IN THIS ISSUE

LATE WINTER 2004

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PSIA- CENTRAL

2 National Report: A New Name for PSIA/AASI

4 A GIANT Event at Giants Ridge

4 Who Knows What the Future Holds?

5 Boyne. Wow! What an Event!

6 One Ski for a Strong Inside Half

7 AASI Central Division Freestyle Accreditation

8 Why Attend a PSIA-C Women’s Seminar?

10 Flatlanders at the Academy

11 PSIA-C Official Board of Directors Candidates

14 Election Ballot

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)

What is the Education Foundation?By John Reents

PSIA-C really has two different corporations and two Board of Director’s meetings:

• The PSIA-C Corporation is incorporated in the State of Illinois. This is the board that has been elected by PSIA and AASI-C members. The Corporate Board usually focuses on certification issues.

• The PSIA-C Education Foundation (EF) Corporation was incorporated in the State of Michigan on March 25, 1994. Currently, the EF Board includes all directors of the PSIA-C Corporate Board with the addition of John Peppler, the PSIA-C representative to PSIA (National) and David Henderson, the Adaptive Administrator. The EF Board usually focuses on educational issues.

The EF hires PSIA-C Corporate to conduct its business and PSIA-C Corporate hires Eurich Management to conduct its business. Don Eurich, our PSIA-C Corporate Executive Director, takes responsibility for the safe keeping of EF’s valuable historical information, Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, old tax information and donor information.

The purpose of the EF Corporation is to:

1) Establish, develop, administer and promote educational programs for teaching snowsports as a means of public recreation

2) Research new techniques and methodologies of teaching snowsports

3) Develop safety programs to make snowsports safer

4) Develop and participate in the development of snowsports programs for the handicapped and other groups requiring special attention

5) Acquire property for these purposes by grant, gift, purchase, devise or bequest and to hold and dispose of the same within statutory limits in the fulfillment of these purposes.

The EF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donations, gifts and educational fees finance the corporation.

The EF Board has made an effort to keep Adaptive representation on the board. This is also consistent

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Alpine Representatives

1 John Max Reents 651-436-7840 Johnr@aftonalps.com

William M. Dickel 952-475-1515 wdickel@wayzatalaw.com

2 Tom Nelson 262-334-6082 tnelson@nelsoncontainer.com

Dave Kamke 715-536-7038 DKamke@hotmail.com

3 Robin Roberts 319-266-9843 rroberts@cfu.net

Tom McIntosh 847-438-2425 MCMisty@ameritech.net

4 Kris Agnew 989-793-5472 Snag1000@aol.com

Walter B. Sappington 989-345-1052 wdsappington@ejourney.com

5 Douglas Wren 248-543-0042 hdwren@aol.com

James Johnson III 248-814-0433 j2iii@ameritech.net

6 John Cole 937-886-1872 unclejohn@woh.rr.com

Gary Kepler 330-650-5195 suaveknave@aol.com

Nordic Representatives

1,2,3 Laury Lewis 773-327-8111 LBL1948@yahoo.com

4,5,6 Mike Bell 800-875-4241 x2030 totaltel1@aol.com

Snowboard Representative

Mindy Covington 216-310-1173 u321fly@hotmail.com

General Information Members should contact their board representatives to share concerns or opinions on policies or procedures in order that they be more effectively represented.

Submissions: Submissions of articles, photos, and other items for publication are welcome. All documents that are submitted will be published on the web, therefore they should be submitted in Microsoft Word Format (7.0 or higher) with the following header: article name, date and author. Documents can have minimal graphics (GIF/BMP) small size - no photographs (for website). Photographs may be submitted to the office and will be published in the Central Line but will not be published on the web. Please send to the PSIA-C office at the above address. Articles are accepted on the condition that they are released for publication in all PSIA and PSIA division periodicals. PSIA-C reserves the right to edit all articles.

The Central Line, copyright © 2003, is published four times per year by the Professional Ski Instructors of America-Central. Permission is hereby given to the Professional Ski Instructors of America and other divisions to copy original ma-terial from this newsletter providing credit is given to the Professional Ski Instructors of America-Central and the material is not altered. Articles that contain specific copyright notices may not be reprinted unless written permission is obtained from the author. It is requested that a copy of any publication containing reprinted material from this newsletter be sent to the editor at the address above.

Subscriptions: Persons who are not members of PSIA-C can purchase a one-year (four issues) subscription to The Central Line for $15. Send your name and address, along with your check, to PSIA-C at the above address.

Note: Materials published in The Central Line that have been provided by persons who are not writing as PSIA-C officials are the responsibility of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by PSIA-C.

