nw · adaptive session i: autism / add / adhd an overview (am) (seattle, mt hood only) an...

NWSNOWSPORTINSTRUCTOR

Inspiring lifelong passion for the mountain experience

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EvEvEvEvEvent Line Uent Line Uent Line Uent Line Uent Line Uppppp

We are already preparing the menuof events for the new season. Lookfor the full calendar of events in thenext newsletter and on the website.The first event coming our way willbe the Fall Seminars. Sign up now!

Oct. 22nd at Mt. HoodCommunity College in Gresham

Oct. 23rd at Shoreline Commu-nity College in Seattle/Shoreline

Nov. 5th at GonzagaUniversity in Spokane

FFFFFall Seminar 2005all Seminar 2005all Seminar 2005all Seminar 2005all Seminar 2005Be sure to mark these dates on yourcalendar and you’ll be rewarded withsome lively topics and a great kick-off to your season.This is an indoor event that begins at8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.

This year we will be offering topicsfor all disciplines in MovementAnalysis, Teaching Skills andChildren’s training.

We are currently in contact with avariety of potential presenters. Keepyour eye on the website for moreupdates.

Participants will receive a 1-yeareducation credit for attending thisfull day seminar.

Lunch will not be served at any ofthe venues, so please plan to brownbag your lunch or get a quick bite atnearby eateries.

Be sure to submit your applicationbefore the October 11th deadline forSeattle & Portland, and October24th for the Spokane deadline.

We encourage you to take advantageof the Snowboard and Nordicpresentations. These are open to alldisciplines. Be sure to identify onyour application form whether youare Alpine, Nordic or Snowboardspecific.

Be sure to note the time your topic isoffered. Some are AM or PM only.

Sign Up Now

Advanced Skills in Teaching (am/pm)A Differentiated Instruction Approach - Presented byLinda CowanOpen to Instructors with at least five (5) seasons ofteaching experience, or Level II and III certifications.

Differentiated Instruction is an approach to teaching andlearning where students are given multiple options fortaking in information and making sense of concepts.Differentiated instruction is founded on the belief thatinstructional approaches should vary and be adapted inrelation to individual and diverse student groups. ‘DI’helps instructors create multiple pathways so thatstudents of different abilities, interests, or learning needsequally maximize their learning and individual success. This method asks instructors to do more than one thingat a time in a logical, progressive format. Instructorswould need to come to this class with a fairly goodworking knowledge and handle on the skills conceptsand the ability to attach appropriate drills/tasks to buildfoundational skills.

Adaptive Session I: Autism / ADD / ADHD anoverview (am) (Seattle, Mt Hood only)An introduction to causes, behavior and related issues

Adaptive Session II: ADD / ADHD - Mainstreamingwith typically developing students (pm)(Seattle, MtHood only)An introduction into behavior management andinclusion tools

Biomechanics For Efficient Skiing Movements (am/pm)This workshop is an interactive body awareness andmovement seminar. Dress in clothing that you wouldwear to a stretching session and bring your ski boots.You will learn the elements of proper posture, and howwhen the body is balanced the basic movements ofskiing become very effective with very little effort orstrain on the back or knees. Expect a stretching, moving,guided tour of skiing movements with lots of individualfeedback, body awareness and Q&A.

Boot design and Fitting (am/pm)Gain a greater understanding of boot design and whichproduct may provide you with the best fit for your feet.Learn the tips from the top fitters for setting up yourboots and feet for maximum performance this winter.Learn ways to recognize and assist your guests in fit andstance needs.

TTTTTOPICSOPICSOPICSOPICSOPICS Topics offered are dependent on sign-ups and may be cancelled or modified. Wewill do everything to make sure the sessions go.


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Children’s Topic: Advanced Children’s Education:(ACE) The ACE program is structured to give youinsight into how children develop and learn. In additionto the cognitive, affective, and physical development ofchildren, this two day event focuses on groupmanagement skills, lesson planning, and skilldevelopment. Material is appropriate to all disciplines:nordic, alpine, and snowboard.Too busy to give up a whole winter weekend for ACE?This new format may be just right for you. Take theindoor session at fall seminar and then just one day onsnow to complete your ACE program. The indoorsession at Fall Seminar is an all day class – do not signup for a pm class. On snow dates are:12/4/05–Timberline, 12/10/05–Crystal Mtn andSchweitzer, 12/18/05 –The Summit.Prerequisites: participants must be at least a cert Level 1.Participants must complete the workbook prior to theindoor session. The workbook will be mailed to youwhen you register for the course. Required Text: PSIA-Children’s Instruction Handbook - $14.50. Book maybe purchased from the PSIA-NW office (phone) (206)244-8541, fax (206) 241-2885, (email) [email protected] 8.8% sales tax for WA residents and $3.00shipping.Cost for ACE: $100

Core Strength for Better Performance (am/pm)Start preparing for next ski season now! A strong core iskey to good skiing. Learn techniques to develop yourpersonal core strength. Focus on movements specific togood skiing and riding, while exploring the anatomy andbiomechanics of the snowsport athlete. This class willinvolve exercise, so please dress appropriately.Creative Skill Building (am/pm)Join the ACE staff for a fun, active skill-building session.Use a variety of soccer and basketball crossover activitiesto explore skill building, teaching and learning styles andcreative games for skill development. Sessions will begeared toward teaching kids. Wear good shoes andclothing that allows you to move freely.

Equipment Tuning and Maintenance (am/pm)Learn what it takes to get the most out of yourequipment. Whether you chose to tune your own or takeit to a shop, learn what it takes to do it and what to lookfor in a great tune.

Grow the Sport (pm only)Our industry is focusing on how to build lifelongparticipants, are you? Discover how to create lessons thatmake learning to ride fun and easy for your students and

you. Learning to ride does NOT have to be aboutsuffering thru those first couple of days. Find out how(and why) snowboard progressions have changed soquickly over the past couple years. We will also checkout how to address some of the common challenges ofteaching so your students will learn quicker and youboth will enjoy the experience much more. (This isNOT just for the beginning instructor.)

Intro to Freeride (am/pm)Understanding risks, benefits, and progressions in theTerrain Park. Whether you are riding or skiing, thisclinic will help you prepare yourself and your studentsfor more exciting, safe and successful adventures in theTerrain Park.

Movement Analysis I Alpine (pm only)This workshop will teach you how to recognizemovement patterns and the cause/effect relationship toperformance in skiing.

Movement Analysis II Alpine (am only)With a focus on upper level skiing, this workshop willimprove your observation skills in off-piste and bumps.

Movement Analysis - Nordic Track (am only)Covering both Skate and Classic techniques, this sessionis designed to show both how to watch and analyze themovements as well as how to compare them to similarmovements in alpine and XCD.

Movement Analysis - Nordic XCD Downhill, akaTelemark (pm only)Movement Analysis for both Telemark movementpatterns and how they relate to alpine and track-basedNordic movements. Open to all disciplines.

Seniors Workshop (am/pm)Teaching Skill DevelopmentEstablishing the learning partnership with your guestsand determining their goalsDetermining their needs and shaping their goalsPractice in building an effective lesson plan

7 Habits of Highly Effective Ski Instructors, Coaches,TD’s, Exam Candidates (am/pm)This class will explore different ways to look at GoalSetting, Lesson Planning, Time Management,Interpersonal Communications Skills, and whatmotivates you and your athletes/students or trainers



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This will all be tied into the Core Concepts Manualespecially as it relates to Professional Development.Snowboard Equipment Clinic- Bring your gear! (amonly) Clinic will address snowboard design conceptsand why these aspects are important to us asinstructors. We will take an in depth look at Stance/Reference Alignments and how important they are as asolid starting point for all riding. Make sure to bringyour board, boots, and bindings so we can customizeyour gear to best fit you and your riding goals. Thisclinic will help you get the necessary understanding ofequipment and how it is designed to work so you canmake it perform easier for you and your students.

Teaching 101-201 (am only)Tailored to pre-Level I and II instructors of alldisciplines. Focused toward improving your teachingand presentation skills.

Teaching 201-301 (pm only)This session is offered to pre-Level II and IIIinstructors of all disciplines. How to take yourteaching into the coaching mode and add variety forthose guests on their way the higher levels.

Fall Seminar ApplicationFall Seminar ApplicationFall Seminar ApplicationFall Seminar ApplicationFall Seminar ApplicationSubmission deadline: October 11Submission deadline: October 11Submission deadline: October 11Submission deadline: October 11Submission deadline: October 11ththththth (Seattle & Portland) (Seattle & Portland) (Seattle & Portland) (Seattle & Portland) (Seattle & Portland) and October 24and October 24and October 24and October 24and October 24ththththth (Spokane) (Spokane) (Spokane) (Spokane) (Spokane)

Name__________________________________________________PSIA-NW #______________Name__________________________________________________PSIA-NW #______________Name__________________________________________________PSIA-NW #______________Name__________________________________________________PSIA-NW #______________Name__________________________________________________PSIA-NW #______________LastLastLastLastLast FirstFirstFirstFirstFirst

Address_________________________________________________________________________Address_________________________________________________________________________Address_________________________________________________________________________Address_________________________________________________________________________Address_________________________________________________________________________Street/boxStreet/boxStreet/boxStreet/boxStreet/box CityCityCityCityCity StateStateStateStateState ZipZipZipZipZip

Daytime Phone#____________________________________Ski School___________________Daytime Phone#____________________________________Ski School___________________Daytime Phone#____________________________________Ski School___________________Daytime Phone#____________________________________Ski School___________________Daytime Phone#____________________________________Ski School___________________

E-mail Address__________________________________________________________________E-mail Address__________________________________________________________________E-mail Address__________________________________________________________________E-mail Address__________________________________________________________________E-mail Address__________________________________________________________________

AM Clinic Topic_______________________________________AM Clinic Topic_______________________________________AM Clinic Topic_______________________________________AM Clinic Topic_______________________________________AM Clinic Topic_______________________________________

PM Clinic Topic_______________________________________PM Clinic Topic_______________________________________PM Clinic Topic_______________________________________PM Clinic Topic_______________________________________PM Clinic Topic_______________________________________

Alternate Topic AM_________________________________Alternate Topic AM_________________________________Alternate Topic AM_________________________________Alternate Topic AM_________________________________Alternate Topic AM_________________________________PM__________________________PM__________________________PM__________________________PM__________________________PM__________________________

Alpine Nordic Snowboard Adaptive Alpine Nordic Snowboard Adaptive Alpine Nordic Snowboard Adaptive Alpine Nordic Snowboard Adaptive Alpine Nordic Snowboard Adaptive

Fee : $50Fee : $50Fee : $50Fee : $50Fee : $50Oct 22nd-GreshamOct 22nd-GreshamOct 22nd-GreshamOct 22nd-GreshamOct 22nd-GreshamOct 23rd-SeattleOct 23rd-SeattleOct 23rd-SeattleOct 23rd-SeattleOct 23rd-SeattleNov 5th-SpokaneNov 5th-SpokaneNov 5th-SpokaneNov 5th-SpokaneNov 5th-Spokane

Visa/MC #____________________________________________Exp Date_________________Visa/MC #____________________________________________Exp Date_________________Visa/MC #____________________________________________Exp Date_________________Visa/MC #____________________________________________Exp Date_________________Visa/MC #____________________________________________Exp Date_________________

Signature______________________________________________Signature______________________________________________Signature______________________________________________Signature______________________________________________Signature______________________________________________

Please fill out and mail with checks payable to: PSIA-NW, 11206 Des Moines Memorial Drive, Suite 106, Seattle, WA,98168. Fax Visa/MC to PSIA-NW (206) 241-2885. Deadline for each seminar is 14 days prior. There is a $10 late feefor registrations received after that date. No cancellations unless injured and unable to participate in an indoor session.

