New Video: Gender Equity in Snowsports Instruction

In this new video, shot live at Interski 2023 in Levi, Finland, PSIA Alpine Team member Ann Schorling discusses her keynote speech from the event, “Gender Equity in Snowsports Instruction.”

Ann’s address, which drew a standing ovation from the international congress of snowsports instructors, was one of the highlights of an international education event that celebrated gender inclusion.

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.

Watch the video to hear Ann go more in-depth on how gender equity impacts instructors at higher levels of certification and across disciplines.

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.”