Miscellaneous

AZD_Misc1996

I NsrRU Vol. 17 No.4 The Official Publication of PSIA-Intermountain 13 Lucky for 2 From PSIA-I The ice turned to corn, the corn turned to slop and when the PSIA Demonstration Team tryout was finally over two of the 13 instructors selected were from Intermountain Division. Returning Team member Scott Mathers, Alta, and Rob Sogard, Snowbird, were chosen along with II other instructors from around the country to form the elite instructor squad. The tryout was held April 28 through May 3 at Snowbird. Conditions for the event were ideal. Rock hard snow in the mornings gave way to slush in the afternoons to create a wide range of technical and tactical skiing situations for the 58 instruc­tors who attended the tryout. Five of the 13 slots were filled by returning Team members who battled alongside the rookies in a quest for PSIA glory and sponsorships. Team coaches Dave Merriam, PSIA-E and Shawn Smith, PSIA-RM served as part of the selection body. Congratulations to all 13 Team members! Terry Barbour, Stowe, PSIA-E Bob Barnes, Winter Park, PSIA-RM Mermer Blakeslee, Windham, PSIA-E Jay Evans, Vail, PSIA-RM Katie Fry, Aspen, PSIA-RM Victor Gerdin, Aspen, PSIA-RM Megan Harvey, Aspen, PSIA-RM Brian Maguire, Vail, PSIA-RM Dave Mannetter, Mammoth, PSIA-W Scott Mathers, Alta, PSIA-I SUMMER 1996 Mike Rogan, Heavenly Valley, PSIA-W Rob Sogard, Snowbird, PSIA-I Carl Underkoffler, Mammoth, PSIA-W Rob Sogard heads into Snowbird's Little Cloud bowl in search Dori Pratt at Spring Clinic banquet. • of powder with one of his Spring Clinic participants. Communications Report By DORI PRATT, PSIA-I COMMUNICATIONS V. P. This is my final report as the communi­cation V. P. I would like to say "Thanks" to everyone who voted for me in the last election. Your confidence in me is much appreciated. My six years on the BOD were informative, educational, and sometimes frustrating. I enjoyed and will miss the interaction with my hardwork­ing and devoted peers. I believe our organization is undergoing growing pains and, hopefully, in the end everything will come out all right. How­ever, I believe that there needs to be more and better communication between the BOD and the members. From my point of view, as a BOD mem­ber, I believe the BOD works towards this goal, and yet it seems at times the BOD spins its wheels. There seems to be a lack of understanding, a lack of moti­vation, or is it just plain apathy from the members. Has this always been the case? continued on 2 Education Comer By 10 GARUCCIO, PSIA-I EDUCATION CHAIRPERSON Now that we have all more or less recovered from the 95-96 season, we can begin to look ahead to 96-97. For some of us, that also includes a few gray hairs and 20-year pins. 96-97! Doesn't seem possible, does it? I mean, Mike Porter's almost 50! And I think Stew M. and Tom K. aren't far behind. Although we have not finalized next year's calendar, we can give you a few key dates and an idea about what to expect for the coming season. First, check out the following: -Nov. 26, Dec. 3: Lecture -Late Nov. or early Dec: DECL prep clinic for those wishing to attend DECL selection -Early Dec.: Train the Trainer -Dec., Jan., Feb.: written tests administered (see article in this EDGE) -Jan. 11 & 12: Ed College -Jan. 27, 28, 29: DECL selection -April 12 & 13: Spring Clinic Look for a final calendar draft in September. Dates for assessment prep clinics will be based on participation numbers from 95-96 and ski school requests. We will also add a last minute prep day to accommodate those people taking the April exam. As for assessments, be sure to read the information about the WRITTEN TEST CHANGES AND BE PREPARED TO PLAN AHEAD! Specialty clinics will be interspersed throughout the year, but remember, the lectures, Ed College, and Spring Clinic are primarily devoted to non-assessment topics. If you have any sug~estions, call Jo ASAP. We are still working on improving this aspect of educatIOn (and probably always will be). We have tried a few things that still need modification and your input is very valuable, especially if you participated in any of these events during 95-96. The spring clinic will once again be an event, i.e. cost will include bot~ days and a meal. We will allow one day participation on a limited basis, but WIthout any breaks in cost. Those attending both days will receive a small discount. We are also hoping to give our "spring thing" a face lift. If you have any good ideas, we sure would be interested in hearing them. We have been working on bringing the adaptive discipline on line with the rest of the division. We hope to have an adaptive Ed/Cert program in place by the fall. Have a great summer and think of me while you relax in the hammock. It seems that I joined the ranks of the "common-sense impaired" when I quali:ied for the Hawaii lronman race and decided to take the slot. Of course, I have untIl July 30 to "come to my senses," so all is not lost yet. COMMUNICATION REPORT continued from 1 Is this a new attitude? I don't know the answers; I do don that apathy exists in our organization and it is a nasty disease. I would like to challenge every member to become informed. I would challenge every member to attend a BOD meeting: the next is in the fall. I would challenge every member to bring an issue to a BOD member. You, the members ELECTED these people. Talk to them, make their lives easier, tell them what you w~nt. I further challenge every member to write an article for the EDGE. Now's the tIme, get off your can, and do something for yourself and for your organization! Thanks again, see you on the slopes. - Dori Pratt 2 INSTRUCTORS EDGE Stress Control Focus of Written Test Changes The Board of Directors approved at its spring meeting a plan to administer the written test portion of Certified Level II and III exams on a separate day prior to the on-hill portions of the exams. The plan is intended to reduce candidate stress throughout the exam process and stream­line the on-hill exam days. A written test has been a part of the PSIA -I exam process for several years and has proven to be very useful in assessing candidates' basic knowledge. However, the practice of conducting written exams on the mornings of the on-hill skiing and teaching assessments cut into on-hill time, forced candidates to worry throughout the exam day about their written test results, and led to candidate frustration when they passed the on-hill requirements only to fail the exam because of a poor written­test score. Administration of the written test will now be conducted on a day prior to the on-hill exam. Those candidates who pass the written test will qualify to continue the exam process; those who fail the written test will be required to take the test over. Important features of the written test exam format include: Scheduling Written test locations will be listed in the PSIA-I Event Calendar. Tests may be scheduled for evening or daytime hours. An early-season test will be scheduled for each region in the Division: northern, cen­tral and southern. A second series of tests will be conducted in the same regions at a later date, but at different locations. A third series of tests may be scheduled for mid to late season. Tests will be adminis­tered by a Division representative and re­turned to the Division office for scoring. Candidates will be notified of the results within one week of the test. The Division will continue to review the process for administering the written test. Format There will be one written test, rather than separate skiing and teaching-related tests. In effect, the exam will combine aspects of the two existing written tests into one. continued on 4 Are you highly motivated and interested in an opportunity to grow with a progressive Ski School? Accomplish your ski teaching goals with one of the highest rated ski schools in North America. We offer an excellent wage and benefit package. Job opportunities available for: Instructors experienced in teaching group and private lessons to all ages. Instructors specializing in children's lessons. Instructor apprentice program candidates. Please send a resume and two letters of recommendation to: Deer Valley Ski School P.O. Box 889 Park City, UT 84060 (800) 4 Ski Job (475-4562) Deer Valley; Ski School ... "A Commitment to Excellence" PSIA-I Hall of Famers Three Intermountain members of the PSIA-I Hall of Fame, Keith Lange, Bill Lash and "L.L." (you'll have to guess his name-he's part of the Win a Clinic contest on page 6 of this EDGE) pose during the PSIA-I Spring Clinic banquet. L. L. was officially honored at the banquet as the newest inductee to the Hall of Fame. Tum to page 6 of the EDGE for more Spring Clinic photos and a chance to win a free clinic for next season. Be part of the prestigious Park City Ski School StaID Park City Ski School is now accepting ap­plications for full time ski instructors, snow­board instructors, and a snowboard techni­cal advisor. Send resume to: Park City Ski School P.O. Box 39 INSTRUCTORS EDGE 3 Certification Comer By RODGER RENSTROM, PSIA-I CERTIFICATION CHAIRPERSON Division certification representatives from around the country met at A-Basin, Colorado June 5-6 to compare certification programs and try to predict what effect radical-sidecut skis will have on ski instruction and certification. Following the A-Basin session, PSIA conducted its annual meeting, which included a joint Education Committee and Certification Committee session. Shaped Skis Virtually every major ski manufacturer will be marketing their version of a "shaped" ski next season in the United States. (Shaped skis have created more excitement in the US than in Europe, where the phenomenon is still trying to gain a toehold.) New inventories of beginner rental skis will most likely favor shaped skis over traditional sidecuts. What does this mean for ski instruction? Certification reps at A-Basin tested three categories of shaped skis designed for beginner (140-150 cm), intermediate (160-180 em) and advanced (180-190 em) skiers. The results, though not astounding, were definitely significant. Here are the important conclusions of the group: • Shaped skis do not result in a different sport, just a different skill blend than traditional sidecut skis. • Shaped skis are not magic. Although they allow skiers to more easily relate to ski shape and function, skilled skiers tend to ski well on shaped skis and unskilled skiers still need help . • The different skill blend demanded by shaped skis necessitates that ski instructors be familiar with the characteristics of the skis their students are using. • Specifically, rotary movements must be effectively managed-not exagger­ated- to realize the full benefit of shaped skis. • It is likely that beginners on good beginner terrain will learn more quickly with shaped skis than traditional sidecut skis . • A good ski instructor who is familiar with the characteristics of shaped skis will continue to be a good ski instructor. A poor ski instructor... well, you get the picture. The most important conclusion of the group was that it is extremely important that ski instructors actually ski various lengths of shaped skis. Until an instructor actually experiences a 150 cm shaped ski, they will have a difficult time relating to their student's needs. PSIA Certification and Education Committees The PSIA Certification and Education committees have met jointly for the past two years. These joint meetings have been valuable in enhancing communication and spurring creative thinking. PSIA Education Chairperson Johanna Hall and Certification Chairperson Brian McGuire have been very effective in facilitating these meetings. The committees were briefed on the status of PSI A 's new A TS manual. The manual is undergoing final revisions and is scheduled for fall release. Committee members expressed their hopes and expectations to national representatives that the new manual puts to rest problems associated with A TS II. The manual is expected to cost between $15 and $20. The committees also continued efforts to standardized written test content. All divisions have committed to a written test in some form and questions from each division are being combined in a national question data bank. The data bank of questions will be reviewed by each division and recommendations for a standard content will be available to each division. Administration of PSIA-I's written test changes for next season. Be sure to read the related article in this EDGE. Have a great summer! 4 INSTRUCTORS EDGE WRITTEN TEST continued from 2 The test will include questions on the Sport of Skiing (biomechanics/physics, equipment, terminology, history), Serv­ice (safety, guest service), Teaching (the Teaching Cycle, student profiles, class handling, teaching styles, learning styles, feedback), and Skiing Model (A TS Skills Concept, movement analysis, skill devel­opment, ski technique, Center Line, pro­gressions). There will be a video move­ment analysis portion to the test. The test will require approximately 90 minutes to complete. Refer to the PSIA-I Master Plan revision study guides for additional information on possible content. Cost There will be a $7.00 fee to take the written test. The fee covers costs of the Division representative, scoring, postage to and from the test location, and candi­date notification of results. Grandfathering The written test will be categorized in sections focusing on skiing and teaching­related subjects. Those candidates who have passed their skiing assessment and were planning to take their teaching as­sessment next season (which included the teaching written test), will be required to take only the teaching portion of the new test. They will not be charged a fee for their first attempt at this test, although they will be charged the $7.00 fee if they need to retake the exam. The change to the written test process was implemented out of concern for can­didate success. Too often candidates were required to take the test in noisy or cramped rooms that made concentration difficult. In some cases, on-hill perform­ance suffered due to concern about writ­ten test results. Although the new testing format requires candidates to schedule additional time for testing, costs have been kept at a minimum and the advan­tages far outweigh the disadvantages. Start studying now if you plan to take the written test next season. Refer to the study guides published in the revised master plan. Level II and III candidates may even consider purchasing a Level I workbook as an additional study guide. Don't wait until the winter, or worse, the week before the test, to start studying! Look for more information about the writ­ten test in the next issue of the EDGE .