Spring 2009
Spring Convention – April 24-26, 2009 By Steve Evenson, Convention Chair Hello to all fellow members. I hope everyone has recovered from the recent snowfall. We all had our doubts for awhile, January was more like “June” uary, but with Convention just around the corner, the future certainly does look white. (cont. on pg. 6)
For registration details and a list of clinics: just turn the page.
President’s Message
By Neil Bussiere, ASEA Western President The Chosen Path While many of us started with a simple passion for the snow each of us has found some common ground in teaching others to slide. As an organization some of us have Neil Bussiere, chosen to focus on the art ASEA-W President of teaching and perfecting our skill set. Others among us have moved into snowsports management or ventured Convention off to start snowsport-related businesses or Registration . . . pgs. 2-5 side ventures. This eclectic mix of pursuits defines the broader membership of Computerized Turn PSIA/AASI, and being Spring, this resultTechnology . . . . . . . pg. 8 ing diversity is reflected in your current list of candidates for the annual Board of Board of Directors Directors election. Candidates . pgs. 10-14 Within this issue you’ll find the future leaders of your division. From all appearances we have a multitude of can3rd Annual Education didates to consider with a broad range of Foundation Golf Tournament . . . . pg. 14
backgrounds and qualifications. Take time to consider their statements carefully and return your ballots prior to the early-April deadline. Notably missing from this year’s list of candidates is five term, fifteen year retiring board member Chris Fellows. Chris has been instrumental in the evolution of the Education Foundation and has tirelessly promoted the Foundation as an avenue for maintaining the teaching passion demonstrated by Mike and Mim Sodergren. The membership is truly indebted to Chris for his years of service on the Board and his efforts on behalf of the Foundation. Thanks Chris. Similarly, with every new and existing member comes an opportunity for us to shape someone’s (cont. on pg. 6)
Participate in guiding the future of the Association. Vote now. See page 10 for candidate statements and your ballot.
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Spring Convention 2009
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Mammoth Mountain, April 24-26
Join us for education and fun.
How to Register Tentative General Schedule: Thursday, April 23 – PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors Meeting 9 am
Friday, April 24 –
AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines (see schedule on page 4) 1:00 pm, Snowsports Management Meeting 5:00- 7:00 pm, Kick-Off Party at the Tusk Bar
If you are taking one of the following exams or accreditation offerings: (Register for these events separately from Convention) • • • • • • • •
Saturday, April 25 –
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Register Online or download our Event Application on www.psia-w.org
AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines (see schedule on page 4) 4:00 pm, General Membership Meeting 6:00 – 10:00 pm, Banquet at the Grizzly Room, Canyon Lodge (Italian Buffet)
Sunday, April 26 – AM and PM educational clinics, all disciplines (see schedule on page 4) 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, Adaptive, as well as Backcountry. The Edge is published three 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.
Alpine Level 1 – 4/26-28 Alpine Level 2 Teach Module – 4/27-28 Alpine Level 3 Teach Module – 4/27-28 Alpine Level 2 Skiing Module – 4/27-29 Alpine Level 3 Skiing Module – 4/27-29 Snowboard Level 1 Module – 4/27-29 Snowboard Level 2 Teach Module – 4/27-28 Snowboard Level 3 Teach Module – 4/27-28
For all Convention Events and If you are taking one of the following: (Register for these events as part of Convention) • • •
Children’s Specialist 1 – 4/25-26 Senior Skiing Education, Advanced Curriculum – 4/25-26 Snowboard Resort Trainers Accreditation – 4/25-26
Use the form to the right then fill out the clinic signup form on page 4. Or take advantage of our on-line signup option located on www.psia-w.org, click on ‘Events Calendar’, then click ‘Register Online’ Lift Tickets: All Mammoth events require a $10 a day lift ticket fee. Thanks to Mammoth Mountain, and in particular the wonderful folks at the Mammoth Snowsports School for their hospitality in hosting this event.
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Spring Convention 2009 – April 24-26 Registration Form The 2009 PSIA/AASI-W Spring Convention will be held at Mammoth Mountain, April 24-26. Clinics are available morning and afternoon Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Our Kick-Off Party will be held Friday evening from 5-7 pm. The banquet will be held on Saturday from 6-10 pm.
Please select ONE package: o o o o o o
Fri, Sat & Sun (includes Kick-Off Party and Banquet) Fri & Sat (includes Kick-Off Party and Banquet) Sat & Sun (includes Banquet) Fri & Sun (includes Kick-Off Party) Fri only (includes Kick-Off Party) Sat only (includes Banquet)
A La Carte ordering: o Clinics only: (circle one) – Fri Sat Sun o Kick-Off Party only – Fri 5-7 pm (guests welcome) o Banquet only – Sat 6-10 pm (guests welcome)
Cost
Cost After April 8
$240 $180 $160 $140 $85 $100
$260 $200 $180 $160 $105 $120
Cost
Cost After April 8
$70 $20 $40
$90 $22 $45
If you do not have a Mammoth season pass, $10 x # of days $__________ add $10 for lift tickets per day to registration fee: Total Enclosed: Paying by Check: Check # _____________
$__________
Amount: $__________
Paying by: VISA or MASTERCARD card #_________- _________- _________- _________ Expiration Date: _________ Security code: _________ Please enter your T-shirt size: XL ___ L ____ M ____ S ____ (We will use this information to estimate sizes for our initial order. We cannot guaranteed everyone will get the exact size requested.) Last minute registration will be accepted with late fees, however after April 21 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 – turn this page.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE SEE REVERSE FOR CLINIC SIGN-UP FORM.
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Build Your Convention Schedule Choose from the clinics listed at the bottom of this page and continued on page 5. Please choose your morning and afternoon clinics for each day you will be attending the convention. Name_______________________________________________ PSIA #_______________
Friday, April 24
Sunday, April 26
Friday morning: Clinic #___________________ Clinic Title:______________________________ Friday afternoon: Clinic #__________________ Clinic Title:______________________________ o Yes. I will attend the Kick-Off party.
Sunday morning: Clinic #__________________ Clinic Title:______________________________ Sunday afternoon: Clinic #_________________ Clinic Title:______________________________
Saturday, April 25 Saturday morning: Clinic #_________________ Clinic Title:______________________________ Saturday afternoon: Clinic #________________ Clinic Title:______________________________ o Yes. I will attend the Banquet dinner.
