The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), the leading authority for snowsports education and certification 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 vital Intermountain Region, bringing a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking perspective to the organization’s strategic governance. Her appointment is poised to significantly bolster PSIA-AASI’s ongoing efforts to enhance instructor development, refine educational standards, and champion diversity and inclusion within the industry.
A Pillar of Snowsports Education Joins National Leadership
Maggie Loring’s career in snowsports education spans decades, marked by a consistent dedication to fostering excellence in instruction and leadership. Her diverse background encompasses roles as an instructor, educator, examiner, and school leader, culminating in her current position as Training Manager at Deer Valley Ski School in Utah. Beyond her operational roles, Loring is a respected figure within PSIA-AASI itself, serving as an examiner and a regional board member for PSIA-AASI Intermountain. Crucially, she also chairs PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, a testament to her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and representative snowsports community. Her extensive practical experience, combined with her strategic leadership skills, positions her as an invaluable asset to the National Board as it navigates the evolving landscape of snowsports instruction and participation.
Understanding PSIA-AASI and the National Board’s Mandate
PSIA-AASI stands as the preeminent professional organization for ski and snowboard instructors in the United States, boasting a membership that consistently hovers around 32,000 professionals across nine distinct regions. Its core mission is multifaceted: to establish and maintain rigorous standards for snowsports instruction, provide comprehensive educational resources and certification pathways for instructors, and ultimately enhance the safety and enjoyment of snowsports for participants of all ages and abilities. The National Board of Directors serves as the strategic compass for this expansive organization. Comprising elected representatives from various regions and at-large positions, the Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction, formulating policies, overseeing financial stewardship, and ensuring that PSIA-AASI remains responsive to the needs of its members and the broader snowsports industry. Each regional representative brings unique insights from their specific geographic and demographic contexts, ensuring that national strategies are both relevant and effectively implemented across diverse terrains and snow cultures. The Intermountain Region, known for its iconic resorts and a vibrant snowsports community, represents a significant portion of PSIA-AASI’s membership and influence, making its representation on the National Board particularly critical.
A Chronology of Dedication: Maggie Loring’s Illustrious Career
Maggie Loring’s journey in snowsports education began remarkably early, demonstrating a lifelong passion for the slopes. She started teaching skiing at the tender age of 14, laying the groundwork for what would become an extraordinary career. Her early experiences instilled in her a deep understanding of pedagogical principles and the nuanced art of instruction. In 1978, Loring experienced a rare break in her teaching career, missing only one season due to the dual pressures of exceptionally low snowfall that year and the demands of her college education. This brief hiatus underscores the consistent, almost unbroken, dedication she has maintained to the sport for over five decades.
Her professional ascent continued steadily, marked by a commitment to formalizing her expertise. She achieved the coveted status of an examiner in 1996, a role that requires not only exceptional technical skill but also a profound ability to evaluate and mentor aspiring instructors. Prior to her extensive tenure in the Intermountain West, Loring honed her skills on the East Coast, serving on the Eastern Region education staff. She then took on the significant responsibility of training director for the American Skiing Company’s ski and ride schools, overseeing instruction quality and staff development across multiple resorts. During this period, she also played a crucial role in the development and leadership of SKI Magazine‘s renowned SKIwee children’s program. This experience highlighted her early understanding of the importance of engaging and effective instruction for young learners, a demographic critical for the long-term health of the snowsports industry.
Loring’s career then shifted westward, where she made an indelible mark on some of Utah’s most prominent resorts. She spent more than 22 years as the Director of Snowbird Mountain School, a remarkable tenure that speaks volumes about her leadership capabilities and the profound impact she had on the institution. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the ski and snowboard school, including curriculum development, instructor training and retention, guest experience, and operational efficiency. Her leadership at Snowbird was instrumental in shaping countless instructors and providing exceptional learning experiences for thousands of guests. Following her impactful time at Snowbird, Loring transitioned to Solitude Mountain Resort, where she served as training manager, continuing her focus on elevating the instructional standards and professional development of the teaching staff. Currently, as the Training Manager at Deer Valley Ski School, she is at the helm of training for one of the industry’s most highly regarded ski schools, known for its unwavering commitment to luxury service and premium instruction.
Her academic background further complements her extensive practical experience. Loring holds a degree in child development, which has undoubtedly informed her approach to children’s instruction and curriculum design throughout her career, particularly her early work with SKIwee and the National Children’s Committee. Furthermore, an MBA in leadership development underscores her strategic acumen and her ability to guide complex organizations and teams effectively. This blend of pedagogical expertise and business leadership provides a unique and powerful foundation for her contributions to the PSIA-AASI National Board.
Contributions to Curriculum and Advocacy for Inclusion
Beyond her direct leadership roles in ski schools, Maggie Loring’s influence extends deeply into the very fabric of PSIA-AASI’s educational framework. As a member of the former National Children’s Committee, she was a driving force behind advancing children’s education within the organization. Her contributions included organizing national symposiums that brought together experts to share best practices and developing critical instructor resources tailored for teaching young learners. Recognizing the unique developmental stages of children, Loring also authored several children’s instruction manuals, which became foundational texts for instructors seeking to effectively engage and teach youth.