• Ask a young child: "What makes a balloon go up?" "Why does grass grow?" "Where does snow come fromT-any question that requires a fac­tual, logical answer (if you are an adult,)- and you will have an immediate glimpse into the thinking of a preopera­tional child. They base their explanations of their surroundings on hunches. But, how can knowing this, and other charac­teristics of preoperational children, help with teaching kids and adults to ski? If an instructor understands that it is a characteristic of the preoperational stage that young children cannot follow a series of instructions, when they look at him blankly after he says, "put on your mitten, get your skis, walk over to the door and line up," he will know Why. One instruc­tion at a time will avoid all confusion. Jean Piaget was a child-development theorist who's work was centered on cog­nitive development (how thinking changes as we age.) His theories include a belief that children go through a series of developmental stages of thinking on their way to adulthood, and each stage differs significantly from the others. The stages have specific, recognizable charac­teristics of behavior. The four stages are: sensori-motor stage (0-2 years old), pre­operational stage (3-6 years old), concrete operations (7-12 years old), and formal operations (12 to adult.) The age ranges are approximate. Piaget's Developmental Stages CHARACTERISTIC Sensori-motor The Piaget Way Understanding Thinking of Children and Adults BY MARY DIXON WHITTKE, BRIGHTON Sensori-motor Preoperational Concrete operations Formal operations Recognizing the characteristics of all four stages is extremely helpful in teach­ing skiing of any age student. Often an adult will revert back to the stage of con­crete operations or even the preopera­tional stage when under stress of learning a new skill. This could explain the blank looks an instructor gets from a seemingly intelligent adult first-time skier when he says, "As you tum left, let more weight build on your right foot." EXAMPLE An even more dramatic example would be: as a student attempts a tum and gets a railed ski in the falline, the instructor coaches, "flatten your right ski, your right ski, FLATTEN YOUR RIGHT SKI!" If the student has reverted back to the con­crete or preoperational stage, these well­meaning instructions make as much sense as whale song. After studying the characteristics of each stage and thinking of specific exam­ples of each of them, a flood of past stu­dents' behavior and "mistakes" an in­structor made, occurs. It is exciting to realize that in the future, with this new­found knowledge, effective instructions become second nature. This success oc­curs with both adults and children. The chart below lists the stages, some of their characteristics, and some examples of the characteristic. Familiarization with characteristics of each stage comes with study, practice and repetition. It is worth the effort to discover the value of Piaget's findings. Repeated patterns of ineffective instruction can be broken and replaced with magic, concise explanations. The blend of explanations, demonstrations, and practice also be­comes more effective as an instructor tunes into characteristics of cognitive de­velopment. continued on page 11 Relies on senses to find out about the world. Learns to differentiate self from others. Eats sand at the beach. Enjoys peek-a-boo because child knows Mom will return. Preoperational Thought is egocentric-no other point of view than own. The world was created by and for people. Child can control nature. Nature is alive. Thinking is not reversible. Young children do not understand rules. Concrete Operations Can differentiate between appearance and reality. Thinking is tied to concrete and real objects. Views the world from more than one perspective. Formal Operations Can hypothesize what might be. Child thinks he's on a different run if on another side of it. "Snow comes from clouds to make people cool." "I'll make the snow stop so I won't need goggles." ''That bump made me faiL" Child cannot find way back from restroom alone. Kids don't stay in single file line as asked. ''That ski only looks longer because it is ahead." Understands "put foot on this line" but not "step uphilL" Child can make it back from rest room alone! From the lesson, "I know what this will be like when I learn." INSTRUCTORS EDGE 5 6 INSTRUCTORS EDGE Spring Clin,ic Revisited Once again the best time to ski powder seems to be at the PSIA I: was followed by the traditional banquet, complete with prizes and Intermountain Spring Clinic. Fresh snow greeted skiers at both f awards. While some people walked away with stacks of hats, others Park City and Snowbird in April. Some might call the snow . were recognized for past achievements in PSIA. Now it's your turn unbelievable, those who have attended the last two spring clinics to win. may start calling it common. The first day of skiing at Park City Win a Free Clinic Correctly name the people in the photographs on this page and your name will be entered in a drawing for a $30 credit toward the clinic day of your choice (excluding Spring Clinic, transportation and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the winner). In clear, legible printing, or typewriting, on a plain sheet of paper, write the number of each photograph and next to each number list the names of the people in the picture (left to right, people in the background of photos 6 and 7 excluded). Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. Contest open to PSIA-I members only. The winner will be drawn at random from all entries with the correct names (or the most correct names). Send your entry to the Division office by August 30, 1996. Write "Attention: Drawing: on the envelope. Good luck! INSTRUCTORS EDGE 7 Suddenly a new century is staring straight at us. Where will we be? Will we be still skiing orparticipat­ing in another winter time sport. What will winters be like? What will happen to the resorts, the small areas, or even the environment? Will the public want to take lessons, what will area management do to promote the wintertime atmos­phere? These questions and many more were asked and discussed at the recent June PSIA work session that I attended in Copper Mt., Colorado. It was a very worthwhile and productive session. Two days were spent developing new vision and mission statements for PSIA. What eventually transpired was a strong statement on the part of your professional organization to become world wide lead­ers and to impart in a direction that will show the United States, NSAA, equip­ment and clothing manufacturers, and area operators that PSIA can and will be developing strategic plans that will tie everything together in a package to pro­mote all aspects of mountain recreation. I am proud to be a part of this new begin­ning and will do everything to promote and make this vision and mission real. In developing such a plan Grace McGartland of Tecker Consultants A Look To the Future By S1EW MARSH, PSIA BOARD REPRESENTATIVE guided eighteen individuals in a planning process. We were totally committed for two full days to achieve our goal. The first day ended by answering "what if in the year 2001 ... " scenarios. The group reassembled and reviewed six state­ments. We discussed those statements and used them to formulate an agreed­upon Vision statement for PSIA. PSIA Vision 2001 As international leaders in mountain sports and recreation, we inspire a greater love and apprecintion for, and life long commitment to the mountain experience. With the Vision identified, the group turned PSIA's Mission. We began the process by taking a look at the organiza-tion in terns of its customers. The list of customers is long and varied. First and foremost, PSIA is responsible to its dues paying members. However, the follow­ing lists identify candidates through which PSIA can have an impact. Primary Customers Winter sports: Alpine instructors, Adap­tive instructors, Nordic instructors, Chil­dren's instructors, Women's instructors, Snowboard instructors, Race coaches, RiverlWater sports instructors, Snow­shoe instructors, Snowmobilers, Ice Slwt­ing instructors, Mountain guides. Non-winter sports: In-lines skaters, Mountain bikers, Campground hosts, Equestrians, Hunting and Fishing guides, All Terrain Vehicle operators, Tennis in­structors. Secondary Customers • Mountain Resorts • Us Skiing Association, International Skiing Association • Affiliate members: Physical Education Supervisors, Shop owners, Special Olympics, National Handicapped Sports, US Parks and Recreation • Manufacturing companies • Media continued on 9 It's July! - Water and Fuel Tips for the Summer Training in the heat and the sun? (Surely you're not lying around the house!) Mountain bikers, hikers, bladers and run­ners, remember these guidelines: For all activity lasting one or more hours, your body needs at least 3-5 oz. of water every fifteen minutes (some even say 5-8 oz., especially when it's hot). In addition, if your tank isn't full before the training session begins, you may be headed for trouble, or at the very least, a poor work­out. Depending on your body size, you need 64-80 oz. of water per day to remain hydrated-more if weather conditions are extremely hot or humid. And that figure does not include the water consumed dur­ing the workout. So drink up! And you may perform better than you ever imag­ined. As for fuel, God did not invent sports drinks, PR bars, and Powerbars for noth­ing. Again, depending on your body size, you need 30-60 grams of carbohydrate for 8 INSTRUCTORS EDGE every hour of intense exercise. If your heart rate is down in the 60-70% max. V02 range (i.e. moderately comfortable pace), you will probably bum less calories and need less fuel. Regardless of intensity, if the exercise session lasts 30-60 min., there's no need to worry about carbohy­drates during that time. Just drink enough water. But, if you are planning a 2-3 hour excursion, think about replacing a few carbs. Otherwise, you may find yourself "bonking" (running out of gas) before you reach the barn. Most sports drinks contain approxi­mately 30 grams of carbohydrate for every 16 oz. Energy bars generally con-tain 20-45 grams of carbohydrate. Some of them, like the PR bar, also contain about 15 grams of protein and a little fat. They are responding to the new metabo­lism research pertaining to insulin regula­tion (another time!). However, you must decide what your stomach can tolerate. Some people have a hard time with solid food, while others could practically eat a roast chicken on the trail. Just be sure to take some form of carbohydrate replace­ment with you on those long training days. And, that doesn't mean beer! When you're done, eat another 30-60 grams of carbs in the form of fruit, bagels, bars or drink. It will speed your recovery and make your next workout more productive. Hope to see you lean and fit for 96-97! Call me if you have any questions. - Jo Garuccio has a M.S. in Health Educa­tion and is a world champion age-group triathlete. FUTURE continued from 8 Other Sports Outside of Skiing • Service personnel: Anyone who impacts a guest, including food service, parking lot attendants, ticket sellers, mountain hosts, lift attendants, daycare providers, US Forest personnel, tour guide opera­tors • Personal trainers: cross trainers, spa per­sonnel • Ancillary Recreation Service: Outward Bound, retreats Allied Partners NSP, NSAA, CSAA, USTA, PGA, SIA, ORA, colleges and universities As a group we embarked in a discussion about building a plan. In general, we agreed that attention to detail, balance, Alpine Certified Level III Scot Bergeron Ted Bird Bradley Blunck Polly Butler-Jette Judyann Chanberlain Christine Delbridge Bonnie Godfrey David Hutcheson Joseph Kernan AI Kreider Neil Lundberg John Mayer Guy Monroe M. Scott Rogers Thor Thorsen Marc Western Heidi Zardus Certified Level II Kenneth Bayer Scott Bergeron Bruce Bicksler Stephane Blanc Dave Boucher Dennis Bythewood Jason Cameron Jim Carper Richard Chaffee Mark Cheminant Gavin Dalton Dan Darrington Noel Davis E. Ryan Dittmar Arielle Eckhaus Lars Edson Corby Egan Emily Elliott Gregory England Rick Farrow Steven Frandsen Whitney Gardiner Frank Gee David Hansen Jackson Park City Targheee Deer Valley Park City Deer Valley Deer Valley Jackson Park City Snowbird Sundance Pebble Creek Jackson Alta Deer Valley Brighton Jackson Brighton Jackson Park City Deer Valley Powder Mountain Snowbasin Jackson Wolf Mountain Deer Valley Deer Valley Deer Valley Park City Park City Sundance Park City Park City Sundance Deer Valley Deer Valley Deer Valley Deer Valley Jackson Snowbasin Sundance foundation, structure and vision were all required. We also stressed the importance of building an awareness for growth po­tential both up and out, a respect for the flow of ideas, an allowance for influence, and an appreciation for different perspec­tives. Thus, we came to the Mission. Mission defines who an organization serves. It explains primary purposes and provides a foundation for organizational goals and direction. After reviewing PSIA's current customer base, potential customer base, and discussing the neces­sary elements of building a plan, we de­veloped a Mission statement for PSIA. This Mission statement encompasses spe­cific focuses of whom PSIA will serve, and it will guide and direct PSIA into the 21st century. 1995-96 Certification Results Congratulations! Mark Hanson Thomas Hanson Tim Hawlish Marilyn Heinrich Sheree Hess Michael Hillwig Jo Ann Hoff Michael Janssen Scott Lane Matthew Lutz Kerri Martin Kevin Mc Culley Mary Mc Entire Timothy Moody Jon Mortensen Amy Nelson Brian Pliska Christopher Poepping James Potter Greg Prager Nancy Schafner Greg Schauerhamer Megan Shuman Ben Sinclair Marc Smith Michael Tremel Bylynda Venuti Daniel West Targhee Powder Mountain Park City Park City Pebble Creek Park City Jackson Jackson Deer Valley Snowbird Solitude Snowbird Park City Park City Brian Head Solitude Brighton Park City Deer Valley Jackson Solitude Deer Valley Snowbird Park City Wolf Mountain Park City Brian Head Solitude PSIA Mission To enable our members and part­ners to increase their versatility, effec­tiveness, value and professional ad­vancement through: • broad-based informational and edu­cational materials and programs, • continuous training that anticipates and responds to industry demand!! in a timely manner • cross training that develops flexibil­ity in relationship to disciplines, populations and seasons, • strategic partners with key alliances, and .promotion, awareness, and under­standing of the value of our member. continued on 12 Marc Western Richard Wetherell Barbara Williams Benjamin Wilson Kara Yost Deborah Zembruski Jeff Zenger Certified Level I - Alpine Kay Adams NikAdams Lisa Alexander Roscoe A. Allen II Lindsey Archer Arron Asay Bryan Banks Brit Barker Sarah Barnaby R. Brent Barras Edmund Barton Lisli-Ann Bauman Monique Beeley Lance Bell Sandra Bischoff Stephane Blanc Brett Booth Brian Bourne Mignon Boyer Scott Brooks Robert Bryant Christie Bush Henry Cannon Iv John Carlson Mike Centeno Hal Charlesworth Carlyn Chester Craig Roper Child Eric Ciffone Ted Cobleigh James Cockill Roger Coleman, Jr. C. Hillier Collins Kelly Colopy Kenneth Corbett Belinda Crandall Damian Creamer L. Bryce Crowley Nathan Dallin Brighton Solitude Deer Valley Jackson Pebble Creek Solitude Park City Deer Valley Deer Valley Alta Brian Head Jackson Sundance Alta Brian Head Park City Wolf Mountain Park City Jackson Park City Deer Valley Alta Deer Valley Brian Head Park City Sundance Brighton Snowbird Jackson Jackson Park City Snowbird Powder Mountain Brian Head Sundance Park City Park City Deer Valley Park City Alta Park City Brighton Targhee Wolf Mountain Deer Valley Sundance INSTRUCTORS EDGE 9 Paul Dalton Marlene Darling Randy Dewey Karen Dickinson Michael Dinan Lora Dircz Jno Disch Derek Divenere Amy Duquette Douglas Dusenberry Gregory Dutton D. Bradford Edgren Donald Edwards Beate Ely Donna Everitt John Everitt Jesse Farnes Douglas Farrer Branden Faust Mara Featherstone Scott Fechner Michelle Finlinson Mya Frantti Steven Galbraith Wayne Gardner Kristen Garner Robert Gienger Jason Gordon Rachel Graham Wililiam Graves Nathaniel