The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) has officially welcomed Maggie Loring to its esteemed National Board of Directors, where she will represent the vital Intermountain Region. This appointment marks a significant strengthening of the organization’s leadership, bringing to the national stage an individual whose career spans decades of dedicated service, profound expertise, and innovative leadership within the snowsports education community. Loring’s extensive background as an instructor, educator, examiner, and school leader, coupled with her fervent advocacy for the entire snowsports community, positions her as a pivotal figure in shaping the future trajectory of professional snowsports instruction.
The Significance of the Appointment to PSIA-AASI’s Strategic Direction
Maggie Loring’s induction into the National Board is not merely a personnel change but a strategic move that underscores PSIA-AASI’s commitment to maintaining and elevating the highest standards of snowsports education. Her unique blend of practical, on-snow experience and high-level leadership, informed by a strong academic foundation, is expected to bring a multi-faceted perspective to the board’s deliberations. The National Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance, strategic planning, and policy-making for PSIA-AASI, an organization that certifies tens of thousands of snowsports instructors across the United States. The Intermountain Region, which Loring now represents, is a vibrant and critical hub for snowsports, encompassing some of the nation’s most iconic resorts and a substantial population of both instructors and enthusiasts. Ensuring robust regional representation is paramount for the board to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by instructors nationwide.
Loring 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 educational excellence at one of the industry’s most respected resorts. Concurrently, she contributes significantly to PSIA-AASI Intermountain as an examiner and a regional board member, roles that have provided her with deep insights into the operational and educational needs at the regional level. Perhaps most notably, Loring chairs PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, an initiative that highlights her dedication to fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment within snowsports. This leadership position aligns perfectly with contemporary discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within sports and professional organizations, suggesting that her voice will be instrumental in guiding PSIA-AASI’s efforts in these critical areas.
A Career Forged on the Slopes: A Chronology of Impact
Maggie Loring’s journey through the snowsports world is a testament to unwavering passion and sustained commitment. Her instructional career began at the remarkably young age of 14, a foundation that instilled in her an early understanding of the pedagogical challenges and rewards of teaching skiing. This early start provided her with an unparalleled depth of experience that has spanned virtually her entire adult life. Indeed, her dedication is perhaps best encapsulated by the fact that she has missed only one single season since she began teaching—the 1978 season—due to a combination of low snowfall and the demands of her college education. This anecdote speaks volumes about her enduring connection to the sport and the profession.
Her professional ascent saw her become a certified examiner in 1996, a prestigious role that requires not only exceptional technical skill but also a profound understanding of instructional methodology and the ability to evaluate and mentor aspiring instructors. This step marked her transition from an accomplished instructor to a pivotal figure in upholding and advancing PSIA-AASI’s instructional standards.
Prior to her current role at Deer Valley, Loring held several high-impact leadership positions at other prominent resorts. She served as the training manager at Solitude Mountain Resort, where she was responsible for the professional development and ongoing education of its instructors. Before Solitude, Loring dedicated more than 22 years to Snowbird Mountain School as its director, an extensive tenure that speaks to her leadership capabilities and her profound influence on an entire generation of instructors and snowsports enthusiasts. Leading a mountain school of Snowbird’s caliber involves not only managing a large team of instructors but also overseeing curriculum development, operational logistics, guest experience, and safety protocols—a truly comprehensive leadership challenge.
Her influence extended beyond individual resorts. Earlier in her distinguished career, Loring contributed her expertise to the Eastern Region education staff, demonstrating a broad geographical understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities across different snowsports landscapes. She also served as training director for the American Skiing Company’s ski and ride schools, a role that involved coordinating and standardizing training programs across multiple resorts under a major corporate umbrella. This experience provided her with invaluable insights into large-scale educational program management and organizational alignment. Furthermore, Loring played a significant role in leading SKI Magazine’s SKIwee children’s program, a nationally recognized initiative aimed at introducing young children to the joys of skiing. Her involvement with SKIwee highlights her long-standing commitment to fostering passion for snowsports from an early age, a crucial element for the long-term health and growth of the industry.
Shaping the Future of Snowsports Education: Pedagogical and Curricular Contributions
Loring’s contributions to snowsports education extend well beyond her direct teaching and leadership roles, delving into the very foundational texts and pedagogical frameworks that guide instructors nationwide. As a member of the former National Children’s Committee, she was instrumental in advancing children’s education within PSIA-AASI, playing a key role in developing national symposiums and creating essential instructor resources. Her work on this committee had a direct and lasting impact on how children are taught snowsports, emphasizing age-appropriate techniques and fostering a positive learning environment.
Complementing her practical contributions, Loring authored several children’s instruction manuals, providing tangible tools and methodologies for instructors working with young learners. These manuals became standard resources, reflecting her deep understanding of child development and effective teaching strategies. This expertise is further underscored by her academic background, holding a degree in child development, which provides a robust theoretical framework for her practical insights.
Moreover, Loring played a critical role in the development of PSIA’s Core Concepts Manual, a seminal text that served as a precursor to today’s widely utilized Teaching Snowsports Manual. This involvement signifies her direct hand in shaping the philosophical and practical underpinnings of professional snowsports instruction. The Core Concepts Manual laid down fundamental principles that have guided countless instructors in developing their teaching skills and understanding the biomechanics and psychology of snowsports learning. Her contribution to such foundational documents positions her as a thought leader whose influence has permeated the very fabric of PSIA-AASI’s educational offerings.