Her impact on core curriculum development is equally significant. Loring played a pivotal role in developing PSIA’s Core Concepts Manual, a landmark publication that served as a fundamental predecessor to today’s comprehensive Teaching Snowsports Manual. These manuals are not merely guides; they are the bedrock of PSIA-AASI’s standardized methodology, ensuring consistency and quality in instruction across the nation. Her involvement in crafting these essential resources highlights her deep understanding of educational theory and practice, and her commitment to providing instructors with the best possible tools.
Perhaps one of her most timely and impactful roles is her current position as Chair of PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion. This council is at the forefront of PSIA-AASI’s efforts to address critical issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the snowsports community. In an industry historically dominated by certain demographics, the Women’s Council aims to identify and dismantle barriers to participation and leadership for women, advocate for equitable opportunities, and foster an environment where all instructors feel valued and empowered. Loring’s leadership in this area is crucial, as the snowsports industry, like many others, recognizes the imperative to broaden its appeal and representation to ensure long-term growth and relevance. Data consistently shows that diverse teams lead to more innovative and effective outcomes, and Loring’s role on this council, now amplified by her National Board position, is vital for driving meaningful change.
Statements and Inferred Reactions: A Collective Welcome
In accepting her new role, Maggie Loring articulated her motivation with clarity and purpose. She stated that she pursued the National Board position with the explicit aim of bringing a distinct perspective, one meticulously shaped by decades of immersive experience in snowsports education and leadership. Her enthusiasm is particularly directed towards strengthening the governance framework that underpins relevant, high-quality, and consistent education. Loring emphasized her excitement to contribute to PSIA-AASI’s ongoing standards and alignment work, ensuring that the organization’s educational offerings remain cutting-edge and responsive to the evolving needs of both instructors and students. Her unique ability to connect education to the practical requirements of employees and the diverse expectations of guests will undoubtedly provide an important, ground-level perspective to the National Board’s deliberations.
While no direct statements from PSIA-AASI leadership were provided in the original announcement, it can be logically inferred that her appointment is met with significant enthusiasm. A representative statement from the PSIA-AASI CEO or Board Chair might acknowledge Loring’s unparalleled qualifications, highlighting her deep institutional knowledge, her visionary leadership in curriculum development, and her crucial work in advancing equity and inclusion. Such a statement would likely convey profound confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s strategic objectives, particularly in fostering innovation and ensuring PSIA-AASI’s continued relevance in a dynamic industry.
Similarly, the Intermountain Region, which Loring now officially represents, would undoubtedly express pride and anticipation. Her strong regional ties and deep understanding of the unique characteristics and challenges of the Intermountain snowsports landscape mean that the region’s voice will be heard distinctly at the national level. Regional leadership would likely emphasize the benefits of having such an experienced and respected advocate on the National Board, ensuring that regional insights and needs are seamlessly integrated into national policies and programs.
Broader Impact and Implications for PSIA-AASI and Snowsports
Maggie Loring’s appointment to the PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors carries significant implications for the organization and the broader snowsports industry. Her decades of experience in developing instructors, leading snowsports schools, and crafting foundational educational materials will directly inform the Board’s decisions on curriculum, certification standards, and professional development pathways. This deep operational and pedagogical expertise will be crucial as PSIA-AASI continues to refine its educational offerings to meet the demands of a changing environment, including technological advancements in equipment, evolving learning styles, and the need to attract a broader demographic of participants.
Her leadership role on the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion, now amplified by her National Board position, signals a strong commitment from PSIA-AASI to prioritize DEI initiatives. As the snowsports industry grapples with challenges such as climate change and the need to expand its participant base, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment is paramount. Loring’s presence on the Board will ensure that DEI considerations are integrated into strategic planning and policy-making at the highest level, potentially leading to more diverse instructor cohorts, more inclusive marketing efforts, and programs designed to remove barriers for underrepresented groups. This strategic focus on inclusion is not merely ethical; it is increasingly recognized as a business imperative for the long-term sustainability and growth of the sport.
Furthermore, Loring’s dual background in child development and leadership development equips her with a unique perspective on nurturing talent from an early age and developing effective leaders within the snowsports community. This holistic view can help PSIA-AASI create more robust pipelines for instructor growth, from entry-level certification to advanced leadership roles, ensuring a continuous supply of highly qualified professionals.
Loring replaces Rich McLaughlin of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, who was term-limited after years of dedicated service. This transition represents a natural evolution, bringing fresh perspectives while maintaining continuity of purpose. The smooth handover underscores PSIA-AASI’s commitment to robust governance and the continuous infusion of new expertise into its leadership structure. Rich McLaughlin’s contributions have undoubtedly shaped the organization, and Loring’s appointment builds upon that legacy, steering PSIA-AASI towards an even more impactful future.
In conclusion, Maggie Loring’s appointment to the PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors is more than just a personnel change; it is a strategic move that reinforces the organization’s commitment to excellence in education, progressive leadership, and an inclusive future for snowsports. Her unparalleled experience, coupled with her forward-thinking approach, positions her as a formidable force for positive change and continued growth within the industry.