Haley Andrew Hall John Hamilton Michael Harrington Tyler Harward Robert Heaney Gary Hebert William Hensley Elizabeth Holleman Garth Holmoe Brooke Hontz Emily Hopkins Jana Howatt Sarah Howe Michael Ichtertz Gary Jensen Steven K. Johnson Stuart Johnson James A. Jones Kirk Jorgenson Scott Kaiserman Jo Nell Karling Tom Kessinger Douglas Kitchens David Koepke Hiroshi Kumazaki Randall Larsen Heidi Larson Richard Lavigne Thomas Lemieux Brian Litmans Jerrold Long Joanne Loris-Stevenson Steve Luker Shannon Marinos Mike Marlowe Ryan Martell Cori Mc Cann Karen Mc Cann David Md Fawn Anthony Meeker Jason Merrill Pete Meuzelaar 10 INSTRUCTORS EDGE Wolf Mountain Pebble Creek Pebble Creek Park City Park City Snowbird Park City Jackson Birghton Park City Jackson Deer Valley Snowbasin Deer Valley Brighton Brighton Nordic Valley Snowbird· Solitude Deer Valley Brighton Sundance Deer Valley Sundance Deer Valley Jackson Brian Head Jackson Park City Deer Valley Elk Meadows Wolf Mountain Brighton Brighton Wolf Mountain Park City Snowbasin Powder Mountain Jackson Deer Valley Deer Valley Park City Deer Valley Park City Park City Nordic Valley Park City Brighton Park City Sundance Snowbird Snowbasin Sundance Brighton Jackson Brighton Deer Valley Park City Jackson Park City Jackson Beaver Mountain Deer Valley Snowbird Deer Valley Brighton Alta Snowbird Brian Head Park City Brighton Park City Wolf Mountiain Tamara Miller Benjamin Minor James Mitchell Jason Mitchell Barry Monk Thomas Monroe Jason Montgomery Demie Moore Jennifer Morgan Peter Morse Veldon Moser Martin Muschaweck Benjamin Nickell Tyler Neibuhr Pamela Nieman Ladd Olsen Kay Orton Mark Otterson "Jamie Pallat Rosemary Panasuk Brian Patridge Dianne Pauls Nicole Payne Peggy Philbrick Brian Pliska Greg Prager Tamara Price Gregory Priest Gerald Puckett Holly Reighard Corinth Richards Tory Richards Mardee Saxton Douglas Scadden Mark Scarton Phillip Schoonmaker Adam Schwartz Tyler Seamons Matthew Shaw Scott Sherner Donald Simon Ben Sinclair John Sinykin Douglas Slagle Dawn Sontag I. Nicholas Sorensen David Stachowiak Kameron Stander Anchalee Stark Christopher Stecklein John Stocking V Brett Stratton Shawn Stringham Jeffrey Stuart Dustin Sturges Sheradawn Sullivan Kathryn Tanner Nate Taylor Ryan Thomas Jared Titensor Todd Trane Megan Tumer Ryan Turner Larry Tyrrell Lance Vandongen Brandon Warren S. Michael Weinbert " Daniel West Gerald Wheeler Brenda Whitesel Barbara Williams Jenny Williams Anne Wilson Pebble Creek Park City Snowbasin Park City Wolf Mountain Birghton Pebble Creek Snowbird Snowbasin Park City Brighton Jackson Pebble Creek Deer Valley Powder Mountain Deer Valley Snowbasin Snowbird Sundance Powder Mountain Park City Brighton Sundance Deer Valley Brighton Jackson Snowbasin Deer Valley Park City Wolf Mountain Snowbird Jackson Beaver Mountain Snowbasin Park City Jackson Jackson Wolf Mountain Deer Valley Park City Park City Park City Brighton Snowbird Sundance Snowbird Brian Head Brian Head Beaver Mountain Deer Valley Brighton Alta Snowbasin Park City Powder Mountain Park City Sundance Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Park City Deer Valley Jackson Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Jackson Solitude Park City Deer Valley Deer Valley Brighton Snowbird HollyWood Cory Wright Jeffrey Zeitz Powder Mluntain Snowbird Brighton Nordic Certified III - Nordic Downhill Nathan Bronson Alta Leroy Johnson Alta Jennifer Sail Alta Certified II - Nordic Downhill Laura Bohner Alta Alta Alta Alta Kames Kastner Joseph Mahon Christopher Ulm Certified III - Nordic Track Randy Huskinson Certified II - Nordic Track Stephen Neiner Richard Rinaldi Targhee Pocatello Targhee Snowboard Certified Level III Dave Carlson Todd Denlinger Sandra Guzman Matthew Katz Sue Skeen Kris Skelton Certified Level II Robert Ammann Ryan Clegg Kirk Nacey Ben Sinnamon Certified Level I Mark Baer Stephen Bigger Kimberly Christensen Loren Dotts Jennifer Foster Chad Jones Damion Lee Thomas Lee Erika Mac Murray Brad Macomber Richard Mc Laughlin Benjamin Nickell Amanda Puttuck Curt Roth Ben Sinnamon Glenn Spann Quentin Stapp Dustin Sturges Christel Tippett David Vandenberg Traci Vaughn Aleisha Witkins Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Snowbird Snowbird Wolf Mountain Snowbird Jackson Snowbird Snowbasin Wolf Mountain Solitude Jackson Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Brighton Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Jackson Pebble Creek Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Park City Solitude Jackson Brighton Wolf Mountain ---- ... ----------- ~ ... ~ ~ ---~ ........ • ' •• 1 •• ' ••••• alf.1 ., • • J' • III' • •• •• ,_,. • . • , • - .,., ........ I_I • a•, t •••• 1J ,•""• •••••••• I, ..... .. ~.-.... , ,.-. ~ ~- ., ~ Thanks Harald Every four years, hopeful ski instructors from around the country embark on a pil­grimage to PSIA National Demonstration Team Tryouts. There, a handful of mortals rise above the rest to earn the coveted title of Demo Team Member. The process is inhumane at best, but those who survive have earned the right to wear their team colors honorably, through skill and perse­verance. But what comes of those who fail to make the final cut? The final cut generally involves choos­ing from a group of 15 to 20 tryout survi­vors. The dozen or so individuals who are ultimately selected as Demo Team mem­bers rank among the best skiers and in­structors that PSIA has to offer. Theirs is no easy task-to define the standards of ski instruction in America. However, any­one who has observed the tryout process understands that-with a few notable ex­ceptions- any one of the final contestants could serve equally as well as the other. Congratulations are in order for the peo­ple who will serve as the National Dem­onstration Team. The new team is com­prised of eight fresh faces, five returning Team members and coaches Dave Mer­riam and Shawn Smith. Only one standing team member who tried out failed to make it back on the Team, Harald Harb. Those who observed parts of the event know that Harald easily skied as well or better than most of the people who were ultimately chosen for the Team. Having participated in Harald's clinics, I am con­fident he also demonstrated great skill when he taught. But, Harald is a bit of a rebel, and proud of it too. Undoubtedly, Harald's sometimes stubborn individual­ism and reluctance to compromise his be­liefs cost him his job. I first became acquainted with Harald as part of PSIA-I DECL training. Harald twice came to the Division to help Scott Mathers train the DECL body. Harald's approach to ski instruction isn't necessar­ily unique, but it does emphasize simplic­ity and basics. He believes ski instructors spend way too much time teaching con­fusing and often mechanically inaccurate movements. He also believes PSIA' s Fun­damental Skills-edge control move­ments, pressure control movements, ro­tary movements and balancing move­ments- have encouraged instructors to focus way too much on teaching people to pivot their skis rather than work with ski design. Harald's approach to teaching people to ski emphasizes edge release and engagement from the get go, rather than focusing on rotary movements. I may not agree exactly with how Harald chooses to teach skiing, but I can easily integrate Harald's concepts into my own paradigm of skiing. In fact, Harald's clin­ics have been among the best I have at­tended, and I have attended lots. People often whine about what they get for their PSIA membership. The greatest value I have received from my affiliation with PSIA has been the opportunity to interact with other instructors and train­ers. If not for my PSIA membership, I never would have skied with people like Tom Kronthaler, Chris Ryman, P.J. Jones, Jens Husted, Mike Porter, Victor Gerdin, Pepi Steigler, Junior Bounous, Jerry War­ren, Scott Mathers, John Guay, Stew Marsh, Rob Sogard, Bart Zawacki, Chris Katzenberger, Jerry Thoreson, Kevin Chaffee, Jo Garuccio ... and Harald Harb. Harald has been among the most influ­ential of the people I have skied with in the last few years. I am happy I had the chance to benefit from his tour as a Team member, but I am also sorry that many other people will miss out on that oppor­tunity. We have a great new National Demonstration Team, but it might have been just a little bit better if Harald was still there. Thanks Harald.- Rodger Renstrom, PSIA -I. PIAGET continuedfrom 5 Child-Centered Skiing has some very good examples of many of the charac­teristics mentioned - with illustrations and descriptions. This is a good place to start (pages 111-145.) When delving into any of the written information available concerning child development-be it Piaget (cognitive de­velopment), Kephart (psycho-motor de­velopment), Montessori (whole child de­velopment)- it is important to remember that these famous theorists studied chil­dren and adult behavior to come to their conclusions. The child was the teacher! Become an observer of many, many peo­ple to start forming ideas of your own. It's likely that as you pursue this study, you will find some of the same results as the "experts." But, the best side effect of this study is that the words they have written come alive and examples of their conclu­sions march endlessly before you. Your ineffective instruction ceases! • It's Classified Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort- Ski instruc­tors, ski guides, ski patrol, resort services and lodge posi­tions available for the 1996/97 season. Call (916) 426- 3871 or write for an application to PO Box 1100, Soda Springs, Ca 95728. PSIA INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION Officers: President, Allen Titensor; Administrative V. P., Stew Marsh; Certifi­cation Chairperson, Rodger Renstrom; Communications V.P., Dori Pratt; Edu­cation Chairperson, Jo Garuccio; Executive Secretary: Nancy Perkins; PSIA Representative, Stew Marsh; Current Board Members: 1994-97, Jo Garuccio, Stew Marsh, George Mosher, David Y ovanovich; 1995-98, Danny Edwards, R. Richard Mulder, Mike Thurgood; 1996-1999, Steve Bills, Kim Mayhew, Alan Titensor Instructor Representative Committee Members: Alta:Lisa Robin­son, 801742-2016, John Musser, 8019426144; Brian Head:Mark Wilder 801 586-9603; Brighton:Rick Smith 801 596-8443, Dave Strang 801 466-1344; Deer VaIley:Steve Weinstein, 801 645-8077, Kim Mayhew, 801 654-4241; Jackson Hole:Nathan Emerson 307 733-7969, Terry Smith 307 733-3715; Park City:Phil Gratz, 801 486-8279, Rick Dunnebacke, 801 571-4123; Pebble Creek:Scott Rockwood 208232-7998, Donna Erickson, 208 232-7613; Powder Mountain:Barbara Berry and Rick Berry, 801 782-5238; Snowbasin:Mike McConvill, 801 876-3110, Dick Mulder; Snowbird:Nona Weatherbee, SOl 278-2140; Solitude:Lynn H. Suksdorf, 253-2355, Daily Oliver 801487-9172; Sundance:Scott Warr, 801 785-6544; Chairperson:Lynn Suksdorf, Solitude, 801485-8423 (hm) 801461-3234 (wk and message). The Instructors EDGE, the official publication of the Professional Ski Instruc­tors of America Intermountain Division, is scheduled to be published five times a year at a non member subscription rate of $15, subscriptions available through the Division Office. Division Office: 2855 Pamela Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84121, [phone]. Editorial and Advertising Office: 4664 Clearview Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 [phone], Rodger Renstrom, Editor. Next Edge Deadline: Aug 30 INSTRUCTORS EDGE 11 Stu O'Brien Stu O'Brien, freestyle champion and PSIA-I member, died June 23 of injuries suffered while on a camping/river trip in Idaho. Stu loved to ski and unselfishly shared that love with others. He will be fondly remembered. The following trib­ute to Stu, written by "Airborne" Ed Fer­guson, was read atop Hidden Peak at Snowbird during Stu's memorial service. In Memory of Stu O'Brien There is only one story that matters, be­cause just about everything else Stu and I did since that early day in June 1974, for whatever reason, was either recorded or reported by some means. His Mom remembers that day well. She had to put him on a plane in Pennsylvania in the warm spring weather with all his ski equipment (we know what a spectacle that must have been). She did this grudgingly, knowing he would miss his senior gradu­ation commencement three days later. She had been diligently waiting for twelve years to see her son graduate, but because of someone they called "Airborne" she was unable to see it. I've come to know her as the true saint she is. Stu arrived at our training camp with his normal vigor; it reminded me of the Tas- The Instructors EDGE A publication of PSIA-I 2855 Pamela Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 Opinions presented in the EDGE are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the Professional Ski Instructors of America Intermountain Division. 12 INSTRUCTORS EDGE manian Devil cartoon figure with direc­tion. He was one of many (200 plus) who wanted to learn how to be free-I didn't know he had a little different idea of what learning was all about, I soon found out. At the camp, of course, were all the current world champions and Stu wanted to be just like them. We had ten days on the snow, three days for each discipline and a day for competition that was just like the world cup is: ballet, moguls, aerials, and overall event with awards banquets and dinner that evening. I always had enough prizes so everyone always won something. Stu wanted to win all of the prizes. Stu did very well for a kid from the Pokanos and I told him so. His response was, "I'm staying for the next ten days and I will win all of the prizes." He would have if he had not injured his ankle the day before the big event. I heard he was very upset and I went to see him in his condo after dinner. He had so im­pressed me and was so very upset that 1 made a deal with him. The deal was, "If you go back to Pennsylvania and get fully certified in PSIA (he was already associ­ate certified) and stop crying, I'll have you back next summer as a coach." He stopped crying, I went about my merriest camp director duties and forgot all about it. The phone call came about March of 1975, I picked up the phone, all I heard was a great big "I passed!" 1 said, "passed what?" Stu said, "I'm fully certified, when do you want me to show up to coach at your camp?" The rest is history. • FUTURE continued from 9 Yes, this was a monumental task. I am very pleased with the results and through further development of the strategic plans I see great things for all of our futures in the winter wonderland we so enjoy. • AO-000013 AO / / KENT MATTHEWS BOX 460 HUNTSVILLE, UT 84317-0348 .. INsrRO Vol. 18 No.1 This Issue: Written Test Info .................... 1 Who takes the test, how will it affect your certification plans? DECL Selection ••.•••••••••••..••••.. 2 What is the job about, how will the selection process take place? Adapted Disciplines •.••••....••... 7 There's no limit to how people adapt ways to slide down hill. Four-Letter Words .•••......•....•. 8 Shhh ... Shaped Skis ............................ 9 They're here in/orce this season. Do you know what to expect? Hallucinations ........................ 9 You always thought the lronman was crazy, now you know you were right. Center Line Unmasked ........ 10 Why has the Center Line been so confusing and how should candidates prepare/or the Center Line demons at exams? Winter Games Schedule ...... 