The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), in collaboration with leading performance apparel brand FALKE, have proudly announced the recipients of the 2025-26 FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarships and FALKE performance kits. This significant initiative underscores a shared commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and professional growth within the snowsports instruction community, recognizing ten exceptional educators who exemplify dedication to their craft and the sport.
The partnership between FALKE and PSIA-AASI is designed to empower the next generation of snowsports educators by providing crucial financial assistance and top-tier technical apparel. This comprehensive support package aims to enhance professional development, cultivate community leadership, and ultimately elevate the standard of instruction across the industry. The program strategically addresses common barriers to advanced certification and training, ensuring that passionate instructors have the resources necessary to reach their full potential.
A Synergistic Partnership for Professional Excellence
The collaboration between FALKE, a brand renowned for its commitment to technical excellence, wellness, and movement, and PSIA-AASI, the nation’s foremost authority on snowsports instruction, represents a powerful synergy. PSIA-AASI, with its extensive network of over 32,000 members, sets the benchmarks for professional snowsports education and certification in the United States. Its mission revolves around educating, certifying, and developing professional snowsports instructors, thereby ensuring high-quality experiences for students and promoting the safety and enjoyment of snowsports. Through rigorous training and certification pathways, PSIA-AASI members contribute significantly to the vibrancy and professionalism of the industry.
FALKE’s involvement brings an invaluable layer of support, providing high-performance gear engineered for the demanding conditions of mountain environments. The brand’s philosophy aligns perfectly with the needs of snowsports professionals, emphasizing comfort, optimal performance, and durability. By outfitting instructors with superior base layers and performance socks, FALKE ensures that recipients can focus on their teaching and personal development without being hindered by inadequate equipment. This partnership, now in its latest iteration for the 2025-26 season, has become a cornerstone in supporting the professional journeys of aspiring and experienced instructors alike, addressing both the financial and equipment-related challenges often faced in this specialized field.
The Scholarship Program: Fueling Growth and Innovation
The FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship program is meticulously structured to identify and reward instructors who demonstrate outstanding potential and a clear commitment to advancing their skills and contributing to their communities. Ten deserving individuals have been selected to receive two full FALKE performance kits, equipping them with essential high-quality apparel for their work and training. Beyond this, the top three applicants among the ten winners receive an additional financial boost: up to $1,000 reimbursement for education and certification expenses, including travel costs. This monetary support is critical, as advanced certifications often involve significant financial outlay for course fees, travel to training locations, and lodging.
The scholarship celebrates the intersection of technical excellence, wellness, and movement—core values that are deeply embedded in both FALKE’s product philosophy and PSIA-AASI’s educational principles. The application process typically involves a detailed submission outlining the applicant’s teaching philosophy, professional goals, community involvement, and how the scholarship would specifically aid their development. This rigorous selection process ensures that recipients are not only proficient instructors but also individuals poised to become leaders and advocates within the snowsports community.
Voices of the 2025-26 Scholars: Impact and Inspiration
The immediate and tangible impact of the scholarship is best articulated by the recipients themselves. Arianna Asquini, one of the top three scholarship winners affiliated with Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School in the Rocky Mountain region, expressed profound gratitude: “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 dual benefit of the scholarship: financial support enabling advanced certification (Children’s Specialist 2 and Alpine Level III) and the practical advantage of high-quality gear enhancing comfort and confidence during demanding training. The Children’s Specialist 2 certification, for instance, requires specialized knowledge and skills for teaching young learners, while Alpine Level III signifies an advanced level of technical skiing and teaching expertise, demanding significant commitment and resources.
Another recipient, Steve Dushenko from Smugglers Notch Snow Sport University in the Eastern region, shared how the recognition extended beyond just financial or material benefits: “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.” Dushenko’s reflection underscores the holistic impact of such programs, which can motivate instructors to pursue personal wellness alongside professional development, leading to a more effective and resilient teaching force. His journey, supported by the FALKE performance kit, illustrates how recognition and high-quality equipment can reinforce positive lifestyle choices that directly benefit their performance and longevity in the demanding profession of snowsports instruction.
Introducing the 2025-26 FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship Winners
The ten instructors recognized for their outstanding commitment and potential represent various regions and specialties within the PSIA-AASI framework. Their diverse backgrounds and certifications underscore the broad impact of the scholarship across the snowsports instruction spectrum.
The full list of winners includes:
- Tania De La Cruz (Northwest Region): Certified S2 (Snowboard Level 2), CS2 (Children’s Specialist 2), affiliated with EagleCrest Snowsport School. Her achievements highlight expertise in both snowboarding instruction and specialized techniques for teaching children.
- Steve Dushenko (Eastern Region): Certified S1 (Snowboard Level 1), FS1 (Freestyle Specialist 1), affiliated with Smugglers Notch Snow Sport University. His focus on foundational snowboarding skills and freestyle instruction contributes to dynamic learning experiences.
- Carlin Reilly (Rocky Mountain Region): Certified H1 (Adaptive Level 1), A2 (Alpine Level 2), CS2 (Children’s Specialist 2), affiliated with Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School. Reilly’s diverse certifications showcase a commitment to inclusive instruction and high-level alpine teaching.
- Hayley Turner (Rocky Mountain Region): Certified A2 (Alpine Level 2), CS1 (Children’s Specialist 1), affiliated with Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. Turner’s expertise lies in advanced alpine instruction and foundational children’s teaching.
- Audrey Krumenacker (Western Region): Certified A1 (Alpine Level 1), affiliated with Diamond Peak Snowsports School. Krumenacker represents the foundational level of alpine instruction, crucial for developing new skiers.
