The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), the world’s largest snowsports instruction organization, has officially announced the appointment of Maggie Loring to its esteemed National Board of Directors. Representing the vital Intermountain Region, Loring’s elevation to this national leadership role marks a significant moment for the organization, bringing an unparalleled depth of experience gleaned from decades at the forefront of snowsports education, leadership, and advocacy. Her appointment is poised to reinforce the strategic direction of PSIA-AASI, particularly in areas of educational excellence, governance, and the crucial initiatives surrounding equity and inclusion within the industry.
Loring steps into this national position following a distinguished career that began at the tender age of 14 when she first started teaching skiing. Her journey through the ranks of snowsports instruction is a testament to dedication and an evolving understanding of pedagogy, leadership, and community building. From her early days on the slopes to her current high-level managerial and advisory roles, Loring has consistently demonstrated a commitment to elevating the profession and enriching the experience for both instructors and snowsports enthusiasts. The PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for setting the strategic vision, national standards, and overall direction for the organization, which serves over 32,000 members across nine divisions in the United States. Its decisions directly impact the quality of instruction, professional development opportunities, and the overall public perception of snowsports teaching nationwide.
A Career Defined by Leadership and Innovation
Maggie Loring’s professional trajectory offers a comprehensive view of the diverse roles and responsibilities within the snowsports education landscape. Her current position as Training Manager at Deer Valley Ski School in Utah places her at the heart of instructor development at one of North America’s premier ski resorts, renowned for its commitment to guest service and high-quality instruction. In this role, she is responsible for the ongoing training, certification readiness, and professional growth of a large cadre of instructors, ensuring that Deer Valley continues to uphold its reputation for excellence.
Beyond her operational responsibilities at Deer Valley, Loring’s influence extends regionally and nationally. She serves as an examiner and a regional board member for PSIA-AASI Intermountain, a critical division encompassing Utah, Idaho, and parts of Wyoming, which boasts some of the country’s most iconic ski destinations and a robust membership base. As an examiner, she plays a direct role in evaluating and certifying new instructors, ensuring they meet the rigorous national standards set by PSIA-AASI. This direct engagement with the certification process provides her with invaluable insights into the evolving needs and challenges faced by instructors entering or advancing within the profession.
Perhaps one of her most impactful national contributions prior to joining the board has been her leadership as chair of PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion. This council is dedicated to fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within snowsports instruction, addressing issues such as gender representation, leadership opportunities for women, and creating welcoming spaces for all individuals regardless of background. Her work with this council underscores a forward-thinking approach to the industry, recognizing that the future vitality of snowsports depends on broad participation and diverse perspectives.
A Chronology of Influence: From Eastern Slopes to Intermountain Peaks
Loring’s impressive career chronology illustrates a consistent upward trajectory and a breadth of experience across different regions and organizational structures. Before her tenure at Deer Valley, she served as Training Manager at Solitude Mountain Resort, another prominent Utah destination. This role further honed her skills in curriculum development, instructor mentorship, and operational leadership within a large-scale ski school environment.
A significant portion of her career, spanning over two decades, was dedicated to Snowbird Mountain School, where she served as its Director. Her 22-year leadership at Snowbird, a resort famed for its challenging terrain and deep snow, was instrumental in shaping the school’s pedagogical approach and its reputation for developing highly skilled instructors. Directing a ski school of this magnitude involves not only managing hundreds of instructors but also overseeing program development, guest relations, safety protocols, and financial performance. This extensive period as a school director provided her with a holistic understanding of the operational, educational, and business facets of snowsports instruction.
Earlier in her career, Loring’s contributions extended to the Eastern Region education staff, demonstrating her early commitment to regional educational development. She also held the pivotal role of Training Director for the American Skiing Company’s ski and ride schools. The American Skiing Company, at its peak, was a major player in the ski industry, operating numerous resorts across the East and West. Her role there involved standardizing and elevating training programs across multiple distinct locations, a complex task requiring strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of varied operational contexts. Furthermore, she played a significant role in leading SKI Magazine’s SKIwee children’s program, a nationally recognized initiative focused on introducing young children to skiing in a fun and educational manner. This early experience highlights her foundational commitment to youth development in snowsports, a theme that would resonate throughout her career.
Her personal journey as an instructor began at age 14, and she achieved examiner status in 1996, a coveted designation that speaks to her mastery of teaching techniques and her ability to evaluate the skills of others. Remarkably, since she began teaching, she has only missed one season – 1978 – due to a combination of low snowfall and the demands of college. This anecdote not only underscores her unwavering dedication but also highlights the cyclical nature of the snowsports industry and the personal sacrifices often made by those deeply committed to it.
