The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) has officially announced the appointment of Maggie Loring to its National Board of Directors, where she will represent the vital Intermountain Region. This strategic addition to the board underscores PSIA-AASI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing snowsports education, leadership, and professional standards across the United States. Loring’s extensive background, spanning decades in instruction, education, examination, and leadership within the snowsports community, positions her as a pivotal voice in the organization’s future direction.
Loring’s professional journey is a testament to her profound dedication to snowsports. She currently serves as the Training Manager at Deer Valley Ski School in Utah, a role that places her at the forefront of instructor development and curriculum implementation. Concurrently, she contributes significantly to PSIA-AASI Intermountain as both an examiner and a regional board member, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining high standards at the regional level. Her influence extends further as the esteemed chair of PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, an initiative dedicated to fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment within the snowsports industry. This multifaceted engagement highlights her holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing snowsports professionals today.
PSIA-AASI: The Cornerstone of Snowsports Professionalism
To fully appreciate the significance of Loring’s appointment, it is crucial to understand the role and impact of PSIA-AASI. As the largest snowsports instruction organization in the world, PSIA-AASI boasts a membership exceeding 33,000 professional ski and snowboard instructors. Its mission is to establish and uphold the highest standards for snowsports education, certification, and professional development. Through rigorous certification programs, educational resources, and a national network of dedicated instructors, PSIA-AASI ensures that millions of snowsports enthusiasts receive quality instruction, enhancing safety, enjoyment, and skill progression on the slopes. The National Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for setting the strategic vision, approving policies, and ensuring the financial health and operational excellence of the organization. Board members, like Loring, are crucial in representing the diverse interests of the membership and guiding the evolution of snowsports instruction in a rapidly changing environment. The Intermountain Region, encompassing key states like Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, represents a vibrant hub of snowsports activity and innovation, making its representation on the national board particularly impactful.
A Distinguished Career Chronology
Maggie Loring’s path to the PSIA-AASI National Board is marked by a consistent trajectory of leadership and innovation, beginning at a remarkably young age.
Early Beginnings and Passion for the Slopes
Loring began teaching skiing at the tender age of 14, a formative experience that ignited a lifelong passion for snowsports education. This early start provided her with a ground-level understanding of instructional methodologies and the nuances of student engagement. Her dedication was so profound that she only missed one season – in 1978 – a brief hiatus forced by low snowfall and the demands of college studies, underscoring her unwavering commitment to the slopes. This early practical experience laid the groundwork for a career defined by both hands-on instruction and strategic leadership.
Ascension Through Snowsports Management
Her career quickly evolved beyond direct instruction into significant management and leadership roles. Before her current position at Deer Valley, Loring served as the Training Manager at Solitude Mountain Resort, where she was responsible for developing and implementing training programs for a large team of instructors. Prior to that, she held the esteemed position of Director of Snowbird Mountain School for over 22 years. This extended tenure at Snowbird speaks volumes about her leadership capabilities, her ability to foster a positive learning environment, and her strategic vision in managing one of the country’s prominent ski and snowboard schools. Her responsibilities at Snowbird would have included curriculum development, instructor recruitment and retention, budgetary oversight, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience, thereby honing a comprehensive skill set vital for national leadership.
Earlier in her career, Loring’s influence extended nationally. She served on the Eastern Region education staff for PSIA-AASI, contributing to the development and delivery of educational programs for instructors across the Eastern Seaboard. She also held the pivotal role of Training Director for the American Skiing Company’s vast network of ski and ride schools, a position that demanded a high level of organizational skill and an ability to standardize training across multiple resorts. Furthermore, her involvement in leading SKI Magazine’s highly successful SKIwee children’s program demonstrated her early understanding of specialized instruction for younger learners and her ability to collaborate with major industry entities. These diverse experiences provided her with a panoramic view of the snowsports industry, from individual lesson delivery to large-scale operational management.
Commitment to Professional Development and Certification
Loring’s commitment to professional standards is further evidenced by her long-standing role as an examiner for PSIA-AASI, a designation she earned in 1996. Examiners are the backbone of PSIA-AASI’s certification system, responsible for assessing the skills and knowledge of aspiring and current instructors. This role requires not only exceptional technical proficiency but also strong interpersonal skills, an objective eye, and a deep understanding of educational principles. Her nearly three decades as an examiner reflect a continuous dedication to elevating the quality of instruction and ensuring the integrity of the PSIA-AASI certification process.
Shaping the Future of Snowsports Education
Loring’s contributions extend well beyond her operational and leadership roles at individual resorts. She has been a significant force in shaping the educational content and philosophy of PSIA-AASI itself.
Pioneering Educational Resources
As a member of the former National Children’s Committee, Loring played a crucial role in advancing children’s education within the organization. Her work on this committee involved developing specialized curricula and teaching methodologies tailored for young learners, which is a highly specialized and impactful area of snowsports instruction. She contributed to national symposiums and instructor resources, helping to disseminate best practices across the country. Her expertise in this area is underpinned by her academic background, holding a degree in child development, which provides a strong theoretical framework for her practical experience. Furthermore, Loring authored several children’s instruction manuals, demonstrating her ability to translate complex pedagogical concepts into accessible, actionable guidance for instructors. Her legacy also includes her significant involvement in developing PSIA’s Core Concepts Manual, a foundational text that served as a predecessor to today’s comprehensive Teaching Snowsports Manual. This work has had a lasting impact on how snowsports are taught, emphasizing fundamental principles that transcend specific techniques.
