As a ski and snowboard instructor at Stevens Pass, you are encouraged to pursue professional development and certification.
The Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) is a nonprofit education association that establishes certification standards for ski and snowboard instructors and develops education materials for instructor training. In Washington, we are members of the Northwest Division of PSIA-AASI. When you join PSIA-AASI, you are becoming a member of both the national organization and the Northwest Division.
In general, PSIA-AASI develops the certification standards, creates education materials, provides marketing support, and participates on your behalf with other organizations at a national level. At the same time, the Northwest Division conducts education clinics and certification and provides membership services in our region.
To become a certified ski or snowboard instructor, you must become a member and then attend an on-snow certification event. In-house Level 1 certification exams are offered throughout the season here, at Stevens Pass.
There are numerous benefits to becoming a certified instructor, including learning to be a better teacher, earning the ability to teach higher-level lessons, and increased pay. Here at Stevens Pass, we provide free in-house training to prepare you for certification. When you achieve a new level of certification you receive a pay raise to acknowledge your new level of professional development. In addition, we will reimburse you for achieving certification.
PSIA-AASI and the Northwest Division provide many different and complementary benefits. Some of these benefits include:
PSIA & AASI – Resources
National = www.thesnowpros.com
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- Free subscription to 32 Degrees: The Journal of Professional Snowsports Instruction available both in print and digitally
- Access members-only pro offers and discounts from partnered brands
- Shop in the members-only PSIA-AASI Accessories Catalog
- Order educational manuals to deepen your understanding
- Get news and updates in their member e-newsletter
- Join the online community and discuss ski and snowboard instruction with other instructors all over the country
North West = www.psia-nw.org/
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- Members can attend any training event offered by PSIA-AASI i.e. Cross Country, Telemark, Alpine, Snowboard, Adaptive, Freestyle, or Kids for continuing education credit
- Local Scholarships
- Discounted lift tickets at many Northwest Mountain member schools