Convention Clinics
Friday, April 24 AM Clinics Clinic# Discipline Clinic Title 1 Alpine Boot alignment clinic-on-snow (ALL Day) 2 Alpine Teaching Level 1 3 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 1 4 Alpine Teaching/Movement Analysis Level 2 5 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 3 6 Alpine Race - GS - All levels 7 Alpine Secret Stuff and Dirty Tricks for Level 3 Teaching 8 Alpine Ski Improvement with Demo Team Members, L1/2 9 Alpine Shut up and Ski Level 3 10 Alpine Video All Levels MELLOW 11 Alpine Strong Inside Half-Levels 2/3 12 Alpine Modern Ski Technique Update -All Levels 13 Alpine It’s Only as Steep as You Think It Is –Level 1 14 Alpine Trench Warfare-Carving Level 3 15 Alpine Trench Warfare-Carving Level 1/2 17 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Curtis Tischler, Moguls, All Levels 18 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Wayne Wong, Free Skiing, All Levels 20 Children’s How to use Multiple Intelligences to connect to your students 31 Snowboard Buttered Pretzel 32 Snowboard Park Riding 33 Snowboard Bordercross Tactics 34 Snowboard Multiple Intelligences 35 Snowboard Task Based Teaching 36 Snowboard Find the Symmetry 41 Nordic First time on telemark skis for alpine skiers and snowboarders. (Demo gear is available from Mammoth Mountaineering Supply at 50% off for clinic participants) 42 Nordic Telemark Skiing Improvement: From Boilerplate to Corn-For Intermediate skiers 43 Nordic Aggressive application of upper level alpine skills to upper level telemark skiing Friday, April 24 PM Clinics 1 Alpine Teaching/Movement Analysis Level 2 2 Alpine Teaching/ Movement Analysis Level 3
Please return form with payment to: PSIA-W 9709 Highway 267 • Truckee, CA 96161 or fax to: 530-587-4273 (If faxing, please be sure to fax both sides of this form.) 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: __________________________________ 3 Alpine Big Bumps, Demystify Your Demons Level 3 4 Alpine Intro to Steeps Level 1 5 Alpine Exploring Steeps and Chutes Level 2/3 6 Alpine Free Ski with Demo Team Members Level 3 7 Alpine Off- Piste Women Only Level 2/3 8 Alpine Easy Cruising the Mountain-Levels 2/3 9 Alpine How to Teach the Teachers- Level 3 10 Alpine Teaching the REAL Steeps Level 2/3 11 Alpine Transitional Snow Off- Piste Level 2/3 12 Alpine Drill It, Skill It , Down the Hill with It Level 2/3 13 Alpine Video Shoot Out Level 1/2 14 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 1 15 Alpine Secret Tricks and Dirty Tricks for Level 2 Teaching 16 Alpine Improving Your Bag o’ Tricks Levels 2/3 17 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Curtis Tischler, Moguls, All Levels 18 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Wayne Wong, Free Skiing, All Levels 19 Alpine Senior Teach and Ski -All Levels 20 Alpine /Children’s Props for children ages 3-7 31 Snowboard Pipe Riding Basics 32 Snowboard Intro to Sliding Features 33 Snowboard Find the Flow 34 Snowboard Analyzing Cause & Effect 35 Snowboard Burton LTR 36 Snowboard Exlporing Mammoth 41 Nordic First time on telemark skis for alpine skiers and snowboarders. (Demo gear is available from Mammoth Mountaineering Supply at 50% off for clinic participants) 42 Nordic Telemark Skiing Improvement: From Boilerplate to Corn-For Intermediate skiers 43 Nordic Aggressive application of upper level alpine skills to upper level telemark skiing 50 Adaptive Snowboarding Saturday, April 25 AM Clinics CS1Children’s Specialist 1 (ALL DAY SAT/SUN) SRED Senior Skiing Education, Advanced Curriculum (ALL DAY SAT/SUN - see page 18 for description) 1 Alpine Boot Alignment Clinic, On-Snow, (ALL DAY SAT) 2 Alpine Teach Level 2
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3 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 2 4 Alpine Teach Level 3 5 Alpine Movement Analysis Level 3 6 Alpine Cruising the Mountain Level 1/2 7 Alpine How to Ski Off Piste Without Getting Piste Off (Some Hiking possible) Levels 2-3 8 Alpine Short Turns Level 3 9 Alpine Video Level 3 10 Alpine Pin Polisher Beyond Certification 11 Alpine Carving Trench Warfare- Tenacious Edge Hold L 3 12 Alpine Senior Teach and Ski -All Levels 13 Alpine Women Only Level 1/2 14 Alpine Progression Session Level 2 15 Alpine Progression Session Level 3 16 Alpine Improving Your Bag O’ Tricks-All Levels 17 Alpine Race GS Gates Timed Runs and Race- All Levels 18 Alpine Teach Bumps Demystify the Progression Level 2 19 Alpine Teach Bumps Demystify the Progression Level 3 20 Alpine Ski With Demo Team Session- All Levels 21 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Curtis Tischler, Moguls, All Levels 22 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Wayne Wong, Free Skiing, All Levels 23 Alpine/Children’s Creative Teaching, how many ways can you teach one topic? 24 Alpine/Children’s Training racers, ages 5-14 30 Snowboard Resort Trainer Accreditation- ALL DAY SAT/SUN 31 Snowboard Super Pipe 32 Snowboard Boardslides and Lipslides 33 Snowboard Freestyle Basics 34 Snowboard Steeps Tactics 35 Snowboard Level 2 Teaching 36 Snowboard Race Tactics 37 Snowboard Teaching and Learning Styles 41 Nordic First time on telemark skis for alpine skiers and snowboarders. (Demo gear is available from Mammoth Mountaineering Supply at 50% off for clinic participants) 42 Nordic Telemark Skiing Improvement: From Boilerplate to Corn-For Intermediate skiers 43 Nordic Aggressive application of upper level alpine skills to upper level telemark skiing 50 Adaptive Assists for all Disabilities- all levels Saturday, April 25 PM Clinics CS1 Children’s Specialist 1 (ALL DAY SAT/SUN) SRED Senior Skiing Education, Advanced Curriculum (ALL DAY SAT/SUN - see page 18 for description) 1 Alpine Boot Alignment Clinic, On-Snow, ALL DAY SAT 2 Alpine It’s Only as Steep as You Think It Is -All Levels 3 Alpine Level 1 Teaching/Movement Analysis 4 Alpine Level 3 Teaching 5 Alpine Teach Bumps Demystify the Progression Level 2 6 Alpine Cruise the Mountain Level 1/2 7 Alpine Ski with D Team- All Levels 8 Alpine Advanced Park and Pipe 9 Alpine Follow the Sun at Mammoth Level 2/3 10 Alpine Crud Basics for PM Snow Level 2/L3 11 Alpine Mogul Madness Skiing Level 1/2 12 Alpine Mogul Madness Skiing Level3 13 Alpine Chicks on Sticks Free Ski Level 1/2 14 Alpine Senior Teach and Ski -All Levels 15 Alpine Shut Up and Ski Level 2 16 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Curtis Tischler, Moguls, All Levels 17 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Wayne Wong, Free Skiing, All Levels 18 Alpine/Children’s Spider webbing “The mountain is a playground” 19 Alpine/Children’s The CAP model for Movement Analysis ages 3-7 30 Snowboard Resort Trainer Accreditation- ALL DAY SAT/SUN 31 Snowboard More Amplitude- Pipe continued 32 Snowboard Rail Jam 33 Snowboard All Mountain Freestyle 34 Snowboard Switch Riding 35 Snowboard Level 3 Teaching 36 Snowboard Teaching Women 37 Snowboard Get Down w/the D Team 41 Nordic First time on telemark skis for alpine skiers and snowboarders. (Demo gear is available from Mammoth Mountaineering Supply at 50% off for clinic participants)
