The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) recently celebrated a significant milestone, recognizing 2,010 dedicated snowsports professionals with honorary pins in 2026. These pins acknowledge specific decades of membership, ranging from 10th to an impressive 60th anniversary, symbolizing an unwavering commitment to excellence in instruction and the broader snowsports industry. This annual tradition underscores the association’s profound appreciation for its members, whose sustained contributions are vital to fostering skill development, safety, and passion for snowsports across the nation. The recognition event highlights not only individual longevity but also the collective strength and professional evolution of the PSIA-AASI community, reinforcing its foundational role in shaping the future of skiing and snowboarding instruction.
A Legacy of Dedication: The PSIA-AASI Mission
PSIA-AASI stands as the largest snowsports education organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 snowsports instructors. Its core mission revolves around establishing and maintaining professional standards for snowsports instruction, providing educational opportunities, and promoting the growth and safety of skiing and snowboarding. Through comprehensive certification programs, educational events, and a vibrant community network, PSIA-AASI empowers instructors to elevate their teaching skills, share best practices, and inspire a new generation of snowsports enthusiasts. The anniversary pins serve as a tangible testament to the enduring appeal and professional value of PSIA-AASI membership, acknowledging the sustained effort and passion members invest in their craft. This year’s commemoration, recognizing over two thousand individuals, reflects the deep roots and widespread influence the organization holds within the industry. It speaks volumes about the professional pathways and personal connections forged within its framework, making it a cornerstone for anyone pursuing a career or serious avocation in snowsports instruction.
The significance of these pins extends beyond mere recognition; they are symbols of continuous learning, adaptation, and contribution to an evolving sport. Instructors celebrating multi-decade anniversaries have witnessed, adapted to, and often driven significant changes in teaching methodologies, equipment technology, and snowsports culture. From the early days of parallel skiing to the integration of snowboarding, adaptive snowsports, and modern freestyle techniques, these veteran instructors have been at the forefront of educational innovation. Their collective experience forms an invaluable repository of knowledge, passed down through mentorship and formal training, ensuring that PSIA-AASI remains a dynamic and relevant force in snowsports education.
Regional Triumphs: A Snapshot of Member Dedication Across the Nation
The distribution of the 2,010 anniversary pin recipients across PSIA-AASI’s eight distinct regions provides an insightful geographical overview of member engagement and dedication. The Eastern Region led with an impressive 640 recipients, underscoring its robust membership base and deep historical ties to snowsports instruction. This strong showing reflects the dense concentration of ski resorts and active snowsports communities throughout the East, from the Appalachian Mountains to New England. Following the Eastern Region, the Rocky Mountain Region celebrated 497 members, a testament to the thriving snowsports culture and numerous iconic destinations in states like Colorado and Utah. The Central Region also demonstrated significant participation with 202 honorees, indicating a strong commitment to snowsports instruction in the Midwest.
The Northwest Region recognized 201 members, highlighting the vibrant snowsports scene in areas like Washington and Oregon. The Western Region, with 191 recipients, and the Intermountain Region, with 190, further contribute to the diverse landscape of PSIA-AASI’s national footprint. Smaller, yet equally dedicated, contingents were celebrated in the Northern Rocky Mountain Region (79 recipients) and the Northern Intermountain Region (10 recipients). While these numbers vary by region, each represents a profound individual and collective investment in the snowsports industry. The data illustrates the broad reach of PSIA-AASI, affirming its role as a unifying professional body for instructors across varied terrains and climates. The regional disparities in recipient numbers can be attributed to factors such as population density, the number of ski areas, and historical membership trends, but collectively, they paint a picture of a nationwide community deeply committed to professional development and the joy of teaching snowsports. This granular look at member dedication by region also offers valuable insights for regional leadership, allowing them to tailor programs and outreach efforts to best serve their unique member populations and foster continued engagement.
Leadership’s Enduring Commitment: Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries Among Region CEOs
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the 2026 anniversary celebrations is the recognition of four PSIA-AASI region CEOs and other key figures who are marking significant membership milestones. These leaders, who guide the strategic direction and operational excellence of their respective regions, embody the long-term career potential and deep personal connection that PSIA-AASI membership can foster. Their stories serve as powerful examples of how a passion for snowsports instruction can evolve into impactful leadership roles within the industry.