PSIA-C

3225 West St. JosephLansing, Michigan 48917

Phone (517) 327-0601Fax (517) 321-0495info@psia-c.org

2003/2004 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PresidentWilliam M. Dickel

Executive Vice PresidentKris Agnew

Education Vice PresidentMike Bell

Financial Vice PresidentDave P. Kamke

Marketing/Public Relations Vice PresidentMindy Covington

Newsletter EditorMindy Covington

PSIA-N RepresentativeJohn Peppler

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL SKI INSTRUCTORS OF AMERICA - CENTRAL

THE CENTRAL LINE

PSIA-C STAFF

Executive DirectorDonnelly K. Eurich

Director of Continuing Education/Member ServicesKatie HC Poindexter

Administrative ServicesDonna DevereauxKari Brandel

Government Relations/Education CoordinatorKelly Johnston

Publications CoordinatorNancy Hawkins

Administrative SupportKelsey Gregory

Graphic DesignerDavid Conn

What’s in a NameThe National Board of Directors for AASI/PSIA voted to change the corporate name from Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) to American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA) at the October Board of Directors meeting in Lakewood, Colorado. This change has been under discussion for a couple of years and many variations and acronyms were under consideration.

The main reason for this change came from a national marketing position, mostly from the snowboard sector. When PSIA Marketing Director, Mark Dorsey, approached snowboard companies like Palmer and Burton for sponsorship involvement, they were less than open to talk with a ski instruction organization.

Members’ certification name will remain in the certification discipline. Alpine and Nordic instructors will continue to be PSIA members and Snowboard instructors will continue to be AASI members. ASEA is a global corporate name only, much like Proctor and Gamble. We buy brand names like Crest, Ivory, Tide and Cheer, all brands under P&G. Schools and guests will work with PSIA and AASI instructors, all members under ASEA.

ASEA Financial PositionAs the Operations Vice President of ASEA for the past five years (Operations Vice President is the association’s name for Treasurer), I have had the extreme good fortune to work directly with ASEA Executive Director Stephen Over almost every day. Stephen’s job is to manage the personnel and budget daily. With Stephen’s guidance, ASEA has never been in a stronger financial position.

When visiting the Colorado Rocky Mountains, members are encouraged to visit the ASEA offices at 133 S. Van Gordon, Lakewood, Colorado. Say “Hi” to the staff and thank them for the fine job they are doing.

National Report: A New Name for PSIA/AASIBy John Peppler, PSIA-C Representative to National Board

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PatagoniaBy now current members have received a 2004 ASEA Accessories catalogue containing many new and exciting items. Most clothing items come from the Patagonia clothing company, a relatively new ASEA sponsor. The high quality of Patagonia products, and Patagonia’s reputation, are second to none. ASEA looks forward to a long relationship with Patagonia.

Planning for ChangePreceding the Board of Director’s meeting in October, the Board members met with the Division Presidents, the ASEA office staff, and D Team’s Managers for a morning of strategic planning. Strategic planning is a very involved process that has been accomplished by revision every 3 to 5 years. This planning is crucial to providing the very best service, educational materials, and instruction direction for ASEA members.

The process included an environmental assessment that indicated what we were, where we came from, the external influences on our snowsport world, and our future vision. This was a large task that covered more than 80 areas of external influence on our sport and required very forward thinking..

After attempting to absorb as much as possible from the environmental assessment, the all present broke into groups of 5 to 7 people to discuss what was most important. Each group settled on three focus topics, which were then presented to all participants.

After reviewing the topics from each group, about 20 topics we selected and voted upon. These final few issues that were adopted will be further reviewed at the next Board meeting to define “strategic initiatives” to be pursued by ASEA.

Member Passions and ConcernsThe ASEA Board of Directors is very open to each member’s concerns. Any member with an issue should feel free to contact this Central Representative at www.psia.org. Serious issues will be brought to attention of the appropriate person, office or group.

On Sunday, November 30, 2003, the temperature outside in Michigan at 9:43 a.m. was 42 degrees. No ski areas was open in the lower peninsula. The largest PSIA-C on-snow event was scheduled to begin in five days, December 5, at Boyne Highlands. This National Rep had set a “personal best” for an early skiing start at October 25, and was “chomping at the bit.”

By December 5 Boyne Highland was open; runs were covered; grooming was thorough; and the Boyne Workshop was underway with full enthusiasm and excitement. Traveling as a National Representative, no division has been encountered that enjoys greater enthusiasm, excitement, dedication, and passion than that enjoyed by Central’s members. Central may not have mountains, but Central members have snowsports in their blood! PSIA-C

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johnqskier@youremail.comDoesn’t it make sense to carry business cards signifying your expertise as a ski instructor? You can order personalized ski instructor business cards from PSIA-C. Distribute your cards to students, ski schools and other instructors. Cards are two color (blue and red) with raised lettering and feature the official PSIA logo. Your card can include up to 2 title lines and 2 phone lines, plus your address and email. Set up is free.

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Giants Ridge Resort provided a great way to start off the season with a Giant Fall Workhouse! There was great snow and excellent service at the resort thanks to area manager John Filander and ski school director JoAnn Burke. Thank you both SO much!

Workshop events created an outstanding weekend. Earl Saline from the PSIA Snowboard D team was there riding with a group all weekend. Jim Schanzenbaker and Charlie MacArthur from the Alpine D Team were skiing with groups as well.

On Friday, the weekend started with attending school directors getting together and skiing with Jim Schanzenbaker. Meanwhile, the education staffs were on the hill with Charlie MacArthur and Earl Saline. The first Children’s Accreditation and Video Analysis groups held in sections 1, 2 or 3 we conducted. All aspects of the event made such a great success that all want to repeat this Workshop at Giants Ridge every Fall.