ACE Topic Check Here!Cost is $100.On snow dates are:(Please check your choice)

12/4/05 – Timberline12/10/05 – Crystal Mtn12/10/05 – Schweitzer12/18/05 – The Summit


application availableon-line

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How many times have we heard that phrase? Perhaps you’ve even used it yourself.Usually it comes up when people are returning to snowsports after some time off.College, jobs, kids, money, exile to Iowa. It’s reassuring to know that they’re notstarting completely from scratch and there’s hope they can pick up where they left off.

Funny, that’s what it may seem like to us as snowsport instructors after this last seasonin the Northwest. While most of us escaped exile to Iowa, just having mountains heredidn’t guarantee any type of consistent snowfall. So, we find ourselves picking back up

where we left off as individuals, an industry and an organization.

We’re not starting from scratch. As an organization, we left off with a solid starton plans to address the feedback you gave us in the 2003-2004 survey. AmyZahm, our first Education Program Director, was able to lay some solidgroundwork for that position even as events were cancelled and event revenueneeded to support her position disappeared. As an industry, resorts in theNorthwest had just come off a record, or near record year for customer visits.Long range master plans had finally made it through years of regulatory processand were inching toward realization. As individuals, our drive to constantlyimprove and have more fun while doing it is pretty well ingrained. New equip-ment design has us all convinced that possibilities are just about limitless.

So, where are we going from here? As an industry, I suspect our customers arejust as eager to get back to their favorite activities and resorts as we are. Offers

to honor season passes at affiliated resorts or for discounts locally should bolstercustomer loyalty. As an organization, we’ve reaffirmed our commitment to ourEducation programs and we are in the process of hiring a new Education ProgramDirector. See Ed Younglove’s President’s Report in this issue for more information onthis and our response to last season. Check out The McLaughlin Report for an updateon our renewed efforts on the training side. Board member Mary Germeau reports onthe successful Symposium Raffle / Auction to raise money for our Scholarshipprogram.

This issue also marks some changes to the newsletter after a pause. (We cancelled theSpring ’05 issue and have combined the normal Summer and Fall issues in response tolast season’s financial constraints.) The new “Event Line-up” puts event listings front& center. As you can see, preparations for Fall Seminar are well under way. For yourconvenience, you can also sign up on the website. We are debuting a new article - theTraining Director’s Column. This is a chance for TD’s to share their training ideas.Our thanks to Board Member (& TD) Mike Peters for the idea and for the firstcolumn to get the ball rolling.

The two Turning Point articles from Team members Nelson Wingard and RJNichoalds address what it takes to get back on your bike and ride. “Just like riding abike” can imply that we’re satisfied with what we’ve done. More than just picking upwhere they left off, their striving to go beyond a set-back, set goals with renewedenergy and work toward them with purpose gives us an example both as individualsand as an organization to move forward.

FFFFFrrrrrom the Communication VPom the Communication VPom the Communication VPom the Communication VPom the Communication VP

“As anorganization, we’ve

reaffirmed ourcommitments to

our Educationprograms...”

Just likJust likJust likJust likJust like riding a bike riding a bike riding a bike riding a bike riding a bikeeeee

PHOTO BY: DAVID SWORD


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NORTHWESTSnowSport Instructor

Professional Ski Instructors ofAmerica - Northwest DivisionPNSIA Education Foundation

11206 DesMoines Mem. Dr. #106Seattle, WA 98168-1741

Phone (206) 244-8541FAX (206) 241-2885E-Mail: [email protected]: www.psia-nw.org

Editor Jodi Taggart

Send all submissions to:Jodi Taggartc/o PSIA-NW11206 Des Moines Mem. Dr. #106Seattle, WA 98168-1741Phone (206) 244-8541 (MSG)[email protected]

Submission DeadlinesIssue Deadline

Early Winter Oct. 1Winter Jan. 1Spring March 10

Guide for ContributorsThe Northwest SnowSport Instructoris published five times a year. Thisnewsletter will accept articles fromanyone willing to contribute. The edi-torial staff reserves the right to editall submissions. Submit items as attach-ments via email or contact the editorfor other options. Articles should in-clude the author’s name and a quickbio. Photos can be submitted via emailor as prints. Please contact the editorfor any additional information.

All published material becomes theproperty of PSIA-NW. Articles are ac-cepted for publication on the condi-tion that they may be released for pub-lication in all PSIA National and Divi-sional publications. Material publishedin this newsletter is the responsibilityof the author and is not necessarilyendorsed by PSIA-NW.

FEAFEAFEAFEAFEATURESTURESTURESTURESTURES

NW SNONW SNONW SNONW SNONW SNOWWWWWSPORSPORSPORSPORSPORT INST INST INST INST INSTRTRTRTRTRUCTUCTUCTUCTUCTOROROROROR

A Road Well WorthTravelingby RJ Nichoalds

Goals vs Dreamsby Nelson Wingard

“Hey mom...”by Amy Ohran, N8 Edgell, and LarrySmith

Untapped TalentRevealedby Mary Germeau

If I Can Do Itby Michael Patmas

Event Line UpFall Seminar 2005

McLaughlin Reportby Lane McLaughlin

President’s Reportby Ed Younglove

TD Columnby Mike Peters

Book/Video Reviewby Ed Kane

Senior Tourby Ed Kane

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SKIER: GREG DIXON, MT. BACHELOR

PHOTO BY MARTY ANDREWS,SCHWEITZER


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Officers of the Board

Ed Younglove ---------------- PresidentCarol Christofero ------- Executive VPJack Burns ---------Administrative VPJohn EisenhauerCommunications VPMolly Fitch ------------- Education VPLane McLaughlin ------- Technical VPChris Kastner ------- Certification VPDiana Suzuki ------------- Financial VPKen Hand ---------- Mmbr School VPJohn Weston ----------------- PSIA Rep

StaffTBA- -----------Ed Program DirectorBarb Darrow --------- Office Manager

Newsletter Ad RatesClassified Ads: Classifieds are line typeads and will be run in a single sectionwith different headers, i.e. Employment,Equipment for Sale, Get Connected, etc.Classified ads may vary in size and rateswill be reflective of the number of wordsin the ad.

Rates:20 Words or less $1020-40 Words $2040+ Words $1 per word

Display Ads: Displays will be availablein a variety of sizes and will be boxed orotherwise set off from the surroundingtext. There will be a layout fee for dis-play ads that are not submitted in finalform.

Rates:Size Rate Layout fee2x3 $50 $104x3 $100 $207x5 $150 $407x9 $200 $50

A 10% discount is available for anyonerunning the same ad in consecutive mul-tiple issues.Please make check payable to:PSIA-NW11206 Des Moines Memorial DriveSuite 106Seattle, WA 98168

Cover: Steve Hendricksonwith group at Timberline

Whew, am I glad last season isbehind us. With rather fewexceptions, the weather devastatedmost of last season for northwestresorts and snowsports schools.What did it mean for us, PSIA-NW,a dues based membershiporganization?

Our organization has twoprincipal income sources,membership dues and event fees.Our major expenses areadministrative costs (e.g. staffsalaries, rent, etc) and event costs(e.g. clinic leader compensation).Because we held fewer events,event fees were down, but so wereevent costs. The overall effect ofthe reduced volume, however, was asubstantially reduced amount ofnet event income. The other majorfactor was our fixed expenses likeour monthly office rent andadministrative staff salaries. Lastseason we told you how PSIA-NWhas the lowest membership dues ofany division in the nation. Aconsequence of this is that ourdues income is insufficient to coverour major fixed expenses. That’s aproblem when we don’t have eventincome to supplement the duesincome.

Your Board of Directors andOfficers worked together to golean, without trying to get mean toget us through the season. We hadto make some tough choices. We

tried through email and othermedia to keep you informed, butthe situation was so fluid it seemedto change from day to day. We justdidn’t have the means to keep youabreast of everything as ithappened. We tried to keep you upto date with the website and wehope to improve our membershipemail list for future use. Now thatthe dust has settled (it certainlywasn’t snow) we can see moreclearly what transpired.

We hung on as long as feasiblebefore substantially cutting downon events and training. Thetoughest decisions were aboutlaying off staff. Most of youalready know this story from earliercommunications, but starting inJanuary we laid off one of our full-time staff in the office and reducedanother’s hours by one half. At thesame time we reduced our newEducation Program Directorposition from full time to half time.At the end of February we furtherreduced the Ed Program Directorto one-quarter time and weeventually had to lay her off theend of March. We considered butdecided against further staff cutbacks. We felt it was important thatmembers have the ability to getwhatever information andassistance we could give throughthe office and we particularlywanted to be able to continue toprovide services regarding theevents we were able to hold (orhoped to hold) and also to servicethose areas in the division whichwere not as affected by the weather.Membership services never

Last SeasonLast SeasonLast SeasonLast SeasonLast SeasonPresident’s RPresident’s RPresident’s RPresident’s RPresident’s Reporeporeporeporeporttttt

An important look athow the 04/05 seasonplayed outBY ED YOUNGLOVEPSIA-NW PRESIDENT

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suffered in my opinion. All thestaff were incredibly understandingregarding these decisions. Theydeserve our appreciation for theirloyalty. If you have any contactwith Cheryl, Becky or Amy, thestaff affected by the layoffs, pleasetell them how much we value theirloyalty and hard work. The neteffect of all this was that we stillhad to expend a substantial amountof our reserve funds, but I guessthat is what they were for.

