Continuing Education
Continuing education (CEU) events are designed to help you learn and grow as a snowsports professional. They also serve as an opportunity for you to keep up-to-date on the latest techniques and trends in your discipline. Every certified member of the NW Region is required to attend at least 6 CEUs each season (usually one day on snow).
A season for us is just like a season for you in snowsports. Our fiscal year runs July 1 – June 30, so participating in anything on the calendar for the current season provides you credit for the season, be it participating in something in October or April of the season. If you have any questions or this is confusing, please give us a call, we’re happy to review your education history and go over it with you.
Note on Education Credits
You may only accrue up to 12 CEU; i.e. if you attend a one-day event in January for 6 credits, then take an exam in March which provides 12 credits, the total credits will be 18, and take care of things for the current season and the next. You can always check your credits by looking at your profile at thesnowpros.org.
Dues Renewal
To pay your dues online, please click on the button below to get started. Of course you may always phone member services and pay over the phone (206.244.8541). As a reminder, dues are non-refundable.
June 30th continues to be the date for paying on time, either using the one-time pay option or you can choose quarterly payments online.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Full refund less $40 admin fee for cancellation 14 days from event (no transfer of registration to another event/person)
- No refund for cancellation less than 14 days from event (no transfer of registration to another event/person)
- No show, no refund
- No transfer of event registrations between individuals
- Admin fees are non-refundable
Digital Membership card
- Go to thesnowpros.org and login
- Once logged in choose from the left My Profile
- Once you have that open, you will see near where your photo would go and the word Account, a little card icon, click on that and it will open a pop-up with your member card (image below)
- Prefer a physical card? Just give us a call, email or text and we will opt you in for a physical card to be mailed to you.
Member Benefits
As someone who enjoys teaching people snowsports and has a passion for the mountain environment, you are an important part of a dynamic membership here in the Northwest. In part, your organization’s healthy growth has come from the efforts of members, such as you, who continue to spread the good word about PSIA-AASI and the many benefits you receive. What follows is a list of benefits provided to all members of the Northwest!
Pro Offers for Members
This is a huge member benefit available exclusively to you, not to be used for family, friends or re-sale.
The PSIA-AASI Accessories Catalog, published annually both online and in print, offers accessories that show your pride in the association.
Working with corporate sponsors and other companies through PSIA-AASI’s Official Supplier program, you will find other pro offers on their website. These offers include ski and snowboard gear, magazine offers and much more. Each of these programs can be worth many times your annual PSIA-AASI dues. For example, PSIA-AASI’s partnership with Volkswagen means substantial savings to you and support for your association as well. Benefits to you from PSIA-AASI Official Suppliers are constantly changing so click here to login to your account and view them.
Member Lift Ticket Pricing
This is a member benefit available exclusively to you, and is not to be used for family, friends or re-sale. Please be respectful and courteous when presenting your membership ID for a discount at the host resort.
Magazines
A benefit of membership in both PSIA-NW and PSIA-AASI is a subscription to PSIA-AASI’s 32 Degrees: The Journal of Professional Snowsports Instruction, the definitive publications for staying on top of the latest in teaching alpine skiing, snowboarding, nordic skiing, and adaptive skiing and snowboarding.
PSIA-NW Store
PSIA-NW makes available a wide range of books to support the national standards and PSIA-NW’s education programs. These are made available at the lowest possible cost to the member and can be found on our website, click here. You’ll also find some awesome PSIA-AASI Northwest Division merch to rep, like sweatshirts, notepads, and water bottles!
Pro Business Cards
Get 250 or 500 “pro quality” business cards, professionally printed and shipped UPS right to your door, complete with personalization options and official PSIA, AASI and Northwest logos. Plus your purchase will support the PNSIA-Education Foundation with a $2 donation per order given to the scholarship fund. Click the example card for an enlarged detailed view.
Personal and Professional Development: Education Programs, Seminars and Symposiums
PSIA-NW education events are held throughout the region each season. These are invaluable opportunities to improve your skills as a teaching professional. These clinics and seminars are designed specifically to improve your skiing or snowboarding technique and your teaching. You’ll learn more, challenge yourself and have fun while doing it! You know the saying, Learn, Teach, Inspire. Visit our event calendar to see what is offered.
Certification
Your certification is recognized across the country and can mean increased wages, additional benefits and recognition. Certification exams are offered by PSIA-NW each season throughout the region. Level III certified members may also join ISIA. Learn more about certification here.
Promoting the Association and You
PSIA-NW and PSIA-AASI cooperate with supporting sponsors to promote snowsports instruction to the public. We also establish links with other snowsports organizations to strengthen the industry as a whole. These include
- National Ski Areas Association (NSAA)
- Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association (PNSAA)
- National Ski and Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA)
- National Ski Patrol (NSP)
- Snowsports Industries America (SIA)
- Cross Country Ski Area Association (CCSAA)
and others to increase industry and public awareness of the value of professional teaching. PSIA-AASI is represented at the NSAA convention and SIA trade show. Additionally, PSIA-AASI works with industry media, sponsors, and supporters from outside the ski industry to promote snowsports.
