PSIA-AASI National Team Highlights Prime Accomplishments

The PSIA-AASI National Team will train together in Vail, Colorado, at the end of this week, putting the cap on a remarkable three-season term (shortened by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic) that saw them refine the Learning Connection Model, introduce the Unified Assessment Form, and make significant strides toward national alignment.

Here are just a few of the team’s personal highlights, including how each accomplishment benefited PSIA-AASI members across the country. You can read more here.

Q: This team has achieved a lot in a short time — including representing the association at Interski 2023, continued refinement of the Learning Connection, and working toward the target date to align certification processes. What achievements stand out to you?

A: The last few years have been action-packed, especially for adaptive. We approved new adaptive alpine national standards, which was a huge project as part of our strategic alignment across regions. The amount of work that has gone into this project from both team members, the National Task Force, and the regions definitely stand out.

Alongside the adaptive standards, presenting at Interski, and showing up as a leader within the adaptive global community was a huge achievement for our team. I felt like we were able to mentor and positively influence other countries who still had developing adaptive standards and programs. Compared to most of the world, we are far ahead in both thought and equipment when it comes to adaptive, and it was rewarding to be able to share our knowledge and experience on a global scale.

– PSIA-AASI Adaptive Team member Christina Bruno

A: How quickly we as “One Team” came together in the wake of the COVID experience was a testament to the contributions of every individual on the team.

At Interski, our team’s synchro ski and ride performances were even better than Bulgaria [Interski 2019 in Pamporovo] due to our training opportunities, which were apparent by the positive comments. The all-women ski performance was an amazing and powerful demonstration to witness as well.

Also, the general concept of “decision-making” and the specific awareness of what influences our decision-making, as well as the impact of using a decision-making process versus not using one. Finally, the refinement of the Performance Guides as a training tool and as a guide to help with unified assessment across all regions. Shared criteria are the foundation for equitable assessment at all levels.

– PSIA Alpine Team member Brian Smith

A: What stands out is how this team began as all the technical, teaching, and people skills were just hitting their stride and being worked out in real time. Despite the newness of so much content, the team worked to refine the understanding and ownership of the real value of the Learning Connection Model to what we do on the mountain every day. We delivered that content to our membership, then also delivered that content to the world.

One of the most exciting things was showing how we can assess and train people skills. After the team introduced them at Pamporovo in 2019, the world was waiting to see how we developed content to train instructors to better employ people skills and assess their application during certification assessment events. It was exciting how the world followed the hard work of all PSIA-AASI instructors identifying and working to improve how we interact with our students.

– AASI Snowboard Team member Brian Donovan

A: First and foremost, our participation in Interski 2023 was a remarkable milestone. This global event not only showcased our team’s expertise but also facilitated international knowledge exchange, enhancing our skills and perspectives.

Equally noteworthy is the ongoing refinement of the Learning Connection. This educational framework is integral to our teaching methodology, and our team’s commitment to its improvement demonstrates our dedication to providing the best learning experiences for our students. It reflects our adaptability and commitment to staying at the forefront of snowsports instruction.

Lastly, the target date set to align certification processes is a significant achievement. This initiative will standardize and streamline certification procedures, ensuring consistency and quality in our programs nationwide. It underscores our team’s commitment to excellence and our continuous efforts to enhance the educational experience for instructors and students.

– PSIA Alpine Team member Brenna Kelleher