18 The Utah Winter Games packs January with clinics and competitions/rom skiing to luge. And More ••• The Official Publication of PSIA-Intermountain Winter One 1996 Written Certification Test Revealed Question: 1. A certification candidate desiring to pass the written test portion of the exam process should: A. read the following information. B. cover the study-guide material in the PSIA-I Master Plan. C. study well before the test date indi­vidually and in study groups. D. all of the above. Candidates for certification are certainly wondering about the new written test for­mat. It's actually less complicated than you might think. The following informa­tion will clarify just what you have to know regarding the written test and this season's certification process. (A one­year grandfather clause for previous as­sessment participants is described later.) What are the test prerequisites? The new format applies to Certified Lev­els II and III assessments. (Levell candi­dates complete a workbook and do not take the written test. Their requirements remain unchanged from last year.) Candidates must register with the Divi­sion office two weeks prior to the test date. The written test must be passed before a candidate can attend anyon-hill assess­ment. The test may be taken prior to taking the mandatory pre-exam clinic; however, the pre-exam clinic must be completed before participating in anyon-hill assessment. Can you register at the test location? NO! There will not be a copy of the test available for candidates who show up at the test location without having registered in advance. What does the test cover? The Level II and Level III written tests combine information previously covered in the separate skiing and teaching assess-ment written tests, including: skiing (in­cluding a video movement analysis), me­chanics, teaching and general knowl­edge- the same material covered in pre­vious written tests. What does the test cost? There is a $7 fee to take the written test. Can the test be retaken? Yes, however there is no reason why anyone who has read and studied shouldn't pass the first time. Both inde­pendent and group study are beneficial in preparing for the written test. Refer to the study guides in therevisedPSIA-IMaster Plan for study ideas. Candidates wishing to retake the test must repeat the registration steps for the test they wish to take, including paying another $7 registration fee. When are tests scheduled? Tests have been scheduled throughout the early and middle part of the season in the northern, central and southern regions ofthe Division. Plan ahead! Do not expect additional dates to be scheduled. Can the Division accommodate persons with reading difficulties? Yes, options are available for candi­dates, but only if special needs are given to the office at the time of registration. That's about it. Plan ahead, prepare and the test won't be an obstacle. Grandfathering Candidates who have already taken a written test but failed the assessment should definitely read the following .. If you participated in a Level II or Level III skiing or teaching assessment during the 1994-95 or 95-96 ski seasons and passed the written test portion of either assessment, but failed to pass the exam, this information is for you. For one season only. candidates who passed either the skiing/mechanics or teaching/mechanics written test-but failed to pass the overall assessment continued on 2 • Administrative Report By STEW MARSH, PSIA INTERMOUNTAIN ADMINIS1RATIVE V.P. The winter is upon us. Already the mountains have received snow that surely will usher in a great season of fun. Almost all areas along the Wasatch Front have opened and have given many people reasons to smile. I would hope each and every member is getting into shape both physically and mentally for the season. This season should be very interesting with the barrage of shaped skis coming on line. I hope each and every one of you take time and experience these skis. Do it and enjoy the thrill. Fax It I am happy to announce that your Board made some decisions at the last meeting that will be of benefit to all the members. First, we have purchased a fax machine with a dedicated line. Any correspondence to the office or applications to events or correspondence can be sent easily and quickly. The new number for the fax machine is 942·7837. Another benefit that the board decided to provide the members is the ability to pay for dues, clinics, books, manuals with a VISA or Master Card. The office will be able to process this transaction immediately and a receipt will be forwarded to you. I feel this was something that was needed to provide the membership with up to date service. Although we don't have e-mail or on line services, someday that may be our next step. Please remember that there is a fourteen day advance registration for clinics and assessments. With the capabilities of fax and credit card registration it should help with assignments and making each clinic run well. Board Elections This is also a reminder that elections for the Board will be in March. There will be one at-large position to fill and pOSitions in Region I (Jackson, Targhee, Great America), Region VI (Solitude, Brighton, Sundance), and Region VII (Snowbird, Alta). Please remember to check the qualifications found in the Edge if you choose to run for a position. Remember to vote! Have a safe and happy holiday season. WRITTEN TEST continued/rom 1 -will be granted credit for the informa­tion they have passed. That credit will be applied to the new test format which will have identifiable sections for skiing/me­chanics- focused knowledge and teaching-focused knowledge. Here's how that proc­ess works for both Level II and Level III candidates. This information applies to only to candidates who partiCipated in an assessment during the 1994-95 or 95-96 ski seasons. Candidates who wish to take advantage DECL Selection Process Explained Once again, PSIA Intermountain is con­ducting a Division Examiner and Clinic Leader hiring. Here is basic information concerning the DECL selection process. Additional information will be available in December for participants. What is the DECL program? The DECL program is designed to pro­vide a skilled pool of experienced instruc­tors who are responsible for conducting Division clinics and exams. To ensure consistency in the exam process and qual­ity clinics-and because PSIA-I is a rela­tively small division with membership fluctuating between approximately 1200 and 1500 members-there is no need for a large DECL body. However, the Divi­sion holds regular hiring sessions to re­place DECLs who resign or leave for other reasons, and to identify exceptionally skilled instructors whose participation as a DECL would benefit the Division. What a DECL is Not The position of DECL is not a level of certification. The position of DECL is a continued on 4 of this grandfather clause must register with the office and identify themselves as wanting credit for previous test results. The office will check records and coordi­nate with the test administrator. _ Written Test Requirements for Grandfathered Candidates Failed to pass the Skiing/Mechanics Assessment Previous written test results Failed written skiing test Passed written skiing test Previous on-hill results Passed on-hill requirements Failed on-hill requirements Failed to pass the Teaching/Mechanics Assessment Previous written test results Failed written teaching test Passed written teaching test Previous on-hill results Passed on-hill requirements Failed on-hill requirements 96-97 written test requirements Must register for and pass entire written test before retaking on-hill skiing assessment. Cost of written test $7. Must register fgK:'a(ld pass teaching portion of written test prior to taking on-hill Skiing 8!>sessment. Cost of written test $7. 96-97 written test requirements Must register for and pass teaching portion of written test prior to retaking on-hill teaching assessment. Cost of written test $7. Do not need to take a written test. All candidates who fail to pass any section of the written test will be required to register, pay for, retake and pass the entire written test be­fore they can participate in an on-hill assessment. Make sure you study! 2 INSTRUCTORS EDGE They're Baaack ... PSIA-I Education College and Mini Academy January 11-12 at Park City & PSIA-I Spring Clinic April 11-13 at Brian Head Education College In addition to our own DECL staff, we will have four National Demo Team members on hand who will conduct a "mini acad­emy." Participants in the "mini academy" will ski with the same team member for two days, and will have the opportunity to focus on their specific skill needs for the entire event. To keep the groups manageable, we will only accept the first 32 applicants. Other clinics will be taught by Division clinic leaders; partici­pants may attend non mini-academy clinics for one day or two. Ed College Clinic Topics Saturday and Sunday • Mini-academy (must attend both days) Saturday • Ski Improvement: Moderate and Aggressive • Exploring the Mountain on Shaped Skis • Intro to Bumps • Master Teacher • Short Turns Only .Intro to Teaching Three-­track and Mono-skiing (ten­tative) Sunday • Ski Improvement: Moderate and Aggressive • Advanced Bumps • Exploring Teaching Styles • Short Turns Only • Drills to Enhance Your Ski­ing Skills • Look in the calendar for Snowboard topics Come on board the newest wave in snowboard technology. There are approximately 300 snowboard companies, all making boards about the same way. NoLimitz Snowboards are different. We use an exclusive multi-layer pre-preg monocoque construction method to create ultra lightweight boards that offer outstanding performance in any condition. The NoLimitz line has a board for every rider. We are seeking professional Team Riders, Mountain Reps and Mountain Employee Riders. Come on board our team. NoLimitz/ We're Different. For a Mountain Employee Form and more information [phone] Fax [phone] PO 1218, White Salmon, WA 98672 NOLIMITZ e-mail [e-mail] S NOW 80 A IDS INSTRUCTORS EDGE 3 Education Comer By JO GARUCCIO, PSIA-I EDUCA nON CHAIRPERSON Believe it! Another season has arrived, and with it the winter juggling act-lessons, school groups, clinics, exams, new manuals. study guides. powder over your head, naked pool parties. Wait! Did you say a new manual? And study guides'? It can't be. I just finished my library and now it's obsolete-again? Well guess what kids? It's true. PSIA has finally completed the latest education project, and the entire package includes a manual, study guides for Level I, II and Level III, a video tape shot with a high tech overhead cable cam, and a new handbook. But before you become overwhelmed by the thought of entirely new material, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Skiing has not been re-invented, so you can stop hyper-ventilating. However, new material does pose a few interesting questions, and the office has already been bombarded with several of them. Do we need them for the test? Is it different than ATS II? Should I buy the study guide? What's Inside? Since the material just recently arrived, very few of us have had the chance to thoroughly review it and that includes the education and examining staff. For the most part, the technical information in ATS III is primarily the same as that in A TS II. It is, however, easier to read and better organized than the previous manual. Granted, there are a few confusing sections and we will do our best to clarify them for you. And there are a couple of new sections. A "service model" has been added to the teaching and skiing models, reinforcing the idea that good customer service Is an integral part of ski teaching. There is also a chapter on the environment, and a chapter discussing anatomy and physical conditioning. But, you will not be tested on any of that information this year. The rest of the manual is "nothing you haven't heard before," although it is packaged slightly differently. So should you buy the new manual? The answer is yes. The information is much easier to find. As for the study guides, they can only help you. They contain sample lessons, study questions (and answers), and (in Levels I and II) severn I problem scenarios often encountered in less experienced students. The Level III study guide takes a more in-depth look at variables such as moguls and crud. Quite frankly, after reviewing them (albeit briefly), I think that the study guides are possibly some of the best material PSIA has ever produced and would certainly enhance anyone's ski teaching abilities as well as help candidates prepare for an exam. The Art of Carving In addition to the new manuals, the office also has sevenll other references available including Skiing and the Art of Carving, a new book by Ellen Post Foster. Teeming with great ideas from a very creative coach, it is well worth owning. We also have Ellen's two previous books available as well. Both Conditioning Skills for Alpine Skiers and Technical Skills ji)r Alpille Skiers are excellent supplemental materials for your expanding library. I have borrowed many ideas from Ellen's "bag of tricks." Education College Don't forget the Education College and remember, only 32 people can attend the "mini-academy" portion of the Ed College, so sign up early. Watch for Spring Clinic news in the next newsletter. It's in Brian Head, so we are looking at fun in the sun! Have a great Christmas and see you soon. General Membership Meeting December 17 at Brian Head 5:30 pm 4 INSTRUCTORS EDGE DECL continued from 2 job. The selection process can easily be viewed as an interview. The DECL program is not a personal training program. Although working as a DECL offers valuable opportunities for personal growth, the intent of the DECL hiring is to select already skilled trainers who can immediately begin conducting some Division clinics. All DECLs are re­quired to participate in a tmining program to prepare them to conduct certification assessments and related clinics according to guidelines established in the PSIA-I Education and Certification Master Plan. DECLs are also required to meet mini­mum performance standards or forfeit their position as a DECL. The DECL hiring event scheduled for late January is not intended to fulfill spe­cific quotas-there are no set number of "slots" open. However, selectors will be looking for instructors who demonstmte excellence in skiing and teaching and can immediately begin contributing to the membership of the Division. Cost and Format The cost for attending the selection proc­ess is $1l5. The hiring schedule will include one evening and two on-hill evaluation days. There may be a skiing cut after the first on-hill day, depending on the number of people who participate in the hiring event. If there is a skiing cut, it will be made to ensure that the second day's selection fo­cuses on fairly and thoroughly evaluating those instructors who have a realistic op­portunity to be selected. How to prepare Candidates will be evaluated on their professional knowledge, skiing skills and teaching skills. Start skiing and honing your eye now! Every ski day should in­clude disciplined drills to improve basic skills. Just like Gene Hackman in the film Hoosiers, perfection begins with basics. Skiing Ski evaluators will be looking for excep­tional balance and the skill to work the ski from the top of the turn through the finish of the turn. They will be looking for ver­satility. The rocket who gets to the bottom first will