A banquet on Saturday evening generated great camaraderie and networking. The D team gave a presentation about Interski 2003 they attended in Switzerland. Steve Over, the PSIA National Executive Director, gave an update about where National is currently, and where National is going in the near future. Also, Central’s president Skip Dickel skied with the ski school directors and moved from group to group over the weekend, visiting with members from the Division. It was a great opportunity to ski with Steve Over from National and our Division president over the weekend. A great time was had by all!

The past, present and future of education in PSIA-Central has come full circle with the advent of new technology. With shaped skis being developed at an amazing rate, and technology being what it is, the future holds some remarkable changes and challenges for our sport. In the past we focused on Centerline—the descriptive absolutes of skiing variables described in detail with some creative, obsolete overview of how a skier should look. Well let me tell you folks, the skiers today are a far cry from what they looked like 20 years ago.

Who Knows What the Future Holds? By Mike Bell, Education VP

Many members commented positively about how the early workshop was “the way” to start off the snowsports season. But for any members who have not yet enjoyed an event this season, IT IS TIME TO GO! See the schedule of events online at www.psia-c.org/events/index.htm! PSIA-C

A GIANT Event at Giants RidgeBy Bill Crandall

Snowboarders came on the scene riding on straight planks with leather tie down bindings to keep their feet from slipping. Just think of what they had in mind when they took their cue from surfing. Presently, many of us think of ourselves as great instructors with no one person being the guru of sliding down a hill. But there have been some remarkable changes from an educational point of view. The mechanics of skiing have changed slightly but the fundamentals, and philosophy, of teaching physics remain the same. Some of us talk about strong inside movement while steering through the turn with the hip. Others remain

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)

Snowboard Development with D Team member Earl Saline.

Skiing Development Group

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The Boyne Highlands event was a smashing success this year with over 200 members attending! We were all nervous, wondering if Mother Nature would help deliver enough cold weather so that the Boyne Highlands snowmaking crew could perform their magic. Well they did just that and MORE! The terrain that they were able to open was in fantastic shape and was well groomed. The accommodations at Boyne Highlands were exceptional as well! Special thanks to all of the staff members at Boyne Highlands who helped make this event possible.

For those of you who did not make this year’s event you may want to put

we had time to socialize and mix with other members as well as the check out the latest gear.

Howard Krisher, former PSIA-C President, was our MC for the night. He did an outstanding job of conducting PSIA Official Business, recognizing attendees, presenting awards and much more. Mark Dorsey gave a short inspiring speech about the National Office and what it means to be a part of PSIA. The long and short of it is the friendships that we develop make this such a great organization.

Tom Anderson, PSIA Level II & U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame Executive Committee Member, spoke to us about the Ski Hall and how we are working towards building a display that represents our organization. For more about the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame, plan to attend the PSIA-C event at Marquette Michigan March 19-21. There will be a social gathering Saturday evening at the Hall. PSIA-C

Boyne. Wow! What an Event!By John S. Keating, PSIA-C Education Staff Member

We also had a special guest in Mark Dorsey. Mark was here representing the National Office. He could be seen carving turns all weekend as he joined in with many different groups throughout the weekend.

Members had the opportunity to meet with their section representatives at the conclusion of the Saturday on snow activities.

Saturday evening we were in for a special treat with the vendor display that was set up. The participation of the vendors was outstanding as

The PSIA-C Boyne Alpine Education staff from Sections 4, 5, and 6.

PSIA-C Ski School Directors at PSIA-C 2003 Boyne Highlands event.

this event back on your calendar next year. There were plenty of different events to pick ranging from Alpine, Children’s, Snowboard to Nordic.

We had the pleasure of seeing three PSIA National Demo Team Members carving the hill up over the weekend. This year we had Jill Matlock, Rob Sogard and Sean Warman to educate us with the latest and greatest.

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A common problem encountered when transitioning between basic parallel turns and carved turns is the fear of moving the center of mass downhill across the skis and the weak ‘inside half’ caused by that fear. It is difficult for most people to consciously ‘throw’ their body down the hill, and in many cases that will never happen unless an exercise pushes a person to do it.

One exercise (of many) that promotes this commitment is skiing on one ski. If you notice a higher level student–or even yourself–moving back on their skis at the beginning of a turn and not really making a clean transition (their center of mass does not flow through the turn), the following progression may be helpful.

This exercise can help a broad range of skiers, from those just beginning to ski parallel to experienced carvers. The only difference is that more experienced skiers might possess more prerequisite skills for this than others. With enough practice, though, any skier can use this.

Starting Off Since it is likely that the student has never tried skiing on one ski, you can begin by simply traversing the slope on the uphill ski. Have the student point their other ski downhill, to open the hips downhill and promote good balance. Repeat this as many times as is necessary in both directions to feel comfortable on only one ski, and being careful to encourage angulation of the hips to balance, instead of simply banking the whole body over the ski. This is a great opportunity to help the student feel and understand how they should be balanced over the ski, since in a traverse the skier is moving slowly and will be able to concentrate on this one concept. Experiment with a few

positions to allow the student to grasp the importance of the correct body position; the end result of this should be a carved track curving uphill.

