Are You New? Welcome Aboard!
Whoohoo – welcome to the org! You’ve joined the organization and your membership status is at a registered level. Getting ready for your Level I exam? Fantastic, please go visit the education tab and read all about your discipline’s certification standards and exam.
Remember, any certified PSIA-NW member must attend continuing education each season (6 CEU) or a two-day event every other season (12 CEU or more),-to remain current and in good standing. More detailed information regarding continuing education can be found on the current member tab on this page. Additionally, a full list of our events is on our event calendar on the Events tab.
Annual membership dues are due on or before June 30th of each season to avoid late fees. A season is defined as starting on July 1st and ending on June 30th.
Member benefits include special discount pricing on many products that ski and snowboard professionals use on a daily basis like skis or snowboards, soft goods like gloves, goggles, clothing, tuning tools, and even cars – yeah, that’s right – a pro deal on a new Volkswagen. Be sure to check out all the special offers available to members like you under the member benefits tab and all the National benefits that are available here.
Steps to joining
- Determine which snowsports school or resort you are interested in working for – while this is NOT required it’s helpful during the membership application process.
- Not sure what division you should join? All our schools are listed at the About Our Division page, reflecting those in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Any question, call or text 206.244.8541 or email info@psia-nw.org.
- Join your Regional (PSIA-NW) and National (PSIA-AASI) AS a registered member – click on the THESNOWPROS.ORG button below to join online. It’s that easy.
Once you have joined, you can begin training with your snowsports school to learn how to be an effective instructor and start teaching! Additionally, PSIA-NW provides additional educational opportunities throughout the season, just check on the events listing on this website.
Probably next on your list will be to take a Level 1 certified exam. For more information on gaining certifications, please go to the Education header and find the discipline(s) you’re interested in.
Membership Cycle
It is important to remember that membership is on an annual basis with the season running from July 1st-June 30th. Your membership dues for the upcoming season are always due by June 30th no matter when you join. For example, if you join in March and pay dues, you will owe dues again that June for the upcoming season. We encourage new members to join as early as they can in the season to take advantage of all we have to offer.
All ready? Let’s do this!
Welcome to the organization!
New Instructor Guide
Welcome to teaching skiing and snowboarding! This New Snowsports Instructor Guide will introduce you to the profession of teaching snowsports. This guide will help you in your training as a new instructor and as you train toward the Professional Ski Instructors of America-American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) Level I certification.
This New Snowsports Instructor Guide introduces you to PSIA-AASI models and concepts,-used across all of the different snowsports that instructors teach. The intent of this guide is not to replace the manuals and resources that PSIA-AASI produces, rather it is to introduce these to you and guide you to more in-depth information about these topic areas. This Guide will not be the only resource you will need as you train; it provides you a way to track your personal progress in becoming a professional snowsports instructor and, if you decide, as you train towards your PSIA-AASI Level I certification.
DOWNLOAD NEW INSTRUCTOR GUIDE (PDF)
New Instructor Online Course
Please click below to be directed to the PSIA-AASI website to create an account to be able to access the FREE online course. You do not need to be a member of the organization to create an account – of course, we hope you will want to join when starting your teaching journey.
Registered Member
A Registered Instructor is PSIA and AASI’s entry-level membership; the designation was created to provide an educational introduction to snowsport teaching. The Registered-level membership is conducted according to divisional and national criteria, and is not a level of certification.
Level I
Level I Certified members will demonstrate a solid foundation of information and experience necessary to be an effective snowsport instructor. The Certified Level I instructor possesses an understanding of basic skiing/riding skills, teaching skills and professional knowledge. It is not expected that Level I candidates will have in-depth knowledge and experience in each of the areas of competence listed in the National Standards. It is expected, however, that candidates will be able to show basic competence and knowledge in all of those areas. In addition, it is expected that candidates will be able to demonstrate a significant level of competency with the skiing/riding and teaching tasks listed specifically for assessment at a Level I exam.
Level II
Level II Certified instructors will demonstrate commitment and dedication to the snowsport teaching profession and to his/her own personal development. Level II members are considered qualified to provide valuable instruction to a majority of snowsport school guests. A Level II-certified instructor demonstrates the ability to relate movements and skill areas to movement outcomes and to apply that knowledge to teaching situations common to Intermediate zone skiers/riders. Level II-certified instructors have a global understanding of the snowsport industry and are able to classify their responsibilities as a part of the resort team.
Level III
Level III Certified instructors possess high levels of skill and knowledge that allow him or her to make an uncompromised contribution to the customer, the association, and the snowsport industry. A Level III-certified member has the ability to assess all variables with regard to student personality traits, goals, abilities, needs, the learning environment, conditions of the day, available terrain, equipment, etc., and to synthesize these parts into a viable lesson plan. A Level III instructor can make adjustments to lesson goals and is able to appropriately adjust or modify lesson content as required by any situation. *Please note, to be eligible to take the Level III exam, there needs to be one full season since successful completion of the Level II exam.
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.