The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) has announced the appointment of Maggie Loring to its esteemed National Board of Directors, where she will represent the vital Intermountain Region. This strategic addition to the governing body underscores PSIA-AASI’s ongoing commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and diverse leadership within the snowsports instruction community. Loring’s extensive background, spanning decades as an instructor, educator, examiner, school leader, and passionate advocate for the snowsports community, positions her as a pivotal figure in shaping the future trajectory of professional snowsports education across the United States.
A Distinguished Career in Snowsports Education and Leadership
Maggie Loring’s journey in snowsports is marked by an unwavering dedication to teaching and leadership, beginning at the tender age of 14 when she first began instructing. Her career trajectory demonstrates a profound commitment to the advancement of snowsports education, culminating in her current role as training manager at Deer Valley Ski School in Utah. This position is a testament to her deep understanding of instructional methodologies, staff development, and operational excellence within a premier resort setting. Beyond her resort-level responsibilities, Loring also serves as an examiner and regional board member for PSIA-AASI Intermountain, playing a crucial role in maintaining and elevating the rigorous standards of instructor certification within one of the organization’s most active regions. Her influence extends further as she chairs PSIA-AASI’s national Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, a critical initiative aimed at fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for women across all facets of the snowsports industry.
Loring’s professional journey before Deer Valley is equally impressive and varied, providing her with a holistic perspective on the snowsports industry. Prior to her current role, she served as training manager at Solitude Mountain Resort, where she further refined her expertise in developing high-performing instructional teams. Perhaps one of her most defining roles was her remarkable 22-year tenure as director of Snowbird Mountain School. This extended period at a major resort allowed her to cultivate comprehensive leadership skills, managing large teams of instructors, developing innovative programs, and overseeing the operational intricacies of a renowned snowsports school. Her early career also saw her contributing to the Eastern Region education staff, a foundational experience that exposed her to diverse teaching environments and regional specificities. She also held the pivotal role of training director for the American Skiing Company’s ski and ride schools, an experience that provided her with a broad, multi-resort perspective on training standardization and quality control across a portfolio of resorts. Furthermore, Loring played a significant role in leading SKI Magazine’s SKIwee children’s program, an initiative that has introduced countless children to the joy of skiing through structured and engaging instruction. Her commitment to formalizing instructor qualifications is highlighted by her achievement of examiner status in 1996, a benchmark of her mastery in evaluating and certifying fellow snowsports professionals. Remarkably, Loring has only missed one season on the slopes since beginning her teaching career in 1978, a year dictated by unusually low snowfall and the demands of her college education, underscoring her enduring passion and resilience in the face of industry challenges.
PSIA-AASI: Setting the Standard for Snowsports Instruction
To fully appreciate the significance of Loring’s appointment, it is crucial to understand the role and mission of PSIA-AASI. As the professional organization for snowsports instructors in the United States, PSIA-AASI boasts a membership exceeding 33,000 instructors across nine geographic regions. Its primary mission is to establish and maintain the highest standards of snowsports instruction, promoting safety, skill development, and enjoyment for participants of all ages and abilities. The organization provides comprehensive educational resources, professional development opportunities, and a rigorous certification process that is recognized globally as a benchmark for instructor excellence. The National Board of Directors serves as the strategic governing body, responsible for setting the organization’s vision, approving educational standards, overseeing financial health, and ensuring that PSIA-AASI remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the broader snowsports industry. Board members, typically highly experienced professionals from various facets of the industry, bring regional perspectives and specialized expertise to the national discourse. Their decisions have a direct impact on curriculum development, instructor training methodologies, and the overall professional trajectory of thousands of snowsports educators nationwide.
Loring’s Vision: Strengthening Governance and Advancing Education
In a statement following her appointment, Maggie Loring articulated her motivations for pursuing the National Board position, emphasizing her desire to contribute a distinct perspective forged by decades of immersive experience in snowsports education and leadership. "My career has been built on a foundation of fostering growth – both for individual instructors and for the programs they deliver," Loring stated. "I believe my extensive operational experience, coupled with my deep understanding of educational theory and leadership development, will offer a valuable viewpoint as PSIA-AASI continues its crucial work on standards and alignment."
