Welcome to the Western Division and the new and improved website.

Online registration is here! Sign up for our Western Division events, safely and securely.
If you prefer the old system, you are welcome to Download our Event Registration Form
and mail or fax to our office.

The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) are recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in snowsports education. More than 28,000 instructors are affiliated with PSIA/AASI, the largest and most recognized organization for snowsports instruction in the country. We provide exceptional training, education and certification opportunities all while developing camaraderie with colleagues, the fun of learning, and the reward of teaching and sharing your passion for snowsports with others.

Want to Join Our Team?

If you are interested in learning more about how to become a ski or snowboard instructor, and would like additional details on the benefits of joining our association, consider attending one of our regional presentations for an informational multimedia presentation. Stay tuned for dates, times and locations.

If you are a resort or business and would like to donate a meeting location for our regional presentations on becoming a snowsport instructor, please contact Heidi Ettlinger

Spring happenings

National Team Announced!

Tryouts for the PSIA/AASI National team were held at the end of April in Mammoth. Congratulations to three of our Western Division candidates who were succesful, and will be representing the West as National Demo Team members

Robin Barnes - Alpine

Mike Hafer - Alpine

Josh Spoelstra - Snowboard

Annual Membership Dues

Yes, it is that time again. Membership dues are due on June 30, 2008 for the 2008/09 season.

The National portion of the dues have increased by $10 this year, reflecting increased operating costs associated with the purchase and implementation of new database software at the National office. The Western Division portion of the dues has remained the same at $35.

See 'Member Services' on this site for a complete description of our dues categories.

Pay on time to avoid late fees.

Ways to pay:

By now, most of you have received your dues invoice. If have not received your invoice, you can PAY NOW ONLINE at www.psia.org. click the 'Members Only' link and use your National ID # (located on your membership card, and above your name on your "Pro Skier" or Pro Rider" magazine, and enter (or set up) your password.

You may choose to download one of our 'Membership Dues Renewal Forms' and send to our office with cash, check, or credit card information. Click on 'Register/ Forms', then 'Download Forms'.

Please direct membership inquiries to our office, admin@psia-w.org or (530) 587-7642. Please note, our office staffing and hours are reduced in summer in an effort to keep costs low.

Thank you for your membership.

Election Results

Albright, Bussiere, Ettlinger and Pierini elected to PSIA/AASI Western Division Board

Incumbents Craig Albright, Neil Bussiere and Heidi Ettlinger will return as Directors for three year terms. Bussiere was re-elected as Division President, while Craig Albright will retain his position as National Representative. Heidi Ettlinger will continue to serve as Publicty Chair.

Leigh Thompson-Pierini was elected to the Board for the first time, and will serve as Chair of the Education Foundation Committtee.

Retiring Board member Mike Hafer will be sorely missed, but will be a welcome addition to the PSIA/AASI National Demo Team. Way to go Mike!

Board Changes Exam Module policy

Ski/Ride Module 'passes' now carry over to the next season

At the April 17, 2008 PSIA/AASI Western Division Directors meeting, in response to a petition circulated by members, the Board voted to make a significant change in our exam procedures. Beginning next season, a 'pass' in a Level 2 or 3 ski/ride module will carry over into the next consecutive season. This will allow members a bit more flexibility in their path toward certification.

For example, if a Sally Snowboarder passes the Snowboard Level 2 Ride Module in February 2009, that 'pass' will stay active on her record until the end of the 2010 season.

Some caveats:

-Effective Date is August 1, 2008 and will not be applied retroactively to prior years.

-Candidates will still be expected to ski/ride at the certification level being pursued during their Teaching module. In the above example, if Sally waits until the end of the 2010 season to try the Level 2 Teach, she will be expected to execute demos and manuevers consistent with the level demonstrated during her riding module the prior year.