PSIA-AASI (Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors) has announced the appointment of Maggie Loring to its esteemed National Board of Directors, where she will represent the vital Intermountain Region. This strategic addition underscores PSIA-AASI’s commitment to robust leadership and the continuous enhancement of snowsports education standards across the United States. Loring’s extensive background, spanning over four decades as an instructor, educator, examiner, and school leader, positions her as a pivotal voice in shaping the future trajectory of professional snowsports instruction and advocacy.
Understanding PSIA-AASI and the Significance of National Board Appointments
PSIA-AASI stands as the preeminent authority for professional snowsports instruction in the U.S., dedicated to developing and promoting the highest standards of teaching, safety, and leadership within the industry. Established to professionalize snowsports instruction, the organization certifies thousands of instructors annually across various disciplines, including skiing, snowboarding, telemark, and adaptive snowsports. Its mission extends beyond certification to fostering a community of lifelong learners, innovators, and advocates who are passionate about sharing the joy of snowsports. The National Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction, overseeing policy development, ensuring financial stewardship, and guiding the evolution of educational standards and programs that impact over 32,000 members nationwide. Appointments to this board are therefore critical, requiring individuals with profound industry knowledge, proven leadership capabilities, and a deep commitment to the organization’s core values. The Intermountain Region, which encompasses major snowsports destinations across Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, represents a significant and dynamic segment of the American snowsports landscape, making its representation on the national board particularly impactful.
A Career Defined by Dedication: Maggie Loring’s Extensive Journey
Maggie Loring’s career trajectory is a testament to unwavering dedication and a profound passion for snowsports. Her journey began remarkably early, teaching skiing since the age of 14, a commitment that has seen her miss only a single season—in 1978, due to unusually low snowfall and the concurrent demands of college studies. This early immersion laid the foundation for a career characterized by continuous learning, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in education.
Loring’s professional path has seen her contribute significantly to several prominent snowsports institutions and initiatives across different regions of the country. Early in her career, she served on the Eastern Region education staff, gaining invaluable experience in regional program development and instructor training. A notable period included her tenure as training director for the American Skiing Company’s ski and ride schools. The American Skiing Company, a major consolidator of ski resorts in the 1990s, managed a portfolio of iconic resorts, and Loring’s role during this era involved standardizing and elevating the quality of instruction across multiple diverse operations, a challenge that required considerable leadership and pedagogical expertise.
Her most enduring contribution prior to her current role came during her more than 22 years as Director of Snowbird Mountain School in Utah. Directing a mountain school for over two decades is a rare feat in the industry, demanding a comprehensive understanding of curriculum design, staff development, operational management, guest relations, and safety protocols. At Snowbird, Loring was instrumental in cultivating a culture of instructional excellence, mentoring countless instructors, and refining educational programs that catered to a wide range of skill levels and demographics. This long tenure provided her with a unique perspective on the sustained challenges and opportunities within large-scale snowsports education operations.
Following her impactful time at Snowbird, Loring transitioned to Solitude Mountain Resort, where she served as training manager. In this role, she focused on enhancing the professional development pathways for instructors, ensuring they were equipped with the latest teaching methodologies and customer service skills. Currently, Loring holds the position of training manager at Deer Valley Ski School, an institution renowned for its high-end guest experience and commitment to exceptional service. Her responsibilities at Deer Valley involve upholding and elevating these stringent standards through continuous instructor training and program refinement, directly impacting the resort’s brand reputation and guest satisfaction.
Beyond her resort-based leadership, Loring has been a cornerstone of PSIA-AASI’s operational structure. She became an examiner in 1996, a critical role within the organization. Examiners are responsible for evaluating and certifying new instructors, as well as assessing the ongoing proficiency of existing members. This position demands not only expert technical skills but also a deep understanding of PSIA-AASI’s educational standards and the ability to provide constructive feedback that fosters professional growth. Her experience as an examiner provides her with direct insight into the practical application of PSIA-AASI’s core mission and the challenges faced by instructors at all levels. Furthermore, her service as a regional board member for PSIA-AASI Intermountain prior to her national appointment demonstrates a consistent commitment to regional governance and advocacy for her fellow snowsports professionals.
Shaping Snowsports Education: Contributions Beyond the Slopes
Loring’s influence extends far beyond her direct leadership roles at ski schools. Her intellectual curiosity and commitment to educational advancement are evident in her broader contributions to PSIA-AASI’s educational framework and industry-wide initiatives. As a member of the former National Children’s Committee, she played a vital role in advancing children’s snowsports education. This involved organizing national symposiums, which served as platforms for sharing best practices and innovative teaching strategies for young learners, and developing instructor resources specifically tailored to the unique developmental stages and learning styles of children. The importance of specialized children’s programs cannot be overstated, as they are crucial for fostering a love of snowsports from a young age and ensuring future participation in the industry.
