About PSIA-NW

Established in the 1930’s, the Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA) was one of the first professional ski associations in the United States. The association was comprised of ski instructors and race coaches from throughout the Northwest. In 1958, the ski instructors decided to go it their own and formed their own association then known as the Pacific Northwest Ski Instructors Association (PNSIA).

As other instructor organizations popped up, a group of men came together at Big Mountain (now known as Whitefish) to form the beginnings of what we know of today as PSIA-AASI. At its inception, the group hoped this national organization could better bring consistency and commonality between the various regional organizations. In the 80’s, the regional organizations decided to amend their names to reflect the idea of being more similar and each took on the PSIA letters with their region attached to it. Specific to the Northwest, PNSIA changed its name to PSIA-NW and currently its full name is the Professional Snowsports Instructors of America – Northwest (PSIA-NW).

We are a very active division, implementing new ideas and programs throughout the Northwest. To ensure consistency in certifications and certificate programs, we have representatives from the Northwest that participate in meetings, work sessions and various trainings throughout the year with other representatives from other divisions.

 

PSIA-NW Mission Statement

Provide high quality educational resources and well defined standards to aid our members in improving their teaching skills to better satisfy the needs and expectations of their customer in the enjoyment of downhill and Nordic snowsports.