She expressed particular enthusiasm for the opportunity to help strengthen the governance structures that underpin PSIA-AASI’s commitment to delivering relevant, high-quality, and consistent education. This focus aligns perfectly with PSIA-AASI’s ongoing strategic initiatives to harmonize educational content and certification standards across all regions, ensuring that an instructor certified in one region possesses the same foundational knowledge and skill set as an instructor in another. Loring’s emphasis on consistency and quality is critical for maintaining the integrity and reputation of PSIA-AASI certifications, which are vital for instructor employability and public trust in snowsports education. Her strategic insight into connecting education to the tangible needs of both employees and guests – a skill honed through years of directing major snowsports schools – will bring an invaluable perspective to the National Board’s deliberations. This understanding is crucial for developing programs that not only elevate instructor proficiency but also enhance the guest experience, driving participation and growth within the sport.
A Champion for Children’s Education and Inclusivity
Loring’s contributions to the snowsports community extend significantly beyond her direct instructional and leadership roles at resorts. She has been a tireless advocate for advancements in children’s snowsports education, recognizing the foundational importance of early learning experiences. As a distinguished member of the former National Children’s Committee, she played a pivotal role in advancing pedagogical approaches for young learners through her involvement in national symposiums and the development of specialized instructor resources. Her expertise in child development, underscored by her academic degree in the field, was instrumental in shaping programs designed to engage children effectively and safely on the slopes. This commitment is further evidenced by her authorship of several children’s instruction manuals, which have provided practical guidance for countless instructors working with young skiers and riders.
Moreover, Loring was a key contributor to the development of PSIA’s seminal Core Concepts Manual, a foundational text that served as a critical predecessor to today’s comprehensive Teaching Snowsports Manual. This involvement highlights her influence on the very theoretical underpinnings of modern snowsports instruction, ensuring that educational principles are rooted in sound pedagogical research and practical application. Her recent leadership as chair of PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion further solidifies her role as a progressive force within the organization. This council addresses critical issues such as gender parity in leadership roles, equitable access to professional development, and fostering an inclusive culture where all women in snowsports feel supported and empowered. Her work here reflects a broader industry movement towards greater diversity and representation, acknowledging that a more inclusive snowsports community benefits everyone.
The Significance of the Intermountain Region
Maggie Loring’s appointment specifically as the representative for the Intermountain Region holds particular significance. This region, often considered the heartland of American snowsports, encompasses a vast and diverse landscape of world-renowned resorts across Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It is home to some of the largest and most influential ski and snowboard schools in the country, attracting a significant portion of PSIA-AASI’s membership. The Intermountain Region is also a hotbed for innovation in snowsports instruction, often leading the way in adopting new techniques and technologies. By having a representative with Loring’s caliber and deep roots in this region, the National Board gains direct insight into the specific challenges, opportunities, and educational needs of a critical segment of its membership. Her ability to translate regional successes and concerns into national strategic planning will be invaluable, ensuring that PSIA-AASI’s policies and programs remain relevant and impactful for instructors operating in diverse mountain environments. The sheer volume of instructors and the economic impact of snowsports within this region mean that strong, informed representation is paramount for effective governance.
Acknowledging Contributions and Looking Forward
Loring steps into the position previously held by Rich McLaughlin of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, who concludes his tenure due to term limits. PSIA-AASI extended its sincere gratitude to McLaughlin for his many years of dedicated service to the National Board. Such transitions are a natural part of organizational governance, ensuring a continuous infusion of fresh perspectives while maintaining institutional knowledge. McLaughlin’s contributions have been instrumental in guiding PSIA-AASI through various initiatives, and his commitment to the organization has left an indelible mark.
Maggie Loring’s arrival on the National Board comes at a dynamic time for the snowsports industry. As participation trends evolve, technology advances, and the call for greater diversity and inclusion grows louder, organizations like PSIA-AASI are tasked with adapting and leading. Her unique blend of hands-on instructional experience, high-level school leadership, foundational contributions to educational manuals, and dedicated advocacy for equity positions her perfectly to help steer the organization through these challenges and opportunities. Her MBA in leadership development further equips her with the strategic acumen necessary for effective board governance. Her appointment is not merely a personnel change but a strategic enhancement to the leadership team, promising a continued focus on excellence, innovation, and a more inclusive future for snowsports instruction across the nation. Her presence on the board is expected to invigorate discussions around instructor development, program standardization, and the broader strategic direction of PSIA-AASI, ultimately benefiting every instructor and snowsports enthusiast who engages with the organization’s standards and programs. The snowsports community eagerly anticipates the positive impact of her vision and leadership in the years to come.