Javelin Turns Javelin turns are covered in much more detail on page 36 of the Level III Study Guide. You may want to read over that section before continuing. Once the student feels confident in a one-ski traverse, begin slowly making turns downhill with the lifted ski constantly pointed to the bottom of the hill to keep the hips countered (but remember that this is an exercise and is not usually necessary to counter to such a degree in usual skiing situations). A javelin turn is performed on one ski, the outside ski. In completion of an old turn, shift from the outside ski to the inside ski and initiate a new turn...the “old turn inside” ski becoming the “new turn outside” ski. Do this several times, resulting in a series of turns on the outside ski.

Same Ski Once the student gets the hang of javelin turns, cut out the ski change between turns. The student will pick one ski to be used the entire time–the other should not touch the ground. Half of these turns will not be new. They will be just like the javelin turns where that ski was on the outside. When it becomes the inside ski is where this becomes toughest–and where the student learns the most. If this seems like too large of a leap for your student, at first let them use the other leg for balance, but only to sense the snow. No pressure should be applied to it.

Again, the ski that is not in contact with the snow should be aimed downhill at all times, and the student should always be moving the hips into the turn, not just tipping into it.

Switch legs often (about every ten turns), since everyone has a strong and weak side, and the student likely began with the strong side.

Beyond One Ski To extend this exercise further, keep both skis in contact with the snow, but pressure the inside ski more on each turn, maybe 80/20–80 percent of your pressure on the inside, 20 percent on the outside. Returning to free skiing after the above progression, you should notice that your student’s turns seem much cleaner; their center of mass will now flow efficiently through the entire turn.

Application In the Alpine Technical Manual, PSIA introduced its ‘Stepping Stones’ concept, which basically tells us to base teaching progressions on the needs and abilities of the student, instead of the cookie-cutter approach of a generic progression that is applied to everyone.

The progression presented here is general enough that it can be easily adapted to many situations. Some students may need an extra step or two between javelin turns and skiing completely on one ski, while some might even be able to make the leap from the traverse to linked turns. Some could pick up on moving their hips into the turn immediately, and others could have trouble and require additional exercises for that particular movement. The point here is that there is quite a bit of room for lateral learning and extra steps, and that it will be rare for every skier to achieve the desired outcome without deviating somewhat from this progression. Don’t just apply the same approach to everyone.

Conclusion Following these steps will enable your student to make smoother turns, and will produce a more confident, happier, and more satisfied student. PSIA-C

One Ski For a Strong Inside Halfby Jeff Hyde, PSIA-C Level II Instructor

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AASI Central Division Freestyle Accreditation 2003/2004February 21 & 22, 2004Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area, MN

Prerequisites: AASI certified Level 1 or higher

This two-day education/accreditation event will test your ability to coach and perform introductory and intermediate snowboard freestyle maneuvers.

Day 1: a preparatory clinic session focusing on the freestyle skills that participants will be expected to demonstrate during the testing portion of Day 2.

Day 2: Day two will focus on comparing candidates’ skills to the outlined performance standards at the Fundamental Freestyle Level.

A note of caution: during the two days you will be riding a halfpipe as well as several challenging

features in the terrain park. Safety for all the participants will be of the highest priority. You may be asked or feel you are required to perform beyond your ability level. It is your responsibility to know and stay within what you can handle.

Examples of skills that candidates may be asked to perform:

Ground Tricks Flat spins, ollies to 180, manual/wheelie to 180

Park Kickers (over at least a 5 foot table)

Straight airs

Straight airs with grabs

180 both directions

360 both directions

Ask the ExpertsMembers this column is for you! Please submit your questions (technical, teaching, equipment, skiing/riding) for the upcoming newsletter to the office (and cc: Mindy Covington @ u321fly@hotmail.com) no later than March 15, 2004. We need you to succeed. This column is for all disciplines.

Fundamental Freestyle Level

$150 for 2 DaysLevel I Certification Required

Rails50/50 full length of flat, mild kinked or rainbow rail

PipeAt or above lip for every hit

Single grabs

CoachingDemonstrate appropriate safety precautions and park/pipe etiquette

Be able to enhance the freestyle skills of clinic participants

Utilize simple progressions to build skills necessary for successful completion of freestyle maneuvers

Use teaching methods and movement analysis consistent with AASI literature (e.g. Core Concepts)

This course is designed to acknowledge coaches who have exceptional abilities in freestyle instruction. PSIA-C

old school by talking about separation only happening with one part of the body. More and more of us are cross training with other disciplines, using these experiences as tools to help us connect with a new student. Whatever your description or interpretation; the facts speak for themselves. There are several ways to teach and we all need to be creative and flexible in our approaches. These approaches to creative education make us better instructors, keeping us from getting bored with teaching the same old thing.

Who knows what the future holds? Skiing and snowboarding numbers will continue to fluctuate, and we need to be cognizant of this. Mindful of these changes, our education staffs are continuing to work on bringing you the latest information, either by web page, video or written periodicals published on a national scale. Our snowboard staff is working on program development. Our alpine staff is working on video demonstrations for training. Our Administrators are organizing D-Team participation at events. So I say to all of you, we have the past, present and future of Snowsports covered with people who are dedicated to you, our members. The next time you take an event, reflect on this and you’ll see the full circle. PSIA-C

(WHO KNOWS WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4)

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Why Attend a PSIA-C Women’s Seminar?By Vicki Garves Berg

“We Had Fun!!! Thank you!”