- Casey Quam (Rocky Mountain Region): Certified S2 (Snowboard Level 2), CS2 (Children’s Specialist 2), affiliated with Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School. Quam’s dual expertise mirrors that of De La Cruz, emphasizing advanced snowboard and children’s instruction.
- Carley Jordan Turner (Western Region): Certified H2 (Adaptive Level 2), CS1 (Children’s Specialist 1), A2 (Alpine Level 2), affiliated with Achieve Tahoe. Carley’s extensive certifications, particularly Adaptive Level 2, demonstrate a profound dedication to making snowsports accessible to all.
The top three applicants, who received both the performance kit and the up to $1,000 education reimbursement, are:
- **Angeli Feri*** (Eastern Region): Certified S1 (Snowboard Level 1), FS1 (Freestyle Specialist 1), CS1 (Children’s Specialist 1). Feri’s comprehensive skills across snowboarding, freestyle, and children’s instruction position her as a versatile educator.
- **Em Palermo*** (Northern Rocky Mountain Region): Certified A1 (Alpine Level 1), FS1 (Freestyle Specialist 1), TM1 (Telemark Level 1), XC2 (Cross Country Level 2), affiliated with Big Sky Mountain Sports School. Palermo’s impressive breadth of certifications across multiple disciplines highlights an exceptional commitment to varied snowsports education.
- **Arianna Asquini*** (Rocky Mountain Region): Certified H3 (Adaptive Level 3), A2 (Alpine Level 2), CS2 (Children’s Specialist 2), affiliated with Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School. Asquini’s high-level Adaptive certification (H3) is particularly noteworthy, signifying advanced expertise in teaching individuals with diverse abilities.
These certifications, ranging from Level 1 foundational skills to Level 3 mastery and specialist designations, represent hundreds of hours of training, practice, and rigorous assessment. They are the benchmarks of professional excellence in snowsports instruction, ensuring that students receive safe, effective, and enjoyable lessons.
Broader Industry Implications: Elevating Standards and Accessibility
The significance of scholarships like the FALKE x PSIA-AASI program extends far beyond the individual recipients. In an era where snowsports participation continues to evolve, the demand for highly skilled and certified instructors remains consistently strong. Industry data suggests a sustained interest in lessons, with many resorts reporting full ski and snowboard school schedules, particularly during peak seasons. This demand is fueled by new participants entering the sport, as well as experienced enthusiasts seeking to refine their techniques.
However, the path to becoming a top-tier instructor often involves substantial personal investment. The cost of advanced clinics, examinations, travel, and specialized equipment can be prohibitive for many, especially given the seasonal nature of much snowsports employment. Scholarships bridge this financial gap, enabling talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher certifications that might otherwise be out of reach. This directly contributes to a more skilled, diverse, and representative instructor workforce, enhancing the overall quality of snowsports experiences for the public.
Furthermore, equipping instructors with high-quality gear, such as FALKE performance kits, is not merely a perk; it is a fundamental aspect of their professional toolkit. Optimal gear ensures comfort, warmth, and protection, allowing instructors to perform at their best throughout long days on the mountain in varying weather conditions. This, in turn, translates into more effective teaching and a better experience for students. By supporting the instructor’s physical well-being, the scholarship indirectly enhances the learning environment for thousands of snowsports enthusiasts each season.
The program also subtly addresses the crucial need for ongoing professional development in a dynamic industry. Snowsports techniques, equipment, and pedagogical approaches are constantly evolving. Continuous education, facilitated by scholarships, ensures that instructors remain at the forefront of these advancements, capable of teaching the latest methods and adapting to new challenges. This commitment to lifelong learning is vital for maintaining PSIA-AASI’s reputation for excellence and for ensuring the sustained growth and safety of snowsports.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Excellence and Inspiring Future Generations
The success of the 2025-26 FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship program reinforces the critical role that industry partnerships play in nurturing talent and strengthening the snowsports community. This initiative serves as a powerful testament to the value of investing in human capital—the dedicated individuals who introduce countless people to the joy and challenge of skiing and snowboarding.
Officials from both organizations expressed enthusiasm for the program’s impact. A spokesperson for PSIA-AASI commented, "Our partnership with FALKE is instrumental in realizing our vision of a highly skilled and professional instructor base. These scholarships remove significant barriers, allowing our members to pursue advanced certifications and truly excel. The positive ripple effect on the entire snowsports industry is undeniable." Similarly, a representative from FALKE highlighted their brand’s dedication: "At FALKE, we believe in supporting those who embody movement, wellness, and technical precision. Snowsports instructors are at the heart of this. Providing them with the gear and financial aid they need is an investment in the future of the sport, ensuring that passion and talent are never limited by resources."
Aspiring snowsports educators are encouraged to keep a close watch for the opening of the next scholarship cycle. The FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship typically opens concurrently with other National PSIA-AASI scholarships, usually in the late spring or early summer, with announcements made on the official PSIA-AASI Scholarships page. This consistent annual opportunity underscores a long-term commitment from both organizations to foster a robust pipeline of talented, certified, and passionate instructors.
In conclusion, the 2025-26 FALKE x PSIA-AASI Education Scholarship not only celebrates the achievements of ten exemplary individuals but also symbolizes a broader commitment to the growth and professionalization of snowsports instruction. By providing essential financial aid and high-performance equipment, this partnership actively shapes a future where exceptional instruction is accessible, supported, and continually elevated, ultimately enriching the snowsports experience for everyone.