Deer Valley, Utah – Josh Pugmire, a highly respected instructor and trainer at Deer Valley Resort, has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 Angus Graham Rising Star Award, a testament to his innovative teaching philosophy, profound dedication to student development, and significant contributions to the snowsports community. Pugmire’s journey from a casual high school instructor to an Alpine Level III certified professional and acclaimed trainer exemplifies a commitment to lifelong learning and an empathetic approach to ski education that has earned him accolades from peers and leadership alike.
Pugmire’s deep connection to skiing began in the picturesque landscapes of Washington State, where, at the tender age of six, he and his sister were introduced to the slopes by their father. His father, a lifelong ski instructor, secured a part-time position at Crystal Mountain, the state’s largest ski resort, transforming weekends into cherished family excursions amidst the majestic Cascades. These early experiences were sweetened not just by the fresh mountain air but also by a unique paternal tradition: a bag of frozen Swedish fish, a rainbow-hued treat that served as a delightful pacifier during chilly chairlift rides. This foundational period instilled in Pugmire an initial appreciation for the outdoors and the simple joy of gliding on snow, though the true spark of teaching passion was yet to ignite.
While he began instructing during his junior year of high school, teaching six to twelve Saturdays each winter, Pugmire candidly admits that skiing had not yet evolved into a profound passion. It wasn’t until his relocation to Utah for college and his subsequent employment at Deer Valley that his perspective dramatically shifted. “Skiing was never really a passion until I started working at Deer Valley, and I realized how bad of a skier I was,” Pugmire remarked, reflecting on a pivotal moment that spurred his dedication to mastery and, by extension, to effective instruction. This realization marked the beginning of a transformative period where skiing transcended mere outdoor activity, evolving into what he describes as a captivating “puzzle.” Each lesson became an intricate challenge, requiring him to meticulously assess guests’ needs, desires, and abilities to craft the most memorable and effective experience. “The puzzle is bringing it together and making sure that they’re having fun, but also learning,” he explained. “Each individual is a unique challenge, and I find it exhilarating when I can figure out that challenge, change starts to happen, and it starts progressing down the hill.”
This philosophy underscores a critical shift in modern ski instruction, moving beyond purely technical drills to embrace a holistic approach. The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), the largest snowsports education organization in the world with over 32,000 members, champions this comprehensive methodology through its "Learning Connection" framework. This framework emphasizes three crucial domains: technical expertise, tactical understanding, and crucially, "people skills." Pugmire has mastered this third domain, recognizing it as the “magic ingredient” that elevates a good lesson to an exceptional one.
Pugmire’s instructional approach is deeply rooted in empathy and genuine connection. He believes that the ability to connect with students “in the moment” is the main pillar of effective teaching. This involves not only active engagement but also a comfortable acceptance of silence, allowing space for observation and student processing. His curiosity extends beyond the slopes, as he strives to learn from every interaction. “Every single person you’ll ever meet knows something you don’t, and trying to find that and connect with it is a hobby of mine,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to continuous personal and professional growth by integrating others’ knowledge into his own. For Pugmire, the ultimate measure of a lesson’s success is not merely improved ski performance but the creation of a memorable and enjoyable experience. “At the end of the day, it’s not about the ski performance; it’s really about the experience being memorable and enjoyable,” he noted, emphasizing the experiential aspect that defines Deer Valley’s renowned guest service.
This dedication to fostering positive experiences has led Pugmire to discover a particular affinity for teaching middle-aged women. He humorously identifies this demographic as his "niche," praising their eagerness to learn and lack of ego. “They’re just so apt to learn and there’s a lack of ego. It’s a great group because they really want to improve so that they can ski with their kids, spouse, or whomever,” he explained, underscoring the intrinsic motivation that makes teaching this group particularly rewarding. This targeted approach reflects Pugmire’s keen observation and ability to tailor his methods to specific student psychologies, a hallmark of an advanced instructor.
Pugmire’s exceptional dedication and skill have not gone unnoticed within Deer Valley. Rob Sogard, Vice President of Skier Services and former PSIA National Team member/Alpine Team Head Coach, offered high praise: “I’ve witnessed firsthand the personal engagement, skill, professionalism, and humility that Josh has brought to our guests through his role as a ski teacher.” This commendation from a seasoned industry veteran underscores the significant impact Pugmire has made on both guests and the resort’s instructional reputation.
Beyond his direct instruction, Pugmire’s influence has expanded significantly within Deer Valley’s esteemed ski school. After achieving his Level III Alpine instructor certification in 2023 – the highest level of alpine certification awarded by PSIA-AASI, signifying mastery in technical skiing, teaching methodology, and professional knowledge – and also holding a Children’s Specialist 1 credential, he transitioned into a trainer role. This new position, he says, has been the highlight of his career to date, allowing him to “share knowledge with other instructors and vice versa and build upon those blocks of learning.”