Your Northwest Board of Directors continually looks at ways to improve, all with an eye toward increasing the value of your membership. The PSIA-NW staff and leadership are committed to maintaining high standards in service and quality. Please contact us anytime info@psia-nw.org.
We get it, times are different, we hear it in seemingly everything we do. Some of you have asked what you can do, some of you are wondering how you’re able to do what you used to be able to do.
With your questions, the Members Lifting Members initiative has been created. Through this program, if you can help a member with their membership, simply click here and you’ll be taken to the donation page at thesnowpros.org to give towards membership assistance. Need that assistance or would appreciate some? Please click here to be taken to the Need a Lift request form. These will be given out on a first come basis until the funds are used up. **Please note**, requesting a lift should only be a one-time request.
We look forward to seeing you on the snow, on our web sessions where we can learn a thing or two and talk with other adults, or anywhere else along the way. Thank you for being a member and such a valuable part of this snowsports community. Without you, there is no us.
Please click the button below if you would like to transfer and to find out more information.
Request for Non-PSIA-AASI Credit
To receive credit for a non-PSIA-AASI event, we require our members to submit a request for approval of the event at least 30 days in advance. The request must provide us with details of what the event will entail and its duration.
The “Outside” credit policy allows members to count certain non-PSIA-AASI functions towards continuing educational credit, contingent upon pre-approval, and an administration fee. It is important to remember this request can only be used once every three seasons. The purpose of this policy is to allow members who wish to broaden their base of experience to do so, while at the same time meet their continuing education requirements. Please note, requests need to be completed for participation or attendance of outside events occurring in the current season.
PSIA-AASI developed the Code of Conduct to help you achieve a level of personal conduct and standards
of behavior that is consistent with the expectations of instructors across the country.
Who this applies to: All PSIA-AASI members, member schools, and volunteers, including PSIA-AASI’s
regional and national board members and officers.
When this applies: At all times when you are in a position to affect PSIA-AASI’s standing within the
snowsports industry or with the general public.
1. You shall conduct yourself in a manner that is consistent with practicing safety, risk awareness,
professionalism, a high standard of integrity, self-control, and responsible behavior.
2. You shall comply with all applicable rules and policies of your region and the association,
including but not limited to its bylaws and conflict of interest policy.
3. You shall not accept any gratuity, gift, or favor that might impair or appear to influence your
professional decisions or actions.
4. You shall not provide compensated instruction without the advance written consent and
acknowledgment of the Snowsports School of the Resort at which you are providing instruction.
5. You shall not engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
6. You shall not engage in illegal conduct.
7. You shall not engage in harassment of any kind against a resort guest, resort employee, a
member of the general public, PSIA-AASI association employees, volunteers, contractors,
or another member.
8. You shall not discriminate against any member or any other person on account of race, religion,
age, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or nationality.
9. You shall not conduct yourself in a manner which would bring discredit to the association or any
region.
10. You shall not abuse any privilege that may be extended as a result of your membership from
industry partners, such as equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, resorts, or other
professional groups.
11. You shall not allow the use of your name or likeness in such manner as to misrepresent or
otherwise mislead the public concerning any given product or service.
12. You shall not misrepresent yourself in any way to the organization, for instance, your
professional status, competence, or experience.
If a member deviates from the Code of Conduct they may face disciplinary action, including the loss of
credentials and membership.
For questions or reporting please contact Member Services at info@psia-nw.org.
Expectations of a Professional Instructor
- Prioritize students and their learning as a fundamental component of personal professional development.
- Respect the association and its staff as they provide education in technical, teaching, and people skills for the good of resort guests/students and not just individual gain.
- Arrive on time; communicate appropriately when unable to do so.
- Reflect professional appearance and adhere to cultural norms, policies, and procedures for specific resorts, regions, and the association overall.
- Receive and accept feedback assuming positive intent. Ask clarifying questions and seek first to understand. Participate in opportunities for follow-up when offered.
- Practice self-awareness and avoid overstating competence or skill level to clinic leaders or the association. When uncertain about an event’s suitability, seek guidance. Maintain an open attitude towards feedback and advice, and prioritize the needs of others.
- Learn and practice risk awareness and management specific to the resort, terrain, and situation.
- Recognize the significance of words and behaviors in shaping others’ perceptions, regardless of intent. (see people skills).
- Seek appropriate channels for reporting harassment, bullying, or other hurtful language or behaviors.
- Refrain from unauthorized teaching or receiving payment from students that is not authorized by the resort or area where you are teaching.
We’d like to believe that everything is rosy in our organization, but we know that this isn’t always the case. Members are encouraged to use their post-event survey to address event-related concerns.
If you have an issue with a PSIA-AASI member, we have a process for addressing your complaint. You do not need to be a member, or member school, to bring these matters to our attention. Address your concerns to complaint@PSIA-NW.org
Please refer to the Membership Code of Conduct to help us understand the nature and extent of your submission.
In the event your concern is in respect to a member of our administration, and you wish to speak to the board, please email Chair@PSIA-NW.org
Northwest takes member confidentiality seriously, and endeavors to protect all parties in a complaint from adverse disclosure. Please note that confidentiality is not always ensured in the course of an investigation- reprisals or retaliation of any form will not be tolerated.