the people around you. It will not only add levity to your workweek but also help you develop your professional network. Entry-level jobs may not be the most glamorous, exciting or well paid, but they play a key role in setting your dreams and goals in motion. Approach them with an open mind and enthusiastic outlook, and you’ll move quickly up the career ladder. Even if the experience doesn’t pan out the way you hoped, you’ll at least have a clearer sense of where you want to go next. Good luck and enjoy the snow. Carl Underkoffler is the Director of June Mountain Ski and Snowboard School.
Make sure to leave room in your schedule to ride, ski and socialize and get to know the people around you.
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By Jon Jacoby PSIA has a long history of promoting competitive skiing, specifically ski racing as a way to develop and improve skiing skills. The development of technique, line and tactics are easy adaptations of skills that all skiers possess. One need not be an expert or a world-class athlete to participate in and enjoy the fun and challenge of running a racecourse. Terrain is generally gentle to moderate on mostly groomed green circle to blue square runs with small undulations. While you may think the goal of racing is to go fast, the actual intent is to ski a line as efficiently as possible. You can challenge yourself to whatever degree you wish. Going fast is an outcome of developing tactics that build confidence. As confidence grows, so might a feeling of gentle competition with your peers that will spur you on to go faster. Citizen league racing is a prime example of this. While there are some very competitive skiers, most are there to share their favorite sport with friends. Ski racing has definitely changed since the flex gate was introduced. Slalom has become a contact sport where racers are clad in armor like a moto-cross racer, however a low-tech course is also a great way to become familiar with racecourses and race tactics. Courses need only be comprised of small markers, brushes, cones or stubby gates to create the visuals necessary to demarcate a course. It is essential, however, that before attempting to set a course it must be
Try A Ski Race Marcel Vasquez demos a good line.
cleared by the authorities at your area that regulate hill use (ski Regardless, it is recommended patrol, race/ ski school director, that every PSIA/AASI member mountain manager). It is strongly should have at least some exporecommended that all race sure to ski racing, understand the courses be set in controlled areas fundamentals, be able to describe either on runs closed specifically how to ski a line and successfully for training or posted with signs finish a short course. Most imporwarning of race training tant of all it’s really fun! in progress. That said many ski schools regularly set courses as tools for teaching and evaluatWrightwood, CA ing students. Many areas/ schools offer public racecourses and clinics and it may just be a matter of asking a supervisor to become v Purchase Loans involved. PSIA/AASIv Re-Finance W can provide coaches for race clinics if your v Owner occupied construction home area doesn’t have & rehab loans staff available for that v Equity based loans purpose. Some areas have terrain and hill v Debt consolidation space that is more v All Fannie Mae programs appropriate for racing. Other areas just don’t accommodate racing Call George Myers @ (760) 249-3175 as well.
Prime Financial Group Mortgage Lending
Certified Ski & Snowboard Instructor Alpine & Adaptive
WANTED: SPRING SKIERS! Looking for Volunteer Ski Instructors & Disabled Skiers/Newcomers to join our club at Mammoth Mountain for fun in the sun! For more information contact: unrecables@earthlink.net.
On all funded loans we will make a donation to the PSIA/AASI non-profit educational or adaptive program of your choice.
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Member Profile
Profiling Rusty Crook
Skiing – Still Fun and Functional After Seventy Years Rusty is a Liftetime member of PSIA/AASI, and has 50 years experience as a coach, ski instructor and clinician. Last year Rusty was instrumental in helping to create the Senior’s Accreditation in Western Division. Rusty, can you tell us a little bit about your background in the sport? I began my love affair with skiing in 1937 when I was just four years old in Syracuse, New York. My grandparents gave me a pair of skis and poles and sent me out to the golf course to expend a little energy. I quickly graduated to “Dead Man’s Hill,” not due as much to my skiing prowess as to my ability to duck under the barbed wire fence that purportedly once took off a skier’s head (hence the hill’s ominous name).
Rusty Crook in 1937. Skiing in Syracuse, New York.
By my 10th birthday, I was skiing in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains at what would become Mt. Rose/Ski Tahoe. It was there that Doddie Post, captain of the 1948 women’s Olympic ski team, first impressed upon me the importance of those right and left turns (I’ve been working on them ever since!). I did some competitive skiing myself in the 1950s for the University of Denver during Willy Scheffler’s reign of terror (I can’t even mention the term “boot pack” without shuddering) and later as a World Cup racer. I was certified Level III in 1957 at Arapahoe Basin by Willy Sheffler and Max Durcome while serving as a ski instructor in the army’s Mountain Cold Weather Training Command. At 26, I began teaching and coaching young ski racers at Mt. Rose, where I continued Doddie’s invaluable lessons about the benefits of turning. Many kids believed what I told them, and nine kids that I coached went on to join the U.S. Ski Team. What do you think are the qualities of a good skier? In the past, if someone could ski all conditions and all terrain, then they were considered a good skier. This is still true, but now we add an important new element. It’s not what they ski, but how they ski it. Is the skier functional and contemporary? As the readers know, there have been a number of changes in the sport, in both equipment and technique. So the question becomes, is he or she using the equipment the way it’s designed to be used? Perhaps the most important question that you as an instructor can ask is, how can I help someone have the maximum fun with the least amount of effort? Functional skiing is fun and always will be.
