Benefits of Membership
You are an important part of a dynamic membership that has grown, beginning in 1961, to more than 29,000 strong and that number is still growing. In part, PSIA's healthy growth has come from the efforts of members, such as you, who continue to spread the good word about PSIA and the many benefits you receive. What follows is a list of benefits provided to all members of the Professional Ski Instructors of America. Additional benefits may come through programs delivered at local PSIA levels:
Publications
A subscription to The Professional Skier (TPS) and The Pro Rider (TPR) magazines, the definitive publications on what is happening in teaching alpine skiing, snowboarding, nordic skiing, adaptive skiing, and more. Members receive three issues of TPS and one issue of TPR annually.
Education Materials
PSIA makes available a wide range of manuals, videos, and other materials to support PSIA education programs. These materials are made available at the lowest possible cost to the member and can be found in the PSIA-AASI Accessories catalog. You'll find an array of PSIA manuals and videos at member prices. PSIA also maintains a lending library of videos and other materials to help managers and trainers.
Personal and Professional Development: Educational Programs and Conventions
PSIA divisions clinics and conventions are held throughout the country each season. These are invaluable opportunities to improve your skills as a teaching professional. The PSIA National Academy, held in the spring of each year, is an educational event that every snowsports teacher should experience at least once it their career.
PSIA, through its divisions, offers clinics and seminars designed specifically to improve your skiing or snowboarding technique. You'll learn more, challenge yourself, and have fun while doing it!
Promotional and Affinity Programs
The PSIA-AASI Accessories catalog, published annually and online, offers accessories that show your pride in the association. The catalog also features dramatically reduced prices on a number of hard-to-find items that make teaching easier.
Working with corporate sponsors and other companies through PSIA's Official Supplier program, the office staff puts together exclusive promotional and professional offers. These offers include ski and snowboard gear, magazine offers, and much more. Each of these programs can be worth many times your annual PSIA dues. PSIA Official Suppliers support your association by both promoting PSIA to area management and the public, or by making a contribution to PSIA's education foundation. In this way, suppliers help keep potential dues increases in check by generating non-dues revenue. Each program is developed as a way to say "thank you" for your investment in time and money as a member of PSIA.
For example, PSIA's partnership with Subaru of America means substantial savings to you and support for your association as well. Benefits to you from PSIA Official Suppliers are constantly changing, so log in to PSIA Member Services to check out the latest offers.
Certification
PSIA certification is recognized across the country, and often can mean increased wages, additional benefits, and recognition. Certification exams are offered by PSIA divisions. The divisions can give you more specific information about their requirements. Level III certified members may also join ISIA. Click Here for more information.
Member Services
Member Information Services Team (MIST) staff are available to PSIA members via phone, fax, or e-mail to answer questions about events, courses, membership status, catalog orders, policies and procedures, and a host of other topics. Over 200 members use this service each day.
The Member Services section of the PSIA website enables you to view and change your member records, shop the online catalog, participate in the member forum, check out courses and current events, and much more.
Promoting the Association and You
PSIA cooperates with supporting sponsors to promote ski instruction to the public. We also establish links with other snowsports organizations to strengthen the industry as a whole. These include the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) www.aasi.org, National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) www.nsaa.org, National Ski and Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) www.nssra.com, National Ski Patrol(NSP) www.nsp.org and with Snowsports Industries America (SIA) www.snowlink.com and others to increase industry and public awareness of the value of professional teaching. PSIA is represented at the NSAA convention and SIA trade show. Additionally, PSIA works with industry media, sponsors, and supporters from outside the ski industry to promote snow sports and your role.
Your Board of Directors continually looks at ways to improve PSIA programs and materials, all with an eye towards increasing the value of your membership. The PSIA staff and leadership have made a personal commitment to maintain the highest standards in service and quality. In our products...in our operations...in our contact with you, we are committed to upholding the service and quality that this important profession demands, and that you deserve. We're dedicated to help you stay on top in the ski teaching profession.
Thanks for continuing to be an important part of PSIA. We deeply appreciate your support and look forward to serving you in the coming years.