have little success if slhe lacks the skill or discipline to shape a turn out of the fall line. Teaching Teaching evaluators will be looking for outcome-oriented teaching that responds and adjusts to the needs of students and is based on clear and accurate nwvement analysis. Selectors will also evaluate the candidate's skill at organizing and pre­senting abstract concepts both indoors and out in accurate and interesting ways. Written Test DECLs are responsible for helping members interpret and understand PSIA concepts. It is vital that they possess an accurate understanding of models, theory, terminology and publications. A short written test will evaluate a candidate's basic knowledge, including official PSIA concepts and models. Candidates will not be responsible for new information (such as the Service Model) contained in A TS III; however, reading A TS III may help clarify concepts presented in A TS II. Train! Candidates should prepare for all aspects of the event, but the most important word in ski instruction is "ski." We all become better teachers when we understand skiing better; and we understand skiing more accurately when we ski better. Skiing preparation should involve train­ing, not just skiing. Thousands ofshort-ra­dius turns in the fall line on hard snow, miles of turns on just the outside ski-or the inside ski, countless slow-to-moder­ate- speed parallel turns with both feet on the ground and always parallel, zottos, sideslips, drills, all combined with lots and lots of skiing all pitches and variable con­ditions- fluidly and in balance. It's amaz­ing what can be learned. In Search of Excellence The Division needs its membership to continue to work toward acquiring the skill, knowledge and desire to work as a DECL. The greatest personal growth as­sociated with being selected as a DECL comes in the preparation for the hiring process, not the event itself. And, in most cases, personal preparation requires years, and sometimes participation in multiple hiring events. But that is what ski instruc­tion is all about: continually striving to be better tomorrow than we are today. With all this in mind, who should attend the DECL hiring? Anyone who is seri­ously interested in working as a PSIA-I DECL. • Communications Report By DANNY EDWARDS, PSIA-I COMMUNICATIONS V.P. Hello again! Thought I would tell you about a few of the changes that have taken place this past summer at both of the Southern Utah ski areas. Elk Meadows opened this Thanksgiving with a new ski school director. Her name is Kathy Flanigan. Kathy was raised in Cedar City. She trained and worked as a member of the Brian Head Ski School in the early stages of her career. She became a Level III instructor around 1977 and continued to teach for a few years. She married herself a Forest Service guy named Dayle and soon found herself in Globe Arizona, miles away from any ski resort. Well, just recently, her husband earned the Ranger's job in the Beaver area and last season Kathy went to work for Elk Meadows. Then when Elk Meadows went shopping for a new director this year, I think they made an excellent decision in hiring Kathy. I, for one, would like to wish Kathy all the best for a great season in her new position. Our resort here in Brian Head opened a few weeks ago with a new operations manager and ski school director. These two titles belong to the same person and that new guy on the block is Henry Hornberger. Henry and his family most recently lived in Aspen. For the past two years Henry headed up guest relations and quality assurance for the ski schools of Aspen. Prior to that, Henry work at Taos Ski Valley for nineteen years in various capacities including ski school manager. His summers were spent working in New Zealand at Coronet Peak where he was an assistant director. Henry will focus on the family vacation experience with special attention being paid to first-time skiers and our children's programs. We would also like to welcome Henry to the Intermountain Division and wish him and the staff a very successful season. By the way, clinics are coming around. Any volunteers for the "Ski House" idea? Call me, Danny [phone] Children By PATTI OLSEN AND CHRIS KATZENBERGER One of the biggest tasks on the agenda for this summer's national Children's Com­mittee meeting was to decide on a theme for the National Children's Symposium which has been renamed the National Children'S Ski Educator Symposium. The theme for this next symposium will be "Connections." The Symposium will be held at Deer Valley Resort and Park City Resort on Jan. 27, 28, and 29. 1997. Deer Valley will host the indoor and downhill portion while Park City will host the Snow board sessions. The National BOD also approved a sepa­rate track dealing with children's ski teaching at the National Academy. This year the Academy will also host a separate women's college and a separate track dealing with women in skiing. There will be a new childrens' manual out next year. Looking at the outline and some of the samples we saw it should be very good and one every instructor will want to have. Unfortunately, a children's video was not approved for this next sea­son. The delay may be a good and give more time to attend to detail. The Base Test was introduced by Tim Ross and Ron Kipp, both from the U.S. Ski Team. The test is based on maneuvers to build skiing skills. There are three pam­phlets and a video providing skiers with information about the Base Test. The test progresses from simple to very challeng­ing drills. The Base Test should be a new, useful and fun tool to have and is available through the US Ski Team office. One of the most positive items discussed with ski school directors was to develop some sort of accreditation for a children's instructor between level I and level II cer-tification. • INSTRUCTORS EDGE 5 The Edgeless Instructor By CRAIG PANARISI, SOLITUDE The Big Three As I was putting the final touches on my skis with a roto-brush, a very experienced Alpine instructor approached me and asked several interesting questions. He was not aware that PSIA-I currently certi­fies instructors in three separate Nordic disciplines. The following is a summary of our conversation that day. Nordic quote of the month ''Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand." (Ancient Nordic Proverb) Nordic Downhill My personal favorite and the most com­monly recognized type of Nordic skiing by Alpine skiers. Nordic Downhill (tele­mark) certification is very similar to Al­pine. In fact, this certification requires both telemark and parallel technique. Nor­dic Downhill clinics and assessments are conducted exclusively at lift-serviced ar­eas. Skiers prefer heavy leather or plastic boots with metal-edged skis. Backcountry This certification is possibly the most demanding of all. Backcountry certifica­tion is based on safe winter travel and camping. Assessments are typically three days and two nights. Candidates are scored on route selection, first aid, shelter (no tents), hazard evaluation and general savvy. Clinics and assessments are con­ducted in the high backcountry utilizing free-heeled touring equipment and large backpacks. Track Cross-country or track skiing is where we find the most confusion among Alpine 6 INSTRUCTORS EDGE Nordic News By SHIRLEY KINSEY, NORDIC CHAIRPERSON As another ski season is upon us, I would like to take a moment to remind you of the benefits of being involved in PSIA-1. The benefits listed by no means constitute a comprehensive list, but rather they offer a reminder to encourage you to become more involved by participating in clinics and assessments, and help with the recruitment of future Nordic instructors. The list of benefits available to members of PSIA-I is impressive. First, we can become more knowledgeable about skiing, and therefore be more effective on the job, by attending clinics, educational workshops, and participating in assessments. As we share our knowledge and experience with our fellow professionals, we can pick up valuable insights to make our own teaching more effective and meaningful for our clients. Not to mention the advancement and refinement of our own skiing skills. In addition, there are the outstanding publications, such as Professional Skier, The Instructors Edge, and numerous educational materials published by PSIA to help us sharpen our skills and provide food for thought. Membership in PSIA-I also offers countless networking opportunities which can lead to the discovery of innovative teaching programs and ideas, or excellent opportunities for employment in our region. The best way to maximize your personal benefits of membership is to become more actively involved in the Division's activities! Remember only your involvement will make events happen! See you on the snow. skiers. Track certification actually re­quires two separate disciplines called Classic and Skating. The Classic tech­nique is what the general public thinks of when cross-country skiing is mentioned. Skating is a fairly new discipline started by the American Olympic athlete Bill Koch. This technique utilizes timing vari­ations of the poles and skis resulting in movement very similar to rollerblading or ice skating. Track clinics and assessments are conducted exclusively at "cross-coun­try areas" or "Nordic centers." _ Nordic certification quote "Examiners should validate what the candidate knows, not what they don't know." (National Nordic Cert. Committee) Skills For Thought This fall I had the opportunity to discuss ski racing with some of the best Alpine and Nordic ski coaches in the country. They had some very interesting com­ments concerning why European skiers continually dominate over Americans. Their point was fairly simple. American sports are based on hand-eye coordina­tion. Golf, baseball and apple pie. Euro­pean sports on the other hand demand more foot-eye coordination. They spend their time playing soccer and cross-coun­try skiing as children. It surprised me when even the Alpine coaches stressed the importance of skiing on edgeless skis and low-cut boots.- CP Adapted The Six Adapted Skiing Disciplines The surge in snowboarding has emphati­cally demonstrated to traditional skiers that there is more than one way to slide down a snow-covered hill. Skiers with disabilities have known this truth for years. Unable to depend upon traditional gear or techniques, these skiers have adapted equipment and techniques to meet their individual needs. There are six adapted alpine skiing dis­ciplines: four track, three track, monoski, biski, visually impaired, and developmen­tally disabled or mentally retarded. Four Track This method of skiing is called four track because the skier uses four separate ski sources. As a comparison, the traditional mode of skiing we are accustomed to see­ing on the hill is generally referred as two track. The four-track skier has two full­size skis and two forearm crutches with a 14-inch skitip mountedatits base. We call these the outriggers. Outriggers can be used like regular ski poles, or as bona-fide extra skis, aiding the skier in achieving better balance and overall stability. The four track method is used for a vari­ety of disabilities. The individual that skis four track is commonly someone who is unable to walk without the assistance of crutches, canes or some form of prosthe­sis. Four track skiers would include per­sons with cerebral palsy, post polio, mus­cular dystrophy and muscular sclerosis. Three Track The name gives it away! Three trackers use three separate ski sources, two hand held outriggers, and one full size ski. This method of skiing is generally used by persons who have had a limb amputated. But it is not unusual to see three trackers with disabilities such as post polio or hemipelvectomy. Three track skiers, as well as four track skiers may also use extra adaptive equipment to aid in balance and body positioning such as heel lifts and slant boards. Three track skiers can generally tackle all kinds of terrain found at the ski resort; in fact, a good three track skier can com­pete with any good two tracker! Monoski The monoski is a bucket seat with one ski attached underneath. The skier is strapped tightly onto the bucket and he or she assures proper balance by using hand- We're All Disabled Skiers By PETE BADEWITZ, DEER VALLEY Most of what has been written and said about disabled skiing, with regard to the general ski population, tends to center around differences, rather than similarities. The truth of the matter is that if we look at the similarities, or common ground, we start to see that this seemingly great divide is non ex­istent and that the myth about this di­vide lies solely in our mind's eye, Hal O'Leary, program director of the Abilities Center in Winter Park, Colo­rado, has stated as a preface in one of his manuals "that in actuality we are all disabled to some extent when it comes to skiing." Expounding on this point, we were not born with heavy ski boots and long skis on our feet. Add to this scenario being on some frozen moun­tain in the middle of winter and sliding down some steep pitch. In my mind, this picture seems quite ridiculous. To continue along this same trend of thought, how many instructors do you know in the locker room at your ski area who are in perfect health? Every one I know has some sort of imperfect tweak, whether it be physically or men­tally related. The truth of the matter is that most of us, at least some of the time, are in a so-called "disabled" state, Examples abound: weak knees and an­kles, back problems, swelling of joints continued on 16 held short outriggers. These are also used by the beginner as steering devices, but as the skier becomes more proficient they are used more and more like ski poles. Individuals with a wide variety of dis­abilities can use the monoski. Even indi­viduals with an injury level as high as T4 can give it a try, granted they are athletic enough. In general, double amputees or people with low level spinal cord injuries are found on a monoski. A proficient monoskier is capable of ski­ing any terrain a two-tracker can tackle. Furthermore, with some practice, the monoski can be independently loaded and unloaded, making the experience of skiing it that of total independence and freedom. Biski The biski is a bucket seat with two skis attached. The skis are generally specially designed, with radical hourglass sidecuts (which make for some nasty carving!) and fatter and shorter than regular downhill skis. Depending on the level of disability, it can be skied with hand-held short out­riggers or fixed outriggers built in the frame. The bucket of the biski plays the role of the ski boot. It should fit the skier tightly and snugly! The biski is generally used by individu­als who have difficulty skiing in a monoski and need the extra balance and support offered by the two skis. Generally speaking, persons who are high level para­plegics (17 and up), quadriplegics or indi­viduals who need a wheel chair to ambu­late and have little or no arm strength are likely candidates for the biski. continued on 14 INSTRUCTORS EDGE 7 Goal: A Four-Letter Word By CAROLYN FUSHIMI, BRIGHTON It isn't hard for most people to blowout a few four-letter expletives, but have you ever had the opportunity to listen to a truly skilled "expletory" speaker (Le. the pro­verbial sailor)? The emotional and some­times physical effect can be astounding. Any skilled performance is bound to draw strong and deep reactions from the audi­ence. As professional ski instructors, it is our duty to be skilled performers. The concept of setting goals is nothing new. Been there ... done that. The concept of setting effective measurements for those goals is not new either. Been there ... done that. The skill of setting effec­tive measurements which can motivate and define specific goals can be very dif­ficult. Been there? .. done that? Examples: 1. "Today we re going to learn to make our turns smoother. 