Maggie Loring, Deer Valley’s Training Manager, has observed Pugmire’s collegial spirit firsthand, noting his “exceptional initiative in supporting instructor development – volunteering his time to coach and counsel staff working toward their own credentials.” Loring further highlighted Pugmire’s approachable demeanor, strong sense of purpose, and his ability to cultivate an environment where learning and collaboration flourish. As a trainer, Pugmire focuses on presence, kindness, and uplifting others, irrespective of their certification level. He characterizes his training philosophy as simply “two people sharing their experience on the hill and sharing information,” a practice facilitated by the wealth of talent within Deer Valley’s instructional team.
The collaborative and supportive culture at Deer Valley is a theme Pugmire frequently emphasizes. “The culture is what really stands out,” he stated. “We have so many high-level instructors who are eager to share their passion with new instructors and those who may not have their Level II or III.” This team-oriented ethos, echoed by both Pugmire and Loring, permeates the ski school, fostering an environment where instructors are motivated to help each other deliver the best possible lessons. “People want to help each other, and they want to give the best lesson possible,” he affirmed. “It’s the kindness that we share between each other as employees and that we share with guests that really makes Deer Valley what it is.” This commitment to shared values and mutual support is integral to what Deer Valley calls the "Deer Valley Difference," a standard of excellence in hospitality and instruction that consistently places it among North America’s top resorts.
Pugmire’s journey is, in his own words, a “PSIA success story.” Despite his advanced certification and his role on the Intermountain Region Development Team, which identifies and nurtures future snowsports leaders, he maintains a humble perspective, often jokingly stating, “I’m pretty sure I still suck at skiing, but PSIA is the reason I am where I am.” He attributes his remarkable progression directly to the association, emphasizing his start from “Level 0.” Unlike many highly skilled instructors who come from competitive racing backgrounds or were pushed by peers, Pugmire’s initial exposure to quality skiing was inconsistent. His father, despite his instructional career, did not advance beyond Level I, and Pugmire lacked external pressures on the slopes. “I came into Deer Valley and PSIA, and they anchored me into what good skiing is,” he reflected. “So, I really appreciate the time I was able to devote to learning and becoming a dedicated instructor during college.”
He credits Deer Valley and PSIA-AASI with not only shaping his professional trajectory but also developing him personally, providing discipline and a clear career path. “A lot of my values resonate with PSIA’s values – the teacher I am, the skier I am, the technician I am,” he explained. “All of that is because I adopted these values as my main core.” This alignment of personal and organizational values highlights the profound impact of professional organizations in shaping individual character and professional identity. Pugmire’s success is a testament to his innate humility and insatiable curiosity. “You can learn something from every interaction and from every event,” he asserted. “If you cultivate a learner’s mindset and go into everything trying to find value, you will always come away with added benefit rather than disappointment.” This philosophy of continuous learning and positive reframing is a powerful driver of personal and professional growth in any field.
Looking ahead, Pugmire is committed to furthering Deer Valley’s reputation as a premier hub for snowsports education. His vision is to foster an environment where instructors feel valued, empowered to achieve their goals, and eager to share their expertise with both guests and fellow instructors. This dedication ensures the perpetuation of the "Deer Valley Difference" – a standard of excellence that permeates every aspect of the guest experience.
The Angus Graham Rising Star Award, which Pugmire shares with National Team member Justin Arndt in 2026, is a significant recognition within the PSIA-AASI community. Named in honor of Angus Graham, a revered figure known for his exceptional mentorship and leadership within PSIA-AASI, the award celebrates emerging talent that demonstrates outstanding dedication, impact, and potential in snowsports instruction. It serves to highlight individuals who embody the future of professional instruction, inspiring others through their commitment and innovative practices. Arndt’s Member Profile can be found in the Spring 2025 issue of 32 Degrees, further showcasing the breadth of talent recognized by the association. The awards ceremony, held at Copper Mountain, Colorado, celebrated a distinguished roster of recipients across various categories, including Distinguished Service, Educational Excellence, Lifetime Achievement, and Snowsports Leadership, underscoring the depth of talent and commitment within the PSIA-AASI community.
Josh Pugmire’s recognition as a 2026 Angus Graham Rising Star is more than just an individual honor; it is a validation of a teaching philosophy that prioritizes connection, empathy, and continuous learning. His journey from a casual ski enthusiast to a transformative instructor and trainer at one of the world’s most prestigious resorts serves as an inspiring example for current and aspiring snowsports professionals, demonstrating that true mastery lies not just in technical skill, but in the profound ability to connect, inspire, and foster a lifelong love for skiing.
2026 PSIA-AASI National Award Recipients
Angus Graham Rising Star:
- Justin Arndt
- Josh Pugmire
Distinguished Service:
- Karen Dolan
- Urmas Franosch
- Joel Munn
- Posthumous: Freddie Anderson, Bill Hetrick, Gordon Robbins, Nic Fiore
Educational Excellence:
- Victor Gerdin
- Posthumous: Weems Westfeldt, Jerry Berg, Jean Mayer
Lifetime Achievement:
- Bill Irwin
- Max Lundberg
- Posthumous: Stu Campbell
Snowsports Leadership (formerly 3C’s):
- Andrea Brideau-Miller
- Stu Hoyt