Some members have expressedthe feeling that we shouldn’t haveto pay dues for this upcomingseason because of the limitedopportunity to ski/ride or to worklast season. Part of the problem isthat, as pointed out earlier, many ofour expenses go on regardless ofthe amount of snow. Last seasonwe had a lease obligation to payrent on our office space and we hademployment compensationobligations to employees andwithout them no one would havebeen in the office to answer yourquestions or to do the work of thedivision, including holding eventswhere there was snow, etc. Evenmore to the point, for thisupcoming season (which is whatthese dues are for) we need thedues income this summer to payfor the expenses of the upcomingseason. There is no reason tobelieve that we won’t have a normalseason during which we willprovide the “normal” high qualityservices you expect and are entitledto.

Some members apparently feelthat we should have waived theeducational delinquency (waiver)fee because of the more limitedopportunity to attend events. In

truth, I think we offered ampleopportunity for people to maintaintheir educational credits, includingsome new creative events such asthe Spring Fling. Most people whoneeded to get credits, were able to.If we were to waive this fee, wewould have to make up this loss ofrevenue (the educational event feeor alternative delinquency fee)somewhere else. Should the rest ofthe membership who were able tokeep their credits current pay forthose who didn’t? Should we digdeeper into our already depletedreserves, jeopardizing the quality offuture services and our fiscalhealth? The board considered thisissue and decided against amnestyand its fiscal consequences. Ibelieve this to have been a toughbut reasonable and fiscallyresponsible decision. Just one ofmany last season.

While we offered many programevents, they were a moving targetall year. We moved DivisionalAcademy to Canada in a last ditcheffort to save the event. I believethose who attended had a greattime at Sun Peaks and were glad wedid. For awhile, we had consideredmoving Symposium out of division.We eventually decided to hold it atMt. Bachelor. It was fairly wellattended and the skiing wasawesome. Because we couldn’t holdsome of our on snow events, wecreated the Spring Fling indoortraining. It was such a success,members indicated they hoped wewill consider holding it as a regularevent. (What’s that about necessitybeing the mother of invention?) Wemanaged to hold DCL and TDtraining, mostly early season. Wewere able to hold the Mt. Bachelorexam for those hardy soles whoworked hard to prepare for exams

despite the limited preparationopportunities.

Amy Zahm will not be will notbe back next season as ourEducation Program Coordinator.When we were forced to lay Amyoff she had to concentrate on hermassage therapy business. While Iam sorry we will be losing Amy’sservices, we are all happy to see herbusiness do so well. Despite thelack of events, Amy was able toleave us with a well organizedblueprint for the position and fordivision events. We all agree thiswill prove invaluable in the future.On behalf of the division, I wouldlike to thank Amy for all her hardwork and for her perseverance inthe face of the adverse year. Sheserved us well as our first ever staffEducation Program Director.

As I write this, we are in theprocess of screening andinterviewing candidates for theposition. Once again, we wereblessed with a pool of wellqualified applicants. I am excitedthat we will be able to maintain theexcellent quality of personnel inthis position. We hope to hire anew Education Program Directorthis summer so he/she can startbefore fall when so much of theseason planning takes place. Checkthe website for currentinformation. Check out the nextnewsletter for a profile of the newDirector. I continue to believe thatthis position will allow us to takethe quality of our already greatevents to a new level and tohopefully increase both ourmembership base and our currentmember participation.

I hope you all have a greatsummer and that we are skiing earlyand long next season.

President’s RPresident’s RPresident’s RPresident’s RPresident’s Reporeporeporeporeport continuedt continuedt continuedt continuedt continuedCONTINUED FROM PAGE 7


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The McLaughlin RThe McLaughlin RThe McLaughlin RThe McLaughlin RThe McLaughlin Reporeporeporeporeporttttt

So, that’s my prediction for 2006, ahealthy and vibrant Tech sector leadsa charge and turns a slumping marketinto a bullish run and big gains forthe year. But before you run out toyour stock broker and gobble up abunch of options on high flyinginternet companies, you better hearme out because I’m actually talkingabout our snowsports communityand the role I see the Tech Team,Divisional Clinic Leaders (DCLs),and Training Directors (TDs) playingin helping us rebound from a rough2005.

I don’t know if I’ve heard anybodytalk about skiing in the last 8 monthswithout prefacing whatever they saywith a reference to how lousy lastseason was. In our land of prodi-gious precip’, Northwesterners justdon’t know how to live on thestarvation diet of snow we were fedlast year. Last season has left usweak and hungry and hung-over.But just when everybody is ready tosell short, I’ll go with the contrariansand buy long. I believe we’re goingto have a rebound season, hopefullyin snow but more predictably inparticipation, leadership, andproductivity in our Technicalprogram.

PSIA-NW MissionStatement: Provide high quality educationalresources and well defined standardsto aid our members in improvingtheir teaching skills to better satisfy

the needs and expectations of theircustomer in the enjoyment ofdownhill and nordic snowsports.

Last season’s Tech training programstarted strong with effort to addressfeedback from the membershipsurvey and its measurement of whatwe’re doing well and not so well withregards to our divisional missionstatement. It’s the desire of the Techstaff to answer the call and moveforward on the following objectives:

Providemembership value What was clear to me in the surveyswas that a member’s evaluation ofmembership value and clinic valueseemed directly tied to the quality ofexperience they had with DCLs.Members either raved about experi-ences with clinic leaders who couldreally deliver an assigned topic in afun and memorable way and how theprice to access these talented folk is asteal, or members had critique thatspoke to just the opposite.

Since your value of membershipand participation so tightly hinges onyour evaluation of our staff, and thatour people are essentially theproduct, it is our mission to developa unified staff that is motivated togrow personally and professionally inthe process of delivering you aconsistent, quality, and inspiringproduct. The staff realizes thatbeing a clinician is not a statussymbol but rather an assignment andopportunity to meet more of youand help with the progress ourcommunity is able to make withinthe industry. They have come upwith their own training objectives to

help address your feedback andessentially raise the standard for theirown participation.

Development ofteaching curriculum The mission states pretty clearlythat we’re here to help you with yourteaching skills but it is also evidentthat the majority of our curriculumand clinic activities focus on skiingand riding skills. To me that’s notsurprising in that it’s much easier tohave a clinic session about skiing andriding be experiential, experimental,and downright epic because partici-pants get to do it, can measure theirprogress, and leave with new goals.

However, I don’t know that we’vecome up with a similar paradigm onthe teaching side – we have plenty ofinformation about teaching andlearning theories, best practices,progression development, meetinghumanistic needs, and all theingredients of great teaching butperhaps not an experiential formatfor people to experiment with thetools and get an understanding oftheir own abilities and a roadmap forimprovement. Most of our teachingon teaching comes through modelingrather than practicing, and some ofthe learning obstacles come throughfear and the lack of risk-taking. YourTech Team and a PSIA NationalTask Force are trying to fill this gapand bring you a better balance incurriculum, products, clinics, andactivities to train teaching skills.

SSSSStrtrtrtrtrong Tong Tong Tong Tong Tececececech Secth Secth Secth Secth Sector Helps Maror Helps Maror Helps Maror Helps Maror Helps Markkkkkeeeeet Rt Rt Rt Rt Rebound!ebound!ebound!ebound!ebound!A roadmap to thisseasons TechprogramsBY LANE MCLAUGHLINPSIA-NW TECH VP

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Educational informationlinked to certificationstandards, and visa versa.As the mission statement indicates,the organization exists to provide


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members with educational productsand opportunities and a set ofdefined standards (i.e., certification)to guide their development. Sinceyour Tech Team, DCLs, and TDscreate and present to you theseeducational components, it’s defi-nitely our goal that the learning andthe feedback you get along the way isconsistent with and connectable tothe certification standards thatmeasure your professional progress.The fact that your TD or clinicianmay not be an examiner should notbe an obstacle to your trainingtoward and meeting national stan-dards.

The worst-case scenario for us is tohear of examples when membersperceive the information andexperiences between the Educationand Certification events as discon-nected and not complementing oneanother. It’s your Tech staff’s goal to

make sure your education leads youtoward meeting well defined stan-dards and that the pursuit ofachieving standards is meaningfuland educational to you. To tightenthe link between these two programs,your Tech staff spent their trainingtime last year improving how we usethe PSIA National Standards as atool to develop goals, assess perfor-mance, and make feedback moremeaningful to you. As an exampleof progress, the Alpine Examscorecards are being modified tobetter convey how we measure yourstrengths and weaknesses in terms ofskills rather than tasks.

Jump back in So, if you’re stuck in a generalmalaise from ‘Black Season’, we wantyou to step away from the ledge andjump back into the game. I’ve onlytouched on some of the highlightswhere your Tech crew is most

committed and have excluded manyother areas of hard work improvingcurriculum, event quality, communi-cations, and the overall membershipexperience.

Come sign up and enjoy grouptherapy to blast away the blues froma well-intended but short-livedseason. This season will includetryouts for Alpine and SnowboardDCL staffs, ACE staff, and AlpineTech Team – it’s a season where theTech sector is going to be pushinghard to earn their role as youreducational and certification leaders.You get the final say on how we’redoing, so check your calendar, pluginto your community, and provide usfeedback on where to go next andwe’ll team up to enjoy a reboundseason.

Timberline training snow, rain orshine! Nov. 19th and 20th. Up-dates on line, check TD News.

The McLaughlin RThe McLaughlin RThe McLaughlin RThe McLaughlin RThe McLaughlin Reporeporeporeporeport continuedt continuedt continuedt continuedt continuedCONTINUED FROM PAGE 9


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summer/fall 2005

TD ColumnTD ColumnTD ColumnTD ColumnTD Column

One of the challenges forTraining Directors and SchoolDirectors is to plan relevant pre-season dry land training sessions.Although your staff is probablyexcited to get together and learnthe ‘latest and greatest’, off-snowsessions need to be fun andmotivating while providing contentthat enhances their lessons andskiing skills.

Dry land clinics can provideopportunities to develop exercisesthat can be retained and built onthrough out the season. Thebenefits of this approach areconsistency of instructionaltechniques and a baseline source ofinformation. This process alsosupplements your school’sprogression by providing validconnections between steps.Additionally, instructors whoactively participate in the formationof exercises used in the schooldevelop a sense of ownership andpride. For you objective aficionados thelesson plan is as follows:Materials- tape, large pieces ofpaper, felt pensTask- Create simple exercises tocorrect inefficient movementsObjective- improve skills ofobservation, description, analysis,and exercise development

Procedures:1. Divide staff into small groups2. Each group picks a ‘messy movement’ (examples below) and gives it a

funny name.3. On their papers, complete the sentences:

Where in the turn might the messy movement be observed?The effect of (messy movement name) _________is __________.