Advocacy for Equity and Inclusion
Perhaps one of Loring’s most forward-looking contributions is her leadership as chair of PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion. This council addresses critical issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the snowsports community, striving to create a more welcoming and representative environment for instructors and participants alike. In an industry historically dominated by certain demographics, Loring’s leadership in this area is vital. The Council’s work focuses on identifying barriers, promoting opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, and fostering a culture where all instructors feel valued and empowered. This initiative aligns with broader trends in the outdoor and sports industries to enhance diversity, recognizing that a more inclusive environment strengthens the entire community and attracts new participants. Loring’s role here is not just administrative; it is an active effort to drive cultural change and ensure that PSIA-AASI remains relevant and accessible to a diverse member base.
Strategic Vision for the National Board
Maggie Loring has articulated clear objectives for her tenure on the National Board. She sought the position specifically to bring a "different perspective" informed by her decades of diverse experience in snowsports education and leadership. Her unique vantage point, shaped by extensive time both on the snow and in executive offices, will be invaluable in guiding the organization.
Loring’s Stated Objectives
Loring is particularly enthusiastic about contributing to the strengthening of PSIA-AASI’s governance. She aims to support initiatives that ensure "relevant, high-quality, and consistent education" across all regions and disciplines. This focus is critical as snowsports evolve, requiring instructional techniques and curricula to adapt to new equipment, changing guest demographics, and emerging safety standards. Her emphasis on "standards and alignment work" highlights a commitment to ensuring that PSIA-AASI’s educational offerings are consistent, effective, and meet the highest professional benchmarks. With her deep understanding of instructor development and school operations, she is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between national policy and practical implementation on the slopes.
Intermountain Region Representation
Her role as the representative for the Intermountain Region is also highly significant. This region is a powerhouse of snowsports, home to some of the most iconic resorts in North America and a large, active PSIA-AASI membership base. Ensuring that the specific needs and perspectives of this region are effectively communicated and integrated into national strategy is crucial for the overall health and unity of the organization. Loring’s existing involvement with PSIA-AASI Intermountain as a board member and examiner provides her with an intimate understanding of the regional dynamics, challenges, and successes.
Statements and Industry Reactions
The appointment of Maggie Loring has been met with widespread approval within the snowsports community, signaling a positive trajectory for PSIA-AASI.
Official Welcome from PSIA-AASI Leadership
Sources within PSIA-AASI indicate that the organization’s leadership, including its CEO and President, are expected to issue statements emphasizing their enthusiasm for Loring’s addition to the board. A sentiment often conveyed in such announcements is that Loring’s unparalleled depth of experience, from grassroots instruction to strategic leadership, makes her an ideal candidate to help steer the organization through its next phase of growth and innovation. Her proven track record in developing instructors and leading snowsports schools is seen as a direct asset to the board’s mandate of connecting education to the evolving needs of both employees and guests.
Regional Acclaim
Leadership within the PSIA-AASI Intermountain Region is understood to express immense pride and confidence in Loring’s ability to represent their interests effectively at the national level. Her dedication to the regional chapter has been consistently recognized, and her elevation to the national board is viewed as a testament to the quality of leadership fostered within the Intermountain community.
Acknowledgments from Former Employers
Former employers, such as Snowbird Mountain Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort, are expected to acknowledge Loring’s significant contributions during her tenure. Her long-standing impact on the development of their snowsports schools and the professional growth of their instructors is well-documented, reinforcing her reputation as a transformative leader in the field.
Tribute to Predecessor
Loring steps into the position previously held by Rich McLaughlin of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, who completed his term due to term limits. PSIA-AASI leadership has extended its gratitude to McLaughlin for his many years of dedicated service to the National Board. Such transitions are a standard part of board governance, ensuring fresh perspectives while honoring the contributions of past leaders.
Broader Implications for Snowsports
Maggie Loring’s appointment carries significant implications for the future direction of PSIA-AASI and the broader snowsports industry.
Enhancing Professional Standards and Governance
Her extensive background in developing instructors and leading large-scale snowsports operations will bring a crucial practical perspective to the National Board’s strategic discussions. This hands-on knowledge is vital for ensuring that PSIA-AASI’s educational standards and programs remain relevant, effective, and implementable in real-world resort environments. Her focus on strengthening governance will contribute to the organization’s stability and its ability to respond proactively to industry changes, from technological advancements in equipment to shifting demographic trends among snowsports participants.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusivity
As chair of the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, Loring’s presence on the National Board provides a direct line of communication for these critical initiatives to the highest levels of organizational leadership. This is more than symbolic; it ensures that issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion are integrated into PSIA-AASI’s strategic planning and operational decisions, helping to create a more welcoming and representative community for all. This aligns with broader societal trends and the understanding that diverse perspectives lead to more robust and innovative solutions.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The snowsports industry faces ongoing challenges, including instructor retention, adapting to climate change impacts, and evolving guest expectations for personalized experiences. Loring’s experience in connecting education to the needs of both employees and guests positions her to contribute significantly to addressing these complex issues. Her insights into instructor development and school leadership can help PSIA-AASI devise strategies to attract and retain talent, ensuring a vibrant and highly skilled instructor workforce for years to come.
The Future of Snowsports Instruction
Loring’s leadership will undoubtedly influence the evolution of snowsports instruction, promoting innovative teaching methodologies while upholding core principles. Her background in child development, coupled with an MBA in leadership development, provides a unique blend of pedagogical expertise and strategic business acumen. This combination is essential for guiding an organization that must balance educational excellence with operational efficiency and member value.
In conclusion, Maggie Loring’s appointment to the PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors is a significant development, signaling a renewed emphasis on experienced leadership, educational excellence, and inclusive growth. Her profound expertise, distinguished career, and forward-thinking vision are poised to greatly benefit PSIA-AASI and the wider snowsports community as it navigates the opportunities and challenges of the future. Her role will be instrumental in ensuring that PSIA-AASI continues to set the global standard for snowsports instruction and professional development.
