The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), the leading snowsports education organization in the United States, has announced the appointment of Maggie Loring to its esteemed National Board of Directors. Loring, a veteran educator and leader within the snowsports community, will represent the Intermountain Region, bringing a wealth of experience cultivated over more than four decades in instruction, training, and strategic leadership. Her appointment underscores PSIA-AASI’s commitment to reinforcing its governance structure and advancing high-quality, consistent education standards across its diverse membership.
The PSIA-AASI National Board: Guiding Snowsports Education Standards
PSIA-AASI stands as the authoritative voice for snowsports education in the U.S., certifying more than 33,000 instructors in alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, and adaptive snowsports. The organization plays a pivotal role in developing instructional techniques, educational resources, and professional standards that shape the learning experience for millions of snowsports enthusiasts annually. The National Board of Directors is central to this mission, responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing governance, and ensuring the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the broader snowsports industry. Board members, typically representing specific geographic regions or areas of expertise, are crucial in translating national objectives into actionable initiatives that resonate locally while maintaining consistent quality nationally. The Intermountain Region, encompassing a vast and influential snowsports landscape including Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, is a critical component of PSIA-AASI’s national framework, known for its vibrant instructor community and world-renowned resorts.
A Distinguished Career Forged on the Slopes and in the Classroom
Maggie Loring’s career trajectory is a testament to her profound dedication to snowsports education and leadership. Her journey began at the remarkable age of 14 when she first started teaching skiing, a passion that has endured for over 45 years. This early immersion into instruction laid the foundation for a career marked by continuous growth and significant contributions. After only missing a single season in 1978 due to low snowfall and collegiate demands—a rare interruption in an otherwise unbroken commitment—Loring steadily climbed the ranks, becoming an examiner in 1996. This critical role involves evaluating and certifying aspiring instructors, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards set by PSIA-AASI.
Prior to her current role as training manager at Deer Valley Ski School in Utah, Loring held a series of influential positions that shaped her comprehensive understanding of snowsports operations and instructor development. Notably, she served as the training manager at Solitude Mountain Resort, where she was instrumental in refining instructional methodologies and elevating the professional development of the resort’s teaching staff. Her longest tenure, spanning more than 22 years, was as the director of Snowbird Mountain School. During her leadership at Snowbird, Loring was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the ski and snowboard school, including curriculum design, instructor training, guest experience, and operational management. This extended period provided her with an unparalleled perspective on the challenges and opportunities inherent in managing a large-scale snowsports education program at a major resort.
Earlier in her career, Loring’s influence extended beyond individual resorts. She was an integral part of the Eastern Region education staff, contributing to regional training programs and instructor development initiatives. Her expertise was further leveraged as training director for the American Skiing Company’s ski and ride schools, a conglomerate that at one time managed multiple prominent resorts across the U.S. In this capacity, she was responsible for standardizing training protocols and elevating instructional quality across a wide network of schools. Moreover, Loring played a significant role in leading SKI Magazine’s SKIwee children’s program, a nationally recognized initiative aimed at introducing young children to skiing in a fun and effective manner. Her involvement with SKIwee underscored her commitment to foundational instruction and her ability to develop engaging educational experiences for diverse age groups.
Pioneering Contributions to Snowsports Educational Resources
Loring’s impact extends far beyond her leadership roles at resorts; she has been a prolific contributor to the intellectual capital of snowsports education. Her expertise in child development, a subject in which she holds an academic degree, proved invaluable in her work with the former National Children’s Committee. As a member of this vital committee, she was instrumental in advancing children’s education through the organization of national symposiums and the development of essential instructor resources. These initiatives helped standardize and enhance the quality of children’s snowsports programs nationwide, ensuring that young learners received instruction tailored to their developmental stages.
Further cementing her legacy in educational development, Loring authored several children’s instruction manuals, providing practical guides for instructors working with youth. These manuals became foundational texts, disseminating best practices and innovative teaching strategies across the PSIA-AASI community. Her influence also extended to core instructional philosophy: she played a key role in developing PSIA’s Core Concepts Manual, a seminal publication that served as a predecessor to the contemporary Teaching Snowsports Manual. The Core Concepts Manual articulated fundamental principles of snowsports instruction, providing a unified framework for instructors regardless of discipline or experience level. This work was crucial in establishing a coherent pedagogical approach within the organization, fostering consistency and excellence in teaching. The evolution to the Teaching Snowsports Manual reflects PSIA-AASI’s continuous effort to refine and update its educational materials, a process Loring has been intimately involved with and will continue to influence. Her academic background, including an MBA in leadership development, further bolsters her capacity to contribute to strategic educational initiatives and organizational leadership.