Page 5 42 Nordic Telemark Skiing Improvement: From Boilerplate to Corn-For Intermediate skiers 43 Nordic Aggressive application of upper level alpine skills to upper level telemark skiing 50 Adaptive Assists for all Disabilities- all levels Sunday, April 26 AM Clinics CS1Children’s Specialist 1 (ALL DAY SAT/SUN) SRED Senior Skiing Education, Advanced Curriculum (ALL DAY SAT/SUN - see page 18 for description) 1 Alpine Boot alignment clinic, on-snow ALL DAY 2 Alpine Last Chance Exam Prep Level 2 3 Alpine Last Chance Exam Prep Level 3 4 Alpine Mountain tour Level 1/2 5 Alpine Morning Hangover Cruise- All Levels 6 Alpine Trench Warfare Carving Level 2 7 Alpine Follow the Sun at Mammoth-All Levels 8 Alpine Steeps for Level 3 9 Alpine Steeps for Level 1/2 10 Alpine Ski with Demo Team -All Levels 11 Alpine Drills for Skills Level 2 12 Alpine Drills for Skills Level 35 13 Alpine Senior Teach and Ski -All Levels 14 Alpine/Children’s Kids and the park. A guide to helping kids safely enjoy our parks 15 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Curtis Tischler, Moguls, All Levels 16 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Wayne Wong, Free Skiing, All Levels 30 Snowboard Resort Trainer Accreditation- ALL DAY SAT/SUN 31 Snowboard Rail Sliding Tactics 32 Snowboard The Key to 360’s 33 Snowboard Powder Riding 34 Snowboard Competitive Coaching 35 Snowboard Games for Kids 36 Snowboard Riding to Music 37 Snowboard The Best Cure for…. 41 Nordic Telemark- Free Skiing with feedback 50 Intro to the Bi-Ski (Sit-ski) 31 Snowboard More Amplitude- Pipe continued 32 Snowboard Rail Jam 33 Snowboard All Mountain Freestyle 34 Snowboard Switch Riding 35 Snowboard Level 3 Teaching 36 Snowboard Teaching Women 37 Snowboard Get Down w/the D Team 41 Nordic Telemark- Free Skiing with feedback 50 Adaptive Assists for all Disabilities- all levels Sunday, April 26 PM Clinics CS1 Children’s Specialist 1 (ALL DAY SAT/SUN) SRED Senior Skiing Education, Advanced Curriculum (ALL DAY SAT/SUN- see page 18 for description) 1 Alpine Boot alignment clinic, on-snow ALL DAY SUN 2 Alpine Go Big Park and Pipe 3 Alpine Intro Park and Pipe 4 Alpine Slush Bumps Session Level 1/2 5 Alpine Slush Bumps Level 3 6 Alpine Follow the Sun at Mammoth Level 2/3 7 Alpine Steeps Level 2 8 Alpine Steeps Level 3 9 Alpine Last Chance Exam Prep Level 2 10 Alpine Last Chance Exam Prep Level 3 11 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Curtis Tischler, Moguls, All Levels 12 Alpine Celebrity Guest Clinician Wayne Wong, Free Skiing, All Levels 13 Alpine/ Children’s The CAP model for Movement Analysis age 8-14 30 Snowboard Resort Trainer Accreditation- ALL DAY SAT/SUN 31 Snowboard Hike the Pipe 32 Snowboard Freestyle Switch 33 Snowboard Race Tactics 34 Snowboard Children’s Teaching Cycle 35 Snowboard Love the Bumps 36 Snowboard Mammoth’s Hidden Spots 37 Snowboard Fun on the Flats. 41 Nordic Telemark- Free Skiing with feedback 50 Adaptive Assists for all Disablilities.
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President’s Message (cont’d) Lodging 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 reservations online at: https://lodging. mammothmountain.com/v1web/ Availability.asp?WCI= Groups&W CE= GroupSelect%20 using the following information: Group ID: 7518 Password: 37000778
By Phone: Individuals may call 800MAMMOTH (1-800-626-6684) for reservations by referencing the group name PSIA Regionals. Reservations are subject to the deposit and cancellation policies quoted by the vacation specialist. A reservation fee of $15.00 will apply to all reservations, whether made online or by phone. Please note applicable taxes and fees are subject to change at the time of your stay. You are welcome to stay in town where lodging may be less expensive. Other lodging choices are available on-line, www.mammothmountain.com. Mammoth Area Shuttle operates a dependable shuttle service to the Main Lodge.
Ready for something new? How about ‘Crossing over to Telemark’ or an Adaptive clinic?
By Neil Bussiere
The Chosen Path (cont. from pg. 1) journey down their snowsports path. Each of us must recognize there are many paths to snowsports education and development, not just the traditional ones as defined by industry, popular opinion, or precedence. One important value of PSIA/AASI lies in its ability to offer multiple paths for snowsports development, tailormade for our own interests. Don’t
hesitate to get involved or venture down a new path. Remembering back to my school days, Robert Frost spoke of “a road less traveled”. Whether it’s one less traveled or a more traditional development path be sure to make it your path, “The Chosen Path”. Hope to see you at Convention in April, Neil
Spring Convention (cont’d) By Steve Evenson
(cont. from pg. 1) The dates for the ‘09 convention are April 24,25,26th and we expect some fantastic snowpack and conditions. Hopefully we can enjoy some POW clinics if Mother Nature cooperates like the Miracle March and Aprils of years past. Online registration seems to be working out for everyone, and we will be putting in some new ideas to make your registration process easier and more enjoyable. As always, we will offer a wide variety of topics and skill levels to suit everyone’s needs. We are bringing back some of the clinics that were greeted with enthusiasm last year, such as the “On hill” boot alignment. We are also hoping to spice up our offerings with some guest clinicians, depending on the availability of these Superstars. Hopefully some surprises are in the future. Any suggestions are gladly appreciated and welcome. Email me (weavns@aol.com) with any ideas or possible companies that can help with T Shirts, products etc. I would like to thank the people who have sent in possible slogans for the Convention theme. Congratulations to Keith Potts,
who submitted the winning slogan, which will be visible on our T-shirts at the event. This Convention is ‘YOUR” event and a good time to blow off some steam, spend time with fellow instructors and do some partying at years’ end. Hope to see you there and pray for snow! Ski ya later Weavin’ Steven
Get out of the box and onto the bumps with our Guest Clinicians: Legendary Freestyle Skier Wayne Wong and Former U.S. Team Bump Skier Curtis Tischler
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By Elianne Furtney, Alpine Vice President Feedback: It’s a Two-Way Street Have you ever been working on your skiing and you know it’s not quite right, but you are not exactly sure what isn’t right? You need an outside perspective. You ask a friend or colleague to take a look only, to be told “that looks great!” or, “don’t worry - it’s not that bad.” Just like our students, we want more than platitudes. We all need honest, accurate feedback sometimes. When you attend a PSIA/AASI clinic or especially an exam, you have a right to expect pertinent, specific analysis of your skiing or teaching. Your clinician or examiner, in turn, does their best to provide you with critical but constructive feedback that you can take home and use to improve your skills and achieve your goals. In the same vein, I would like to appeal to all of you who attend PSIA/AASI events this season to be honest and constructive in your feedback sheets at events. It has come to my attention that people may sometimes
be omitting critical details from their event feedback sheets out of consideration for the feelings of the clinician. How much would you grow as a skier or instructor if people never accurately pointed out ways to improve? Critical, specific, prescriptive feedback is an essential part of the Teaching Model to which we all subscribe. It is also essential to reinforce the positive. While I believe we the clinicians and examiners are doing a great job overall, there is always room for improvement and I hope you will help us achieve our goals by telling us what you did and did not like about our events. In the meantime, we are working on a new Event Feedback Sheet to help facilitate the process, but I hope you will remember that the Learning Partnership is just that, and we need your honest and accurate comments to better fulfill our half of the equation.
