The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), the world’s largest snowsports instruction organization, has announced the appointment of Maggie Loring to its prestigious National Board of Directors. Loring, a veteran snowsports educator, leader, and advocate, will represent the vital Intermountain Region, stepping into a role critical for guiding the strategic direction and educational standards of the association. Her arrival is heralded as a significant move, reinforcing the board with unparalleled experience spanning instruction, curriculum development, and organizational leadership, underscored by a profound commitment to equity and inclusion within the snowsports community.
Loring’s career in snowsports is characterized by a remarkable breadth and depth, extending over four decades. She currently serves as the training manager at Deer Valley Ski School in Utah, a resort renowned for its commitment to guest service and instructor excellence. In addition to her pivotal role at Deer Valley, Loring is a highly respected examiner for PSIA-AASI Intermountain, a position that places her at the forefront of assessing and certifying new generations of snowsports instructors. Her dedication to the regional chapter is further evidenced by her service as a regional board member for PSIA-AASI Intermountain, where she has actively contributed to localized strategic planning and member support. Perhaps one of her most impactful current roles is chairing PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, an initiative central to the organization’s ongoing efforts to foster a more diverse and equitable environment across all facets of snowsports.
The Significance of the National Board of Directors
The PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors serves as the principal governing body for an organization that boasts over 32,000 members across nine divisions nationwide. These members represent a vast network of professional instructors dedicated to enhancing the snowsports experience for millions of participants annually. The board is responsible for setting the strategic vision, approving educational standards, overseeing financial health, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and relevance of the association. Its decisions directly influence instructor certification pathways, curriculum development, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts within the broader snowsports industry. The Intermountain Region, which Loring now represents, is one of the largest and most influential divisions within PSIA-AASI, encompassing major resorts in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, and contributing significantly to the association’s overall membership and educational impact. The appointment of a representative with Loring’s extensive background is therefore a strategic asset, promising a voice deeply rooted in practical experience and progressive leadership.
A Career Defined by Dedication and Innovation: A Chronology of Impact
Maggie Loring’s journey in snowsports instruction began at the remarkably young age of 14, a testament to her lifelong passion for skiing and teaching. This early start laid the foundation for a career marked by continuous learning, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to elevating the profession. She achieved the highly esteemed status of an examiner in 1996, a rigorous certification that allows individuals to evaluate and certify aspiring instructors, a role demanding exceptional technical skill, pedagogical understanding, and communication abilities. Throughout her extensive career, Loring has only missed one season of teaching – in 1978 – a brief hiatus attributed to exceptionally low snowfall and the demands of her college education, highlighting her unwavering dedication to the slopes.
Before her current tenure at Deer Valley, Loring held a series of progressively responsible leadership positions that significantly shaped her expertise and understanding of snowsports operations. She served as training manager at Solitude Mountain Resort, where she honed her skills in developing instructor training programs and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Prior to Solitude, Loring spent more than 22 years as the director of Snowbird Mountain School, a role that placed her at the helm of one of Utah’s premier ski and snowboard schools. Her long tenure at Snowbird allowed her to cultivate comprehensive expertise in school administration, program development, and large-scale instructor management.
Her influence extends geographically as well. Earlier in her career, Loring was a valued member of the Eastern Region education staff, contributing to the development and delivery of educational programs in a different operational landscape. She also served as training director for the American Skiing Company’s ski and ride schools, an organization that once operated some of the largest resorts in North America. This role provided her with invaluable experience in standardizing training methodologies across multiple resorts and managing large teams of instructors. Furthermore, Loring played a crucial role in helping lead SKI Magazine’s highly successful SKIwee children’s program, an initiative that introduced countless young enthusiasts to the joy of skiing and established foundational teaching methodologies for youth instruction. These diverse experiences across different regions and organizational structures have endowed her with a holistic understanding of the snowsports industry, from grassroots instruction to executive leadership.
Beyond the Slopes: Curriculum Development and Educational Innovation
Loring’s contributions to snowsports education extend far beyond direct instruction and school leadership; she has been a pivotal force in shaping the very curriculum and resources available to instructors nationwide. As a former member of the National Children’s Committee, she was instrumental in advancing children’s education within PSIA-AASI. Her work included organizing and leading national symposiums dedicated to best practices in youth instruction and developing essential instructor resources. This focus on foundational learning is critically important, as children’s programs are often the entry point for new participants into snowsports, requiring specialized pedagogical approaches.