Championing Equity and Inclusion within Snowsports
In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly recognized as critical for organizational health and societal progress, Maggie Loring has taken a leading role within PSIA-AASI. She currently chairs PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, an initiative dedicated to fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment within the snowsports community. This council addresses challenges faced by women and underrepresented groups, advocating for equitable opportunities in leadership, instruction, and participation. Her leadership in this area is particularly significant given the historical demographics of the snowsports industry. While precise statistics vary, studies have consistently shown underrepresentation of women and minorities in leadership and examiner roles within many sports organizations. Loring’s work with the Women’s Council aims to dismantle barriers, promote mentorship, and ensure that PSIA-AASI genuinely reflects the diverse population of snowsports enthusiasts. Her appointment to the National Board further strengthens the visibility and influence of DEI initiatives at the highest levels of the organization, signaling a clear commitment to these values.
A Strategic Vision for Governance and Educational Excellence
In her statements regarding her pursuit of the National Board position, Loring articulated a clear and compelling vision. She emphasized her desire to contribute a perspective shaped by decades of hands-on experience in snowsports education and leadership. This deep, experiential knowledge is invaluable for a board tasked with guiding an organization as complex and dynamic as PSIA-AASI. Loring expressed particular excitement about strengthening the governance framework that underpins the delivery of relevant, high-quality, and consistent education. This focus aligns perfectly with PSIA-AASI’s ongoing work in standards and alignment, which seeks to ensure that certification processes and educational offerings remain current, effective, and uniformly applied across all regions and disciplines.
The snowsports industry, like many others, faces continuous evolution—from technological advancements in equipment to changing consumer demographics and environmental challenges. Robust governance is essential to navigate these shifts effectively, allowing the organization to adapt its educational content and delivery methods to meet contemporary needs. Loring’s extensive experience in developing instructors, leading snowsports schools, and crucially, connecting education to the practical needs of both employees and guests, will provide an indispensable perspective to the National Board. Her ability to bridge the gap between theoretical educational principles and real-world application at the resort level is a critical asset. This perspective will help ensure that PSIA-AASI’s standards are not only academically sound but also practically implementable and beneficial for instructors, resorts, and ultimately, the snowsports public.
The Intermountain Region: A Powerhouse of Snowsports
Loring’s representation of the Intermountain Region is particularly pertinent. This region is home to some of North America’s most iconic ski resorts, including Deer Valley, Snowbird, Solitude, and Jackson Hole, among others. It boasts a large and highly skilled instructor population, consistently pushing the boundaries of snowsports technique and education. The Intermountain Region often serves as a proving ground for new educational concepts and training methodologies before they are adopted nationally. Having a representative with Loring’s depth of experience, particularly from within this dynamic region, ensures that the unique insights, challenges, and innovations emerging from these resorts are effectively communicated and integrated into national strategic planning. The Intermountain region’s significant economic contribution to the wider snowsports industry, through tourism, employment, and equipment sales, further underscores the importance of strong, informed representation on the National Board.
Broader Implications for the Snowsports Industry
Maggie Loring’s appointment carries significant implications for the broader snowsports industry. Her proven track record in instructor development and school leadership signals a continued focus by PSIA-AASI on elevating the professional standards of snowsports instructors. A well-trained and highly competent instructor base is fundamental to attracting new participants, retaining existing ones, and ensuring safety on the slopes. By contributing to the refinement of educational standards and governance, Loring will indirectly influence the quality of instruction experienced by countless individuals learning to ski or snowboard, thereby contributing to the health and growth of the sport.
Furthermore, her leadership in the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion highlights a growing industry-wide recognition of the importance of diversity. As the snowsports demographic continues to diversify, ensuring that leadership reflects this diversity becomes paramount. Loring’s position on the National Board provides a prominent platform for advocating for these critical initiatives, potentially inspiring more women and underrepresented groups to pursue leadership roles within snowsports education and management. This shift can lead to more inclusive programming, a broader appeal for snowsports, and a more robust industry overall.
A Legacy of Service: Acknowledging Rich McLaughlin
Loring steps into the role previously held by Rich McLaughlin, a distinguished representative from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, who was term-limited. McLaughlin’s many years of dedicated service to the PSIA-AASI National Board have been widely recognized and appreciated within the organization. His contributions helped shape the direction of snowsports education during his tenure, and the organization extends its gratitude for his commitment and leadership. The transition from one highly respected veteran to another ensures continuity in expertise and a sustained focus on the core mission of PSIA-AASI.
In conclusion, Maggie Loring’s appointment to the PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors is a significant development for the organization and the broader snowsports community. Her unparalleled experience, ranging from frontline instruction to strategic leadership and educational development, combined with her dedication to equity and inclusion, positions her as a formidable asset. As PSIA-AASI continues its vital work in setting standards and fostering excellence, Loring’s insights and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of snowsports education for generations to come.