4. Create a simple exercise to correct the messy movement.5. Each group presents their exercise to rest of staff.

Now, after the laughs and rewards for the cleverest names, there willundoubtedly be a fair length of time before those on-snow clinics orlessons. All these great exercises need to be saved and made available forlater use. So the subsequently (very important) procedures follow.

Hang the papers created from the dry land in the instructor room(hopefully you have one). Instructors now have readily available resourcesfor their lessons. Attach blank sticky notes to the papers. Instructors addtheir comments and/or improvements to each as they have a chance to trythe exercises. On-snow clinics can now review and revise the originalexercises. Post the revisions and on it goes!

Not only have you created a successful ‘bag of tricks’, these can also besubjects for those evening tech-talks and are great resources for your newhires. Keep all the materials and you have next season’s dry land kick off.

The final step is to compile your own list of messy movements. Havefun.

Clean Up Messy MoClean Up Messy MoClean Up Messy MoClean Up Messy MoClean Up Messy MovvvvvementsementsementsementsementsA creative indooractivity to exploreinefficient movement,observation,description, analysis,and exercisedevelopmentBY MIKE PETERS

Messy Movement Examples:weak center of mass lack of flexion/extensionlower legs not parallel little or no cuff pressurebody leaning into the hill lack of leg steeringno release of edges stiff inside leg

Now here’s a quiz. Can you match these messy movements (from the 49°

North staff) to their inefficient pseudonyms?

Storkin’ Wimpin’Jelly Belly Rigid RogerRigid Roger’s twin Skooter SkiingHangers FuzziesA-Framin’ Perpendicularity

Training directors are welcome to submit training or clinic ideas for thecolumn. Please send to the PSIA office ([email protected]).


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summer/fall 2005

It was winter 1988, and I just cameoff a season living in Sun Valleywhere I spent most of my time on apair of Elan 215 Super G’s. On theoccasional day I wanted to make amedium radius turn, I broke out myRace Room K-2, 812’s, in a 208 witha 26.5 Sticker on them. We skied twospeeds over there: “On” and “Off”.Hey, I was in Sun Valley. Speed con-trol was not an option.

That spring, my TD signed my examform and I headed off to MissionRidge to take my Associate Exam. Ihave been teaching since 1982 andwas skiing strong….this should beeasy, right?? Well, I came to learnsomething different.

When I met up with my examgroup, I was the only one that wasnot part of the Wenatchee ValleyCommunity College program. Forstarters, it was difficult being the onlyoutsider in the group. Second, theystarted on a technical discussion thatwas way over my head.

My examining core included, BudDavis, Gordy Ball, Sarah Richardson,and even John Mohan joined for asession. When things got going westarted talking about Exam Figures:running gates, Uphill Christies,Linked Hockey Stops etc… I had noidea what these people were talkingabout. All I ever read was the ATM.Exam Figures were not part of thatbook.

Come Sunday, I somehow managedto pass my Teaching & Skiing, butwas so far away from my Technical it

was embarrassing. I stormed out ofthere mad as He#% and drove like amaniac back to Seattle swearing offthe PSIA for good. As I crested thetop of Stevens Pass, I seriously be-gin to doubt whether I would everteach again. I just wanted to go ski-ing.

Next winter rolled around and skischool got started up again. Fortu-nately, I succumbed to the peer pres-sure and got back involved. Just aboutthat time Roger Taggart was gettinginvolved in the exam process too and

was leading the charge in our skischool. We started doing clinics thatincluded movement analysis, teach-ing and some pretty serious techni-cal discussions. After a while, I lookedback at the comments on my examresults and realized they were righton.

It was now about two years past myexperience at Mission Ridge, andSymposium was at Whistler. (For theSymposium selection committee, WENEED TO DO THAT AGAIN!!!)Enough with my editorial! Since wewere headed to Whistler, I decidedto attend this event. I had two greatclinics. One with a French Canadiannamed Martin, and another with thelegendary “DI”. Dennis Ireland wasa DCL at the time, and you can stillfind him haunting the grounds of

Wiggi Creek in Bend, as well as theskies of Alaska Airlines.

During my clinic with DI, he askedme how long I have been a Full Cert??I fumbled and said ….”uh….uh….Ijust registered again this year so Icould come to Whistler”. I guess thiswas my true turning point, where Irealized I might have something tooffer. I thought I had better get backin the exam process and get busy.Later that Spring I signed up for myAssociate exam and headed to Bend,Oregon. Believe it or not, I passed,with some relatively positive feedbackin the areas where I failed miserablybefore.

Now that I have made it throughtwo Level III Exams, One DCL try-out, and two Tech Team Tryouts, Ihave picked up a few good lessonsalong the way. First, if you are goingmake advances in life, you need toput yourself in a place to be judged.Second, if you are going to put your-self in a place to be judged, you bet-ter be ready for people to offer youfeedback. Third, take whatever feed-back that is given to you, and pro-cess it before you respond in a de-fensive manner. You may not alwayslike the feedback, but I am sure thereis something worth considering.

Involvement with the PSIA hasdone great things for me in my life.My success on the slopes has trans-ferred to success in my personal andbusiness life. This is a great organi-zation where I have received a greatdeal of benefits over the years. Thetough part, is finding ways to giveenough back. I encourage all of youto get involved and do the same.

TTTTTurning Purning Purning Purning Purning Pointointointointoint

BY RJ NICHOALDSPSIA-NW TECH TEAM

Fortunately, Isuccumbed to thepeer pressure andgot back involved.

A RA RA RA RA Road Woad Woad Woad Woad Well Well Well Well Well Worororororth Tth Tth Tth Tth Trararararavvvvvelingelingelingelingeling


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summer/fall 2005

The difference between a goal and adream is that dreams don’t have dead-lines. My goal was to make the PSIANational Alpine Team by the time Iturned 33. Stupid as it may sound, thatwas the time frame I gave myself. Thatwas the plan, go to Snowbird in April,try out and then either keep develop-ing as a Professional Ski Instructor onthe National Alpine Team or join upwith the Air Force and learn to fly jets(32 is max age to sign up for the Re-serves). I say was the plan because itwas at the tryout that the plan changed.

The tryout was a turning point in mylife; however it wasn’t the selection thatdefined the event, but rather the se-lection process. Five days of skiing andworking with some of the greatestminds and athletes this nation has tooffer provided insight into my skillsand talents as a ski professional. Dur-ing the tryout, I felt comfortable withmy knowledge and ability to convey/teach at that level and it had signifi-cant effects on great skiers. I now hadto recognize all the little changes andgains in knowledge and skills that I hadachieved over the years. If I might, Iwould like to throw out a few…From Jim Stevens in Mammoth—

Both shins on both boot cuffs andtune matters

From David Tewell—Tip the ski be-fore it changes directions

From Gav—Control pressure, don’ttry and create it

From Rach—Flex the spine forwardand lateral in your short turns

From Leneh—Compassion is the keyto teaching

From Chris—A ski can do that?From Karin H—Understanding of

Counter (sorta)

From Sean Bold—Get to the freshie(new outside ski) earlier by startingearlier

From Mr. T—SupplenessFrom Chad & a SB—Change edges

only when moving with the board(ouch)

From Bob Barnes—Don’t let beinga Pro stop you from having a reallygood time

From PJ—Make all snow look likegood snow

From RT—Ski racing is just good ski-ing around sticks

From Tad—A quiet torso is differentthan a static body

From John E—Listen to the soundof the turn

From DL—A skis limitless ability toentertain & the tip is way, way upthere

From Amy Z—Know your studentsFrom Calvin—Take time to get toknow your students

From Ben Jackson—Just get insidethe turn and decide from there

From Chris T—You are better, butyou still have a whole lot to learn

During the tryout, I was consideringthe question, “What does it mean; tobe accepted on the national team or tonot be chosen?” Does it mean I am askiing icon and have nothing left tolearn or conversely I suck and shouldquit. Sounds like a stupid thought, butin the pressure of the situation, that’show I felt. Finally, I realized that if notselected, it certainly didn’t mean that Isucked and had start shopping for asport for little, fat guys. It simply meantthat my knowledge and abilities didn’tfit with this group at this time and Ishould go back to Crystal Mountainand keep learning. To quit would be todevalue prior learning’s. I could neverdo that.

Conversely, being selected I wouldhave new doors and opportunities togrow and develop while adding ben-efit to the membership of PSIA/AASI. It definitely didn’t mean that mylearning was complete (I’m no Yogi,Yoda.) Since making the team, this hasbeen clearly marked by new learningsand misconceptions.From Giant’s Ridge, MN—3 de-grees is damn cold, but a nice daythere.

From Killington, VT—We (NW)don’t have hard snow. EVER.

From Karen Harjo—I still don’t un-derstand Counter.

From Jason—Stay on the gas (keepthe outside leg long in the GS turn)

From KH and NM—Duration, In-tensity, Rate, & Timing are key

From the Ed. Advisory Council—It is all about the membership

From Copper Mt—You can’t get toPIA from HR in 1hr and make yourflight

Also from Copper—It’s all about you,the member

From Chris Thompson—You stillhave a lot to learn

So, the turning point came when I re-alized that even though the goal that Iset was to make the team in 2004, re-gardless of the outcome, I would stillwant to pursue the goal of making theteam in 2008. To realize my dreamnow, I need to continue to learn andset short term goals that will continuepersonal development.

If I had not been selected, I wouldhave continued as a Snowsport In-structor in the Northwest. It is what Ido and what I love, and to some de-gree, what I am. I hope to do this FullTime for the rest of my life.

PS. Floyd Conrade. No, to answer your question,

but I did get engaged!

BY NELSON WINGARDPSIA-NW TECH TEAM

Goals vs DreamsGoals vs DreamsGoals vs DreamsGoals vs DreamsGoals vs DreamsTTTTTurning Purning Purning Purning Purning Pointointointointoint


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summer/fall 2005

Newly available from the PSIA are 3 new pocket sized guides. These are available through the office or directlyfrom the PSIA. They are: Visual Cues to Ideal vs Real Children’s Skiing and Snowboarding ($12.50 + postage);Visual Cues to Effective and Ineffective Skiing ($5.50 + postage); and Stepping Stones Pocket Guide ($9.50 +postage). Each of these is printed on plasticized paper or is encased in heat sealed plastic so that they can easilybe carried in any pocket in any weather. The largest of these is 3½ x 5½ inches in size and are constructed sothat they can be easily accessed even during a lesson while riding on the chair.

