Interski 2023: The Value of Gender Inclusion

PSIA Alpine Team member Ann Schorling’s Interski 2023 keynote address titled “Increasing Gender Equity in Snowsports Instruction” in Levi, Finland, was one of the highlights of an international education event that celebrated gender inclusion.

Held every four years, #interski2023 brought together 1,500 attendees, including top instructors from more than 30 countries, to share teaching techniques to help make learning to ski or snowboard easier and more fun for anyone who takes a lesson.

“Each team member nailed their workshops, lectures, and performance runs,” said PSIA-AASI National Team Head Coach Jeb Boyd. “The event was capped by Ann Schorling’s keynote presentation followed by a standing ovation.”

Ann presented on how to increase gender equity in snowsports instruction at a local level. Her presentation shared the research she conducted in partnership with Big Sky Resort in Montana and offered suggestions on how to help improve gender equity among instructors and in leadership positions in the snowsports industry.

According to Ann, worldwide women account for less than 40 percent of all skier visits, and that number has changed little in the past 20 years. Also, the percentage of snowsports instructors identifying as women is lower than 40 percent.

“For the people who consider gender bias a problem, I want them to know we can talk about it, and we can work together to create tools to address it for the benefit of everyone,” said Ann. “Gender inclusivity is part of the guest experience, and this is a valuable time to be talking about this issue.”

“Interski highlighted instructors’ passion for creating enjoyable, effective, and meaningful guest experiences – the passion for professional snowsports instruction is alive and well across the world,” said PSIA-AASI Chief Executive Officer Peggy Hiller. “To improve the guest experience, instructors from across the globe are focusing on making our industry stronger by addressing equity and inclusion issues. Ann Shorling was a shining star on this topic with her highly successful Interski keynote address, and I encourage all our members and member schools to watch the video of this address.”

Watch Schorling’s presentation: