The Professional Ski Instructors of American and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) have signed an agreement of understanding with Snow Operating, provider of the Terrain Based Learning (TBL) program, to work together to grow the sports of skiing and snowboarding by more easily and effectively converting beginners into lifelong snowsports enthusiasts.
By pairing PSIA-AASI’s proven instructional expertise and thousands of passionate professionals with Snow Operating’s process-based focus on creating better learning terrain and an improved guest experience, the two entities will work together to promote the sport, bring more awareness of how easy it is to learn, and engage the ski and snowboard industry in conversations about the importance of increasing the rate of conversion (the process of turning beginner skiers and riders into repeat customers).
“Both PSIA-AASI and Snow Operating are committed to growing ski and snowboard participation, and in finding ways to more quickly help guests identify themselves as a skier or snowboarder,” said PSIA-AASI Interim CEO Tom Spiess. “Our organizations plan to collaborate on different projects that bring awareness to the sport, and to the many benefits of professional instruction.”
As a result, PSIA-AASI members can expect to see more cross-promotional content coming out that talks about how their depth of knowledge informs Terrain Based Learning, and will receive more educational tips about how to work with their management to implement a TBL program.
“This is about creating opportunities to promote the profession of ski and snowboard instruction,” said PSIA-AASI Director of Education Dave Schuiling. “This agreement helps PSIA-AASI to reach a new generation of lifelong learners, and also open new avenues for professional instructors to work directly with mountain operations to create a better environment for education.”
Snow Operating Chief Executive Officer Joe Hession, the former general manager of Mountain Creek Resort in New Jersey, said his experience in mountain operations is what inspired him to perfect the Terrain Based Learning Program.
“Our Terrain Based Learning Program is based around the science of fun, and designed to make learning to ski and snowboard easier and more enjoyable for first time guests,” said Hession. “We take a process-driven, guest-focused approach to the beginner visit experience. We work with our partner resorts to really focus on how much value they are providing to their guests over the total amount of time they are onsite. By working with PSIA-AASI, we can give professional instructors a better set of tools to connect with their guests and help create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.”