Visual Cues to Ideal vsReal Children’s Skiingand Snowboarding This fold-out formatted booklet iscleverly arranged to contain skiingmovements on one side andsnowboarding movements on theother side. The page by pageformat is a description of the idealand/or real movements on one sideof the fold out page and picturesdepicting the description on theother. Each is divided into thefundamental movements of Alpine:Balance/Stance; Edging; Rotary;Pressure Control; and Directional;and of Snowboard: ReferenceAlignment; Pivot; Tilt; Twist; andPressure Distribution. For eachmovement there is a Definition,Goal, a list of Ideal Cues, a list ofTips to enhance this performance,a list of Real Cues, and a list ofpotential reasons for the exhibitedperformance. The words in combi-nation with the pictures provide agood fundamental package from

which to start movementanalysis for each student.Needless to say, this guidewill not cover every observa-tion but provides an excel-lent starting point. It shouldbe especially useful forinstructors who have beenteaching for a few years andfor trainers/clinicians.

Visual Cues toEffective andIneffective Skiing This is the expanded secondedition of the earlier heat sealedplastic pocket guide. This versionhas been enhanced with newmaterial and has been updated toinclude the latest guidance from theNational Team. The guide is rivetedin the upper corner so that thepages can be rotated to review thematerial. One side contains theeffective cues and the other theineffective cues. At the top of eachpage is a description of the cueaccompanied with a picture thatillustrates the words. Beneath thisstatement is a list of visual charac-teristics that indicate either effectiveor ineffective movements. Each ofthe fundamental movements iscontained on one page. Theseinclude: Balance and Stance;Edging Movements; Rotary Move-ments; Pressure Control Move-ments; and Directional Movements.This handy field guide shouldprove quite useful to any experi-enced instructor or trainer.

Book/DBook/DBook/DBook/DBook/DVD/Video RVD/Video RVD/Video RVD/Video RVD/Video Reeeeevievievievieviewswswswsws

BY ED KANE

Stepping StonesPocket GuideThe Stepping Stones concept wasintroduced in the last AlpineTechnical Manual from the PSIA.This guide has been summarized ina one page fold-out format. Whencompletely folded it measuresabout 2 ½ by 3 ½ inches. It isfolded into a cleaver Velcrosnapped cover. The contents arequite complete and include: theStepping Stones to Parallel Turns;and the Beyond Parallel SteppingStones. In addition there is quite abit of useful information whichincludes: guidelines on LearningStyles; an overview of Key Move-ments; the Elements of a Turn;Skills Concept/Movement Patterns;some hints on skiing BeyondParallel; a check list of things thatare very useful to consider beforeeach lesson; and “Your Responsi-bility Code”. This handy little guidewould be especially helpful toinstructors with limited experienceand should provide a valuable aidfor those respon-sible for instructortraining.

The LatThe LatThe LatThe LatThe Latest and Greatest and Greatest and Greatest and Greatest and Greatestestestestest


www.psia-nw.org

summer/fall 2005

The Scene On March 8th and 9th the firstPSIA-NW Alpine FreestyleAccreditation was held in the parksand pipe on Mt. Bachelor. Theeducation/accreditation program isdesigned to educate instructors onthe safety and performance aspectsof freestyle riding and coaching aswell as to assess and validate theircurrent level of understanding andskill.

The Cast Led by Lane McLaughlin, thegroup was a vast blend ofsnowsport professionals; a directorand assistant director, a snowboardschool manager (on skis), anaccounting manager/snowboardcoach (on skis), an eventcoordinator, a tele clinician andseveral Mt. B frontline staff. Theage range was 22-56, all with thecommon goal of getting JIB-NASTIC! Oh, and also to becomeskilled in freestyle concepts andterrain park usage.

The Playground Our time was spent evenlybetween the halfpipe, the kid’s park,the intermediate park, the full sizeslopestyle arena, and natural terrainfeatures. The rails seemed to have amagnetic quality, drawing thegroup into spontaneous railsessions. What do check turns and

hockey stops have to do withgrinding a box or rail? Well, almostnothing!!

That crisp edge set we worked solong to achieve is now a menace onthe rail, but the body alignment isvery similar. Flattening the ski ishow you slide the rail. Onebreakthrough of the event was BethRamsey (snowboard/office princesson skis) throwing down an entirerail in style. Either that, or Jasonthrowing down a 25’ box rail on hischin, chest and one knee, also instyle.

The Style Jodi and Tara couldn’t get enoughof rolling from deck to deck in thesuper pipe. Chris impressed us withhis “spanning the decades variety,”dishing out spicy moves from oldand new school. Amy lovedeverything over 20’, with a specialfondness for the knuckle.Unnatural Nate (snowboardmanager on skis) was master ofrotation in any direction. Larry (our

senior jibber) liked the repair shop(de-tuning his edges), the bindingtech (tighten those bad boys up),and the deck of the pipe( on hisbum). Greg patented the “surfacemute off the cat-track”, easily donein teles. Nick, our youngest mostelastic member, threw some circlesaround the rest of us. Not that wecan’t spin switch 7’s over the biggesttable tops on the hill.

The Reviews From a management standpoint,the concepts in the accreditationprovide user friendly models forassessing riders, developing skill andencouraging responsible terrainpark usage. As freeriding continuesto grow and add momentum to ourindustry, we have a responsibility toeducate ourselves and our students.All of us at Mt. Bachelor willremember the two days of the eventas two of the most memorable daysspent on a pair of skis.

BY AMY OHRAN, N8 EDGELL ANDLARRY SMITH

“He“He“He“He“Hey mom can I go ty mom can I go ty mom can I go ty mom can I go ty mom can I go to the paro the paro the paro the paro the park andk andk andk andk andslide some rails with Jimmslide some rails with Jimmslide some rails with Jimmslide some rails with Jimmslide some rails with Jimmy?”y?”y?”y?”y?”Freestyleaccreditation atMt Bachelor

FFFFFreestyle Areestyle Areestyle Areestyle Areestyle Accreditationccreditationccreditationccreditationccreditation


www.psia-nw.org

summer/fall 2005

It has been said that when the“Nick” is away, the mice will play.In this case, our very talented andamusing regular host for the raffle/auction, Nick McDonald was awayin Alaska and some relativelyunknown talent filled in for himduring the auction portion of ourannual fundraiser for the PSIA-NWScholarship Fund. More on thesetalented newcomers a little later on.

As is traditional, many members ofthe PSIA-NW Board, ski schooldirectors and other PSIA-NWmembers generously donated itemsto the raffle and auction which washeld Saturday night at the Sympo-sium dinner in Bend Oregon. Manymembers had enthusiasticallypurchased numbers of raffle ticketson Thursday, Friday and Saturday sothat they would be eligible for achance to win items such as sun-glasses from Rick Lyon, SallyBrawley and Wayne Nagai, retro skioutfits fresh from Ed Kane’s storagecloset, boot dryers from RobCroston, a pashmina shawl fromMolly Fitch, retro skis from JohnWeston, scarves from Chris Saarioand Pam Humble, Amtrak Compan-ion Tickets from John Eisenhauer, a“ski things” basket from KayStoneberg and the gang at AnthonyLakes, a spotlight from MarkSchinman, a quilt from JohnWinterscheid, ski stuff from KarenMoldstad and green fees from DavidSword.

The excitement and anticipationbegan to build as the auction portion

of the evening neared. Who knewthat Lane McLaughlin could have asecond career as a ski salesman untilhe hawked a pair of Salomon PilotSkis with bindings to Gary Terusaki?The skis were generously donated byKelly Jett, a rep from the SalomonSki Company. This is the third yearin a row that Salomon has donatedskis and bindings to our fundraiser.Ed Younglove is our PSIA-NWpresident, but also a buddingsalesman as he kept Rob Crostonbidding higher on a golf green feesand carts for four at Fairwood Golfand Country Club in Renton. This isthe second year that TakashiTsukamaki has been able to facilitatethis donation. We have yet to hearthe scores from this match, but I amsure that fun will be had by all ofRob’s friends in the foursome.

One of the newer members of ourTech Team made a name for himselfas he auctioned off an EstatePlanning Package donated by EdYounglove’s law firm. Rick Lyondemonstrated great salesmanship,creativity and a gift for moving thebid up as he sold the package toDebra Brown. Debra seemed pleasedto be able to up date her will andhealth directives as we all should,myself included, but I did not havethe winning bid.

Linda Cowan and Marty O’Connerwere a comedy team who not onlymodeled, but aggressively sold amatched pair of sunglasses (eachwith four interchangeable lenses) toMr. and Mrs. T. (Thompson, forthose who question my short hand)We all know that Linda is short andMarty is tall, but who knew that theywere also funny and ready for openmike night at the comedy club. Iknow that Chris and Judy are styling

in their very cool glasses this sum-mer. These two pair of glasses weredonated by board member WayneNagai. He also donated two morepair of glasses to the raffle.

P.J. Jones did the auctioneer honorsfor a great children’s ski basketdonated by Ronne and SharonLinnane, directors of Ski Klasses SkiSchool at Stevens Pass. The backpackfilled with children’s gear waspurchased by young Jordan Petramwho did all the bidding, includingraising his own bid. I hope that he isenjoying the items. Last, but notleast, Rob Croston, member of theBOD, led the bidding on a two-hourski lesson with Chris Kastner. Thisincluded two lift tickets at CrystalMountain. Rob came into his ownand the auctioning of this item couldhave gone on all night. Finally,Chris’s services were purchased byDavid Sword and his wife Claire. Iknow that they have plans to have agreat time with Chris.

At the close of the banquet, ourfundraiser had netted over $2400.00for the PSIA-NW Scholarship Fund.This money is available for Scholar-ships for all PSIA-NW members. Inorder to apply for a scholarship, amember can download the two-pageapplication from the website. Thisincludes a form to be filled out bythe candidate’s ski school directorand another form to be filled out bythe candidate, him/herself. Theseneed to be sent to Barb in the officeat least one month before the class,clinic or event the member wouldlike to attend. Money will be grantedon a need and merit basis. Thescholarship is for tuition only. Lifts,travel and lodging must be paid bythe member.