“This event was WONDERFUL!!!”

“The Best lesson I ever had… My skiing improved so much”

“Met new friends and I had a great time!”

“Our group leaders were fabulous. Thank You !!!”

“Never had so much fun on the 1st day, couldn’t believe the 2nd day was even BETTER!”

“I can’t believe how much I improved, how much I learned, and how much fun I had!!!

“This was the best two days of skiing ever”

“Well organized, the best PSIA-C event I ever attended.”

“What a value !! UNBELIEVABLE!!!

“I felt so comfortable, not pushed, I could work on my skiing and improve at my own pace. Thank you, I loved it!!!”

“I’ll be back next year and the next… The best event ever!!!”

If you have ever asked: “Why should I attend a PSIA-C Women’s Seminar?” the above responses pretty much say it all. They all were taken off the event evaluations from past Women’s seminars.

This event is always well attended, and fills very quickly. The members who have attended have had excellent experiences. Skiing skills have been refined, confidence has been reinforced, and a network of friends has grown. Women express and display individual comfort levels, from where they can extend themselves with confidence and support, in a safe, supportive environment. Many attendees can’t wait to return the next year, and many attend every year.

This season the Women’s Seminar is scheduled at Afton Alps on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 31 & Feb.1, 2004. The group leaders for this event will be current PSIA National Demo Team members Megan Harvey, Jill Sickels Matlock, and Head D-Team Manager Katie Fry. Additionally, the Spring Rally in Vail, CO. on April 8 & 9, 2004, will present a women’s group lead by either Carol Levine or Dee Bryne.

Check your “Central Line” and info@psia-c.com for an event application and details. SIGN UP EARLY!

If you are still asking yourself, “WHY?”, come to the Women’s Seminars and find out for yourself… You Will Have FUN!! PSIA-C

Upcoming Central Division Women’s EventsSnowboarding

Snowboard Women’s Group

Schuss Mt., MichiganMarch 6-7, 2004Cost: $100

Alpine

Alpine Mini Women’s Academy Boston Mills/Brandywine, OhioFebruary 7-8, 2004(D-Team)Cost: $140

Alpine Women’s Group Schuss Mt., MichiganMarch 6-7, 2004Cost: $100

Alpine Women’s Group Spring RallyVail, ColoradoApril 8-9, 2004(D-Team)Cost: $140

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(WHAT IS THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

with our Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, our IRS 501c3 status; which emphasizes adaptive snowsports instruction education. This is the only forum where PSIA-C adaptive instructors are represented at the board level.

The current officers are:

President: Thomas Nelson

Executive Vice President: John Reents

Financial Vice President: Dave Kamke

Secretary: Mindy Covington

We are committed to promoting the Education Foundation by raising awareness and funds for snowsports education.

Doug Wren, one of the founders of the E.F., and Jimmy Johnson volunteered to come up with fundraising ideas. Some of their marketing ideas are:

• Flyer to all participants at events, hand out at all exams

• Fish bowl at all events–Donations

• Ed staff to mention to all groups during the season, ed staff to promote

• Banner for all large events, make banner to hang at all events

• News releases of events and charitable events to news and media

• News articles on the website

• Donation jars at ski school desks, newsletter at all ski school desks for the public to read

• Partner with MSAA (Midwest Ski Areas Association), We participated in their trade show this summer.

We need your help to find projects so that people have a reason to commit. The EF is currently funding the training and development of the Adaptive education staff in the central division with $1,500 for this current season.

YOUR DONATIONS ARE GREATLY NEEDED AND APPRECIATED!!!

Please donate $10, $20, or more if you can!

Please send your donations to:

The PSIA-C Education Foundation3225 W. St. Joseph StreetLansing, MI 48917

If you sponsor a student, a special scholarship will be issued in your name.

Many ski schools in the Midwest need Adaptive equipment that costs several thousands of dollars. Your donation is important!

Thank you for your support! PSIA-C

PSIA-C Education Foundation Donation Form Yes, I want to make a donation

Name Phone

address City State Zip

Credit Card Type: Master Card Visa Amount

Card Number Name on Card

Signature

Send in your donations to: PSIA-C Education foundation, 3225 West St. Joseph, Lansing, MI 48917

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For those of us who teach in the Midwest, trips out West are the elixir that raises our spirits, hones are skills, and challenges our skiing. Steeps, the high alpine environment, long runs, lots of vertical, powder (if we are lucky), and plenty of snow are what most of us relish. Yet, no trip out West, I believe, is more worthwhile and rewarding than a week at the PSIA National Academy, held each Spring. This year’s Academy had 180 participants and over 20 staff persons. And, the Academies are not just held any place. When it hasn’t been held abroad (2 years ago at Whistler/Blackholm in Canada, 6 years ago at Val d’Isere in France), the Academy has usually taken place at Snowbird, Utah, where it will be held again this coming Spring.

