UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) will launch a brand-new Professional Snowsports Education Certificate in January 2024. In collaboration with the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), the Penn State World Campus-based undergraduate certificate program will prepare individuals for a career in snowsports instruction.
The online, nine-credit program will allow students to earn a PSIA-AASI Level I Instructor certification anywhere in the United States, integrating an online learning experience with hands-on, professional development at students’ local snowsports areas. Students can complete their PSIA-AASI Level I Instructor certification in alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing or cross-country skiing.
“Through experiential learning, students will be introduced to the fundamentals — people, teaching and technical skills — of snowsports instruction,” said Pete Allison, associate professor of recreation, park, and tourism management at Penn State. “Students will gain an understanding of leadership responsibilities and skills associated with working in winter environments. They will also learn how leisure plays a vital role in our lives and the theories that can enhance the guest experience. Students who complete this certificate will be well-positioned to develop careers working in snowsports education.”
Students in the Professional Snowsports Education Certificate program will:
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Demonstrate teaching skills with beginner snowsports participants
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Explain the process of teaching beginner skiers in relation to the Learning Connection Model
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Articulate the role of leisure in participants’ lives specific to different theories of life
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Develop learning experiences based on prior experiences, interests, skill levels and aspirations
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Demonstrate knowledge of different parts of the snowsports industry and ways in which they complement each other to enhance the guest experience
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Recognize their stage in the journey to becoming a snowsports professional and plan future steps based on their interests
“Since 2016, we’ve worked closely with PSIA-AASI to evolve national standards and performance guides while transforming practices to be consistent across the country,” said Peter Newman, Martin Professor and head of the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. “By offering this certificate in partnership with PSIA-AASI, this will be a building block for the next generation of snowsports instructors across the United States.”
The program is open to anyone with an interest in developing skills and certification as a snowsports instructor, including more than 33,000 PSIA-AASI members, resident and online Penn State students, and aspiring snowsports professionals. PSIA-AASI’s national certification standards provide a consistent training framework to help its members meet certification goals.
“The Professional Snowsports Education Certificate is the result of a strong partnership between PSIA-AASI and Penn State in validating the important skillsets of teaching on snow,” PSIA-AASI CEO Peggy Hiller said. “This credentialed program highlights the professional opportunities to grow the sports of skiing and snowboarding. The program is in line with PSIA-AASI’s mission of creating lifelong adventures through education. We are excited to broaden our educational reach through Penn State.”
Credits earned in this program may apply toward a Snowsports Certificate, a bachelor's degree at Penn State, or a degree at another accredited institution. The PSIA-AASI certification is recognized across the country.
“Whether you currently work as a ski and snowboard instructor or aspire to have a career in snowsports, our program will help you establish foundational knowledge in the people, teaching and technical skills of snowsports instruction,” Allison said. “Taught by leading snowsports educators, coaches and researchers, our courses and hands-on experience will help you take your career to the next level.”
Snowsports enthusiasts, new instructors and uncertified instructors seeking education to support their entry into the snowsports industry are encouraged to apply to the Professional Snowsports Education Certificate program by Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, to start in the spring semester.