What is the PSIA National Team??
pc: Linda Guerette
Not to be confused with the United States Ski Team which highlights the country’s most competitive ski racers, the PSIA National Team represents the highest level of ski instructors in the country.
Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA-AASI) is the governing body responsible for instructor certification and curriculum development for ski schools in the United States. The PSIA-AASI National Team is made up of 37 individuals who demonstrate exemplary interpersonal skills, inspirational teaching methods, and refined technical performance. Of the 37 team members, 3 of those individuals represent the Cross Country portion of the team.
Becoming part of the PSIA-AASI National Team requires a deep dedication to learning, mentoring, and advancing snowsports education. Candidates must have achieved PSIA Level III certification— a milestone typically reached after five to seven years of teaching experience and advanced training. This certification is both rigorous and foundational for those aspiring to join the National Team, however only the footing for additional specializations earned (Children’s Specialist, Freestyle Specialist, etc.).
Team members are passionate educators who spend additional time training, mentoring, and inspiring peers. Many also pursue roles on the PSIA-AASI regional education staff, a path that involves further skill-building in facilitation, group management and additional apprenticeship under experienced mentors.
National Team members are not only skilled on snow but also driven by a selfless commitment to uplifting others and continually advancing their craft at the highest levels of accuracy, performance, and creativity.
Team Selections are held every four years and consist of a rigorous multi-day evaluation process where candidates are assessed on their personal ski performance, and the teaching, technical, and people skills that define them as inspirational educators. Upon being selected for the team, all discipline representatives (Alpine, Snowboard, Adaptive, XC, & Telemark) commit to a 4 year term in which they support the development of PSIA-AASI educational materials, encourage growth of the sport, and facilitate the personal and professional growth of other ski instructors across the country.
After four full days in April 2024 of indoor and on snow assessments & interviews, the new PSIA National Team was announced! It's a challenging week of bringing your best and always being 'on'. I'm pleased to say I made the team!
This will be my second term on the PSIA XC Team.