Alpine
Tickets at Mammoth: A privilege, Not a Right By Craig Albright As Snowsports Director at Mammoth, I would like to welcome you again to our resort for the PSIA-AASI-W Spring Convention. As part of the festivities, Mammoth will be providing $10 lift tickets for members for each day they are registered for Convention. In essence, we are providing you with a free ticket, as our agreement with the National Forest Service requires us to pay $10 per skier day. We greatly appreciate your membership in the Association, but to make this kind of event possible in future years we ask you to be considerate of the proper use of these tickets. 1) Tickets are for PSIA/AASI members for the days you are signed up for Convention only. 2) If you are ‘free-skiing’ you will need to purchase your own ticket. Feel free to use your PSIA/AASI discount. 3) Family members and guests are responsible for their own tickets. 4) PSIA/AASI-W staff members have been instructed to follow these rules strictly. Thank you for your cooperation, slide safe, and enjoy the event.
Listening to student’s feedback will cause an instructor to learn something new as well.
“Critical, specific, prescriptive feedback is an essential part of the Teaching Model to which we all subscribe. It is also essential to reinforce the positive.” – Elianne Furtney
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Snowboarding The Down Low on Convention As the season once again pushes each day longer, we strive to make the most out of the last few months of our winter season. Riders are hustling to improve their riding and training hard to achieve the next cert or accreditation. With the weather always being our unknown, we dream of days full of fresh powder, sunshine and spring park sessions; the balanced diet of any California Snowboarder. Spring is also the time of the year that we need to step back and
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By Doug Fagel, Snowboard Vice President reflect upon the road trips and riding days that we made earlier in the season, and to realize all the snowboard trips that are still on the to do list. Number one on my list is uniting with friends and bros for the multi day shred session that is the Spring Convention! And for all of those snow riders that are blessed to be able to ride the Eastern Sierras regularly, Mammoth in the spring is the prime time to look forward to. This year the Spring Convention is packed full of activities throughout the day that will push riding levels and expand our minds. We will be exploring those hard to find places
Computerized Turn Technology of their skiing, particularly when the skis were carving and when they were not. Richard and I planned on meeting in Tahoe for a test run. We met on a cold day in January at Alpine Meadows and the wind was blowing strong, coming out of the east. Richard hooked me up to his little onboard computer and I was ready to ski. The system utilizes the technology developed for optical computer mice, tracking movement patterns in the snow. A shuttle (smaller than a computer mouse) is attached behind the binding on each ski and the shuttles float along the surface of the snow as you make carving movements. If one makes the slightest lateral displacement a beeping sound alerts the skier that they are slipping. The device is so accurate that it can detect sideways slippage during a turn, at 6500 times a second, with a resolution .02 inches. At first we experienced technical difficulties due to the battery power being depleted by the single digit temperatures, but after some tweaking he temporarily solved the problem. I began making carved turns and heard The V-Link web site is www.advancedracingcomputers.com. I have always been interested in technology that might help skiers break new barriers whether perceived or real. So I was intrigued when I met Richard Kirby, the founder of Advanced Racing Computers and the inventor of the vLink racing computer at the Ski Sport Science symposium in St. Christoph Austria last December. I had heard reports of the success he was having with members of the U.S. Ski team with an ‘attached to the ski’ computer system that helped skiers gauge the effectiveness
on the mountain. We will find new fun ways to express ourselves on our boards and find comfort in movements and understanding like never before. This is the place to get the last minute training before exams and to push for the pay raises for the next season. So come down and connect with your fellow riders this April at my favorite riding session of the year, Spring Convention.
By Christopher Fellows beeping when I slipped or changed edges. After several runs I began to see the pattern in my slipping/ skidding. At first it was not obvious, but after tuning my ears to the beeps I could see that a pure carve was far from what I was doing. I have spent many ski hours perfecting my “pure carve” but the machine was telling me I had flaws in my technique. The slippage was mostly at the transition between two turns, not at the finish where one might suspect. After two hours of skiing varied terrain, I saw, through listening that there was a skid in my transitions, not a pure arc to arc carve. (cont. on pg. 15)
I worked on that one moment in the turn for the rest of the day and it proved to be one of the most productive training sessions of the season. – Christopher Fellows
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By Glen Smith, Adaptive Chairperson
Adaptive
Let’s Adapt! There are lots of options within PSIA/AASI-W to expand your horizons. One of the most rewarding is teaching people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all businesses make a reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. Ski areas are not exempt from these requirements, and must provide facilities and lessons as close as possible to what able bodied guests would be able to experience. The Adaptive discipline welcomes able bodied members and members with disabilities to participate in education and certification programs. We are entering our exam season, and here is a brief description of how the Adaptive Exam process works. Level 1 certification requires that the member pass an Adaptive skiing or riding Level 1 exam (or pass the traditional PSIA or AASI Level 1 Alpine or Snowboard exam) and at least one day of Level 1/2 Teaching and Technical modules listed below. It is recommended that candidates take both days of the Level 1/2 Teaching and Technical exam module. The first module will be taken at the Level 1 standard which includes basic knowledge and teaching through the beginner / novice zone. Candidates will not be required to repeat this first module for Level 2.
Level 2 certification requires that the member pass an Adaptive skiing or riding Level 2 exam (or pass the Level 2 Alpine or Snowboard exam) and the remaining days of Level 1/2 Teaching and Technical Modules. After the first module is completed, the remaining two modules will be taken at Level 2 standard which includes thorough knowledge and teaching through the Intermediate zone. The Level 1/2 Teaching and Technical Modules are: Snowboard Cognitive/Visual Impairment Bi-ski/Mono-ski Stand-up Ski
One of the most rewarding teaching options is instructing people with disabilities.
Cognitive/Visual Impairment Bi-ski/Mono-ski 3 Track/4 Track Level 3 certification requires that the member pass a two day Adaptive skiing or riding Level 3 exam (or pass the Level 3 ski or snowboard exam) and pass a three day Adaptive Level 3 Teaching and Technical exam. The skiing and riding standards are the same at all three levels as the Alpine and Snowboard standards. It is recommended that candidates pass the skiing or riding standards first at each level, but not required.
A pass in the skiing or riding portion of the Alpine or Snowboard exam will count for Adaptive. Once any element is passed, it will remain as a pass forever. There are few experiences as enjoyable and rewarding as helping a person with disabilities discover the joy of skiing or riding. Come on out and give it a try! Glen Smith Adaptive Committee Chairman
Adaptive Committee Ballot Adaptive certified members only can vote.
W. C. Fields
The following four members have accepted the nomination for the Adaptive Committee.