2. "Today each of us will add more 'Os' to the word "smooth" when we de­scribe our own skiing." 3. "Right now your turns are strong and 'smth.' Let's work on two move­ments and tell me how many 'Os' each movement adds to your turns." or, 1. "Today we're going to improve our bump skiing." 2. "By the end of the lesson, each of us will be better at managing speed con­trol in the bumps." 3. "Today each of us will increase our number of linked, controlled turns in this (specific) bump run by at least two turns." Many other examples of effective meas­urements are available. Personally, I pre­fer measurements which the student can observe and measure on their own (with possible confirmation by me). This en­courages and allows the student to: • have "ownership" ofthe movement/con­cept (i.e. a deeper understanding) • be self-motivated (Le. a deeper drive) • get more out of their time away from the instructor (Le. not deeper pockets, have I blasphemed?). Learning can and should continue even after the lesson time ends. I try to help students set goals with measurements for the times following the lesson, as well. Becoming truly skilled at setting effec­tive measurements will not be easy (for me). It will take time (years of practice), patience (a few mishaps), intelligence (a few "mulligans" to fix the mishaps), and perseverance (the courage to continue ex­ploring and "mulliganing"). So what do four-letter words have to do with all this? Nothing, really. It was mostly to get your attention. I hope this gives some food for thought. Thanks for your time. - Carolyn Fushimi is a PSIA-I DECL. Women's Education College Scheduled for Vail Look for great skiing and professional development at the 1997 PSIA Women's Education College in Vail, Colorado, January 11-15. Registration forms are in the fall issue of The Professional Skier. The college is open to Certified Levels II and III women instructors. The college is staffed by present and past PSIA Demonstration Team members. The guest speaker is an expert in the area of communication and team building. The indoor theme will be Communication: Awareness of "gaps" and ways to close them; identify­ing communication styles, including our personal style, and strategies for blending and capitalizing. And, of course, there will be four days on snow working and skiing with great friends on a great mountain. Call Karen Hagaman at the PSIA national office for details. Space is limited, so call woo. • 8 INSTRUCTORS EDGE Tum Initiation: Right, Wrong? By ED CHAUNER, SNOWBIRD HELLO skier, this is your ski talking, anyone up there? There has been a lot of talk the last few years, like the last 50, on how to make me start down the mountain. I would be perfectly content to just sit here on my edge and traverse across the hill but I know you have something else in mind. I don't mind being pointed down the hill so lets work together on this whole turn initiation thing. "This is your ski talking ... lets work together on this whole turn initiation thing." When we started out years ago, you used a nice stem-step move to force me off of my edge and down the hill. I was a little reluctant in those days and I sometimes needed a push from my better half. I don't need that as much any more but don't forget, there are certain situations with certain skiers that I am going to need a boost. For example in a very steep narrow gully when I can feel your knees shaking, or as a beginner on your first blue run when I can feel your knees shaking, or in heavy wet snow when I can feel your knees ready to rip in half. Yes, you are forcing me down the hill but sometimes that is the best way. After some time you realized that you didn't have to push through my nice solid down-hill ski platform, but just eliminate my platform by jumping or up-unweight­ing. This works fine, but it seems like you get pretty tired by the end of the run. Stealing my platform through a vertical unweighting still seems to work well in the heavy powder or wind-slab snow, so keep it in your box of tricks, but in most situations you can be much more efficient. Why don't you just keep me on the snow and let me do my job. I hate being forced or banged around. Take my solidly edged continued 011 I f you have been reading the latest ski magazines including The Professional Skier, this is the year of the Shaped Ski. What is the definition of a shaped ski? The ski industry is adopting the term "shaped ski" for skis that have the look of an hourglass-wide in the tips and tails and narrow under the foot. These skis have also been known as parabolic, super side cut, and coke-bottle shaped. Last year there were only four manufacturers mak­ing shaped skis. This year all the manufac­turers are making the shaped ski with over 60 models to choose from. It is estimated that over 30 percent of the people taking lessons this year will be on shaped skis. According to all the hype, the shaped ski is going to make skiing easier and more fun. It is going to make it possible for thousands of skiers to get out of the inter­mediate rut-skidding, pivoting-and get them on to an edge so they can carve their turns with much less effort. The learning curve of beginners will be shortened. The shaped ski will do for skiing what the oversized racket did for tennis and over­sized golf clubs have done for golf, make the sport more enjoyable. What does this mean to us as profes­sional instructors? It means that we are going to have to get rid of our bias' to­wards conventional skis. We are going to have get on the new skis and give them a good look. What makes these skis tick in all types of snow conditions: groomed to crud, green slopes to black diamond. You will discover that students will find them easier to develop the skills needed to pro­gress to higher levels of skiing. They will enjoy the sport more, which translates to Shaped Skis Have Arrived By DICK MULDER, SNOWBASIN more skiing days. The basic skills will still remain the same, it is the blending of these skills that will change. In some of the different arti­cles that I have read there seems to be different views (which is good) on what skills are more important and how you apply them. The main thing is that you have to blend the skills to get the type of tum shape that you want, just like with conventional skis. The blending of skills will depend on how radical the side cut is. With over 60 models there are a lot of differences. The big differences with the shaped skis are: you need less rotary; you don't have to be as aggressive; you use more subtle movements in the feet, ankles, and knees; a wider (open) stance will be more appropriate; you use less up and down movement and more lateral move-ment; you get the feet further away from the side (upper body) and use more hip and upper body angulation for upper level ski­ing. You need to gather as much information as you can on the shaped skis so you can impart the proper knowledge to clients. Shaped skis types include all mountain, recreational, transition to carving, and others. You will normally ski on shorter skis ( 5-15 cm) depending on the side cut, how you ski and the type of terrain you ski. When the powder skis (fat boys) came out a few years ago, Snowbasin Ski School Director Norm Burton, had all his instructors ski them (fat boy clinics) so they would be able to see the differences in technique that the powder ski required. Because of this exposure, instructors were able to give successful powder lessons. On this same idea, ski schools need to develop shaped ski clinics for their in­structors. I have been skiing the shaped ski ( S ski) for the last two years and can attest to the effectiveness of this new design. I gave my wife a pair of Kneissl Ergos a year ago and what a dramatic change they made to her skiing. She is now skiing on terrain she wouldn't ski on before, her technique has improved, along with her confidence and, above all else she, is having more fun. The bottom line, get to know the shaped ski. Try different ones, experiment, enjoy and then you will be able to give quality lessons to your clients. And you to might find that you are having more fun in your own skiing and in your lessons. - Dick Mulder is a PSIA-I Board member Reflections from the Ironman I t's 7:00 AM. The gun goes off, the start line goes up and 1500 flailing bodies begin their odyssey in Kailua­Kona, Hawaii. This is crazy. Hey, there's the ESPN helicopter. He'll never see me. All I'm doing is crawling over bodies. In fact, this goes on until the turn around-1.2 miles no less. Guess I could have started farther up in the pack, but it just looks like such a grunion run on the television. I didn't want to die in the first ten minutes, but there's too many slower bodies in front of me. No draft, no toes to suck. Live and learn I guess. I can't believe it. I think I'm getting a Or, hallucinations from the edge By 10 GARUCCIO, SNOWBIRD little seasick. Impossible. I'm a hardened sailor from childhood days. Loved small craft warnings better than dinner. But these swells are beginning to get old. The 2.4 miles must be over soon. Ugh! Slow swim. Forgot about the cur­rent too. No wonder the beach-front Hil-ton kept zooming into view. But it's out of the transition on my bike-UTI U in Kona, the pier-and head­ing for the desert, as in lava fields. It's hotter than blazes out here, and I feel like I am going to puke! Having trouble eating anything. Food looks terrible. My friend Kris says, "just slow down and try to eat something." She's right, I'll be toast at the end if I don't (I was toast anyway). The Gu goes down but that drink at the aid stations is disgusting. Maybe Coke? No, it doesn't work either. continued on 20 INSTRUCTORS EDGE 9 Each winter instructors throughout the country nervously prepare for certification by practicing the Cen­ter Line turns. Some practice for weeks; others barely practice at all. Unfortu­nately, practicing Center Line turns day and night for years won't go far in helping most people pass their skiing exam. Re­visiting the Center Line concept and its limitations may help everyone, including certification candidates, improve their perspective on the uses, and abuses, of the Center Line maneuvers. The Center What? Candidates and examiners alike were stretched to the limits of confusion a few years back when the Center Line concept became part ofPSIA's official skiing sys­tem. At that time there were six Center Line "standards": Wedge turns, Wedge Christie I turns, Wedge Christie II turns, Open Parallel turns, Dynamic Parallel turns, and Diverging Parallel turns. The Center Line Standards almost immedi­ately formed the core of skiing exams across the country and opened a Pandora's Box that numbed the brains of the most devout technoweenies. The Center Line dialog immediately fo­cused on the mechanics of each standard. How big is the wedge? When do the skis begin to match in a Wedge Christie I? When does the pole swing occur in a Wedge Christie II? How wide is the stance in an Open Parallel? How much of an independent step occurs in a Dynamic Parallel? How much of a divergence oc­curs in a Diverging Parallel (an oxymoron if there ever was one). If the Center Line represents the middle, then does one ex­treme reflect skidding and the other ex­treme reflect carving? With all the confusion, a revision of the Center Line was inevitable. The first standard to fall from grace was the Wedge Christie II. Actually, you could say both the Wedge Christie I and II succumbed to common sense. Now there is just a Wedge Christie and an acknowledgment that the size of the wedge, the timing of the match, and the use of a pole touch vary depend­ent- mostly-upon the speed at which the turn is made. The next turn to get the hook was the Diverging Parallel. Although a diverging movement doesn't result in a parallel turn by definition, the revj~ionists suggested that a diverging parallel turn was a natural feature of dynamic skiing, simply a vari­ation of a Dynamic Parallel turn. Of 10 INSTRUCTORS EDGE Certification Corner Does Center Line Work for Certification? or, How Could Such a Simple Concept Make Us All So Confused? By RODGER RENSTROM. PSIA-I CERTIFICATION CHAIR course, the current thinking argues that truly efficient skiing generally results in a parallel relationship of the skis throughout the turn. Oh well, the pendulum continues to swing. "Practicing Center Line turns day and nightfor years won't go far in helping most people pass their skiing exam." But the Wedge Christie II and Diverging Parallel suffered from a greater common problem. Almost no one, not even PSIA Demonstration Team members, could consistently perform either tum in a non­contrived, fluid manner. Everyone was so hung up on how to ski those two turns they forgot how to ski at all. The most recent change in the official Center Line jargon is a name change for the Open Parallel turn. Now simply re­ferred to as a "parallel" turn, the tum itself remains unchanged. Few things in PSIA history have resulted in such controversy as the Center Line. Lessons Learned But there were valuable lessons to be learned from the much maligned Center Line. Perhaps the greatest value of the Center Line concept was to be found in what was termed the "common threads" or "common skill features" (charac­teristics). The common skill features-no longer identified by title in the new A TS Alpine Manual-simply identified basic movement patterns present in all good skiing, whether a Wedge turn or Dynamic Parallel turn. Thus, when viewed as a package, the beauty of the Center Line was this: Good skiing develops progressively along a continuum (illustrated by the Cen­ter Line turns), and requires basic move­ments patterns which remain fundamen­tally unchanged from beginning to ad­vanced skiing (the common skill fea­tures). As skills improve, skiers become increasingly more capable of tactically varying the intensity and blend of move­ments in response to increasing speed, terrain and other variables (variations to either side of the Center Line-referred to in A TS III as "Center Line Zones"). The Center Line, when freed from the shrouds of techno babble, is almost elo­quent in its simplicity. Unfortunately, the Center Line is just a descriptive image-a model-of what good skiing looks like. On its own, it does little to improve skiing skills, or an exam candidate's odds for success. Developing Basic Skills One of the greatest complaints from ex­aminers is that candidates often do not possess the basic skiing skills expected of them at a particular certification level. For example, many people who fail Dynamic Parallel turns don't fail because they ha­ven't practiced the "demo," they fail be­cause they haven't developed the basic skills necessary to ski a good Dynamic Parallel turn. Yet, rather than focus on basic drills to improve their overall skiing, candidates become fixated on practicing the "demos." The result is too often a skier who is very consistent at doing lousy de­mos. Candidates must change their focus if they are to improve