Beyond her child development degree, Loring also holds an MBA in leadership development. This advanced business degree equips her with sophisticated strategic planning, organizational management, and governance skills, making her an exceptionally well-rounded candidate for the National Board. Her combination of on-snow mastery, pedagogical expertise, and executive leadership acumen offers a rare and powerful synergy.
Championing Equity and Inclusion: A Strategic Imperative for Snowsports
One of the most significant aspects of Maggie Loring’s current leadership portfolio is her role as Chair of PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion. This council is a crucial initiative for PSIA-AASI, reflecting a broader industry-wide recognition of the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within snowsports. Historically, leadership roles and even participation rates in certain snowsports disciplines have shown gender and demographic imbalances. The Women’s Council actively works to address these disparities, promoting opportunities, advocating for equitable treatment, and creating a more welcoming environment for women and underrepresented groups within the snowsports community.
Loring’s leadership in this area signals PSIA-AASI’s proactive stance on these critical issues. Her perspective, informed by decades of experience as a woman in a leadership position within a traditionally male-dominated field, will be invaluable to the National Board. Her work on the council involves developing strategies, fostering dialogue, and implementing programs that support the growth and advancement of women instructors and leaders. This commitment to DEI aligns with modern organizational values and is essential for ensuring that PSIA-AASI remains relevant, representative, and impactful in a rapidly evolving societal landscape. Her appointment to the National Board is expected to amplify these efforts, ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain central to the organization’s strategic vision and operational policies.
PSIA-AASI: Setting the Standard for Professionalism
PSIA-AASI stands as the largest snowsports instruction organization in the world, representing over 32,000 certified instructors across the United States. Its core mission is to establish and uphold professional standards for snowsports instruction, provide continuous education, and certify instructors in skiing, snowboarding, telemark, and adaptive snowsports. The organization plays a critical role in enhancing the safety, enjoyment, and skill development of millions of snowsports participants annually. The National Board of Directors is the ultimate governing body, tasked with safeguarding this mission, ensuring financial stability, and setting the strategic direction that impacts every certified instructor and, by extension, countless snowsports enthusiasts.
The importance of the Intermountain Region cannot be overstated in this context. It encompasses some of the most dynamic and rapidly growing snowsports markets in the U.S., including Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho. Resorts in this region are often at the forefront of innovation in instruction, technology, and guest experience. Having a representative like Maggie Loring, who possesses an intimate understanding of the region’s unique characteristics and challenges, ensures that the national policies and programs are relevant and effective for a significant portion of PSIA-AASI’s membership.
Vision for the National Board: Strengthening Governance and Standards
Maggie Loring has articulated clear motivations for pursuing the National Board position, emphasizing her desire to contribute a fresh perspective, honed by her extensive tenure in snowsports education and leadership. She is particularly enthusiastic about strengthening the governance framework that underpins PSIA-AASI’s commitment to "relevant, high-quality, and consistent education." This focus on governance highlights her understanding of the organizational mechanisms required to translate strategic vision into practical, impactful programs for instructors.
Her appointment comes at a time when PSIA-AASI continues its vital "standards and alignment work." This ongoing initiative involves reviewing and updating instructional standards, ensuring consistency across different disciplines and regions, and aligning educational content with the latest research in learning theory and athletic performance. Loring’s deep involvement in curriculum development, from children’s manuals to foundational texts like the Core Concepts Manual, makes her uniquely qualified to contribute to this critical work. Her experience developing instructors, leading snowsports schools, and crucially, connecting education to the evolving needs of both employees (instructors) and guests, will bring an invaluable perspective to the National Board’s discussions on these matters. She understands firsthand the challenges instructors face on the snow and the expectations guests have for their learning experience, bridging the gap between high-level strategy and on-the-ground implementation.
Industry Context and Broader Implications
The snowsports industry is dynamic, facing both opportunities and challenges. While participation rates have remained relatively stable in recent years, there’s an ongoing need to attract new participants, especially younger generations and diverse demographics. Technological advancements in equipment, changes in guest expectations, and the increasing importance of digital learning platforms all present new frontiers for snowsports education. A strong, forward-thinking PSIA-AASI is essential for navigating these changes.
Loring’s appointment, particularly given her expertise in leadership development, child development, and equity and inclusion, positions the National Board to address these challenges effectively. Her focus on strengthening governance and ensuring consistent, high-quality education directly impacts the professional growth of instructors and the quality of the learning experience for millions of snowsports enthusiasts. By upholding rigorous standards and fostering an inclusive environment, PSIA-AASI, with Loring’s contributions, can play a pivotal role in the sustained growth and vitality of the entire snowsports industry. Her ability to connect educational strategies with the practical needs of resorts and the broader community promises a ripple effect, enhancing professionalism, guest satisfaction, and overall industry health.
A Legacy of Service and a New Chapter
Maggie Loring steps into the National Board position replacing Rich McLaughlin of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, who reached his term limit. McLaughlin’s many years of dedicated service to the PSIA-AASI National Board were deeply appreciated, and his contributions helped lay the groundwork for the organization’s current strengths. As the organization transitions, the appointment of Maggie Loring signals a commitment to continued excellence and innovation. Her extensive background, strategic vision, and dedication to both pedagogical advancement and social equity promise to usher in a new chapter of progress for PSIA-AASI and the entire snowsports community it serves. Her leadership will undoubtedly be a driving force in ensuring that professional snowsports instruction remains at the forefront of excellence and inclusivity for years to come.