Her pedagogical expertise is also reflected in her authorship of several children’s instruction manuals, which have served as foundational texts for instructors working with youth. Moreover, she was instrumental in the development of PSIA’s Core Concepts Manual, a seminal publication that predates the contemporary Teaching Snowsports Manual. These manuals are not merely guides; they are comprehensive pedagogical frameworks that standardize instruction, promote safety, and ensure a consistent, high-quality learning experience for students across the nation. Her involvement in their creation highlights her deep understanding of educational theory and its practical application in the snowsports environment.
Complementing her practical experience, Loring holds a degree in child development, providing her with a scientific understanding of how children learn and develop, which she has expertly applied to snowsports instruction. Further solidifying her leadership credentials, she also holds an MBA in leadership development. This academic background, combined with her extensive field experience, equips her with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical acumen, making her an exceptionally well-rounded leader in the snowsports community.
In a contemporary context, Loring chairs PSIA-AASI’s Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion. This role is particularly significant as the snowsports industry, like many others, strives to foster more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments. The Council’s work involves identifying barriers, promoting representation, and developing strategies to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender or background, feel welcome and have opportunities to thrive within the snowsports community. Her leadership in this area underscores her commitment to broader social responsibility within the industry and positions her as a champion for progressive change.
Strategic Vision for the National Board: Loring’s Perspective
In expressing her motivation for pursuing the National Board position, Loring articulated a desire to bring a "different perspective" to the governance of PSIA-AASI, one shaped by her decades of diverse experience in snowsports education and leadership. Her direct involvement at every level—from instructing to managing major snowsports schools and developing national curricula—provides her with a holistic understanding of the organization’s impact and its members’ needs.
She has specifically highlighted her excitement to contribute to strengthening the governance that supports "relevant, high-quality, and consistent education" as PSIA-AASI continues its critical work on standards and alignment. This refers to the ongoing effort to ensure that PSIA-AASI’s educational standards remain current, reflective of best practices, and consistently applied across all regions and disciplines. This work is vital for maintaining the credibility and value of PSIA-AASI certification in a constantly evolving industry. Her extensive experience in developing instructors, leading snowsports schools, and effectively connecting education to the tangible needs of both employees and guests will provide an invaluable operational perspective to the strategic discussions at the national level. She understands the practical challenges faced by instructors on the ground and the expectations of students and resort operators, allowing her to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and on-the-snow reality.
Statements and Endorsements
Leaders within PSIA-AASI have expressed profound enthusiasm for Loring’s appointment. A spokesperson for the PSIA-AASI leadership commented, "Maggie Loring embodies the spirit of dedication and innovation that defines our organization. Her unparalleled experience across all facets of snowsports education, coupled with her forward-thinking leadership in areas like equity and inclusion, will be an incredible asset to the National Board. We are confident that her insights will significantly strengthen our strategic initiatives and ensure PSIA-AASI remains at the forefront of professional development."
Representatives from the Intermountain Region also shared their pride in Loring’s national appointment. "Maggie has been an invaluable member of our regional board and a tireless advocate for our instructors," stated a prominent figure within PSIA-AASI Intermountain. "Her deep understanding of the unique characteristics and needs of our region, combined with her vast national experience, means the Intermountain voice will be exceptionally well-represented on the National Board. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will have."
Colleagues who have worked with Loring at various resorts speak volumes about her leadership style and impact. "Maggie has a remarkable ability to inspire and mentor," remarked a long-time instructor who trained under Loring at Snowbird. "Her commitment to developing instructors is unparalleled; she doesn’t just teach skills, she fosters a true passion for teaching and a deep understanding of the student experience. Her influence is seen in the quality of instruction at every resort she’s touched."
Broader Implications and Future Trajectory
Maggie Loring’s appointment to the PSIA-AASI National Board of Directors carries significant implications for the organization and the broader snowsports industry. Her leadership will likely reinforce PSIA-AASI’s commitment to progressive educational methodologies, particularly in children’s programs, where her expertise is unparalleled. Furthermore, her role as chair of the Women’s Council for Equity and Inclusion signals a strong national focus on creating a more diverse and welcoming environment within snowsports, an initiative that is increasingly vital for the industry’s long-term health and growth.
Her operational insights, gleaned from decades of managing major ski schools, will be crucial in ensuring that national policies and standards are not only academically sound but also practically implementable and beneficial for instructors and guests alike. The emphasis she places on "relevant, high-quality, and consistent education" will undoubtedly influence the ongoing development of PSIA-AASI’s curriculum and certification processes, aiming for continuous improvement and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
Loring replaces Rich McLaughlin of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, who was term-limited. The organization extended its sincere gratitude to McLaughlin for his many years of dedicated service, acknowledging the cyclical nature of leadership within such vital professional bodies. Loring’s arrival ensures a seamless transition, bringing fresh perspectives while building upon the strong foundations laid by her predecessors. Her comprehensive background and strategic vision are poised to significantly contribute to PSIA-AASI’s mission of advancing professional snowsports instruction and fostering a vibrant, inclusive snowsports community for years to come.