The committee positions are available serving for three years starting in the Spring of 2009. Committee members will meet several times each year to guide the Adaptive Education and Certification Programs. All
Len Belasco Brent Kuemmerle
Nicole Charshafian
committee members will have specific assigned duties. Please vote for three. Please vote by email to: admin@psia-w.org Or by mail to: PSIA-W, 9709 Hwy. 267 Truckee, CA 96161
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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. Then vote. Simply use the attached, postage-paid ballot. Make four (4) selections from the list of ten by checking the names of those you would like to represent you. Please take this opportunity to vote. The deadline for mailing your ballot is April 3rd. Thank you. Ceci Chourre
My name is Ceci Chourre. I have a bachelors’ degree in Business and Economics: International Hotel and Restaurant Management, and a Masters in Corporate Coaching, Communication and Team Building. I have been involved in snowsports for 37 years, via recreational, collegic and professional participation. I have been a member of PSIA in NW/Western divisions for 4 years. To date, I am certified as an Alpine II and Adaptive I ski instructor. As a regular member, here are two projects I initiated to benefit our organization: • Brought a consensus to the Board that encouraged the passage of a membership driven petition. Now, if a candidate passes a Ski/ Ride module for Level II or III, it is valid for two full seasons instead of one. • Organized a membership Silent Auction at Convention and got support from the Board, Regional Demo Team (All Four Disciplines), Membership, and our Ski/Divisional businesses. We raised $13,000 in one night of fun with 250 donated items at the banquet. The funds allowed Western Division to cover our 19 members’ entrance fees, one night’s lodging and dinner at the National Demo Team Tryouts.
If elected to the board, I would like to explore what can be done with the following membership ideas: • Each discipline needs to have a voting Board Member. Currently the Snowboarding, Nordic and Adaptive representatives attend Board Meetings but do not have a vote. • Lines of communication can be opened that will encourage members’ initiatives and ideas to be considered at the Board level. • Implement opportunities for members’ off-snow skills (accounting, advertising, event planning, etc.) to be tapped for the growth, fun and quality of our division, year round. • Explore the power of our numbers so that as a division we can negotiate deeper group prices on equipment, lodging expenses for exams, etc. Let’s work together, helping our members pursue the degree of individual growth and goals for their snow sport experience.
Kemp Dowdy
Hello everyone, for those of you who don’t know me my name is Kemp Dowdy (or that guy with the spiky hair) I have been a member of PSIA/AASI-W since 1996 and have made teaching snowsports my life.
I’ve grown up in this division from my days as an apprentice instructor, to trying out for the National Alpine Demonstration Team last season down in Mammoth. I’ve been an active member of the Alpine Technical Team since 2003, and have been lucky to have experienced seasons in the southern hemisphere for multiple years. I am currently on the management staff at Sierra-at-Tahoe. I love nothing more than teaching and training throughout our division and being an active member in the western divisions’ growth. I look forward to sharing my love and passion for our industry as a member of the Western Division Board of Directors. I truly believe children are the future of our industry and I would love to take part in growing our children’s programs and creating some programs for that lost age, the Teenager. I believe that incorporating more children’s training for resorts would help grow the Ski & Snowboard School’s products. Well trained staff will help create clientele for the instructor and the resort. Incorporating “Cool” products and training ideas for teenagers is needed to grow our industry and help our resorts retain that family guest. I’m excited to give my all to this division and help grow what I know we are all passionate about: Teaching! I’m looking forward to being a part of PSIA/AASI-W as a representative on the Western Division Board of Directors!
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For the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors Doug Fagel
• • • • • • • • • • •
PSIA/AASI-W Snowboard VP – 2007-present AASI-W Examiner – 2004-present AASI-W Regional Demo Team AASI-W Level 3 Certified AASI-W Freestyle Specialist – Program Founder PSIA/AASI-W Children Specialist – L2 USASA Level 200 National Coach Sugar Bowl Head Snowboard Trainer Sugar Bowl Snowboard Team Founder & Manager Burton Academy @ Northstar Coach FAA Licensed Pilot – Singe, Instrument & Multi Ratings
I would again request your support to continue my involvement with the PSIA/AASI Western Division Board of Directors. I have been honored to serve as the Snowboard Vice President on our Board over the last few years and would like to continue the momentum that has been started in actively developing our organization. It has been a pleasure for me to serve alongside many other dedicated individuals and begin to execute immediate action plans for growth of the association and to assist in redeveloping some of our long term goals and visions that will allow us to continue to progress with the industry. As your Snowboard Vice President I have worked to improve the exam process in the module format as well as strengthen the snowboard technical team which has in turn improved our certification experience and improved our revenue generating opportunities.
Through active training programs the core educator staff around the division has elevated the bar of performance and has pushed the Western Division in the ranks of one of the lead divisions in the country. I have created and developed the Freestyle Accreditation Program which continues to grow each season. I am actively working on developing and revising new educational materials for the division from a new edition of the Western Division Certification Handbook to new innovative video training materials. With your support and continued involvement we will continue to strive to new heights with this organization. I would like to thank you in advance for your support in this year’s election.
Steve Fengler
Hello, PSIA-W members, My name is Steve and I am seeking my 1st term as a representative for you on your Board of Directors. I have been a full time coach since 1979, and during those years I have been mentored by current and past board members. Their expertise and professionalism is what I have strived to bring into my career and to fellow instructors and students alike. I am currently the Director of the snowsports school at Bear Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resorts, serving my 9th year as an examiner/clinician with the Western Division Alpine Tech Team and have my Senior Specialist II accreditation. There are a lot of miles between north and south within this Western Division. I would like to become your representative, a voice for the south.
Your Candidates The SoCal schools are doing incredibly large numbers of students, 75-80% are the all important beginner market. Our industries future! My best guess is there are approx. 1,200 snowsports instructors employed by the 6 southern California schools. Many of these schools are well equipped to bring the standards and professionalism to their staff because of our organization. Others are less fortunate and do not have the resources to train or go beyond a certain level of certification for their instructors. The trend seems to be the more qualified trainers; tech team, level III and level II members are choosing to work at the resorts with bigger snowmaking capabilities for longer and more consistent employment. As we know snowsports schools can be territorial at times and often do not share there good qualified trainers with schools that have a hard time drawing these professionals to their respected resorts. The last 9 years as a tech team member I have watched the passion for this sport grow in many of you though your continued education and meeting your goals of certification. Now let’s get this fire started under new and long time instructors who have not experienced the rewards that membership in PSIA can provide. Not only improving as instructors though our educational clinics and knowing how to share the love of this sport with our students, but also having the opportunity to improve their own abilities while making friends in the process. Communication is the key and as a board member and a voice for the south I would like the opportunity to see if we can come together through education and training to uphold the standards and professionalism of this organization. My name is Steve Fengler, and I approve this message. (cont. on pg. 12)
Please use the Accompanying Ballot to Make Your Choice: Deadline is April 3rd.