their chances for success at the skiing assessment. Candidates can take specific steps to improve their skiing performance at ex-ams. Allow Time For Change Establish a realistic time-frame for change. Just like the person who believes a fad diet will lead to long-term weight Candidates who possess sound funda- doesn't possess the finesse needed to off­loss, many instructors believe that cram- mentals throughout their general skiing set the absence of speed and dynamics. ming for the skiing assessment will result should have little problem mastering the Higher level demonstrations, such as Dy­in real skill improvement. Sorry, Charlie. mechanical expectations of Center Line namic Parallel or bump skiing, often cause Although an intense, well-designed train- turns (i.e., how do I match the skis in a problems because the skier isn't capable ing program will accelerate progress, Wedge Christie?) of handling the increased balance de-change still takes time. How many stu- Ski Don't "Demo" Exam Tasks mands on forced by speed and dynamics. dents come to ski schools for one week Focus on the basic elements of good In both cases, the problem isn't the dem-each year expecting onstration, it is the to ski the powder as skier's inability to well as their instruc- The Center Line apply basic skiing tor? Every instructor movements to differ-is aware of the folly ent conditions. of this line of think- The four Center Line turns show how Characteristics But. .. Practice The ing, yet too many in- skill blend manifests itself along the path - Stance is generally centered as both Demos Anyway structors are guilty from beginning to expert skiing. How- skis are continuously guided from one It is still necessary of harboring the ever, that path should be viewed as a turn through the next. to practice specific same unrealistic ex- continuum, rather than four distinct - Slight flexion and extension of the ankles tasks or demonstra-pectations. stages of development. Along that con- and legs facilitates a rolling action of the tions required in the Focus On Basics tinuum, speecL terrain, ski design, body skis and the transition between .turns. exam. Improve general type and other variables require an ad- -Outside ski dominance progressively Occasionally, very skiing skills before justment in skill blencL regardless of increases through the tum as a result of good skiers do fail practicing demos. skill level. For example, "shaped" skis speed, turn shape and ski design. their skiing because The current Center will generally reduce the intensity of -Turn shape is the primary method of they didn't practice Line test maneuvers rotary movements and skidding in all the speed control, although the size of the or understand the re-are just standardized maneuvers. wedge may vary to accommodate quired demonstra-tasks that allow ex- changes in slope. tions. A Wedge turn aminers opportuni- Wedge Turn -Hands and elbows are relaxed and re- must demonstrate a ties to observe and Wedge turns, historically referred to as main in front of the torso to enhance consistent wedge evaluate basic move- "snowplow" turns, receive their name fore and aft balance. and a Wedge Chris-ment patterns. Too from the inverted "V" shape the skis tie must show the ap-often, what the ex- form on the snow. The wedge position Wedge Christie Turn propriate wedge and aminer is scoring has offers a skier specific advantages when Wedge christie turns generally involve christie phases. But very little to do with learning to ski. The relatively wide base slightly higher speeds and performance skiers must avoid what the candidate of support provides stability at slow levels than wedge turns. Wedge christie getting so hung up has practiced. speeds, the resistance to sliding caused turns link the wedge tum to the parallel on the demonstration For example, the by the shape of the wedge helps control turn. The turn gets its name from com- aspect of the exam (Open) Parallel turn speed, and learning to tum is made easier bining the beginning of the tum, per- that they fail to rec­provides a good op- because the skis are already on edge and formed in a wedge stance, to the finish ognize that what portunity to observe easily deflected into a turn. of the turn, which incorporates a parallel they really need is to a skier's finesse and The Center Line wedge turn incorpo- christie. (A christie is a turn, or portion improve their basic balance. Skiers who rates all of the fundamental skills and of a turn, where both skis skid on corre- skiing skills. lack a sensitive feel provides a foundation for observing the sponding edges.) Starting the turn in a Center Line and for the edges of their common skill features of efficient and wedge offers a skier increased stability Certification skis or the move- effective skiing. Because wedge turns during the transition from one turn to the With all the confu-ment of their body are suited to slow speeds on gentle ter- next. Matching the skis to a parallel sion and training in to a turn find if rain, the intensity of movements will be m i s d ire c t ion very difficult to subtle. continued on 12 spawned by the Cen-demonstrate a paral- '-_____________________________ --' ter Line, it is fair to leI tum initiation at question whether or slow to moderate speeds. But practicing skiing when performing demonstrations. not the Center Line exam tasks should Parallel turns alone may not be the best Just like the Demo Team member who weigh so heavily in the exam process. way to improve the skills needed to make couldn't make a good Diverging Parallel That depends upon how exam demonstra­a good Parallel turn entry. Learning to tum, exam candidates get so hung up on tions are viewed by both the candidate and balance on one ski throughout a turn, prac- the demonstration that they forget how to the examiner. ticing edge release and engagement move- ski. Candidates have difficulty with dem- A good examiner could probably just ments with sideslips, or developing fore onstrations for different reasons. watch a candidate skate across a flat sur-and aft balance skills with falling leaf Slower skiing tasks, such as Wedge, face and accurately evaluate their skiing exercises or inside ski turns may do more Wedge Christie and Open Parallel turns to improve one's Parallel turn. often cause problems because the skier continued on 12 INSTRUCTORS EDGE 11 CEN1ERLINE continued/rom 11 finish contributes to improved speed control at higher speeds and the ability to ski steeper terrain. The wedge christie has many vari­ations. In the beginning stages of wedge christie tums, matching does not occur until near the completion of the tum. At higher skill levels, matching begins well before the fall line. The turn is a round, skidded arc with less carving than the parallel tum. Characteristics • Stance is centered, although increased speed and edge-control demands result in more pronounced lateral movement than in a wedge tum. • The turn begins with a rolling action of the ankles and legs to release the edges of the skis. • Both skis progressively open into a wedge appropriate to the speed of the tum. Higher speeds generally require a narrower wedge than slower speeds. • The new inside ski continues to roll from inside to outside edge as it is guided into a parallel relationship with the outside ski. • Both skis are continuously guided with the feet and legs to achieve a round skidded tum shape, although the inside ski is guided at a more rapid pace when matching parallel to the outside ski. • Hands and elbows remain relaxed and in front of the torso. If incorporating pole use, pole touch coincides with edge release movements. Parallel Turn Advanced skiers use some variation of a parallel turn in most skiing situations. The parallel tum is so named because the skis maintain a parallel relationship from tum initiation through tum completion. Parallel turns allow for more efficient skiing through a wider variety of speeds and conditions than wedge or wedge christie turns. However, the higher speeds and parallel stance of parallel turns require increased lateral move­ments and improved upper body disci­pline compared to wedge christie turns. Characteristics • The skis remain parallel and the skier maintains a natural-width stance 12 INSTRUCTORS EDGE throughout the tum. • The orientation and movements of the torso and pole swing are continuously directed toward the intended direction of travel. Pole touch coincides with edge release movements. .Edge release and engagement occur through a more or less simultaneous rolling action of the ankles and legs. • Weight transfer to the new outside sId is facilitated by a slight relaxing and edge release of the new inside leg and an extension of the new outside leg to maintain ski-to-snow contact. • The skis are continuously and progres­sively guided onto their edges into a round slightly-skidded tum. Dynamic Parallel Turn Dynamic parallel turns are high-per­formance parallel turns requiring refined movement patterns. These turns exhibit characteristics observed in efficient and powerful skiers. Dynamic parallel turns are associated with high speeds, de­manding direction changes, and a high level of carving. They cover a range of tum types from the high-level carved turns commonly made by good ad­vanced skiers to the arc-to-arc skiing demonstrated by world-class racers. Characteristics • Rotary movements are more a function of rolling the ankles and legs to release and engage the skis' edges than they are of pivoting the skis. • Discipline and orientation of the torso, hips, arms and poles are critical to minimize undesirable rotary forces and prevent skidding through all phases of the turn. .Fle~ion and extension movements of the legs allow the skier to transfer bal­ance to the new outside ski. .Flexion and extension movements of the legs also facilitate edge release and engagement and allow the skier to maintain outside-ski-to-snow contact as the body is guided into the new turn along its intended direction of travel. • Intensity, duration, and timing of movements are a function of the skier's tactics in determining the size, shape, and speed of the desired tum. Some infonnation was adapted from the PSIA Alpine Manual. • CERTIFICATION continued/rom 11 skills. Almost any demonstration, Wedge turns, skating or free skiing, would do. Experienced examiners evaluate quality of movements, not just the mechanics of demonstrations. Unfortunately, most can­didates tend to become hooked on what­ever is written on the exam score sheet. The biggest concern with certification continues to be that candidates view the assessment as the goal in the certification process rather than simply an evaluation of what has been learned. Candidates tend to train for the narrow list of subjects on the exam score sheet rather than improv­ing their skiing (or teaching) in general. Developing overall skiing skills will in­evitably improve a candidate's skiing to the point that the demonstrations are not a nerve-wracking obstacle. It's a standard exercise in logic. The statement, "All sisters are women" is true; but the statement, "All women are sisters" is not necessarily true. Likewise, "Practic­ing basic sIding skills will result in im­proved Center Line demonstrations" is true; but, "Practicing Center Line demon­strations will result in improved skiing skills" is not necessarily true. Perhaps the exam requirements need to evolve to encourage candidates to practice basic movements. If candidates were tested on one-legged turns or hop turns in the fall line, they would surely practice these drills and improve skiing fundamen­tals. As it is, candidates too often expect to go straight to flawlessly performing the Center Line demonstrations without first focusing on just learning how to ski. • INITIA TION continued from 8 ski and just let it roll off of the edge and guide it down the hill. This method makes me very relaxed and willing to start that next turn and if you practice it enough you can use it almost all the time. Almost. So what is the right way and wrong way to initiate a ski turn? There is no right and wrong, but there are simply some ways that are easier and more efficient than others. So try them all and understand why some skiers in some conditions will vary their turn initiation. Remember, that the only absolute in ski­ing and ski teaching is that there are very few absolutes. - Ed Chauner is a PSIA­I DECL. I would like to relate a personal experi­ence I had this summer. It was a terrific learning experience for me and cer­tainly allowed me to put into perspective what an individual must experience when they take lessons. In June, my wife, Tom and Nancy Kronthaler and I had the opportunity to attend a water ski camp. I consider myself to be an above-average water skier having competed in various slalom tournaments over the past ten years. I went to the camp with high expectations of being helped to reach my personal best in slalom. Feeling much like a level 7/8/9 skier or for that matter any skier who wishes to improve (as I did when I learned how to jump) I went there with a goal in mind. The first evening we set goals for the week which I of course did with the thought that I was going to improve im­mediately on the water. The first day on the water I actually made my best passes. Then the lesson began. The listening, at­tempting to understand and then the appli­cation was more than I had expected. "I wonder if our clients have the same feel­ings when they take lessons?" Listening to someone teaching and coaching me in something I thought so simple became only more complex as the days went on. Going Backward Over a period of five days I seemed to go backwards in my skill development. I became frustrated. I was being coached by two to three different coaches. Each seemed to be saying the same thing but with a different focus. Does this sound familiar? I began to look for the similari­ties between snow skiing and water skiing and trying hard to put into practice what was being told to me. "Be strong, give me a ten, not a five, on the pull across the wake, keep your palm up when you re­lease the handle, wait a little longer to release the handle on your off-side tum, rotate your hips as you initiate your turn, get a better angle at the entry buoys, stand up, flex your ankles more, be in a strong position as you finish the turn." Amidst the encouraging words were moments of praise, as well. Thanks guys for the posi­tives, I needed them by this time. WOW! And to think I thought I knew how to ski. I would ride in the boat at lunch time and watch the coaches ski. I could see what they were talking about, (visual imagery) but they made it look so easy. Sound fa­miliar? I repeatedly asked about video and was told they don't use it often. I never got Ski and See By STEW MARSH, ALTA "Listening to someone teaching and coaching me in something I thought so simple became only more complex as the days went on." to see myself ski until I got back home. I went out within three days and was vide­otaped. I could immediately see what I was doing wrong and proceeded to correct the errors. Learning to Jump Learning to jump was a great experience. I was a never-ever again. I paid important attention to my coaches as to what they wanted and expected me to do. Safety was of utmost concern. Good body position, well balanced over both skis, ankles and knees flexed, weight on the balls of the feet. Learn to cut across both wakes and then glide, all while