What are PSIA and AASI?

PSIA/AASI is a non-profit organization comprised of six disciplines of snowsports teaching.

•  Alpine skiing
•  Snowboarding
•  Nordic skiing
•  Freestyle
•  Children's teaching
•  Adaptive snowsports

PSIA/AASI is dedicated to supporting the profession of snowsports instruction. Whether you teach on the snow part time or full time, and regardless of the tool on your feet, the PSIA/AASI sole purpose is to support you in your job. We do this by:

•  Giving you the tools you need to excel
•  Offering educational events to improve your skills as a skier, rider and teacher
•  Providing a system of certification for instructors that rewards and recognizes 3 levels of achievement in teaching and skiing/riding
•  Providing professional credibility for members, both with the general public and within ski area management
•  Keeping you up to date as our sports and our industry change.

How do I join?

To join, fill out a new member application (currently being updated 07/10) and send it in to NRM office.
If you are already a member, you can view and edit your member profile and/or pay your dues at thesnowpros.org - login using your member id number.

Benefits of Membership

Training Want to become a better skier or rider? Our clinics and training materials will give you coaching that is designed for professionals.

Access - Get the inside scoop on web-based learning materials, educational products, training manuals and cool accessories. All of this and more is accessible through the PSIA and AASI websites.

Credibility Want to teach high-end lessons? Certification is a sure route to becoming an all-mountain instructor.

Pay scale Want a bigger paycheck? Because snowsports schools recognize the value of certified instructors, certified members often receive higher wages.

Pro deals Want cheaper stuff? Members receive pro-pricing from many snowsports companies. Current sponsors include Patagonia, Salomon, Subaru, Rossignol, Burton, Smith and many more! Many pro deals are just a click away from the PSIA and AASI websites.

Types of Membership

Registered member This is the entry level of membership. You do not need to be employed as a snowsports instructor and you do not have to pass an exam. It is recommended that instructors become registered members upon joining a snowsports school in order to tap into the abundance available resources. If you wish to pursue certification this is the place to start as well since membership is a prerequisite to attending any certification event.

Certified member If you are employed by a snowsports school, snowsports program or snowsports club, you can pursue certification. Level I is the first certified level of membership, and many members become Level I instructors during their first season of employment. To attain this level you'll need to pass an on-snow Level I event. Level I events are offered at various ski areas during each season. The price of a level I event is $110, but it may be cheaper if it is an in-house event that is taught by an employee of that snowsports school. Ask your school director if a level I event will be held at or near your area this season.

After Level I, Levels II and III await you! This certification structure is designed to provide ongoing training and to recognize each level of achievement. See the certification guide or the certification section under your snowsports discipline for detailed information about the exam process.

The price of membership is $90 per year. This includes both divisional and national benefits.

More info on membership categories and continuing ed requirments.