So, let’s begin with the ‘Bird. Snowbird, while it naturally has some interesting intermediate terrain, has some of the most exciting, advanced conditions anywhere, covering 2500 acres and over 3000 vertical. Blues would be Blacks at most other places, Blacks would be double Blacks, double blacks are often something else, while there are unmarked runs and chutes that make one wonder what one is doing there. The tram (which holds 125 passengers) takes approximately 6 minutes to go from the base to the top of Hidden Peak—so called because it is sometimes enshrouded in white-out snow or fog. If one is up to it, there are lots of various ways to make top to bottom runs without stopping.

During the Winter, the ‘Bird gets over 500 inches of some of the lightest snow anywhere. During late April at the time of the Academy, you never know what to expect—warm sunshine and softer snow, wet, heavy dumps, or the light powder. We were lucky in that we had lots of sunshine, along with several days of one to two foot deep powder of the relatively light variety.

But, this only scratches the surface. First there are the Academy groups, led by PSIA National Demonstration Team members and former members. The groups, mostly self-selected, range from hard-charging “We’ll

jump off anything” D’team hopefuls and former Olympians (who the clinicians are hard-pressed to keep up with) to those who want a relatively mellow, relaxed, instructional or recreational experience, with most of us somewhere in between. I was fortunate to be in a group led by Victor Gerdin, a superb skier and group leader. Since there is now a joint Snowbird/Alta lift ticket, we upgraded for ten dollars and skied for one day of our clinic at Alta. On the off-clinic day I skied with former D’team coach Mike Porter, who has the distinct ability to succinctly help one focus on the task at hand. One of my favorite lines from Mike was when we looked down a steep challenging run and he said, “The hardest turn to make is the first one. Don’t let every turn be your first turn.” Or in the words of the prophet, Go for it! So, to be in a compatible, convivial skiing group, coached by the best, on varying, challenging, terrain and snow, is a wonderful experience. But, that’s not all. At the base each day are tents with numerous vendors with next year’s equipment, ready to loan you what you want for the day, gratis.

The skiing, and instruction, while reason enough to go to the National Academy is only a small part of what is offered. Where to begin... The accommodations are superb. All of us stay in the Cliff Lodge, a really classy place with nice, modern rooms, outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs, a first-rate fitness center, and numerous restaurants. In the late afternoon and early evening there are numerous clinics and lectures. One of the more popular on-snow clinics was for men, on teaching women. There were also workshops on bootfitting, international skiing, nordic skiing, teaching children, as well as lots of info on new ski design and technique—everything to help one stay an up-to-date knowledgeable expert on and teacher of modern skiing.

There was, as usual, a sizeable contingent of us from Central. One of the wonderful benefits is meeting new people and seeing old friends. For the Academy is, above all, social, sitting in the hot tub after a day of ripping it up, having a drink or dinner together. I have found that there are friends from the division, especially from across the Lake, that I almost never see or ski with, except at the Academy.

The Academy this year will again be at Snowbird, April 19-24, 2003. You can come early and/or stay late, since the lift ticket covers an extra day. See you there. PSIA-C

Flatlanders at the AcademyBy Mike Goldfield, Ski Instructor at Pine Knob Resort, Michigan

Ski and Watch Le Tour de France live.

Les 2 Alpes Summerski Camp.www. summerskicamp.com or call 202-338-0079

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Section 1

Jeff Lewin

My name is Jeff Lewin and I am running for the open Alpine Section 1 Seat on the PSIA/AASI-C Board. My platform is based on three principles: Innovation, respect, and communication. Check out my resume and read more about my platform at www.geocities.com/jeff4bod.

I’m an everyday instructor trying to fit a passionate avocation into an otherwise busy life. Over the last 18 years I’ve been a member of Central, Intermountain, and Rocky Mountain divisions of PSIA/AASI, and have taught in Utah, Colorado, Australia, Austria, and of course

right here in Minnesota. I have been an instructor, trainer, and coach, and I am currently employed by PSIA/AASI-C as an Alpine Examiner and a Snowboard Examiner. As your Section 1 Representative I will bring this wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board of Directors to represent Section 1. Thank you for your vote!

Section 2

Brent Heimann

Hi, my name is Brent Heimann and I am running for the BOD position in Section 2. I grew up teaching with Snowstar Ski School out of Milwaukee, and skiing at Sunburst, Little Switzerland, and Wilmot. I currently go to Medical School at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and am a trainer/instructor for Cascade Mountain. In addition, I have been on Ed. Staff for three years, and I am currently an Examiner for PSIA-C. I believe I can help promote both snow sports and snow sports instruction by serving as your representative on the Board. I am particularly interested in expanding the breadth of experiences available to instructors through an education from PSIA. If you have any questions contact me at brheimann@students.wisc.edu

Section 1Jeff Lewin

Section 2Brent Heimann

Section 3Robin Roberts

2004 PSIA-C Board CandidatesSection 6Gary Keppler

Sections 1,2,3Chuck Ankeny

PSIA-C OFFICIAL BOARDOF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

Section 4Kris AgnewSteve Seely

Section 5Jim JohnsonMark Foytek

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Section 3

Robin Roberts

(Bio Not Available)

Section 4

Kris Agnew

I accept the nomination for the PSIA-C Board of Directors. I believe that my past service on the PSIA-C as a Board member and as Education Certification Chair over the past years has given the board stability. My experience is what is needed to help PSIA-C move into the future.

