Education Task Force Highlight

Patti Banks

The Education Task Force Highlight Series spotlights education leaders working to create new Certification Standards, education resources, and communication strategies that will benefit all members.

In this highlight, we sit down with PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain Cross Country Chairperson Patti Banks.

What task force are you on?

The Cross Country Taskforce.

What’s your current snowsports job title?

I’m an instructor and trainer at Breckenridge, Colorado, the PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain Cross Country Chairperson, as well as a Cross Country and Telemark Examiner.

What is your current role on the task force?

To help create both a unified cross country Level I workbook and cross country assessment forms. Also, I dabble with the Cross Country Performance Guide working group.

What are the task force’s main goals, and how are you working to accomplish them?

The main goals are the creation of new Certification Standards for Cross Country Technical Skills and supporting educational materials, as well as working with other education staff volunteers.

How will this benefit PSIA-AASI members?

More transparent and objective education and evaluation processes will provide members with concise tools to help them become successful well-rounded instructors.

Why is it important to you to work for the benefit of other members?

Simplifying PSIA educational materials to help others find success helps deepen my own understanding.

What’s the fun factor?

Working with those really fun, and hugely passionate people who are up for robust discussions inside and outside of the box.

Best part of being an instructor?

The unique, special and crazy relationships I have built with fellow co-workers and clients, which fuel my soul.

Read the Education Task Force Highlight with PSIA-NW Technical Team Head Coach Rick Lyons.