Untapped TUntapped TUntapped TUntapped TUntapped Talent Ralent Ralent Ralent Ralent Reeeeevvvvvealedealedealedealedealed

BY MARY GERMEAU, BOD

A play by play of theSymposium Auction

SymSymSymSymSymposium 2005 at Mt. Bachelorposium 2005 at Mt. Bachelorposium 2005 at Mt. Bachelorposium 2005 at Mt. Bachelorposium 2005 at Mt. Bachelor


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summer/fall 2005

LastLastLastLastLast FirFirFirFirFirststststst SchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolAlbin Stephanie 49° NorthAnderson Curtis Mt. Hood MdwsAndrews Martin SchweitzerAusman Greg Hoodoo Ski SchlBowe Robin Mission RidgeBrewer Chad Mt. BachelorBrewster David 49° NorthChatburn Ron 49° NorthClarke Jamie Anthony LakesCouch Courtney Mt. SpokaneCrawford Kelsey Mt. BakerDanner Bryce Hoodoo Ski SchlDivis Annette 49° NorthDodge Jonathan 49° NorthDuncan Chris Mt. Hood MdwsEifert Jeffrey Mission RidgeEvans Scott Erin Silver MountainGallagher Janette Mt. Hood MdwsGerlach Craig Mt. BachelorGirolamo Robert Mt. BachelorGraafstra Erik Mission RidgeGreen Eric TimberlineGrutzner Susanne SchweitzerHaflett Katherine 49° NorthHeuett Richard Steves PassHeuett Tim Chief KitsapHidden JaredHoffman Dennis Silver Mtn.Hughes Linda Mt. Hood MdwsHughes Joshua 49° NorthHunt Jessica 49° NorthJones Danny 49° NorthKaczmarek Greg 49° NorthLeblanc Ernest Silver Mtn.Leo Greg Mt. Hood MdwsLestitian Jeff Mt BakerLindell Sarah Mission RidgeLucas Emily 49° NorthManix John Mt. Hood MdwsMartin Jillian Mt. BakerMartinez Rachel Chief KitsapMcIntosh Diane Mt. BachelorMcPherson Jr George TimberlineMorgan Sproul Mt. BachelorMorris Raymond Mt. Hood MdwsO’Brien Eric Silver Mtn.Oleson Jennifer Clancy’sOlson Julie Silver Mtn.Peck Daniel 49° NorthPeets Kyle Mt. AshlandPeterson JessicaPfiffner Richard Mt. AshlandPierson Jodie Mt. SpokanePoe Chris Mt. Bachelor

Poor Jarad Mt. BakerRuuhela Matt Mt. BachelorSparrow Ben Hoodoo Ski SchlStanaway Tate Mt. Hood MdwsSwerdlow Sam Hoodoo Ski SchlTapia David Mt. BachelorTowry Scott Mt. SpokaneVanNess Chris Mt AshlandWestman Julie TimberlineWilkins Jill Mt. Hood MdwsWolfe Robert Mt. Hood MdwsWong Debi Silver Mountain

Chapman Steve Mt. BachelorClarke Jaime Anthony LakesCooke Paul Ski MasterHeffron Patrick TimberlineMeredith Meg Mt. Hood MdwsMiller Andrew Mt. AshlandMosier Jeff Anthony lakesPeterson Jessica EdmndsShorelinePoe RyanPorter Lara TimberlineTaylor Perry Mt. BakerThykeson Jessica SchweitzerYearsley Sheylan Mt. Hood Mdws

Level I Alpine

Level II Alpine

Level III AlpineBodovinitz Steve Crystal MtnGrove Andrew Ski MastersHartzell Ted Mt. Hood MdwsKatz Daniel Ski BluewoodMatthiesen Jimmy LyonMay John Mt. HoodMdws

LastLastLastLastLast FirFirFirFirFirststststst SchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolBassie Erin Mt. Hood MdwsBigelow Deborah Mt. AshlandCampbell Evan Mt. AshlandCecil Jim Mt. Hood MdwsClapick Justin Mt. BachelorCueno Katherine Mt. BachelorDake Krista Mt. Hood MdwsDivis Cameron 49° NorthGits Todd SkiforallHansen Elli Silver Mtn.Hanson Erik TimberlineJones Casey Mt. Hood MdwsJones Nikolai 49° NorthKoreis TJ OlympiaKoreis Allen OlympiaLammers Laura Schweitzer Mtn.Logan April Silver MountainMack Megan Mt. Bachelor

Level I Snowboard

McDowell Jared 49° NorthMcKelvey Morgan Mt. AshlandMedler Kelly Mt. Hood MdwsMinella Sarah Mt. BachelorMisplon Andrew HoodooOlivera Joy Mt. BachelorPeck Jesse 49 ° NorthPendergast Matthew Silver MtnPendergast Gavin Silver MtnPetty Heather Mt. HoodMdwsPoe Chris Mt. BachelorPorter Chris Mt. Hood MdwsPrimmer Serena Silver MountainRoberts Nicholas Mt. AshlandSchoonover Justin Mt. BachelorTift Sean Mission RidgeTreanor Mandy Anthony LakesUnger Anthony Mt. AshlandWallace John Mt. BachelorWallace John Mt. BachelorWalton Courtney Mt. BachelorWatts Jason Mt. Hood MdwsWolff Charlie Mt. Hood MdwsYoungsma Darren Mt. Hood Mdws

Burnell Daniel Mt. BachelorBurrell Neal Mt. BachelorBusack Travis Mt. BachelorJohnson Shane Mt. BachelorJohnston Andrew Mt. BachelorWilmes Richard Mt. Bachelor

Level II Snowboard

LastLastLastLastLast FirFirFirFirFirststststst SchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolGaddness John Spokane Parks

and RecSpeer Anna Methow Valley

Level I Track

LastLastLastLastLast FirFirFirFirFirststststst SchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolChapman Steve Mt. BachelorCook Josh Mt. BachelorEvans Mike Mt. BachelorMcKenzie Kyle Mt. BachelorRuuhela MattSeymour Tara Mt. BachelorSmith Larry Mt. BachelorSproul Morgan Mt. Bachelor

Level I XCD

Congratulations tCongratulations tCongratulations tCongratulations tCongratulations to the fo the fo the fo the fo the folloolloolloolloollowing......wing......wing......wing......wing......2004/2005 P2004/2005 P2004/2005 P2004/2005 P2004/2005 Pass Listsass Listsass Listsass Listsass Lists

Congratulations onyour hard work payingoff! It was no easyseason to find time orsnow to train!


www.psia-nw.org

summer/fall 2005

Despite the fact that 2005 waspretty much a non-ski/ride year inthe NW I got quite a bit of valu-able feedback relative to the SeniorTour and desired curriculumcontent. The predominant com-ment from the Fall Seminarsessions was that the indoorsessions should be devoted toteaching seniors of all abilities. Asa result, I have begun to compileuseful information that will bepresented at this coming season’ssessions. It is my hope to try tomake these sessions as interactiveas possible so that those attendingshould bring some of their experi-ences to share with the rest of theattendees. In addition, one two dayon snow session was given at thesymposium at Bachelor. It was agreat group of enthusiastic folksthat really enjoyed the company, thearea and the snow conditions. Thefeedback from that session was thatapproaches to “Adventure Skiing

for Seniors” would be an additionalgood topic for future on- snowsessions.

Based on feedback received afterboth the indoor and on-snowsessions, it appears that the focusfor the coming year should beshifted a bit to include someadditional coverage of teachingskills with an emphasis on theneeds of senior students. As aresult of these inputs the on snowcurriculum will consist of 4 choicesof skiing and teaching improve-ment. These will include: Work onthe Basics; Approach to AdventureSkiing; Polishing Exam SkiingTasks; and Approaches to TeachingSeniors of all Abilities.

The same number of opportuni-ties will be offered in the 2005/2006 season but the content will beexpanded to include more onTeaching Skill Development. Theemphasis will be on the basics that

2005 Senior T2005 Senior T2005 Senior T2005 Senior T2005 Senior TourourourourourEvEvEvEvEvent Rent Rent Rent Rent Recapecapecapecapecap

Please extend our thanks to MollyFitch for permitting the PSIA-NWclinic at Timberline to take place onWednesday, February 9, 2005. Itwas one of the best clinics that Ihave attended and a beautiful dayon the mountain.

Stephan Henrikson was our clinicleader and he shared many of his“teaching tricks” with us. Hisapproach was calm, reassuring andpositive. Every demo was perfectand very clear to see what we weretrying to accomplish. One exerciseflowed into the next for a smoothprogression during the day that wasreally lots of fun. Each person wasgiven personal comments, feedbackand exercises to fit their needsthroughout the day. It was wonder-ful!!!

With the limited or total lack ofsnow this winter, our day atTimberline will long be remem-bered as a bright spot in our “nosnow” season. We are still hopingfor a late season and skiing inMarch and April.

Thanks again for the excellentclinic and happy memories.Glenda and Maria Schuh

Thanks!Thanks!Thanks!Thanks!Thanks!“Henney” makes agood thing happen atTimberline

Senior T Senior T Senior T Senior T Senior Tourourourourour

HENNEY WITH HIS GROUP ATTIMBERLINE IN FEBRUARY


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are important to all age levels withsome specific information on theneeds of “seniors” (who aredefined as anyone who haspassed the bullet proof age orstate of mind). Since thereappears to be a demand for moreTeaching Skill specific information,I committed last year to develop aseries of short articles for theNewsletter. The series has beentitled “Senior Moments”. A couple

of these have been publishedwhich contained tips and advice toaid the teaching effectiveness ofour membership. I am hoping thatthese writings will encourage ourmembership to contribute theirknowledge which I will includedepending on space available andvalue of content. Hopefully, thiswill increase the involvement ofour membership in the educationalprocess.

The proposed 2006 Senior Tourevents and the potential locationsare posted online and are availblethrough the office.. The programis very flexible and can accommo-date special events such as MemberSki School events and events atother locations than the onesidentified below if the interest issufficient to support the hiring of aclinician. These special events canbe scheduled through the office orby contacting your Board Repre-sentative in your region.

Senior TSenior TSenior TSenior TSenior Tour Evour Evour Evour Evour Eventsentsentsentsents

Liv Bodil Nurman of Leavenworth,one of the true pioneers of cross-country skiing in the nation, diedpeacefully in her home the morning ofJune 23, 2005,

She was an active member of thePacific Northwest Ski InstructorsAssociation (now PSIA-NW) and theProfessional Ski Instructors of America.She developed the first cross-countryski instructor certification program inthis Division as well as other PSIADivisions. She was Vice President of thePSIA Nordic Program and wrote theoriginal teaching manual. In 1982, thePacific Northwest Ski InstructorAssociation honored her as the “SkiInstructor of the Year.”