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Your Candidates Elianne Furtney
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For the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors Bob Haas
Thanks again for your consideration. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you at Spring Convention. Bob Haas
Ted Pitcher
Hello Fellow Members! The last three years have sped by and I feel like I’ve just begun my journey with the Board of Directors. Picking up the reins of the Alpine Commitee has been an exciting and challenging endeavor this last year and I am anxious to continue that effort. I hope you are enjoying the educational offerings on the calendar and that you will support me as I look towards the future. If you allow me to continue to represent you, I have the following goals: 1. It has been an honor to work with the talented members of the Tech Team and I will keep pursuing high-level Tech Team training in order to provide an exceptional, close-knit and consistent squad of Examiners and Clinicians for the Division. 2. I want to make sure that there are a variety of fun and informative educational offerings for the instructor who may not be pursuing certification but wants to stay current. 3. I will do my best to always represent the interests of the career ski instructors who have given so much for so little out of love of the sport. Thanks for the opportunity to represent you these past three years and for your consideration this election. Elianne Furtney
“It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing.” ~ Mother Teresa My name is Bob Haas and I am asking for your vote of confidence as I run for the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors. The milestones I’ve achieved are many. I’ve been skiing for over 36 years; teaching for 19 of those years at Heavenly Ski Resort and have been a member of PSIA/AASI-W since I began teaching. I am a Level III Certified Alpine Instructor, a Level II Seniors Specialist and a member of the Seniors Specialist Certification Board. I am also a Staff Trainer at my ski resort. While I cannot list a page of ‘bullet’ points of years sitting on boards and foundations or cite published articles and manuals I’ve written, what I will bring to the table is my passion for teaching the art of skiing. It is my strongest and most important credential. I want to represent ‘us’ – Joe the Ski Instructor and Jolene the Snowboard Instructor. I want to make sure ‘we’ are heard and that ‘our’ needs are being met by the board. My voice will be your voice on the board. I have a very close working relationship with several members of the board and those relationships will allow me to interact with a certain amount of harmony – but always keeping in mind that I was elected by YOU. Every day I work with a yearning to help my clients either fall in love with the sport or achieve a WOW moment. I will bring that same passion to the board. I’ll give my heart and soul to help make PSIA-W a better organization for ‘us’ – the rank and file members of the division.
It’s been a privilege to serve as a PSIA-W-AASI Board member for the last three years. To keep our Division user friendly I’ve worked for and supported a bunch of innovative, creative and affordable programs that respond to our members needs. These include Senior Specialist Accreditation, Adaptive Snowboard Certification, the Two Year Skiing and Riding Module extension and keeping clinic and module costs as affordable as possible. To keep our Division strong, I’ve worked for retention of our current members and recruitment of new members. I also support quality clinics, high standards and more trainer training for member schools and PSIA National’s efforts to maintain National standards across all PSIA Divisions. Thanks for all your input and support over the last three years. I appreciate your vote. See you on the hill! Resume: 1976 Instructor-Pico, Vermont 1977 Full Certified PSIA Eastern 1977-1984 Instructor-Heavenly 1981-2009 PSIA Western Examiner/ Clinician 1984 Level III Adaptive Certification 1984-1986 Ski School SupervisorHeavenly 1986 Level I USSCA Coaches Certification 1986-1993 Chief Adaptive Examiner for PSIA National
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For the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors 1986-1993 PSIA National Certification Committee member 1988 USSCA Level II Coaches SchoolBend, Oregon 1992-1995 Assistant Director Kirkwood Ski School 1986-2009 PSIA Western Adaptive Examiner/Clinician 1999-2000Team Manager PSIA Western Divisional Demo Team 2003 PSIA Level II Children’s Specialist Credential 2005-2009 PSIAW / AASI Board of Directors 2007 PSIAW Level II Senior’s Specialist Credential 2008-2009 Senior Committee Representative to the PSIAW / AASI Board Although I’ve worked for PSIA Western since 1981 I’ve always been an “on the hill” guy. (That’s where the fun is!) At this time I would like to ask you for the opportunity to serve you as a member of the BOD. My involvment in Alpine,Adaptive, Children/ Coaching and seniors, helps me understand the needs and wants of many of our membership.
Your Candidates
I learned to ski when I was three years old and grew up participating in the sport on a regular basis. A lifetime of skiing has provided me with a way to have fun taking part in an athletic endeavor. Skiing and teaching skiing has helped me build an enjoyable and rewarding lifestyle that includes making life-long friends with people who share a common bond. The PSIA/AASI-W has been integral in my professional and personal development as a skier, instructor, and trainer. As a member of the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors, I will work to improve and provide the type of positive skill building and professional development that I have received as a long term member of the PSIA/AASIW. I will be an advocate for quality professional development and certification and continue to build a culture of professionalism, learning, and fun in our organization.
education and growth in all areas of personal development from traditional academia to the sensational educational offerings of PSIA and AASI. This became especially apparent recently when one of my trainees asked me why I wanted to become a BoD member. When queried, I recall immediately responding with a single word; “Growth.” While membership on the Board of Directors represents a new “growth” phase of my personal and professional development, this is not a journey I can embark upon alone; I need your support and hope that you will cast your vote for me and allow me the opportunity of serving as your representative. The commitment and dedication of our division in the pursuit of promoting higher educational standards is extraordinary, and I look forward to to becoming an integral part of this legacy.
Once again, thank you for your vote. Dan Ray
Thank you for your consideration. Clay Sawyer
Clay Sawyer
Eddie Visser
Once again, it is that time of year and I am requesting your vote for election to the Board of Directors, Western Division PSIA/AASI. My name is Clay Sawyer. I am a current snowboard tech team examiner and clinician, a certified skier, a member of the National Ski Patrol, and at my home resort in Southern California, the Level 1 in-house snowboard trainer. It has been especially gratifying to serve the organization for the last few years as trainer, clinician and examiner and I hope to continue in the future as a member on the Board of Directors. As a trainer for AASI certification hopefuls, I find myself continually espousing the virtues of continued
Hello, my name is Eddie Visser. Having worked in the ski industry for over 20 years as an instructor at Crested Butte, Copper Mountain and currently at Northstar at Tahoe, I know how delivering unforgettable service creates lifetime skiers and repeat customers for our schools and resorts. As a member of the PSIA Western Division since 1992, I also know how much instructors can benefit from the support and educational opportunities provided by our organization. Over the years, I’ve noticed a trend among members to either forgo or (cont. on pg. 14)
Thanks for your consideration.
Dan Ray
My name is Dan Ray and I would appreciate your vote for a seat on the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors. I am currently a staff trainer in the Squaw Valley Ski School and a professional full time ski instructor in the thirteenth year of my career. I am also an active trainer and examiner with the PSIA-W tech team. I have a Bachelors Degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in Elementary Education and am completing a Masters degree in Administration this year.
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Your Candidates
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For the PSIA/AASI-W Board of Directors
(cont. from pg. 13) move through the certification process as quickly as possible without gaining an understanding of the return on investment of ongoing education. Discussions with colleagues reveal that resort privileges recognizing instructors’ educational investments are disappearing.
Resort management teams require ongoing reinforcement that supporting instructor education pays dividends to the bottom line, and drives repeat business for all concerned. As a business owner, I understand the importance of teamwork and follow through to assure success in any endeavor. As one of your board representatives, my
primary focus will be fostering creative ideas, communicating and enhancing the mutual benefits for resorts and members from our region’s programs and educational opportunities. Thank you for your time and consideration. Eddie Visser
Please use the Accompanying Ballot to Make Your Choice: Deadline is April 3rd.
Golf Tournament
By Aaron Rosen
Join us for the 3rd Annual Education Foundation Golf Tournament Sunday, October 10, 2009 at 9:30 am – Empire Ranch, Carson City NV
Have fun with your snowsports friends in the off-season.
