These awards are presented to the recipients annually at the Spring Symposium Awards Banquet, honoring them for their service to snowsports and the organization. To read more about the award and past recipients, click on each award title.

Jean Lyon Service to Youth Award

This award recognizes an instructor or coach who currently possesses a PSIA-NW membership for a minimum of 5 years who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to excellence in snowsports teaching or race coaching for children and youth. These individuals provide a high level of teaching/coaching aptitude and expertise for youth snowsports teaching or race coaching. Other contributions include work that has contributed to the enhancement of children’s snowsports education and outreach activities that have provided opportunities for youth to become lifetime participants in snowsports. Click the title above for more information about the award and its recipients.

• Click here to proceed to the Service to Youth Award nomination form

Larry Linnane Legends Award

This award recognizes those longtime PSIA-NW members (active, inactive, alumni or posthumous) who have given a lifelong commitment to snowsports education. They have played an active and developmental role within their school and/or the division. These individuals need to have been members, in good standing, for at least 20 consecutive years. Contributions include, but are not limited to, outstanding mentorship or leadership, service on the Northwest Board of Directors, committee or taskforce member, writing technical/feature articles for publications and instruction/education on a division level. Click the title above for more information about the award and its recipients.

• Click here to proceed the Legends Award nomination form

Rookie of the Year Award

This award recognizes a member in their first season as an instructor who demonstrates an exceptional attitude and aptitude for Snowsports teaching. It is a great way to recognize a rising star. They are inspired to achieve personal growth through snowsports education provided by the school and by involvement in division education, certificate and certification opportunities. They exceed normal entry level expectations for teaching excellence and student achievement.  These candidates consistently collaborate, communicate and cooperate with guests, peers and school management. They are seen by school management and fellow pros as a role model for the values and behaviors espoused by our organization and profession. In order to qualify for the award, to the best of your knowledge, the candidate needs to be in good standing and currently employed in their first season as a full or part-time instructor at a NW snowsports school. (cadet programs do not qualify) Click the title above for more information about the award and its recipients.

• Click here to proceed to the Rookie of the Year Award nomination form

Lifetime Recognition Award

This award recognizes someone who has been a PSIA member for a minimum of 30 years and has demonstrated a lifetime of dedicated service to the Northwest and snowsports education. Listed below are those awarded and the year they received the award:

• Steve Bratt (1996)
• Jack Burns (2013)
• Walter “Buzz” Fulton (1994)*
• Kathy Hand (2001)
• Kenneth Hand (2006)
• Doris Harlacher (1995)
• Joe Harlacher (1990)
• Ed Kane (1994)
• Chris Kastner (2008)
• Bill Lenihan (1986)
• Lou Lenihan (1990)*
• Jim Lucas (1989)*
• Joy Lucas (1986)*
• Lenore Lyle (1994)
• Nick McDonald (2013)
• Robert McDonald (2010)
• John Mohan (1996)
• Rich Nelson (1998)
• Lee Perry (1994)
• Otto Ross (1972)
• James Smith, Sr. (2017)
• Shawn Smith (2013)
• Chris Thompson (1996)
• Juris Vagners (2013)
• Al Voltz (1994)
• Jack Weigand (1994)*
• Gordon West (1984)
• John Weston (2008)
• Calvin Yamamoto (2008)

*deceased