PSIA/AASI Educational Resources

A limited supply of the following manuals are available through the NRM office (406) 581-6139. Additional educational materials are available through the national website www.thesnowpros.org

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Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors
$20
The centerpiece of the PSIA-AASI educational system, this well-written and beautifully color-illustrated book contains topics relevant to all teachers and coaches of winter sports. It emphasizes the core of successful instruction: creating meaningful relationships, memorable experiences, and lifelong learning. Through anecdotes and text, this book shows teachers how to develop proficiency in lesson delivery, assess motivation, build a positive relationship with guests, and customize experiences. It also discusses how to stay at the top of your game in professional development. Topics include human development, guest service, safety, movement assessment, equipment, and the resort environment. 2008.

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Children's Instruction Manual, 2nd ed.
$20
The second edition of this essential manual expands material about teaching children of all ages and ability. It also provides an organizing tool to show the relationships, experiences, and learning so vital to successfully teaching children to ski and snowboard. Top PSIA-AASI children’s teaching professionals have combined their expertise to update these materials and provide current images. With its focus on the contemporary technical aspects of alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, and teaching, this edition retains information about the American Teaching System, skills and performance concepts, and the “stepping stones” approach to lesson design. These concepts are supported by information about drills and exercises, progressions, age-specific tips, and movement considerations for all types of learners. This manual describes the tools you need to successfully teach skiing or snowboarding to children. Use it as your guide for delivering safe, creative, professional, and inspirational lessons. 2008

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Alpine Technical Manual: Skiing and Teaching Skills, 2nd ed.
$20
The second edition of the Alpine Technical Manual includes material about teaching, movement mechanics, and ski performance, and also provides an organizing tool to show relationships between learning systems. Designed as a companion to Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors, this manual focuses on the contemporary technical aspects of skiing and ski teaching. Fast track to parallel as well as more traditional lesson planning possibilities are explored. While maintaining the heart of the “skills concept,” the material covers movements leading to acquisition of proficient skills. It incorporates features of American skiing, ski performance, movement analysis, skier zones, slope etiquette, and boot alignment issues. Skiing drills, lesson tips, and beautiful skiing photos in full color are designed to boost your teaching expertise, letting both you and your students enjoy the process of learning. 8 x 11”. 92 pages. 2006.

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Snowboard Instructor's Guide
$20
This text presents AASI’s Snowboard Teaching System (STS), a contemporary picture of educational necessities. The STS includes three main concepts—riding, teaching, and service—all of which are integral to the instructor’s profession, and support concepts addressing board performance, movement, and the learning process. Numerous photos and accompanying descriptions of movement and performance show the key elements of efficient riding. Includes methods for setting up stance, an extensive glossary of snowboarding terms, and sample lesson plans that can be customized for great results. This guide will help you prepare yourself to teach, attain higher certification, and further your education. 2007

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Park & Pipe Instructor's Guide
$20
This first-edition guide ventures into one of the most innovative areas in snowsports instruction today. Terrain, etiquette, class management, skills, and tricks are all examined in this essential resource. It also emphasizes coordinating with all the players who design, maintain, and ride the park and pipe. Teachers and coaches are given visual cues to assess students’ readiness for this special terrain as well as practical ways to help them transition there from all-mountain riding. Designed for all snowsports riders—whether alpine, snowboard, or nordic—this resource shows how to progressively move to larger features and tricks, and ultimately develop personal style. An extensive glossary of basic and new-school terminology is also provided. 2005

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Nordic Technical Manual
$18
The Nordic Technical Manual is compatible with Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors and covers all facets of nordic instruction. Extensively illustrated topics are introduced by ski category: cross-country skiing (classic, skating, and cross-country downhill) plus telemark skiing. Teaching elements include visual cues, skills, and “stepping stones” to lesson design, with numerous drills and exercises to use with students. Equipment charts and waxing information are also featured. Contributors include current and former PSIA Nordic Team members. 6 x 9”. 108 pages. 2005.

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Children’s Instruction Handbook: Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding
$8
This handbook is a portable assistant for instructors who teach children to alpine ski or snowboard. As a companion to the children’s manuals, the Children’s Instruction Handbook is a convenient on-hill tool for providing creative, fun, and effective lessons.   4 x 6”. 84 pages. 2000.