Herb Davis of the Northern Rocky Mountain Region is celebrating an extraordinary 50 years of membership, a testament to half a century dedicated to snowsports education. Ron Shepard, CEO of the Central Region, reaches his 40-year anniversary, reflecting a career marked by continuous growth and leadership. Kirsten Huotte, CEO of the Northwest Region, commemorates 30 years, highlighting her journey from instructor to executive. Kirstie Rosenfield, CEO of the Intermountain Region, marks her 10th anniversary, a decade that has seen her rapid ascent from instructor to a pivotal leadership position. Additionally, Eric Sheckleton, a former PSIA-AASI board chair and current Interski president, also celebrates 30 years, underscoring his lasting influence on both national and international snowsports education. Lynnea Anderson, Deputy Director of the Western Region, similarly celebrates 30 years, showcasing the breadth of leadership experience within the organization. These individuals represent a spectrum of career paths within PSIA-AASI, from decades of unwavering dedication to rapid leadership transitions, collectively demonstrating the diverse opportunities and enduring professional value offered by the association.
Ron Shepard: From Courtesy Patrol to Central Region CEO
Ron Shepard, a distinguished figure in the snowsports community, celebrates his 40th anniversary with PSIA-AASI in 2026, a remarkable journey that has seen him rise to the position of Central Region Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Shepard’s career began humbly, serving on the courtesy patrol at Elk Mountain, located 30 miles north of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This early exposure to the mountain environment quickly transitioned into a role as an instructor at nearby Montage Mountain, sparking a lifelong dedication to teaching snowsports. He earned his foundational certification, Alpine Level I, at Tussey Mountain in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, marking the formal beginning of his professional instructional path. Over the decades, Shepard has achieved an impressive array of advanced certifications, including Alpine Level 3 (A3), Telemark Level 3 (TM3), Children’s Specialist 2 (CS2), and Freestyle Specialist 2 (FS2), demonstrating his profound expertise across multiple disciplines.
Reflecting on his extensive career, Shepard shared, “It’s surreal to wonder where the time went. I’m so proud of the industry leaders who were once candidates or trainees, and I’m so happy to have been part of their journey – and so grateful for those who influenced me.” His words encapsulate the spirit of mentorship and community that defines PSIA-AASI. Shepard’s journey is not just about personal achievement but about the countless individuals he has guided and inspired. He vividly recalled a particularly impactful teaching moment with a woman named Susan, who, despite experiencing "fear-induced paralysis from a childhood trauma," developed "an incredible set of skills and style" under his instruction. This anecdote highlights the profound human connection inherent in snowsports instruction and the transformative power of dedicated teaching, validating Shepard’s career choice and reaffirming the significant role instructors play in individual lives. His tenure as CEO has been marked by a continued commitment to fostering professional growth and upholding the high standards of snowsports education within the Central Region.
Kirsten Huotte: Pioneering Snowboarding and Nurturing Community in the Northwest
Kirsten Huotte, CEO of the Northwest Region, marks her 30th anniversary with PSIA-AASI, a career arc that began with the emerging sport of snowboarding and blossomed into executive leadership. Huotte started her instructional career at 49° North Mountain Resort near Chewelah, Washington, earning her first certification, Snowboard Level I, in the spring of 1996. Her entry into the snowsports world coincided with a period when snowboarding was still gaining widespread acceptance and formal instructional frameworks were evolving. This unique context shaped her early experiences and fostered a deep appreciation for community and shared learning. Huotte’s certifications include Snowboard Level 3 (S3), Alpine Level 2 (A2), and Children’s Specialist 2 (CS2), reflecting her comprehensive expertise across disciplines.
Huotte’s experience mirrored Ron Shepard’s emphasis on fellowship, particularly as snowboarding instructors were a smaller group at the time. “When I started, there were only a couple of us snowboarders and training was somewhat limited,” she recounted. “I had the opportunity to train with skiers and learned so much in translating concepts; through the process, I made lifelong friends and mentors who were a large part of my success.” This cross-disciplinary training not only broadened her understanding of snowsports but also cemented invaluable professional relationships. Over time, PSIA-AASI became a steadfast pillar in her career, providing continuous growth opportunities. She progressively advanced through leadership roles within the Northwest Region, serving first as education and program director, then executive director, before being appointed chief executive officer in 2018. Huotte candidly admitted, “I’m not sure I ever realized instructing could be a career,” adding that it took 15 years for her mother to stop inquiring about when she would secure a “real” job. This sentiment resonates with many snowsports professionals who initially view instructing as a seasonal or part-time pursuit. However, Huotte’s journey exemplifies how dedication, continuous learning, and community engagement within PSIA-AASI can transform a passion into a fulfilling, long-term career. “Our community is what makes the profession what it is, and it has been quite the journey being part of it,” she concluded, emphasizing the collective spirit that underpins her success and the vitality of the Northwest Region.
