Mike Porter Voted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame

Legendary ski instructor Michael “Mike” Porter was named to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, honoring his many contributions to the evolution of international, and in particular, U.S. ski and snowboard instruction.

“We’re thrilled at the news of Mike Porter’s induction into the Hall of Fame,” said PSIA-AASI CEO Peggy Hiller. “It’s a testament to his work as a true pioneer of snowsports instruction and the success of PSIA-AASI as an association. His ongoing contributions have provided some of the key building blocks in our development into a solid, member-focused organization. In his own humble, insightful way, he has helped shape our direction for the future.”

As a member and head coach of the PSIA Alpine Team (formerly the Alpine Demonstration Team), Mike was a pioneer of PSIA’s presentation of the Skills Concept, emphasizing the fundamentals of rotary movements, edging, and pressure control in skiing, which was first presented at the 1975 Interski Congress in Strbske Pleso, Czechoslovakia, and later immortalized in the Nov. 17, 1975, issue of Sports Illustrated.

A lifelong student and instructor of the sport, Mike has attended several Interskis since then, as a team member, coach, consultant, and guide, most recently at Interski 2023 in Levi, Finland. He has also served as a National Team selector, international ski instructor and trainer, and managing director of the Vail/Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School.

“Mike Porter is the consummate professional and has played a significant role in inspiring us all to be better. He’s the reason I’m in my current role in the association as he convinced me to reach higher and seek something that wasn’t on my radar,” said PSIA-AASI Director of Education Dave Schuiling. “There are countless examples of Mike connecting with snowsports professionals to seek excellence and to push boundaries. The snowsports education industry is simply better because of Mike Porter.”

The many PSIA-AASI training and teaching manuals he has written or co-authored include Teaching Concepts, Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors, and the Alpine Technical Manual.

Mike joins other PSIA-AASI members in the Hall of Fame, including instructional innovators such as association founders Bill Lash and Paul Valar, inspirational educator Horst Abraham, and former PSIA-AASI National Team member and freestyle innovator Ellen Post Foster.

“Mike’s induction as a Snowsports Builder is a tremendous show of recognition for all he has contributed to ski instructors and snowsports education, and it brings attention to our position in the industry,” said Ellen. “He was the coach of the PSIA Alpine Demonstration Team when I was on the team, and his guidance helped immensely to shape my career.”

Mike has also enjoyed a multi-decade career as a product and development consultant for PSIA-AASI Official Supplier K2, and instructor and trainer for the Vail Ski and Snowboard School. In 2002 he was honored with the PSIA-AASI Educational Excellence Award.