The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), in collaboration with premium German apparel brand FALKE, have proudly announced the recipients of the 2025-26 FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarships and performance kits. This annual initiative underscores a shared dedication to fostering professional growth, enhancing instructional standards, and supporting the next generation of snowsports educators across the United States. Ten deserving individuals have been recognized for their commitment to excellence, with the top three applicants receiving additional financial support to further their certification and educational pursuits.
The partnership between FALKE and PSIA-AASI is founded on a mutual appreciation for technical precision, human performance, and the promotion of a healthy, active lifestyle. Through this scholarship program, emerging snowsports educators are empowered with not only high-performance technical apparel designed for optimal comfort and durability in challenging mountain environments but also crucial financial assistance that directly addresses the significant costs associated with advanced professional development and certification. This holistic support mechanism aims to equip instructors with the tools and confidence necessary to excel in their careers, become leaders within their snowsports communities, and ultimately elevate the quality of instruction available to the millions who participate in skiing and snowboarding annually.
The Esteemed Recipients of the 2025-26 Scholarships
A rigorous selection process, evaluating applicants’ dedication to snowsports education, their current certifications, community involvement, and future aspirations, culminated in the selection of ten outstanding individuals. Each winner will receive two full FALKE performance kits, comprising essential base layers, socks, and other technical apparel engineered for superior warmth, breathability, and fit. Furthermore, the top three applicants demonstrated exceptional merit and will receive their performance kits alongside up to $1,000 in reimbursement for education and certification expenses, including travel costs, alleviating a significant financial barrier to advanced training.
The 2025-26 FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship winners are:
- Tania De La Cruz (Northwest Region) – Certifications: S2, CS2; School Affiliation: EagleCrest Snowsport School
- Steve Dushenko (Eastern Region) – Certifications: S1, FS1; School Affiliation: Smugglers Notch Snow Sport University
- Carlin Reilly (Rocky Mountain Region) – Certifications: H1, A2, CS2; School Affiliation: Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School
- Hayley Turner (Rocky Mountain Region) – Certifications: A2, CS1; School Affiliation: Eldora Mountain Ski Resort
- Audrey Krumenacker (Western Region) – Certifications: A1; School Affiliation: Diamond Peak Snowsports School
- Casey Quam (Rocky Mountain Region) – Certifications: S2, CS2; School Affiliation: Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School
- Carley Jordan Turner (Western Region) – Certifications: H2, CS1, A2; School Affiliation: Achieve Tahoe
- **Angeli Feri*** (Eastern Region) – Certifications: S1, FS1, CS1; School Affiliation: Not specified
- **Em Palermo*** (Northern Rocky Mountain Region) – Certifications: A1, FS1, TM1, XC2; School Affiliation: Big Sky Mountain Sports School
- **Arianna Asquini*** (Rocky Mountain Region) – Certifications: H3, A2, CS2; School Affiliation: Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School
*Indicates a top three applicant.
Arianna Asquini, one of the top three recipients and an instructor at Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School, shared her enthusiasm for the award: “I am so excited to be a FALKE scholarship recipient! Being awarded this scholarship has allowed me to further my education, and I successfully went through the Children’s Specialist 2 certificate process. With the award, I was also able to attend the Alpine Level III event in Winter Park and have a successful two days. The award has given me a great boost of confidence in my certification pursuit, and I’ve been staying warm and cozy in my new FALKE layers! Thank you, PSIA and FALKE!” Her testimony highlights the tangible impact of the scholarship, not only in facilitating educational advancement but also in boosting personal confidence and providing essential, high-quality gear.
Another recipient, Steve Dushenko from Smugglers Notch Snow Sport University, reflected on the broader influence of the scholarship on his personal and professional journey: “In the last two years, I’ve made some serious lifestyle changes and rededicated myself to healthy living. This scholarship has encouraged me to continue on a journey that has made me a better instructor and rider.” His statement underscores how external support can reinforce personal commitments to wellness and professional excellence, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both the individual and the snowsports community.
Background and Strategic Alignment of the Partnership
PSIA-AASI stands as the authoritative body for snowsports instruction in the United States, representing over 32,000 members who are dedicated to teaching skiing, snowboarding, telemark, and adaptive snowsports. Established in 1961 (PSIA) and 1987 (AASI, merging later), the organization’s core mission revolves around setting the national standard for instruction, developing educational materials, and providing certification pathways that ensure instructors possess the most current knowledge and skills. The multi-level certification system, ranging from Level I to Level III in various disciplines (e.g., Alpine, Snowboard, Telemark, Adaptive, Children’s Specialist), is a rigorous process designed to cultivate highly proficient and effective educators. These certifications are not merely badges of honor; they are benchmarks that signify an instructor’s mastery of teaching methodology, technical understanding, and commitment to student safety and enjoyment.
FALKE, a family-owned German company with over 125 years of heritage, has built a global reputation for producing high-quality apparel, particularly renowned for its technical sports hosiery and base layers. With a strong emphasis on innovative design, superior materials, and precision craftsmanship, FALKE products are engineered to provide optimal performance, comfort, and protection for athletes and enthusiasts alike. Their commitment to ergonomic fit, temperature regulation, and moisture management makes their gear exceptionally well-suited for the demanding conditions of snowsports.
The collaboration between PSIA-AASI and FALKE represents a strategic alignment of two organizations committed to excellence. PSIA-AASI brings unparalleled expertise in snowsports education and professional development, while FALKE contributes its advanced technical apparel designed to enhance instructor comfort and performance on the slopes. This synergy ensures that instructors are not only highly trained but also optimally equipped, allowing them to focus entirely on their students and the art of teaching. The partnership, which has evolved over several seasons, reflects a shared understanding of the critical role that both education and high-quality gear play in fostering a thriving and safe snowsports environment.