There are new PSIA-C programs, like Pathway, that are in the works that I would like to see completed. My time and experience on the Education Certification Committee will be needed on the board and on the education staff. I also currently serve as the Executive Vice President of PSIA-C. As always, I look forward to serving you the members and thank you for your vote.

Steve Seely

With more than 40 years of skiing, racing, teaching, coaching, area tech rep, plus affiliations with PSIA, USSA and FIS, and an industry understanding through my “fun job” skier services business, I have a fairly good understanding of what PSIA-C is all about. My “real job” has included running several

financial services corporations, and many contributions on national, regional and statewide professional associations-as a committee member and chairperson. Understanding and focusing organization roles and goals is one of my assets.

In the past ten years, ski instruction has focused on trying to understand more about the integration of biomechanics with constantly evolving equipment technology-and how we must all continually adapt with new training and teaching methods. I support the new PSIA-C structure and external management arm. They have been proactive and thorough.

My emphasis would be to support the relevancy of PSIA-C to its client base-the professional skier, and its constituent base-the student. We need to be part of

a team effort with camaraderie and mutual success as the focal point. We all succeed and fail based on each other-and our experienced membership needs to pass on their skills and knowledge in a mentoring style to increase participation and interest. I advocate a thorough review of the certification processes on an annual basis to ensure they are up to date and evaluate what our members need to know to help their students be safe, have fun, and return for more.

Finally, it would be helpful to determine how the benefit of PSIA skills can be re-marketed to area owners/managers and the public as a valuable training and coaching aid to the safety and fun of skiing. PSIA-C should position our members as the preferred professionals on snow for skills enhancement and performance improvement. We all deserve to have our experience, training and education rewarded as a value-added service at resorts. Thank you for your vote.

Section 5

Mark Foyteck

Hi, my name is Mark Foyteck, and I have been asked by some of my fellow instructors to run for the Alpine Board of Directors. I have spent many years with ski instructors, from my beginnings as a student at Pine Knob Ski School, to my later days as an instructor and clinician for

Pine Knob, and now at Winter Walden.

During this time we have gone from long, straight skis, in and out of the older “parabolic” skis, and now to the shorter, shaped skis. Along the way I have also taken the time to explore “snow blades” and snowboarding. With each of these changes has come the need to generate new ideas, new teaching styles, and new ways to communicate; not just with our clients, but also with our other PSIA members.

I have realized that PSIA is our best facility to provide consistency and coordination throughout our sport, and that we, as members, need to utilize our organization as much as possible. PSIA provides the environment in which these ideas and techniques can be developed and shared, resulting in a consistent presentation to our customers. Our active participation in PSIA can only benefit us and our industry in the long run.

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I feel that I can enter my term of service with an open mind, and help foster new and creative ideas that will assist PSIA-C to strengthen it’s current foundation, while building a bridge to future of snowsports.

Thank you for your time, and thanks, in advance, for your vote.

Jim Johnson

Level III Certified, Ski School Director, Ski School Director Representative-Section 5, Ten-time National Academy participant, CEO Blizzard Ski and Snowboard School.

Serving on the PSIA-C Board of Directors is a prestigious and important function. To serve well, a member must

have intelligence, enthusiasm, experience, and the all-important factor of time to devote to the organization. Please make a brief statement regarding the above items and why you feel you can do a good job as a member of the PSIA-C Board of Directors.

Since taking ownership of Blizzard Ski School in the early 1990’s, I have managed to more than double enrollment, despite a declining market. I attribute this accomplishment to working very closely with our best customers - My Instructors! Helping develop training and requiring them to become a PSIA member has proven successful. During my last two years on the Board, The change to a Management Co. to run our office has proven to benefit the member. The budget has been devoting more dollars toward developing Education for the member. And two proposals: “Education Event Credit every 4 years” and “Reduced Membership Fees” for active high school/college students still remain in effect. My goal as your representative is to voice your needs and wants to the Board.

Elect me and I will make you PSIA-C’s best customer.

Section 6

Gary Keppler

I am currently one of the Section 6 representatives to the Board of Directors and I am seeking re-election for a second term.

Many positive changes have occurred within our division during the last several years, and yet there are significant challenges ahead. It is extremely

important that the board be represented by a cross section of the membership; snow sports school directors, examiners and other ed staff members, and regular members such as myself who represent a majority of the membership. This will help to insure that all points of view are considered and all voices are heard.

I have fourteen years teaching experience at Boston Mills/Brandywine and have been a member of PSIA-C for eleven years. I have over 30 years experience in service related businesses and have served on the boards of several other organizations.

Please exercise your right and vote. I appreciate and welcome your support.

Section 1, 2, 3

Chuck Ankeny

42 Years Old. Deephaven, MN

Like many boarders of my generation, I began life as a skier. While I had my share of Snurfers and other homemade snow sliding contraptions, skiing was the primary focus of childhood vacations. I built my first snowboard, complete with bicycle inner tube bindings, in 1984, promptly carried it to the top of Mt. Shasta one clear and cold January weekend, and rode it straight down Avalanche Gulch. I’ve come a long way since then! All of my early boarding was learned by trial and error, with emphasis on the latter. It wasn’t until the mid 1990’s that I began formal PSIA/AASI training/certification at the insistence of the ski school who’s boarding program I had taken a leadership role in. What I wasn’t prepared for was how much I learned through the certification process!