What are those changes that have affected you as a skier and an instructor? When I started skiing, it was on long wooden skis and leather single lace-up boots that were no more supportive than a high-top tennis shoe. The first skis were long and straight, which was thought to give a skier stability and speed. Skiers found out they really didn’t. Back in the old days, we tried to carve as much as we could, but the skis just wouldn’t respond to our demands. The best we could do was set our muscles before initiation, rise straight up at the turn initiation (thereby unweighting the skis), break our tails loose to change the direction of the skis, and carve out of the turn as soon as we could (the best skiers in the world were able to begin the carve sooner). During the majority of the turn, we kept our weight on the outside ski, so each initiation also included a radical move from the old outside ski to the new outside ski. As a result, each turn required a lot of energy and wasn’t very efficient. Needless to say, we skiers wanted more. Manufacturers over time learned to build stability into almost any length ski by using new materials, such as fiberglass, metal, plastic, rubber, carbon, Kevlar, titanium, and boron, which reduced the need for long skis. Boots by the mid-1950s had moved to a double boot and started stiffening up the leather, but we still had to use leather long thongs to create support. Furthermore, the stiffening process created a new problem: the boot was stiff enough to do the job, but it hurt like Hades (talk about Boot Bang)! By the time we were able to break in the boots and ease our excruciating pain, the boots were worn out and we had to start all over.
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Member Profile Rusty Crook (cont’d)
70 years later Rusty Crook flexing the titaniums. Mt. Rose, NV.
Perhaps the most important question that you as an instructor can ask is, how can I help someone have the maximum fun with the least amount of effort? Functional skiing is fun and always will be. – Rusty Crook body. The new stuff has allowed more people of a wide variety of ages and abilities to be functional and contemporary.
Eventually, we entered the era of plastic, but it took some time to perfect. When leather pre-impregnated with plastic first came out in the 1960s, the boots were so stiff that before we could wear them, we had to soften the boot with heat lamps and bind the softened boots around olive jars in order to mold the boot into the shape of the ankle. Manufacturers eventually began eliminating the leather when they realized that the plastic didn’t break down much, and improvements over the years have increased fore and aft flexibility while maintaining lateral stiffness. What do you think of today’s equipment? Today, skis are quite a bit shorter and vary in side cut, something we rarely spoke of in the days of the old boards! Slalom skis have tremendous side cut to facilitate the turn shape required by the discipline, whereas Super G and downhill skis have less side cut. All mountain skis blend
What do you get out of skiing after all these years? When I think about all those great skiers from my past and watch all the great skiers out there today, I realize that skiing continues to provide fun and enjoyment, thrills and spills, and the camaraderie of the people we ski and work with. We still face the same challenges, both physical and mental. We love the mountains, love being outdoors, love feeling free and alive. But more than that, we share a quest for the perfect marriage of form and function. Just ask this old timer with two titanium knees who still has fun out there after seventy years.
Slalom and GS side cuts to create a ski that’s “just right” for most recreational skiers. Powder and crud skis, big mountain skis, and twin tips are quite a bit wider all around; as a result, they float much better (good on powder days) but they don’t carve very well (less good on cruising days). Thanks to the new equipment, we can now carve in and out of turns. These days, as we rise up, we move from one set of edges, to flat skis, to another set of edges, using weight blend instead of weight transfer, Positions Available with the outside ski always being dominant. We rise perpenSierra Summit Mountain Resort’s Snowsports School is dicular to the hill, seeking full-time/part-time ski/board Supervisors, flowing toward a new Trainers, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Novice turn with a strong Instructors for the 07/08-winter season. Sierra Summit inside body and wide is located 65 miles northeast of Fresno and offers a stance. We love these growing resort, comparable wages, onsite housing, an moves because they make us more stable, awesome mountain and an exciting opportunity. Please create a better body contact our Employee Services Office at 559-233-2500 position for angulaext 4300, or cindy@sierrasummit.com and specify the tion, are easier on the position inquiring about.
Fall Rally/Ed Core Mammoth 2007
lks Thanks to the fo at Mammoth!
Over 75 members gathered in Mammoth for the Fall Rally/ Ed Core events in early December. In spite of the fact that the weeds next to the runs were deeper than the snow, thanks to the snowmaking at Mammoth, the event was able to run successfully.
PSIA W Ski Education Foundation
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PSIA-W/AASI-W Board of Directors & Officers 2007-08 Officers: President Executive Vice President Alpine VP Snowboard VP Nat’l PSIA Representative Past President
Neil Bussiere Carl Underkoffler Mike Hafer Doug Fagel Craig Albright Dave Achey
Directors: Craig Albright (08), Neil Bussiere (08), Heidi Ettlinger (08), Steve Evenson (09), Elianne Furtney (09), Chris Fellows (09), Mike Hafer (08), Greg Lyons (10), Ken Mattson (10), Ted Pitcher (09), Finlay Torrance (10), Carl Underkoffler (10). Nordic Chairperson: John “Cedar” Seeger Adaptive Chairperson: Glen Smith
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