Eric Sheckleton Becomes First U.S. President of Interski
Former PSIA-AASI Board Chair and AASI Snowboard Team member Eric Sheckleton was elected as the new president of Interski in Levi, Finland, this past weekend, becoming the first American to earn this honor.
Held every four years, Interski brings snowsports instructors together from around the world. The event offers a valuable education opportunity to share innovations and core beliefs. It gives PSIA-AASI, through its national team, an opportunity to compare the American Teaching System with educational approaches of other countries and bring home ideas that help PSIA-AASI members improve and evolve.
“The nations not only voted for me as a person, but because of what I represent as a member of PSIA-AASI,” Eric said. “That is a commitment to open and honest communication, inclusion for all, and a level of professionalism that will elevate the organization. These are foundational in our organization, and this is what I bring to the position of president of Interski.”
Eric has served on the Interski Presidium since 2015. He replaces outgoing president Erich Melmer of Austria, and is the second North American in the position since Norman Crerar of Canada held the role leading up to the 1987 Interski in Banff, Alberta. Former PSIA Education Director (and 1975 PSIA Demonstration Team coach) Max Lundberg negotiated PSIA’s membership in the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) decades ago and went on to serve on its board of directors.
“We focus on sharing thoughts and ideas that will grow snowsports through education,” said Eric. “As president, I hope to continue this focus on education, which is also a foundation in PSIA-AASI. We will work to expand opportunities to share across the globe, to strengthen our international snowsports community and bring new ideas home to PSIA-AASI.”
He noted that in his time on the Interski Presidium he has served, “With tremendous confidence and pride that my values and goals align with PSIA-AASI, and that these values are respected and admired within the Interski family. The world wants to know what PSIA-AASI is doing, and this interest and excitement helps open doors for our organization and its members.”
PSIA-AASI Director of Education Dave Schuiling noted that recent Interski events have focused on the future of snowsports and that PSIA-AASI, “Has stated boldly that a deeper connection through people skills is the catalyst to ignite learning.”
“We’re committed to the growth of snowsports through education. We believe learning can be a strong motivation to partaking in skiing and riding,” said Dave. “With Eric Sheckleton becoming the first U.S. president of Interski, it solidifies our commitment to this growth. During his past term as Interski vice president, he helped drive a successful Interski event in Pamporovo, Bulgaria, with a focus on growth and change. His appointment to president is extremely exciting in terms of how PSIA-AASI can continue to drive and influence our future in snowsports and education.”
Interski 2023 will take place March 26 through 31 in Levi, Finland. Look for continued updates on PSIA-AASI’s preparation for the event and how the event will provide benefits and professional development opportunities for association members here at home.