The Crucial Role of Certified Snowsports Instructors
The snowsports industry, a significant contributor to local and national economies, relies heavily on the professionalism and expertise of certified instructors. With millions of participants flocking to resorts each season, the demand for qualified educators who can safely and effectively introduce newcomers to the sport and help experienced riders refine their skills remains consistently high. Certified instructors are not just teachers; they are ambassadors for the sport, safety advocates, and often the first point of contact for individuals entering the world of skiing and snowboarding. Their ability to inspire confidence, impart essential techniques, and ensure a positive learning experience directly impacts guest satisfaction, retention rates, and overall resort safety.
However, pursuing advanced certifications and maintaining professional standards can be financially demanding. Certification events, workshops, and specialized courses often involve tuition fees, travel costs, and the need for professional-grade equipment. For many passionate instructors, these expenses can present a significant barrier to career advancement. Scholarships like the FALKE x PSIA-AASI program directly address this challenge, democratizing access to higher levels of education and ensuring that financial constraints do not impede the development of promising talent within the industry. By investing in instructors, the scholarship program indirectly invests in the entire snowsports ecosystem, from resort operations to the individual learner’s experience.
A Timeline of Support and Future Opportunities
The FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship program operates on an annual cycle, reflecting a sustained commitment from both organizations. Typically, the application window opens in the spring, allowing instructors ample time to prepare and submit their applications. The selection process involves a thorough review by a dedicated committee, often comprising representatives from both PSIA-AASI and FALKE, who meticulously evaluate each candidate based on established criteria. The announcement of winners, as seen with the 2025-26 recipients, generally occurs in late summer or early fall, providing recipients with adequate time to plan their educational pursuits for the upcoming winter season.
This predictable timeline ensures that aspiring and current instructors can strategically plan their professional development, integrating scholarship opportunities into their long-term career trajectories. The consistency of the program reinforces its importance as a cornerstone of PSIA-AASI’s broader scholarship initiatives, which aim to support members across various disciplines and needs.
"The enthusiasm and dedication we see from our scholarship applicants each year is truly inspiring," stated Nicholas Smith, CEO of PSIA-AASI. "Partnerships like the one with FALKE are absolutely vital. They allow us to not only recognize exceptional talent but also to provide tangible support that removes financial hurdles, enabling our members to achieve their highest potential. This directly translates into better instruction, safer slopes, and more enjoyable experiences for all snowsports enthusiasts. We are immensely proud of this year’s recipients and eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will continue to make."
From FALKE’s perspective, the partnership is a natural extension of their brand philosophy. "At FALKE, we believe in supporting those who embody passion, performance, and professionalism," commented Dr. Jan Falke, Managing Director of FALKE. "Snowsports instructors are at the heart of the industry, shaping experiences and fostering a love for the mountains. Providing them with our high-performance gear ensures they can perform at their best, comfortably and confidently, regardless of the conditions. Our collaboration with PSIA-AASI allows us to directly contribute to the elevation of instruction standards, which aligns perfectly with our brand’s century-long commitment to quality and innovation in sports apparel."
Broader Impact and Implications for the Snowsports Community
The implications of programs like the FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship extend far beyond the individual recipients. On a broader scale, these scholarships contribute significantly to:
- Elevating Professional Standards: By facilitating access to advanced certifications, the program ensures that a greater number of instructors achieve the highest levels of proficiency, thereby raising the overall quality of instruction across resorts. This translates into more effective teaching methods, enhanced safety protocols, and a more consistent, high-quality learning experience for students.
- Fostering Community and Leadership: Scholarship recipients often become leaders and mentors within their respective snowsport schools and regional PSIA-AASI chapters. Their advanced training and renewed confidence can inspire peers, drive innovation in teaching practices, and contribute to a stronger, more collaborative professional community.
- Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Financial assistance programs are crucial for broadening access to professional development opportunities. By alleviating cost barriers, scholarships can help attract and retain a more diverse pool of instructors from various socio-economic backgrounds, ultimately making the snowsports community more reflective of the wider population. This diversification enriches the sport, bringing new perspectives and making it more welcoming to a broader audience.
- Enhancing Guest Experience and Retention: Highly trained instructors are better equipped to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities, leading to more successful lessons and positive experiences for guests. Satisfied students are more likely to return to the slopes, recommend lessons, and become lifelong participants in snowsports, contributing to the industry’s sustained growth.
- Innovation in Instruction: Exposure to advanced techniques and methodologies through certification processes encourages instructors to continuously evolve their teaching approaches. This drive for innovation can lead to the development of new programs, adaptive teaching strategies, and a more dynamic learning environment for students.
The success stories of recipients like Arianna Asquini and Steve Dushenko serve as powerful testaments to the program’s effectiveness. Their ability to pursue higher certifications, gain confidence, and rededicate themselves to their passion underscores the transformative power of targeted support. These individuals, equipped with both advanced knowledge and superior gear, are poised to make lasting contributions to the snowsports industry.
As the snowsports season approaches, the announcement of these scholarships serves as a reminder of the continuous effort required to maintain and elevate the standards of instruction. PSIA-AASI and FALKE encourage all eligible snowsports educators to keep an eye out for the opening of the next scholarship application cycle. Details for the upcoming season’s FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship, along with other national PSIA-AASI scholarships, will be made available on the official PSIA-AASI Scholarships page, inviting another cohort of dedicated professionals to pursue their dreams and contribute to the vibrant future of snowsports. This ongoing commitment ensures that the legacy of excellence in snowsports instruction continues to thrive, benefiting instructors, students, and the entire mountain community.