Division & National Benefits

Publications

Western Members receive three issues of The Edge (a division newsletter that is available in print and online). Registered, Active and Inactive Members also receive a subscription to: The Professional Skier (TPS) and The Pro Rider magazines (TPR). These magazines cover what's happening in teaching alpine skiing, snowboarding, nordic skiing, and adaptive skiing/riding (including tips on improving your own skiing and riding and other interesting and hard to find articles.

Education Materials

PSIA/AASI National develops and distributes a wide range of manuals, videos, and other materials to support teaching and skill improvement. These materials are available at the lowest possible cost to members and can be found in the PSIA/AASI Accessories catalog (psia.org). PSIA/AASI National also has a lending library of videos and other materials to help managers and trainers (psia.org), as well as interactive web-based learning modules.

You can also locate online manuals/workbooks/study guides on our Western Division web site by going to the discipline of your choice and using the drop down menu to access these documents in a PDF format. Some of these items are unique to our division and are required reading/study for taking Certification Events.

Personal & Professional Development:

PSIA/AASI clinics and conventions are held throughout the country each season. As a Registered/Active/Inactive member you can sign up for events in all 9 divisions. The Western Division offers one and multi-day programs from racing and freestyle to women specific and children's educator events. We also provide certification and education for alpine, snowboarding, nordic (x-c, skate, telemark) and adaptive.

These education events are conducted by highly trained members of our professional staff and some of the finest clinicians in the country. Whether you are a seasoned expert or looking to just refine your technique - attending these events will improve your skills and challenge you while having fun and developing camaraderie among lifelong colleagues.

Our National premiere event, The National Academy is held in the spring of each year - and sure to be one of the best experiences you will have as a member.

Promotional & Affinity Programs

The Western Division and the National organization (ASEA) both offer professional discounts on everything from items that make teaching easier to equipment and gear. ASEA even has a partnership with Subaru of America. To take advantage of promotional offers though the National organization (ASEA) go to psia.org and log in to Member Services to check out the latest offers.

Promotional deals can also be accessed through your Division equipment representatives to gain product knowledge and information on how to purchase equipment. Discount Resort Tickets are also available to Western Members.

Certification

PSIA/AASI Certification signifies that you have achieved standards set by the National Organization for personal performance, teaching, professional knowledge, and technical skiing/riding skills. Certified instructors provide a high level of quality and consistency in their teaching and skiing/riding skills.

A Certification Pin is presented to every member who achieves a Level I,II, or III Certification. Some members are Certified in more then one discipline - or take an accreditation course in freestyle/freeride, backcountry, senior's, or children's specialist.

Certification is recognized in all 9 divisions and can often mean increased wages, additional benefits, and recognition. Members must attend educational updates at least every two seasons in order to stay current with the latest in snowsports education and sharpen their skills. These Educational Credits are also required to maintain your membership.

Member Services

PSIA/AASI National (ASEA) provides online opportunities to review your member records, shop the online catalog, and participate in the member forum [psia.org].

The Western Division and ASEA have a Board of Directors that continually looks at ways to improve our organization and the value of membership.

Our organization cooperates with supporting sponsors that promote instruction to the public, and other partners to strengthen the snowsport industry as a whole. For more information on these partnerships go to psia.org.