Liv’s life was wrapped up in skiing. Shetaught for Jack Nagel at CrystalMountain, Bob Hall, at Stevens Pass,and co-directed the first cross-countryski school in the Northwest – Ski FreeSki Touring.

Born May 1, 1942 in Baerum, Norway,where she grew up and later graduatedfrom the University of Oslo in 1962 witha degree in Physical Education.

The Rudolph Steiner School of Oslohelped her develop the wide spectrumof abilities in the arts, analyticalsubjects and her holistic view of life.

Her early hobbies included playing thepiano, accordion, violin, singing and alltypes of gymnastics. Liv had a positive,joyous outlook and never let anyphysical or psychological obstaclecurtail her love of life.

Liv, at age 20, worked her way toChicago on a freighter bringing hermost prized possession – her oldwooden skis and bamboo poles. Shetaught skiing at Yosemite and forseveral years taught at Alpine Meadowsnear Lake Tahoe. She also was astewardess for World Airlines and flewall over the world.

While at Alpine Meadows, Liv met JurisVagners and they married on December27, 1967 in Baerum, Norway andmoved to Seattle, Washington whereLiv taught high school math andscience. At the same time Liv coachedthe UW women’s ski team.

In 1979, after a divorce, Liv, and hertwo children, Maris and Tonje, moved toLeavenworth, WA. where she taughtcross-country skiing for the rest of herlife. Liv opened her own ski and sportsshop, the Leavenworth MountainSports. Countless people in Wenatcheeand the Upper Valley knew Liv as aresource for information, ski equipmentand lessons through her cross-countryski school.

Liv vacationed in Norway each summerand assisted her parents in running theUniversity of Oslo Inter-nationalSummer School, a program designed toteach skills in the mountains. In lateryears she became the director of theprogram. Liv’s great passion was themountains and she was happiest whenhiking, backpacking, skiing or riding herhorse in the high country.

During her years in Leavenworth Liv,always the intrepid entrepreneur,owned and managed the CASA MIAMexican Restaurant and for the past 14years she ran Leirvangen Bed andBreakfast in her home in the IcicleValley. Leirvangen B&B became a focalpoint with many people returning yearafter year to enjoy Liv’s Norwegianhospitality and friendship.

Liv will be greatly missed by herdaughter, son-in-law andgranddaughter, Tonje, Steve and ArijaWilliams of Denver, Colorado; her sonand daughter-in-law, Maris and PatriciaVagners of Tirol, Austria; her grandson,Taylor Marean of Seattle, Washington;and, from Norway, her mother RandiNorman; her two sisters and brothers-in-law: Helle and Sverre Moeller; and,Tove and Eivind Amble and theirchildren. Finn Norman, her very specialfather, preceded Liv in death in 2004

Liv Bodil Nurman

In Memoriam In Memoriam In Memoriam In Memoriam In Memoriam


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The Tulips are popping up andeverywhere you look, the signs ofspring are unmistakable. For manyof us, spring means exams and allthat goes along with them. Some ofus will savor the exhilaration ofsuccess, others will taste disappoint-ment. I know both feelings well. Yousee, I have had the distinction offailing the level 3 skiing module threetimes, but not in 2003. At the age of51, with infirmities aplenty, I passed.What follows is one instructor’sbizarre path to level 3 alpine certifi-cation. Every bit of it is true. Icouldn’t make up so story a strange.But I offer this to my ski teachingcolleagues as encouragement. Forthose of you who were not success-ful this season, my tale should giveyou hope. But beyond simple wishfulthinking, I have also included sometips that you may not have heard orread before. I will share someinsights and what worked for me.After all, not many folks have beenin as many level 3 skiing exams as Ihave.

What makes my story so strange?Well, consider that I never heard theclick of boots into bindings until theage of 22. My first day on skis wason my birthday. Goaded by friendsinto trying it, I put my faith in theirhands. Upon disembarking from thegondola at Squaw Valley, theyabandoned me, laughing. It took menearly all afternoon to get down. Ifell 35 times as I tried to figure outfor myself how to ski. I can stillremember the epithets from thosetrying to avoid my out-of-control,flailing vectors. But there wassomething exciting about making itdown to the base area. My “friends”

were cheering for me and I ratherenjoyed myself despite having snowin some pretty strange places.

My next exposure came a year laterwhen I tried night skiing at SlideMountain. A “Washoe Zephyr” wasblowing in and only the rope towwas operating. Without experience,the predicable occurred. I fellhalfway up and rather than letting go,hung on for the ride. Upon myarrival at the bottom, the operatorwas shutting down the lift to theprotest of an angry mob. It seemedsome “fool” had been dragged up onthe rope and as a precaution, theywere closing the lift. One run, somuch for that season.

For the next few years, I skied a dayor two without the benefit oflessons. Finally, at the age of 26, inmy first year of medical school, Ineeded a mid-week break fromstudies and we had one afternoon aweek free. Introduction to AlpineSkiing 101 with a Dr. GeorgeTwardokens caught my eye. Now, atthat time, I had no idea I was aboutto ski 13 times with a legend. Thatseason was the start of my quest tobecome a good skier.

For the next fifteen years or so, Itraveled the skiing doctor circuit,attending medical conferences atnearly every major American skiresort. I learned the hard way not toadjust your own bindings, but spiralfractures of the fibula heal quickly.Eventually, I had the means to takelessons and I did so everywhere. But,I had yet to experience powderskiing. I was like a traveling highpressure system. It seemed every-where I went I was in betweenstorms. I wanted to ski powder andeventually I had to go where all

hounds end up, to Snowbird. There,one instructor so inspired me, thatshe changed my life. The nextseason, at the age of 40, I became aninstructor myself. Level one camequite easily. Level two followed a fewyears later. I was really well preparedand passed strongly. A few yearslater, Level 3 became my goal, but atorn anterior cruciate ligament brokemy knee and my heart. A longrehabilitation, from reconstructivesurgery followed. Eventually, at 49years of age, I took level 3. I passedthe teaching module the first time,but failed the skiing module badly. Ionly passed one task. Disappointedbut undaunted, I tried again andagain, only to fail again and again. Itook some solace in the fact that Iwas making progress each time. Myfriends and coaches told me not togive up. After all, I was halfway there.I couldn’t spend the rest of my lifeas a level “two and a half”.

2003 was going to be my bestseason ever. I had it all planned. 50days on skis, plenty of clinics andenough time to train. I was not goingto fail this time. Then it happened.One January 20th, in a freak fall, I feltit tear again. I felt my season and myplans evaporate before my eyes. TheMRI was conclusive; I had torn myACL graft. But there was somethingdifferent about it this time. It didn’thurt as much and there was noswelling. The doctor told me to takea few weeks off, dig out my trustyold brace and cautiously see what itfeels like. To my surprise, I feltalright. My knee felt weak and a littleunstable but my season wasn’t over.As the weeks went by, it began tofeel even better. In March I attendedour divisional academy thinking thatwould be the salvaging highlight ofmy season. After three days, I had a

BY MICHAEL PATMAS, MDMOUNT HOOD MEADOWS

If I Can Do ItIf I Can Do ItIf I Can Do ItIf I Can Do ItIf I Can Do It: : : : : A TA TA TA TA Tale So Sale So Sale So Sale So Sale So Strange It Has Ttrange It Has Ttrange It Has Ttrange It Has Ttrange It Has To Be To Be To Be To Be To Be Trueruerueruerue

FFFFFrrrrrom the Memberom the Memberom the Memberom the Memberom the Membershipshipshipshipship

(Editor’s Note-A timeless article aboutperseverance)


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summer/fall 2005

John E. HoeflingJohn E. HoeflingJohn E. HoeflingJohn E. HoeflingJohn E. HoeflingJohn’s life-long passion for skiing began as a child gettingto school during northern Wisconsin winters. He met hiswife on the ski slopes of Mt. Hood; owned/directedWestern Ski Pros Ski School, at one time encompassingthree Mt. Hood ski areas; volunteer patrolman; skiinstructor certification examiner; co-founder OregonSnowsports Industries Association; ski shop co-owner;“Oregon Skiing” TV host and endless journalism creditsediting, publishing and contributing to numerous localand regional ski publications. Honored as Mt. Hood’s2004 “King Winter” for his immeasurable contributionsto skiing. Graduate of Gresham High School, John’s loveof Hawaii developed from a Navy stint spent in Hono-lulu, followed by Lewis & Clark College. His careerencompassed years of data processing and associationmanagement, and founder/owner of Fast Print & CopyCenter. Dedication to community included Portland AuxiliaryPolice Reserve Captain, and serving on the board ofdozen of neighborhood associations and businessorganizations. John’s sudden and unexpected passing on March 7 leavesbehind his wife, June; daughter, Vicki, and son-in-law,Ron Anderson; and countless friends across the country.Remembrances to the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame.

DaDaDaDaDavid Mahrevid Mahrevid Mahrevid Mahrevid Mahre

In Memoriam In Memoriam In Memoriam In Memoriam In Memoriam

crazy idea. Maybe, somehow I couldstill ski well enough to take theexam? If I failed again, I couldalways have surgery after.

Against all odds, I went for it. April19, 2003 was a beautiful day, sunnyand warm. I skied pretty well Ithought, but was prepared for theinevitable FQ (“failed to qualify”).Needless to say, when they handedme the pin, it was all I could do notto cry.

But sharing my story isn’t just aboutbeing encouraging. I also have sometips that might help you out. Manyfine articles have been written aboutexam preparation in this newsletterand you should avail yourselves of

them. But here are some insightsfrom someone who has taken morelevel 3 exams than most.

The Teaching Module

I was successful the first time outand here’s what helped me. ThinkCOD. There’s nothing fishy about it.I’m talking about Content, Organiza-tion and Delivery. Content meansbasing your teaching segment on thevisual cues to efficient and inefficientmovements. Using a cause and effectapproach, analyze the person’sfundamental movement patterns inthe domains of balance, edging,rotary, pressure and directionalmovement of center of mass. Selectone movement to work on and use a

coherent progression that beginswith a more global intervention andbecomes refined as the progressionis developed. Make sure you under-stand and communicate using theterms and concepts of the efficientand inefficient visual cues.