PROCEEDS RAISE MONEY FOR THE PSIA-W EDUCATION FOUNDATION
For PSIA/AASI members, friends, equipment reps and sport shop employees. $75 per person is for 18 holes of golf, use of driving range, golf cart and box lunch! NEW THIS YEAR! We are planning to include a 9 hole putting tournament. This will be held on the putting green while players are tallying score cards. Format: This will be a fourperson scramble. Everyone hits, picks the groups’ best shot and everyone hits again. Individuals and teams of all levels are welcome: we will match you with a team. This is a great opportunity to meet others and have a good time! Mulligans will be available for a donation of 1 for $8, 4 for $25. A Raffle will occur after golf. To provide a donation or raffle item please contact the office. There will be prizes for lowest scoring team, highest scoring team, longest drive, nearest to the pin, putting contest, etc. For signup information, check the Western Division website: www.psia-w.org.
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Computerized Turn Technology (cont.) By Christopher Fellows (cont. from pg. 8) The “pure carve” is a goal and many argue if it is even achievable, however this type of practice will improve anyone’s skiing. The strength of a device that gives immediate feedback is that you can make real-time changes, shortening the learning process. This can even out-
perform video in that with video you must stop to get feedback and then make the changes after the fact. There is nothing like making changes on the fly. This system can be synchronized with video to analyze turns later making a visual connection with what you felt on the hill. One of the most exciting parts of the process was working directly with Richard,
whose enthusiasm and dedication to helping skiers ski better is contagious. He is approachable and has a gentle way about him. Unlike many “inventor” stereotypes, Richard is a true people person. Combined with his in depth knowledge of the computer industry, he has a winning combination. Christopher Fellows NASTC Director
2009/10 Renewal Dues Yes, it is that time again. The dues for PSIA/AASI membership are due by June 30, 2009 for the year 2009/2010. Pay on time. Late fees ($20) begin on July 1, 2009. • NOT returning as an instructor next year? Sign up as an Inactive or Special Inactive
Member. You can upgrade to active membership later in the year without late fees. How to Pay: 1) Use the form below to mail in your payment, or 2) Pay online through the National website, www.thesnowpros.org:
a. Enter your national ID# (located on your membership card and on the mailing label of your “32 Degrees” magazine). b. Enter your password c. Once you are logged in to your member profile page you can renew online.
For a complete description of membership categories, go to www.psia-w.org, click on “Become a Member” then “Types of Membership.”
2009/10 Renewal Dues
Total Dues
$105 $ 85 $ 85 $ 35 $ 50 $ 55 $ ______
Ed Foundation Donation
$ ______
Sodergren Education Donation $ ______ Total Amount Enclosed
$ ______
You can check your membership status and pay online at www.thesnowpros.org.
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Children’s
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By Greg Lyons, Children’s Chair
Why does my four year old ski her own way and not like me? I tried to ski like my daughter the other day. I went straight down the hill with a widened stance. I engaged my calves against the back of the boot, straightened my knees, moved my hips back and bent forward at the waist. To change direction, I used my upper body including the torso and hips to create the rotation. Because my legs were stiff they allowed the rotation to transfer to my skis. We skied Green and Blue runs and I have to say that, although it felt odd, I was turning and stopping and maintained good speed control. However, when we hit the beginner terrain park things immediately changed for me, but not her. Being airborne and knowing I could not absorb the landing with my ankles and knees scared me. It was clear from the number of times we reloaded the same chair to go back to the park that she obviously felt much more confident than I did. I knew I needed to understand how and why she skied her way and I skied mine. Differences to consider • Children’s heads are larger in comparison to their bodies resulting in a higher center of mass. • Muscle strength and coordination to flex ankles and toes develops after the strength to flex knees and hips. • Children’s abdominal muscles are not well developed. • Muscle control develops first in the head and torso, and then moves out toward the fingers and then the toes. • It is easier for children move one body part or one side of the body. Bi lateral movements such as having the upper body face downhill, while simultaneously having the legs steer across the hill are challenging for kids under age 6. • Children use hips and knees to align the center of mass. • Young children brace against the outside ski, relying on the skeletal strength of the entire leg. • Young children‘s bones are growing and are more like cartilage which is pliable. Endochondral ossification, the process by which cartilage is converted into calcified bone, continues into the late stages of puberty. Stance: Young child age 3-6. Ankles and legs are not
that muscular, so children often ski with a wider-thanhip-width stance and lean back bracing against their boots. They have good flexibility in their hips and often bend at the waist. This bend allows their oversized head (plus helmet) to float forward over their toes. Stance: Adult. Ankles, knees, hips and spine slightly flexed to allow the body to “stack” over the ball-arch area of the foot. Possible teaching focus: Encourage kids to stand as upright as possible. Provide a point in the distance for them to look at in order to get their eyes up and away from their ski tips. Play games getting them to stretch to the sky, to tap their helmets with their hands, to make small one-inch high bunny hops, and to march as if in a band. Rotation: Young child age 3-6. Upper body, including torso, hips and arms, starts the turn. The hands rotate the same way they are trying to move their feet (see right hand in photo). Rotation: Adults. Rotary movements originate in the legs. Possible teaching focus: Have them place their hands on their hips or knees. This allows the nerve endings of their hands to them help feel what their knees and hips are doing. On a bump in the snow have the students twist their feet creating an hourglass shape in the snow.
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By Greg Lyons, Children’s Chair Edging: Young children age 3-6. Edging is created by moving hip and torso to the inside of the turn. Young children use very little ankle or knee angulation.
Children’s (cont.)
Directional Movements: Child age 3-6. Hips rise, move laterally and then settle allowing the flattening and the engaging of the new ski edges. Directional Movements: Adults. Skier extends in the direction of the new turn to change edges.
Edging: Adult. Edging results from a blend of ankle, knee, hip, and spine angulation depending on speed and turn shape. Possible teaching focus: J turns with a focus on edge angle in carving up the hill. Spraying snow at a target is a challenge that improves edging skill. Pressure: Young child age 3-6. Tails of the skis are engaged in the snow. Inside ski can have a significant amount of weight on it. Skis can bounce and often loses contact with the snow. Pressure: Adults. Pressure moves from the tip, waist and then tail of the ski. The body adjusts so terrain bumps are absorbed resulting in the skis staying in contact with the snow. Progressive weight transfer from foot to foot. Possible teaching focus: Thumper turns with the focus being on tapping the whole ski rather than just the tail. Bunny Hops of an inch off the snow help the child find the center of their skis. Jumping from the tails is more work than being in the center.
Possible teaching focus: Have kids reach forward trying to catch the person in front of them. Have them extend their arms like Superman and fly into the next turn. They could imagine they are Spiderman shooting webs down the hill. My daughter and I can enjoy skiing the same runs each in our own way for now. She is becoming stronger with each day of skiing. Her stance is taller; her inside foot is steering closer to parallel, turning in a “J” rather than doing a “Monster Pizza,” is bringing her to a stop. I enjoy watching her move her hips to the inside and power through a turn with her long outside leg. I am glad I understand that as she bounces over small bumps her softer, pliable skeleton helps her to absorb some of the impacts. I hope that as we both get older she will understand the bio-mechanics of her father and slow down enough to ski with me some days! Greg Lyons My daughter Kiera is the skiing model. She is 4 ¾ years old.