Her impact on educational materials is equally profound. Loring authored several children’s instruction manuals, providing tangible, practical guides for instructors working with young learners. Furthermore, she played a key role in the development of PSIA’s Core Concepts Manual, a foundational text that served as a predecessor to today’s comprehensive Teaching Snowsports Manual. These manuals are the bedrock of PSIA-AASI’s certification process and ongoing professional development, distilling complex teaching methodologies into accessible formats. Her involvement in their creation underscores her deep understanding of educational theory and practical application. This background is further bolstered by her academic credentials: a degree in child development, which informs her expertise in youth instruction, and an MBA in leadership development, providing a robust framework for her organizational and strategic contributions. This unique blend of practical experience, pedagogical insight, and formal business education positions her as an exceptionally well-rounded leader.
A Vision for Strengthening Governance and Advancing Equity
Maggie Loring articulated her motivation for pursuing a National Board position as a desire to infuse the governing body with a distinct perspective, one forged over decades at the operational forefront of snowsports education and leadership. She emphasized her excitement to contribute to strengthening the governance framework that underpins PSIA-AASI’s commitment to "relevant, high-quality, and consistent education." This objective aligns perfectly with the association’s ongoing "standards and alignment work," a critical initiative aimed at ensuring that certification standards and educational programs remain current, effective, and universally applicable across all disciplines and regions. Her intimate understanding of the daily challenges and triumphs faced by instructors and school leaders will be invaluable in shaping policies that are both visionary and practical.
Her extensive experience in developing instructors, leading successful snowsports schools, and critically, connecting educational programming to the evolving needs of both employees and guests, brings an essential perspective to the National Board. In an industry facing dynamic changes – from demographic shifts in participation to technological advancements in equipment and teaching aids – Loring’s ability to bridge the gap between educational theory and real-world application will be a significant asset.
Inferred Statements and Broader Implications
While specific quotes were not provided in the original announcement, it is highly probable that PSIA-AASI leadership would express profound enthusiasm for Loring’s appointment. A hypothetical statement from a PSIA-AASI CEO might read: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Maggie Loring to our National Board of Directors. Maggie’s unparalleled career, spanning every facet of snowsports education from the beginner slope to executive leadership, makes her an indispensable addition. Her dedication to instructor development, her deep understanding of curriculum design, and especially her leadership in our Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, align perfectly with PSIA-AASI’s strategic priorities. We look forward to her invaluable contributions as we continue to elevate the standards of snowsports instruction and foster a more inclusive community."
Similarly, Maggie Loring herself would likely expand on her vision: "I am deeply honored and energized to join the PSIA-AASI National Board. My career has been driven by a passion for sharing the joy of snowsports and empowering instructors to be the best they can be. I believe my experience, particularly in developing robust training programs and fostering inclusive environments, will help us ensure PSIA-AASI remains at the cutting edge of educational excellence. I am particularly eager to contribute to our standards and alignment work, ensuring that our certifications are not only rigorous but also responsive to the needs of our members and the evolving landscape of the snowsports industry."
Loring’s appointment carries significant implications beyond her immediate contributions to governance and education. Her role as chair of the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, coupled with her board position, signals a strong commitment from PSIA-AASI to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the highest levels. This is particularly relevant in an industry that, like many professional sports, has historically seen underrepresentation of women and minorities in leadership roles. According to a 2022 report by the Women’s Sports Foundation, while women’s participation in sports is growing, their representation in coaching and administrative roles still lags significantly. Loring’s presence on the board, therefore, serves as both a symbolic and practical step towards greater inclusivity, offering a vital voice for underrepresented groups and helping to shape policies that promote equitable access and opportunities for all instructors. Her leadership in this area could inspire more women to pursue leadership paths within snowsports and contribute to a more diverse and representative instructor workforce, which in turn can attract a broader base of participants to the sport.
A Thank You to Outgoing Leadership
Loring’s appointment follows the departure of Rich McLaughlin, who represented the Intermountain Region with distinction. McLaughlin, associated with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming, reached his term limit on the board, a standard governance practice that ensures fresh perspectives and leadership rotation. PSIA-AASI extended its sincere gratitude to McLaughlin for his "many years of service," acknowledging his dedication and contributions to the association during his tenure. The transition highlights the organization’s commitment to robust governance and the periodic infusion of new leadership perspectives to meet evolving challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for PSIA-AASI
Maggie Loring’s addition to the PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors marks a pivotal moment for the organization. Her profound experience, spanning decades of hands-on instruction, innovative curriculum development, and strategic leadership across multiple prestigious resorts and national initiatives, provides an invaluable asset to the board. Coupled with her academic background in child development and leadership, and her active role in promoting equity and inclusion, Loring is uniquely positioned to guide PSIA-AASI through its next phase of growth and evolution. Her vision for strengthening governance and ensuring relevant, high-quality education aligns perfectly with the association’s mission, promising a future where snowsports instruction continues to thrive, innovate, and welcome a diverse community of participants and professionals. The snowsports industry will undoubtedly benefit from her seasoned perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence.