Next is Organization. I like to breakmy teaching into segments. Trydividing your lesson into 3 or 4 parts.Introduce the lesson at the top ofthe run, set the demo and ski it aquarter to a third of the way down.Provide feedback, add to the pro-gression, set the demo and ski itanother quarter or third of the waydown. Give some more feedback andthen blend the progression intoactual skiing. Take all the way to the

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


David R. Mahre, long time White Pass Ski AreaManager, passed away on July 23, 2005. His loveof skiing and steady hand influenced an entiregeneration of skiers and ski racers, many fromhis own family. Twin sons Phil and Steve en-joyed unprecedented success on the World Cupracing Circuit. Son Paul, also a US Ski Teamalumni, currently works at 49 Degrees North.Daughters Chris, Jackie and Ruth attained suc-cess at the National level before heading off tocollege. Daughter Roberta raced at the divisionallevel and remains active as a PSIA member, cur-rently in Minnesota. Son Dave Jr. displayed hison-snow talents via innate jumping abilities inthe late 1960’s and early 1970’s, effortlessly land-ing many of today’s aerial maneuvers from natu-ral snow drifts. He later moved those airborneskills to piloting stunt planes, cropdusters andcorporate jets. David’s surviving family includes6 siblings, 9 children and their families. Father,Husband, Mentor and Ski Industry Pioneer -we celebrate his life and mourn his passing.


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summer/fall 2005

chair. Finally, end the segment bygiving positive feedback, summariz-ing and checking for understanding.Examiners like a well organizedlesson with a coherent structure thatculminates in real skiing.

Lastly, consider Delivery. How youpresent the information may be ascritical as what you present. Whowants to take a lesson from someonewho is dull, uncertain apologetic? Inthis setting, think of yourself as aperformer. You are on stage and thisis your show. Hey, it’s not a funeral!Have some fun. Be lively, energeticand upbeat. Have a sense of humor!Remember names and use them.Don’t forget to end the teachingsegment with a bang because finalimpressions count! Remember to“stick the landing”

The Skiing Module

Now here’s where I must be anexpert by now. I realize now therewas huge value in having to take thisexam four times. I now have a prettygood “feel” for how these exams aredone and what the examiners arelooking for. Obviously, you’ve got tobe able to ski at the level 3 standards.That is well described elsewhere inThe Professional Skier and Divi-sional materials. My insights are alittle different. I found myselfthinking Mind, Body and Soul.

First, considers the mental aspects.Remember that the level 3 exam is alot like running a marathon. It willplay games with your head. Leadingup to the exam, you will experience arange of emotions running fromexcitement to dread. At times you’llfeel confident, at others like alemming. Find someone you canshare these feelings with. Someoneyou can trust who will support youemotionally. On exam day, you’lllikely have ups and downs. Stay ontask. Focus on the examiners and skiexactly like they do. Be confident,but not cocky. Support one anotherbut avoid making judgments aboutwhat will pass and what won’t.Believe me, you never know. I’veobserved that they seem to save thetoughest tasks for the afternoon. It’slike the 18 mile mark in a marathon.Here’s where you can breakdownmentally. So come out after lunchfired up. Do whatever you have to doto psych yourself up for the after-noon. Come out smokin’ anddetermined to ski aggressively andfinish the day skiing strongly.

Next, is the physical component.Level 3 is physically very demanding.You need to be in top physicalcondition, so take some time to reallytrain. Not just for the tasks, but forstrength, flexibility and endurance.You can never be too fit, too strongor too rich. If you are gasping forbreath, don’t make it obvious! Take atip from marathon runners. Makesure you stay hydrated and nour-

ished. Nutritionally sound snacks likea high protein power bar can make abig difference in endurance in anotherwise long and demanding dayduring which you will definitelychallenge your body.

Finally, consider the soul. There issomething glorious about skiing thatis uplifting. Sharing this incrediblesport with your friends, family andstudents is one of life’s great joys. Beyourself and let your love of skiing,teaching, people and nature show.Imagine doing these exams year afteryear. It must get pretty routine forthe examiners. They see all kinds ofstrange behavior. People can get alittle weird. If you end up on thechair with an examiner, ask questionsif you have them. But, try to relaxand have a bit of conversationhaving nothing to do with the exam.Try to have some fun. It will maketheir day a little easier too!

Parting Shots

Some folks pass their first time. Ifyou do, that’s great. But some don’t.If you have the opportunity to takethe exam more than once, realizethat in a way, you are very lucky.You’re getting multiple chances tosee how exams are done and you’llbe improving your chances ofsuccess next time. In the end, it isthe ride not the destination thatmatters most. Above all, don’t getdiscouraged. If I can do it, so canyou..

“IF I CAN DO IT”CONT. FROM PAGE 21

Need a little help withNeed a little help withNeed a little help withNeed a little help withNeed a little help with$$$$ to attend an event?$$$$ to attend an event?$$$$ to attend an event?$$$$ to attend an event?$$$$ to attend an event?

PSIA/AASI-NW has a scholarship fund designed to help offset the fees for educational events. Youmust be a current member of PSIA/AASI-NW (meaning you are up to date with your member dues)and submit a timely application for the scholarships. Applications are due 30 days prior to the event.Check out the website for details and an application.



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summer/fall 2005

Big Mountain in Whitefish, MT isseeking experienced, certifiedinstructors. Situated in theNorthern Rocky Mountains, weoffer 3,000 acres of skiable terrain,and a great team to teach and trainwith at ourSnowsports Center! Contact: 406-862-2906 [email protected]

Exciting Mt. Ashland is lookingfor certified Alpine, Snowboard,and Telemark instructors. Mt.Ashland is a fun place to work withgreat terrain. Contact ChrisVanNess at (541) 482-2897 or visitour website: www.mtashland.com

Children’s Supervisor position forthe 2005-06 season.

The Tahoe Donner Ski School hasan opening for their Snowflakes Su-pervisor. This is an exempt, seasonalposition with a starting salary of$3,000 per month. Employmentstarts November 1, 2005.

The Snowflakes Supervisor is re-sponsible for the children’s skischool program (ages 3 – 6) includ-ing the overall development anddaily operation of the program, ori-entation, staff hiring and training,and scheduling.

If interested, send resume to BobBush, c/o Tahoe Donner Ski &Snowboard School, 11509Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA96161

Crystal Mountain ResortSki School

Now Hiring Instructorsof the 2005-2006 Season

Seeking full-time professional instructors to provide individual andgroup skill development sessions to students of all ages and at all skilllevels. Teach at least 5 days a week for a varied schedule of up to 32

hours a week or more.Temporary Job: 1st October 2005 to 1st June 2006.

Level III Certified Instructors: 8 positions, requires 3 seasonsinstruction in skiing, snowboarding or race coaching experience.

Possession for or eligibility for PSIA level 3 certification or equivalentis necessary. Experience may be acquired in 2 calendar years. Salary

range $21.84 to $25.00 per teaching hour.Respond to Job #1338933

Level II Certified Instructors: 8 positions available. Requires 2seasons instruction in skiing, snowboarding or race coaching experi-ence. Possession of or eligibility for PSIA level 2 or equivalent is

necessary. Experience may be acquired in 1 calendar year.Salary range $12.00 to $20.00 per teaching hour.

Respond to Job #1339031

All Positions at Crystal Mountain WashingtonRespond by September 10th, 2005

Send resume to:Crystal Mountain Resort

C/O Employment Security DepartmentE & T Division Job #_____________

PO BOX 9046OLYMPIA, WA 98507-9046

HELP WHELP WHELP WHELP WHELP WANTEDANTEDANTEDANTEDANTED

CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDSEmEmEmEmEmploploploploployment Opporyment Opporyment Opporyment Opporyment Opportunitiestunitiestunitiestunitiestunities

NeNeNeNeNew Aw Aw Aw Aw Address or Email!ddress or Email!ddress or Email!ddress or Email!ddress or Email!Be sure to inform the PSIA-NW office if you move. The postalservice will not forward our mailings. Send your Name, New Ad-dress, New Phone and New Email to the PSIA-NW, 11206 DesMoines Mem Dr., Suite #106, Seattle, WA 98168-1741, 206-244-8541, [email protected]


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summer/fall 2005

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSeattle, WA

Permit No. 1681

NORNORNORNORNORTHWESTHWESTHWESTHWESTHWEST SnoT SnoT SnoT SnoT SnowSporwSporwSporwSporwSport Instructt Instructt Instructt Instructt InstructorororororPSIA-NW/AASI

PNSIA-Education Foundation11206 Des Moines Memorial Drive, Suite #106Seattle, WA 98168-1741(206)244-8541www.psia-nw.org

time dated material

PSIA-NW Mission StatementProvide high quality educational resources and well defined standards to aid our members in improving theirteaching skills to better satisfy the needs and expectations of their customer in the enjoyment of downhill andNordic snow sports.

On the WOn the WOn the WOn the WOn the Webebebebeb

It’s all on-lineIt’s all on-lineIt’s all on-lineIt’s all on-lineIt’s all on-line psia-nw.org

For the latest in PSIA-NW/AASI news, check us out online. Eventupdates and applications, program updates, articles, book/DVD/videoreviews, bookstore, merchandise and more. It’s all there at psia-nw.org.Here is just a sample: Check out psia-nw.org for rest of the story.

Book Review Read Ed Kane’s review of Pathways to Superior Snowboard Lessons, the“Tiny Bubbles” Approach by Randy Price. This can be ordered directlyfrom the PSIA National website for $9.50 plus postage.

Learning to Skate with Dan Clausen BY STEVE HINDMAN With no snow at home, I spent February of 2005 working and teachingwith Nordic Team Member Dan Clausen at his home in Minocqua WinterPark in the cross-country skiing paradise that is Wisconsin. (go to psia-nw.org for the rest of the story)

Sampling Southern Powder BY ED KANE The first week of January this year I joined the Western Ski Writers(NASJA) on a trip to some of the Tahoe ski areas. I’d always wanted to skithe sunshine and packed powder of these areas so that when this trip wasscheduled, it was easy to make the decision to go. (go to psia-nw.org forthe rest of the story)

Archives Find articles from past newsletters quickly and easily. Articles and newsare categorized according to discipline.

Did yDid yDid yDid yDid you hear?ou hear?ou hear?ou hear?ou hear?Quiksilver is buying a

majority stake in Rossignol

The two partners whocomprised Harbor Resorts, MIGand Harbor Properties, havedissolved their partnership. As aresult, Schweitzer Mountain Resortis now wholly owned by MIG

Stevens Pass is in theprocess of constructing a newstation at the top of the 7thHeaven chairlift. This new stationwill create a more efficient operat-ing base for Ski Patrol and LiftOperations, while providing foreasier unloading of the 7th Heavenchairlift. The new offload ramp willbe easier to negotiate and maintain,leading to less damage to equip-ment and less congestion onCowboy Mountain.

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nw · adaptive session i: autism / add / adhd an overview (am) (seattle, mt hood only) an...

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