I still keep my skiing roots alive, having just completed my Ski Racing Club Coach certification but my passions lie with snowboarding. I have watched AASI struggle to differentiate and maintain it’s own identity under PSIA and am please with the direction AASI seems to be headed. I am eager to help define a positive future for the organization but come with no predefined agenda.

Certifications: PSIA Level 1, AASI Level 3, AASI Central Division Education Staff, USSA Alpine Coach

Education: BS degree in Engineering/Economics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

Currently employed by Snowboard Graphics, a company I founded in 2002, I have a broad background in business, finance and marketing.

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VOTE! Remember you can make a difference! Get involved.

There are several seats on the PSIA-C Board of Directors in contest. You should carefully consider the candidates and cast your ballot so it is received by PSIA-C no later than March 15, 2004.

Active Certified Level I, II, III and Lifetime Honorary members in good standing, whose current dues are paid and who reside in the same section’s as the candidate for whom they are voting, are eligible to vote. Affiliate members, Basic Instructors, Registered Instructors, inactive and alumni certified members are not eligible to vote.

Eligible members may vote by completing the election ballot and mailing the ballot so that it is

Official PSIA-C Election Ballot for the Board of DirectorsProfessional Ski Instructors of America - Central, 3225 West St. Joseph, Lansing, MI 48917

Telephone: 517-327-0601 Fax: 517-321-0495E-Mail: info@psia-c.org

Print name of the candidate for whom you are voting your section number

Your Discipline

I am a current, dues paid, active Certified Level I, II, III or Lifetime Honorary member in good standing and eligible to vote in this election.

Print your name Sign your name Division Membership number

received in the PSIA-C office no later than March 15, 2004.

If a member wishes to cast a secret ballot, the completed ballot shall be sealed in a plain envelope and marked “secret ballot”. The ballot envelope shall be sealed in an outer envelope containing the member’s signature, membership number and return address, and no ballots or inner envelopes shall contain reference to the member’s identity.

ELECTION VOTING RULES

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SKI TEACHING IN SPANISHOR PORTUGUESE

Translations to teach children or adults. Handbooks, manuals or cassette tapes with text.

Go to www.skiteaching.com

Enor Martinez3508 Virginia Way

Salt Lake City, Utah 84109

(801) 466-9039 yoskio@comcast.net

Your Opportunity to

ADVERTISEAdvertise your program, product, ski school, used equipment swap or any other snowsport item in the

PSIA-C newsletter. We offer classified Ads and Display Ads.

Classified Ads:Classified Ads are line type ads run in

a specific section of the newsletter. Classified ads may vary in size and rates depending on the number of

words in the ad.

PSIA-C Member Ski Schools:

Help Wanted Ads - No ChargeOther Classified Ads - $10.00 minimum for

30 words or less, plus $.20 per word over 30.

Other Schools, Persons, or Organizations:

All Classified Ads - $20.00 minimum for 30 words or less,

plus $.25 per word over 30.

Note: Long numbers and similar text (e.g. e-mail, addresses, etc.) will be

divided into words for the purpose of calculating the ad rate.

Camera Ready Display Ads:

Full Page 7 1/2” x 10” $350.00

One Half Page 7 1/2” x 5” $250.00

Quarter 3 1/2” x 5” $120.00

Eighth 3 1/2” x 2 1/2” $60.00

Display Ads will be set off from the surrounding text.

New Children’s Accreditation Pin’s Are Out!

New Alpine Written ExamsThe written exams have been updated to compliment our new Core Concepts book and Alpine Technical Manual. The revised exams are being reviewed by the education staff and will be put into use this season! Watch your email and the website for official implementation dates of the new exams.

Snowboard Accreditation Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21-22, 2004 at the Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area. For more information, call PSIA-C 517-327-0601

Spring FlingVail, Colorado, April 8 & 9, 2004Come join your fellow alpine and snowboard members out west. Several type of groups offered including women’s and snowboard. As usual lift tickets will be included in your 2-day event fee. Look for more information on the PSIA-C website.

PSIA-C NEWS IN BRIEF

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PSIA-C3225 West St. JosephLansing, Michigan 48917

Pre-sortedFirst-Class Mail

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Lansing, MIPermit #899

Contact Central Line Editor, Mindy Covington at: Email: u321fly@hotmail.com216-310-1173

Questions?Comments?

Compliments?

Complaints?

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Open auditions for snowboard Ed StaffFeb. 28 & 29 at Boyne and March 6 & 7 at Welch Village, MN

Remember to vote by March 15, 2004.

Women’s Group AvailableSchuss Mountain, March 6-7, 2004 $100 for 2 DaysThis two-day education event will focus on biomechanical and movement pool exploration using the movement concept (flexion/extension and rotation) and performance concept (edge angle, rotation, pressure, and torsional flex). We will explore women-specific equipment and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of gender-specific equipment. Lastly, we will explore the dynamics of teaching women at various ages. This education event is taught by women for women.