Beyond the Slopes: Educational Foundations and Strategic Contributions
Loring’s impact extends well beyond direct instruction and school leadership. Her contributions to the theoretical and practical underpinnings of snowsports education are substantial. As a member of the former National Children’s Committee, she played a key role in advancing children’s education within PSIA-AASI. This involved organizing and participating in national symposiums, which serve as crucial forums for sharing best practices, introducing new research, and fostering innovation in teaching methodologies. She also contributed significantly to the development of instructor resources specifically tailored for teaching children, acknowledging the unique developmental stages and learning styles of younger students.
Further solidifying her educational legacy, Loring authored several children’s instruction manuals, which have served as foundational texts for countless instructors. These manuals translate complex pedagogical theories into practical, actionable guidance for teaching young learners. Moreover, she was instrumental in the development of PSIA’s Core Concepts Manual, a seminal publication that laid the groundwork for standardized teaching principles across the organization. This manual was a predecessor to today’s widely used Teaching Snowsports Manual, illustrating her long-standing influence on the very framework of PSIA-AASI’s educational philosophy.
Her academic background further strengthens her qualifications for a national leadership role. Loring holds a degree in child development, providing her with a scientific understanding of how children learn, grow, and interact with their environment. This academic foundation has undoubtedly informed her work with children’s programs and curriculum development. Additionally, she possesses an MBA in leadership development, equipping her with advanced knowledge in organizational strategy, human resource management, and effective leadership practices – skills directly applicable to the governance and strategic planning responsibilities of the PSIA-AASI National Board.
Vision for the Future: Strengthening Governance and Elevating Education
In expressing her motivation for pursuing the National Board position, Loring articulated a clear vision: to bring a distinct perspective shaped by her extensive practical and theoretical experience in snowsports education and leadership. Her decades in the field have afforded her a ground-level understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing instructors, snowsports schools, and the broader industry. This perspective is crucial for ensuring that national policies and initiatives remain grounded in reality and effectively serve the diverse membership.
Loring emphasized her particular excitement to contribute to strengthening the governance that supports relevant, high-quality, and consistent education. This focus aligns perfectly with PSIA-AASI’s ongoing work in standards and alignment. In a rapidly evolving industry, maintaining high, consistent educational standards across all regions and disciplines (skiing, snowboarding, telemark, adaptive) is paramount. Her experience in developing instructors, leading snowsports schools, and connecting education to the specific needs of both employees and guests will be an invaluable asset in this endeavor. She understands intimately how to bridge the gap between theoretical educational frameworks and their practical application on the mountain, ensuring that PSIA-AASI’s offerings remain cutting-edge, accessible, and impactful.
The Intermountain Region and National Impact
The Intermountain Region, which Maggie Loring now represents on the National Board, is a powerhouse within the American snowsports landscape. Home to world-renowned resorts like Deer Valley, Snowbird, Solitude, Park City, Alta, and Jackson Hole, the region attracts millions of visitors annually and boasts a significant concentration of highly skilled instructors and snowsports professionals. The insights and priorities of this region are therefore critical to the national dialogue and decision-making process within PSIA-AASI. Loring’s deep roots and extensive network within the Intermountain community ensure that its voice will be strongly represented at the national level.
Her appointment also comes at a time when the snowsports industry is navigating various challenges and opportunities, including climate change impacts, evolving consumer demographics, and the increasing importance of diversity and inclusion. Her leadership on the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion signals a commitment to addressing these broader societal and industry trends, ensuring that PSIA-AASI remains a relevant and progressive force. By championing initiatives that promote equity, she can help broaden the appeal of snowsports, attract new instructors from diverse backgrounds, and cultivate a more welcoming environment for all participants.
A Legacy of Service and a Forward-Looking Transition
Maggie Loring assumes this national role following Rich McLaughlin of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, whose term on the board concluded. McLaughlin’s many years of dedicated service to PSIA-AASI were acknowledged with gratitude, underscoring the volunteer spirit and commitment that drives the organization’s leadership. The seamless transition from one highly respected Intermountain representative to another reflects the strength and continuity of leadership within the region and the national organization.
In conclusion, Maggie Loring’s appointment to the PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors is more than just a personnel change; it represents a strategic reinforcement of the organization’s commitment to excellence in education, robust governance, and progressive leadership. Her multi-faceted background, spanning decades of hands-on instruction, innovative school directorship, national committee work, and a strong academic foundation, positions her uniquely to contribute to the future direction of snowsports instruction in America. As PSIA-AASI continues its vital work in shaping the next generation of instructors and enhancing the snowsports experience for millions, Loring’s voice and vision will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in charting a successful course forward. Her leadership promises to strengthen the fabric of snowsports education, ensuring it remains dynamic, inclusive, and of the highest quality for years to come.