Kirstie Rosenfield: A Decade of Transformative Leadership in the Intermountain Region
Kirstie Rosenfield, CEO of the Intermountain Region, celebrates her 10th anniversary with PSIA-AASI, a remarkable decade marked by a rapid ascent from instructor to executive leadership. Rosenfield began her snowsports journey at Park City Mountain Resort, a premier destination in Utah, and achieved her initial certification, Alpine Level I, at Deer Valley in 2016. Her path into snowsports instruction was somewhat serendipitous; she hadn’t initially planned on teaching skiing but was persuaded by a friend during a transitional period between jobs. This seemingly temporary engagement soon blossomed into a profound career. Rosenfield holds certifications including Alpine Level 2 (A2), Adaptive Snowboard Level 1 (H1), and Children’s Specialist 1 (CS1), reflecting her commitment to diverse instructional expertise.
Rosenfield credits PSIA-AASI with fundamentally shaping her professional trajectory. “The association taught me to teach, inspired me to keep going, and opened the door to a second career,” she affirmed. Her experience as an instructor quickly revealed the potential for a career beyond the slopes. A pivotal moment came when she responded to a job advertisement in the Intermountain newsletter for an event coordinator. With a background as a theater director, she felt her coordinating skills were transferable, though she admitted, “After only six months as a member, I didn’t quite understand that ‘events’ were educational clinics.” This early misunderstanding quickly gave way to a deeper engagement with the association’s core mission. Soon after, she began collaborating with the Intermountain board, gradually taking on more executive responsibilities that allowed the board to focus more on governance. Her "part-time in-between job" evolved into a full-fledged career, culminating in her appointment as executive director in 2018 and subsequently CEO last year.
Rosenfield expresses immense satisfaction with her role, highlighting the collaborative and engaging nature of her work. “I love working and training with my fellow instructors, meeting our members on the snow, and growing the organization with the small and dedicated group of executives I’m part of,” she shared. Her leadership has coincided with a period of significant progress for PSIA-AASI, and she is grateful to contribute to its evolution. Her story exemplifies how PSIA-AASI can provide not just instructional skills but also a pathway to professional development and executive leadership, transforming avocations into impactful careers within the snowsports industry.
Beyond the Pins: The Broader Impact on Snowsports Professionalism and Community
The annual recognition of PSIA-AASI members with anniversary pins extends far beyond a simple commemorative gesture; it underscores the profound impact of the organization on the professionalization of the snowsports industry and the cultivation of a vibrant, supportive community. These celebrations reinforce the value of continuous learning, adaptation, and mentorship that are central to PSIA-AASI’s ethos. The stories of Ron Shepard, Kirsten Huotte, and Kirstie Rosenfield vividly illustrate how membership can transform a seasonal job into a lifelong, fulfilling career, culminating in leadership roles that shape the future of snowsports education. Their journeys highlight the diverse career pathways available within the industry, from on-snow instruction to executive management, all facilitated by the structured professional development offered by PSIA-AASI.
The commitment of these long-serving members ensures a high standard of instruction across all disciplines – alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark, and adaptive snowsports. This commitment directly impacts the quality of experience for millions of learners, contributing to increased safety, enjoyment, and retention in snowsports. Furthermore, the emphasis on community, mentorship, and lifelong friendships within PSIA-AASI fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support among instructors. This strong community fabric is crucial for retaining experienced professionals and attracting new talent, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled educators for resorts nationwide. The celebration of these anniversaries serves as a powerful reminder of the collective dedication that underpins the snowsports industry, driving innovation, fostering growth, and continually enriching the experiences of participants at every level. The ongoing success and recognition of PSIA-AASI members directly contribute to the economic vitality of ski resorts and related businesses by ensuring a highly competent and motivated workforce.
The Future of Snowsports Instruction: Sustaining a Legacy of Excellence
As PSIA-AASI looks ahead, the commitment demonstrated by its long-serving members, particularly those in leadership positions, provides a strong foundation for the future. The organization continues to adapt to new trends in snowsports, integrate cutting-edge teaching methodologies, and champion inclusivity across all disciplines. The experiences shared by the regional CEOs — from navigating the early days of snowboarding to transforming a part-time role into a CEO position — offer invaluable lessons for aspiring instructors and underscore the dynamic nature of the profession. By celebrating these milestones, PSIA-AASI not only honors its past but also inspires its future. The 2,010 members recognized in 2026 represent a diverse group of individuals united by a shared passion and commitment to excellence. Their enduring dedication is a powerful testament to the value of PSIA-AASI membership and its critical role in sustaining a vibrant, professional, and welcoming snowsports culture for generations to come. The organization’s ability to foster such long-term engagement is a key indicator of its health and continued relevance in a rapidly evolving recreational landscape.