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Understanding Senior Skiers
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By Peggy McCullen Connor
Effectively Reaching and Teaching the Senior Skier Part Three of a Four Part Series The value of regular exercise and physical activals to pursue various athletic and physical activities ity is well known. Not only is it associated with well into their 50s, 60s and 70s. This is compounded reduced mortality, it drastically improves quality of by the fact that the population segment older than 50 life in older persons. And on the slopes, it can reduce years continues to grow as the baby boomer generathe risk of injury. But if that is true, why is it that up tion ages. Primary care physicians, orthopedic surto 75% of older Americans are insufficiently active? geons, and various ancillary healthcare personnel are [(1) Am Family Physician, 2002, V 65, pp 419-26, now being challenged to provide treatment strategies 427-8.] to these aging patients in order that they maintain Exercise, strength training, balance and flexibiltheir desired level of physical activity.” [(3) Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy: Volume 11(2) June ity can and should be a part of all sports enthusiast’s 2003pp 98-101] lifestyles, but are So what they? Before you can you do as a start that senior professional ski lesson on the instructor to asslopes, it’s best sist in this effort? to find out. Practice accident This is why. prevention. “Many aging Basically, what athletes have you are doing is medical and protecting your musculoskelclient’s future etal problems mobility. When that mandate older people are tailoring athletic injured, it simply activity to the takes longer to patient’s general heal. health and funcPoor bone tional requirequality, found ments.”[(2) J in males and Am Acad Orthop females, such as Surg, Vol 13, No osteoporosis, is 6, October 2005, only one of many 407-416.] Add issues that can this to the equamake hip joints tion … muscle Regular exercise improves quality of prone to severe strength declines life and can reduce risk of injury. injury with a (sarcopenia) by simple fall on 15 percent per the ice. Unfortunately older women have weakened decade after age 50 and 30 percent per decade after skeletal frames and suffer more severe injury than age 70; however, resistance training can result in their younger counterparts with comparable injuries. 25 to 100 percent, or more, strength gains in older In females, beware of potential pelvic fractures and adults. [(1) AFP … V65] hip injuries. In males, watch out for the lower back. Moreover, many older adults innocently particiLumbar injuries in older male athletes are more compate in sports not knowing that they should have had mon because of years and years of use. Know this. a history and physical exam first. Even health care Healing is diminished in older people, making the practitioners are trying to design treatment strategies road to recovery more of a challenge. that try to keep up with this new challenge. Also keep in mind that your student is in a high “Older adults are now more active. In addition to altitude, and that this alone can cause the onset of having a more active lifestyle, a perception exists that cardiovascular problems that were never identified medicine, namely orthopedics, will be able to repair before. or correct years of use and abuse. It is becoming (cont.) much more commonplace for middle-aged individu-
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Understanding Senior Skiers (cont.) Common sense can save a life. If your student comments that they don’t have time for regular exercise, that should be an indicator to you, the knowledgeable instructor, that there may be some physical limitations present. On the other hand, breathing difficulties or a simple chest pain that results from high altitude “exertion” should make a bell go off in your head. A simple question to use before you take off down that blue slope might be, “Can you comfortably climb a flight of stairs?” Add these two terms to your teaching arsenal. “Exertional signs” and “physical limitations”. Know also that most injuries in elderly athletes occur from overuse. Decades of previous use can weaken knees, tendons, and shoulders. And anyone with a history of injury is a candidate for re-injury at the original site.
Concurrently, injuries resulting from falls in the aging population are already a major public health concern. Falls result in reduced quality of life longterm for most older athletes. They can lead to functional impairment, chronic pain and disability. Falls are also the main cause of spinal cord injuries in older persons. Each year one in three Americans aged 65 and older suffers a fall of some kind, and a third of those end up seeking medical treatment and care. Be proactive. Learn a few basics about the challenges that all senior citizens face. Not only will that make you a better instructor, it will prepare you for your own future on the slopes … because after all … don’t you want to be out there too when you are 70? I do.
By Ted Pitcher Earlier this season I came across these great words of wisdom: “No coach, regardless of age should give up the quest to be a better skier. We all reach a point where it’s unrealistic to think we can be faster racers. But we can still acquire new skills and become better skiers in a variety of ways. If you assume you have a hundred years to live, you get 1% older each year. Ski equipment gets 2% better each year. For all skiers a net gain is possible.” – Warren Witherell From his book “The Athletic Skier” When Warren wrote these words, he was a ski coach in his late 50’s. Although his advice was directed to ski coaches, his words ring true for ski instructors as well. The best way to keep your enthusiasm and the fire in your belly for our sport is to keep learning, expanding your horizons and improving your skiing and teaching. We are all members of the PSIA/AASI Division that is on the cutting edge of Senior Skiing Development and Education. If you teach a lot of seniors (50 yrs+) or if you are a senior instructor, take advantage of our senior training and accreditation programs. Here’s a list of what’s coming up! • Sunday, Monday, Tuesday March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at Snow Summit • –or– Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday March 23rd, 24th, 25th at Sugar Bowl - Level II Senior Specialist Accreditation
Senior Events
This senior event now in its third season is the “grand daddy”! The first Senior Specialist Accreditation in the country. If you are a Level 2 or Level 3 certified instructor of any age, you are eligible to take this 3 day event encompassing skiing improvement, video analysis, skiing and teaching models for intermediate and advanced senior skiers. Your teaching will be evaluated on the third day. (There is no skiing test). Successful candidates will receive our Senior Specialist Level 2 Pin. • Monday and Tuesday March 30th and 31st at Diamond Peak -Level I Senior Specialist AccreditationThis event is in its second year. It is designed for Level 1 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 evaluated the (cont. on back cover) Ski Teaching in Spanish or Portuguese Handbooks with side-by-side translations for children/adults Audio Tapes or CDs with Text Enor Martinez www.skiteaching.com 3508 Virginia W ay www.yoskio@comcast.net (email) Salt Lake City, Utah 84109 (801) 466-9039
Senior Events (cont.) By Ted Pitcher
(cont. from pg. 19) afternoon of the second day (no skiing test). Successful candidates will receive our Senior Specialist Level 1 pin. • Saturday and Sunday April 25th and 26th at Mammoth -Senior Skiing Education, Advanced Curriculum- Fun at the PSIA-W Convention! This clinic is aimed at improving your personal skiing while you learn about teaching seniors. We will have video analysis, coaching of your skiing, information on equipment, senior conditioning and teaching intermediate and advanced senior skiers. This is a fun education event open to any skiing member regardless of certification. All these events count as education credit! You can find our Senior Handbook on the PSIA-W website at www.psia-w.org. Also check out the new National Seniors skiing website at www.seniorsnowsports.org.
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See you in March or April and whatever you do,
KEEP SKIING!
PSIA W Ski Education Foundation 9709 Hwy. 267, Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 587-7642, Fax: (530) 587-4273 Email: admin@psia-w.org Website: www.psia-w.org
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PSIA-W/AASI-W Board of Directors & Officers 2008-09 Officers: President Executive Vice President Alpine VP Snowboard VP Nat’l PSIA Representative Past President
Neil Bussiere Carl Underkoffler Elianne Furtney Doug Fagel Craig Albright Dave Achey
Directors: Craig Albright (11), Neil Bussiere (11), Heidi Ettlinger (11), Steve Evenson (09), Elianne Furtney (09), Chris Fellows (09), Leigh Pierini (11), 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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