Serving on the board of directors for PSIA-I for the past three years has been a great experience. For the past 25 years I, like many of you, was content to sit back and be part of PSIA-I in membership only. I went to the required events to keep my training and certification current but other than that my participation in the organization was really lacking. I had the opportunity to be elected to the Intermountain Board of Directors three years ago.

I was to represent eastern Idaho and northern Utah resorts (Region II). During the past three years I have learned of the many hours and effort that takes place behind the scenes by the board of directors on behalf of the members to keep the division healthy. I was able to interact with board members and program managers who put a lot of thought into helping members. There is a lot of discussion that goes on in hope of providing members the best possible training for certification and clinics. As a parting member of the board, let me share a few thoughts and experiences I’ve had.

Clinic topics have changed to address the needs of the members to include those who are not pursuing certification. I have been able to attend several clinics over the years in both skiing and snowboarding. I have always come away with something new to work on either to improve my own skiing or riding or improve my teaching skills. I have learned as I prepare to participate, I get much more out of the clinics. Much of this preparation comes from reading the manuals and watching the new videos available online.

I have attended clinics where the DECL will ask the group, “what would we like to get out of the clinic today?” Typically, the group just stands there offering no suggestions. I have learned to speak up and have never been disappointed with the instruction the DECL provided.

Let me elaborate a little further. For years I have been trying to correct a little problem with my skiing to become more efficient. I could not seem to correct the problem even though several DECLs and trainers told me what I needed to do. Last season while in a clinic I finally understood what I needed to do to correct the problem. It happened while watching others in the group and talking to them and the clinic being directed to help me and the others in the group. Without feedback from the group, I may not have corrected the problem.

I have made new friends in the Intermountain division and other divisions as I have become more involved as a board member. I look forward to the spring event at the end of the season when we can come together and celebrate another great season on the snow.

One may ask, how does being a member of PSIA/AASI and PSIA-I benefit me? First, it provides the pathway for certification that has become unified across the country as to the expectations and skills needed at each level of certification. Second, it provides training manuals in each discipline to guide us in teaching methods and common vocabulary across all skill levels. The new manuals include video links so you can watch the skills performed on the snow as you read about them. Third, it provides member benefits from several sponsors that include discounts on several products.

Fourth, the opportunity to learn from and share our love of snow sports with others from around the world.

My focus has changed from what do I get from being a member to how can I give back and share with others so they can learn and become better instructors. I hope you all have a safe summer. I look forward to seeing you on the slopes in a few months.

Evan Ricks is the immediate past Intermountain board member and communication V.P.

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