Professional Ski Instructors of America ?

[Black Phantom]

PSIA??

Pretend Ski Instructors of America?

[Stache]

Probably Still Inside Arguing
Poor Skiers Immitating Austrians
Please Say I'm Awesome

The backward explanation "Assholes In Stretch Pants" is the funniest because my SSD actually mandated that I go out and buy stretch pants for my exam.

[dl]

Not sure of the point of the original questions - I'm assuming you're considering taking some lessons at some point. If that's the case, do your research before you get to the mountain (if possible). Ask friends that have taken lessons at the resort you're going to - who taught their lesson and did they like it/think it worthwhile? Ask the same questions in forums like this - can anyone recommend a teacher at resort x? Call the mountain and ask at the ski school desk - often the person at the desk will share the names of good instructors first. When asking the questions, make sure you share what you are looking for - i'm looking to carve better turns, hold better on icy slopes, ski bumps, race, etc - that will help figure out who is the right pro for you. Take PSIA out of the equation and find the right teacher for you and your skiing.

[zizou]

Originally Posted by skimawk

Hey Gang,

I know must of you do not use the services of ski schools when you hit the slopes. But I would like to get your opinion on PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America).

Do you think PSIA adds value to the guests at a ski area/resort?

Are you aware of the certification levels or process PSIA offers to ski instructors?

Look forward to what you have to say. Enjoy the rest of this great season and ski/ride to the level of your smile!!!!

Even though I am not an instructor I am very aware of the PSIA certification levels and process.

I think the most direct benefit to "end skiers" of the PSIA is a somewhat consistent curriculum. You can take a lesson in VT or CO and to some degree the instructors will (or should) use similar terminology and concepts. If you went to Canada or elsewhere you'd get a slightly different view.

Guests also benefit indirectly from the PSIA helping resorts with curriculum, instructor training, and ongoing education for instructors as well as the certification process.

[skizoo]

Originally Posted by zizou

I think the most direct benefit to "end skiers" of the PSIA is a somewhat consistent curriculum. You can take a lesson in VT or CO and to some degree the instructors will (or should) use similar terminology and concepts.

I would have to disagree with the above statement, I think PSIA is totally lacking in consistency from one school to the next, even from one instructor to the next.