maintaining a good body position. After a couple of preliminary rides to see if I was balanced correctly I was to pull out and glide toward the ramp. Suddenly, I found myself on my butt splashing into the water. The coach had pulled the quick release. So much for being balanced. Try again and the concentration was intense. Got it! Released and a good glide, in bal­ance. Go for the jump this time! Pull out, weight forward on the balls of my feet, up the ramp (only 3 feet high) oh no, SPLASH! Weight back, a little coaching and back around for another try. I got it this time up and over. What a rush. Next day another round of the small jump and then the big 5-foot jump. Same position, rope a little lower, head up look at the horizon, up, up oh no weight is back , rope is above my head, off I go and a bigger splash, but what a rush. Up again, another try, head up, weight forward, rope down, up, up and off. Made it! As I look at that experience I can equate it to the feeling a beginner skier has, the excite­ment and thrill, the falls and frustration. The encouragement from the teacher or coach is what makes it all worthwhile. In this instance I got great coaching and help. They made it easy. I'm glad I did it. By the way, Tom jumped too. Reflections of a Customer As I reflect back on this experience, I wonder how much good feedback we re­ally give our customers. Are you often thinking about how good the skiing may be on another part of the mountain, or what is going to happen on the weekend? Sometimes I did feel like we were not good enough for their program and that we were out of place. Have any of you ever wondered this about your clients? Re­member we must always attempt to put the customer first and to give them every op­portunity to succeed. Succeeding is the reason they come back. Ben Favorite, one of the coaches, and a world class skier and athlete, was in the process of writing a book on water skiing. When we introduced ourselves as ski teachers and school teachers he became very interested in our input. He said he was impressed by the PSIA manuals and teaching progressions. This was certainly a good connecting point for water skiing and snow skiing. He was using the teach­ing model as well as the skiing model to help organize his book. I have a rough draft of the book and although it is a good start for a progression, it lacks the concise­ness and clarity of our divisional and na­tional materials. I look forward to reading the book and seeing the development of the strategies found in water skiing. The Value of Learning Believe me, my experience was worth every cent. I'm not sure I got better, but I truly feel that I came away with better ideas on how to teach and relate the me­chanical aspects of skiing to my clients. I also feel that my eye for errors became better and corrections became simpler. If you ever get the chance to experience someone teaching you an activity you are not familiar with take heed in the methods and learning and teaching styles you are given. Have a great winter and I hope to see you at a clinic somewhere. - Stew Marsh is PSIA-I Administrative V.P., PSIA-I National Board Representative, and a PSIA-I DECL. INSTRUCTORS EDGE 13 ADAPTED continuedfrom 7 Sometimes the biskier needs to be tethered by the instructor or a friend. This facili­tates turn initiation and, in the event that something goes wrong, the tether will pre­vent the biskier from getting out of hand or going into orbit! Of course, this limits the level of independence a biskier can achieve. Furthermore, the biski, unlike the monoski, cannot he independently loaded and unloaded, therefore there is always the need for an extra person to assist the skier. Nevertheless, the biskier can ski virtually all terrain, although the very steep and the hard moguls can be some­what problematic. Visually Impaired More than any other adapted skiing dis­cipline, a visually impaired skier learns to ski in precisely the same manner that a two tracker would: following the American Teaching System (ATS) method. In gen­eral, blind/visually impaired individuals learn to ski quickly and become proficient in all terrain, including sweet deep powder and nasty moguls! Just as with traditional skiing, the in­structor guides the skier with verbal in­structions. But without the ability to prop­erly see and learn by example, the skier will be helped with an increased amount of hands-on manipulation. The instructor will also rely on some extra tools such as the ski bra, used to prevent the tips of the skis from spreading too far, and a simple straight bamboo pole, which both the skier and the instructor hold simultaneously-a very effective tool to establish balance and proper positioning on the skis. Developmentally Disabled Common developmental disabilities are Down syndrome, autism, learning dis­abilities and mental retardation. Skiers with developmental disabilities are usu­ally taught one on one with an instructor. Ski devices such as a bungee cord or a space bar are sometimes used to aid bal­ance and to set up proper positioning on the skis. Communication and presentation are key to the success of a lesson for a developmentally disabled skier, but it must never be forgotten that the individual with II dcvelopmcntnl disability is out there siding just like the next person, and the experience can be just as fulfilling, if not more so. • 14 INSTRUCTORS EDGE Accessories. Books. Manuals Remember, when you order your manuals and accessories through the PSIA·I office you are helping support the Division. ITEM # DESCRIPTION NON-MEMBER MEMBER PRICE PRICE 01 D PSIA-I Education and Certification Master Plan ..... N/A 02D PSIA-I Blue binder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10.00 03D PSIA Lapel Pin .............................. N/A 04D PSIA-I Certified I Pin (bronze) ................... N/A 05D PSIA-I Certified II Pin (silver) .................... N/A 06D PSIA-I Certified III Pin (gold) .................... N/A 07D ATS II: Alpine Skiing Manual. ................. 49.90 OBD ATS II: Alpine Skiing Video (Part 1) ............ 39.90 09D ATS II: Alpine Skiing Video (Part 2) ............ 39.90 10D ATS: Snowboard Skiing Manual ............... 35.90 11 D ATS II: Alpine Set (Manual & 2 Videos) ......... 99.90 12D ATS II: Full Set (Both manuals and videos) ..... 129.90 13D ATSStrategiesforTeaching .................. 10.00 14D ATS II-H Alpine Skiing Handbook .............. 27.90 15D ATS-C Child Centered Skiing ................. 49.90 16D ATS-N Nordic Handbook ..................... 27.90 17D ATS Children Skiing Handbook ................ 27.90 1BD ATS Snowboard Handbook ................... 27.90 19D ATS Children's Development ..................... . 20D Captain Zembo's Ski Teaching Guide for Children .. 6.00 21 D ATM III Teaching Concepts ............. " .... 12.00 22D ATM Methodology ........................... 6.00 23D Introduction to Ski Teaching .................. 12.00 24D Effective Teaching & Training ................. 10.00 25D Risk Management in Ski School ................ B.OO 26D PSIA Alpine Manual (ATS III) ................. CALL 27D PSIA Level I, II, III Study Guides ............... CALL 2BD PSIA Alpine Video .......................... CALL 3.00 3.00 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 24.95 19.95 19.95 17.95 49.95 59.50 5.00 14.95 24.95 14.95 14.95 14.95 8.00 3.00 6.00 3.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 CALL CALL CALL SHIP 3.00 3.00 NC NC NC NC 3.00 2.50 2.50 3.00 3.50 3.50 2.00 2.00 3.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 CALL CALL CALL Postage and Handling, See Item, maximum $5.00 charge for mUltiple items. Orders should include: name, status, ID number, shipping address, item number, item description, quantity ordered and total remittance. NAME ____________________________________________________ _ STATUS. _______________________ ID·NUMBER _____________ _ SHIPPING-ADDRESS _________________________________________ _ CITY __________________ STATE _____ ZIPCODE. ________ _ Item#:_ Desc.: __________________ Quantity: __ Total price:~ __ _ Item#:_ Desc.: Quantity: __ Total price: ___ _ MANUALS/ACCESSORIES TOTAL: _________ _ ADD 6.125 PERCENT UTAH STATE SALES TAX: ______ __ POSTAGE AND HANDLlNG:, _____ _ TOTAL DUE: _______ __ SEND ORDER WITH FULL PAYMENT TO:PSIA-I, 2855 Pamela Drive, Salt Lake City, lIT 84121 1996-97 Alpine Events Calendar CLINICS/LECTURES/MEETINGS DECEMBER Dec 17 Gen. Member Meeting Brian Head JANUARY Jan 7 Ski II Deer Valley Jan 7 Ski II/ Deer Valley Jan 7 Ski Improvement Deer Valley Jan 8 Mechanics 1/ Snowbird Jan 8 Mechanics III Snowbird Jan 8 Teach 1/ Snowbird Jan 8 Teach 1/1 Snowbird Jan 9 Skiing 1/ Targhee Jan 9 Ski improvement Targhee Jan 9 Master Teacher Targhee Jan 10 Skiing 1/1 Jackson Jan 11 Ed College Park City Jan 12 Ed College Park City Jan 28 Ski II - Part 1 Brighton Jan 28 Skiing III - Part 1 Brighton Jan 30 Ski 1/ - Part 2 Brighton Jan 30 Skiing III - Part 2 Brighton FEBRUARY Feb 3 Mechanics 1/ - Part 1 Nordic Valley Feb 3 Mechanics III - Part 1 Nordic Valley Feb 3 Teach 1/ - Part 1 Nordic Valley Feb 3 Teach 1/1 - Part 1 Nordic VaHey Feb 5 Mech II - Part 2 Nordic Valley Feb 5 Mech III - Part 2 Nordic Valley Feb 5 Teach 1/ - Part 2 Nordic Valley Feb 5 Teach 1/1 - Part 2 Nordic Valley Feb 6 Spec. Teach with Jackson shaped skis Feb 8 Mechanics II Kelly Canyon Feb 8 Mechanics III Kelly Canyon Feb 9 Teach 1/ Brian Head Feb 9 Teach 1/1 Brian Head Feb 10 Mech II Brian Hd or Elk Mdw Feb 10 Mech III Brian Hd or Elk Mdw Feb 10 Ski II Brian Hd or Elk Mdw Feb 10 Ski III Brian Hd or Elk Mdw Feb 25 Specialty - Snowcat** Powder Mt. Feb 27 Ski Improvement Jackson wlvideo analysis Feb 27 Teach 1/ Exam prep Snowking Feb 28 Teaching III Exam prep Jackson MARCH Mar 4 Specialty Clinic (TBA) South Mar 25 Last Chance Exam Snowbasin APRIL Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13 Clinics (all topics) Spring Clinic Spring Clinic Spring Clinic Brian Head Brian Head Brian Head ** The Powder Min. snowcat clinic cost is $50. 5:30 PM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:00AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM 8:30AM ASSESSMENTS DECEMBER Dec 10 Written Test Id Falls High Rm. 142 7:00 PM Dec 11 Written Test Olympus High Rm. 107 7:00 PM Dec 17 Written Test South 7:00 PM JANUARY Jan 6 Written Test Central - Ogden 7:00 PM Jan 6 Written Test South (Cedar City) 7:00 PM Jan 10 Levell Assessment Jackson 8:00AM Jan 10 Written Test North (Jackson) 7:00 PM Jan 15 Levell Assessment Sundance 8:00AM Jan 26 Levell Assessment Pebble Creek 8:00AM Jan 28 DECL Selection SLC 6:30 PM Jan 29 DEC L Selection Snowbird 8:00AM Jan 30 DECLSelection Deer Valley 8:00AM FEBRUARY Feb4 Skiing 1/ Assessment Solitude 8:00AM Feb 4 Skiing III Assessment Solitude 8:00AM Feb6 Skiing II Assessment Jackson 8:00AM Feb 7 Skiing 1/1 Assessment Jackson 8:00AM Feb 8 Written Test Idaho Falls 7:00 PM Feb9 Level I Assessment Brian Head 8:00AM Feb9 Written Test Cedar City 7:00 PM Feb9 Written Test South (location TBA) 7:00 PM Feb 11 Level I Assessment WoIfMt. 8:00AM Feb 11 Written Test North (location TBA) 7:00 PM Feb 26 Teach 1/ Assessment Snowbird 8:00AM Feb 26 Teach III Assessment Snowbird 8:00AM MARCH Mar 1 Levell Snowbird 8:00AM Mar3 Written Test Cedar City 7:00AM Mar 3 Skiing II Assessment Brian Head 8:00AM Mar4 Skiing 1/1 Assessment South (location TBA) 8:00AM Mar 5 Written Test Central (location TBA) 7:00 PM Mar5 Written Test North (location TBA) 7:00 PM Mar 12 Levell Assessment Brighton 8:00AM Mar 19 Skiing 1/ Assessment Deer Valley 8:00AM Mar 19 Skiing 1/1 Assessment Deer Valley 8:00AM APRIL Apr3 Apr3 Apr 15 Apr 15 Apr 15 Apr 15 Teaching 1/ Assessment Targhee Teaching 1/1 Assessment Targhee 8:00AM 8:00AM 8:00AM 8:00AM 8:00AM 8:00AM Ski II Assessment Snowbird Ski III Assessment Snowbird Teach 1/ Assessment Snowbird Teach III Assessment Snowbird --Course Setter's Clinic December 12 at Brighton All Intermountain Coaches and PSIA members are invited to the first annual Intermountain Course Setter's Clinic scheduled for Brighton Ski Area December 12. The clinic will focus on transi­tioning JR racers to the next level through terrain and courses. Lift tickets are included in the $15 cost. PSIA-I members will receive 3 clinic credits for attending. Clinic leaders include: Park City Ski Team Director Dave Galusha; Brian Marcoullier, USSCA; Snow-bird Ski Team Director Steve Bounous, and Olle Larsson, Row­mark Academy. Register immediately. Make checks payable to Inter­mountain Division (not PSIA-I) Memo on check should read "Course Setter's Clinic" Send: clo Catherine Blais P.O. Box 682338 Park City, UT 84068 For information call Catherine Blais at 801 649-4989. INSTRUCTORS EDGE 15 1996-97 Events Calendar Snowboard DATE EVENT LOCATION CLINICIAN NOVEMBER Nov 30 Level 1 Assessment Snowbird Lane/Brett DECEMBER Dec 3 DECL Training Snowbird Lane Dec6 Train the Trainer Snowbird Lane Dec 14 Levell Assessment Brian Head Brett JANUARY Jan 6 Levell Assessment Solitude Lane Jan 7 DECL Prep Training I Solitude Lane Ed College Jan 11 Level II Riding Prep Park City Lane Jan 11 Learn To Snowboard Park City Mikey Jan 12 Level III Riding Prep Park City Lane Jan 12 Learn to Snowboard Park City TBA Jan 12 Freestyle Tricks Park City BrettlMikey and Tactics FEBRUARY Feb 2 Levell Assessment Jackson Mikey Feb 3 Level II Riding Prep Jackson MikeylLane Feb 4 Level III Riding Prep Jackson Lane Feb 10 Level II Riding Assess Solitude TBA Feb 11 Level III Riding Assess Snowbird TBA Feb 27 Level II Teaching Prep Targhee MikeylLane Feb 28 Level III Teaching Prep Jackson Lane MARCH Mar 8 Level II Teaching Prep WolfMtn BrettlLane Mar 9 Level III Teaching Prep WolfMtn Lane Mar 22 Level II Teach Assess Powder Mtn TBA Mar 23 Level III Teach Assess Powder Mtn TBA APRIL Spring Clinic Apr 11 Kids Teaching Tactics Brian Head Lane Apr 12 Variable Conditions Brian Head Lane Apr 12 Learn to Snowboard Brian Head Brett Apr 13 Teaching Freestyle Brian Head Brett Leam to Snow board Brian Head TBA Requirements: One clinic is a required prerequisite for each level of cer­tification. In addition, a second clinic is strongly recommended. Dead­lines for sign-up are two weeks ahead of event. You must have your name in the office no later than the two week deadline to be considered for the event. Money should be received by the office no later than one week prior to the event. If you have questions, please call Nancy Perkins. Remember to sign-up for clinics early so they don't get canceled_ Additional Clinics: We would like to give as many clinics on as many topics as you are interested in taking. This schedule covers mostly the certification clinics, so if you are interested in taking a clinic that is not on the schedule or inventing your own topic, please give us a call and we will try to help. Clinics generally require at least 5 people but under spe­cial circumstances, they can be held with fewer people. We are here to help. No snowboard certification clinics or exams will be held past Mar 31_ 16 INSTRUCTORS EDGE Nordic DATE EVENT LOCATION DECEMBER Dec 10 Levell Exam Solitude Dec 18 Levell Exam Teton Pines JANUARY Ed Col Waxing & TBA Classic Jan 14/15 DECL Tryouts Teton Village Jan 16 Track Clinic (II & III) Teton Village Jan 20 NID Clinic (II & III) Brighton Jan 24 Track Clinic (II & III) White Pine Jan 21/22 Guides CliniclExam (II) Tetons Jan 27 NID Clinic (II & III) Jackson FEBRUARY Feb 3 Levell Exam Pocatello Feb 10/11 N/D Exam (II & III) Snowbird Feb 12113 Track Exam (II & III) Teton Pines