By Eliza Kuntz

Five years ago, amid unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I was named PSIA-AASI Board Chair, becoming the first woman to hold the association’s top leadership position. This was a pivotal time for me and the membership, as we were uncertain when ski areas would reopen and when instructors would return to work. Our community’s passion for teaching snowsports and sharing the love of being outdoors was about to be tested like never before.

One of my first tasks was to travel to Boulder, Colorado, and collaborate with Warren Miller Entertainment to record what’s now being referred to as our “vision video.” I had to craft a message that would encourage and unite our members – reminding them to stay committed to their craft and continue their educational journey, no matter where they were or how uncertain the future seemed. It was a challenging message to deliver because I knew I had to be honest and inspiring, without causing unnecessary worry about the times ahead.

The video focused on the association’s vision of creating lifelong adventures through education and the core values of community, passion, and support. It was well received by members, and I felt immense pride knowing we delivered a message of resilience and unity. It was humbling to realize I had the privilege of representing a community of 35,000 passionate individuals who believe in the power of education and outdoor adventure.

Through it all, our members remained strong, and our talented, dedicated staff rose to the occasion, turning to our online platforms for webinars and opportunities to connect, grow, and learn. We brought the outdoors in, and our membership numbers stayed strong. We were now connected nationwide – unlike pre-COVID times when most of us stayed close to our home mountains – and we began a virtual journey for unity that had never been attempted before.

A Home in the Northern Rocky Mountains

The first community I became truly connected to as an adult – an easygoing town of 2,000 at the foot of Montana’s Beartooth Mountains – feels a world away from coastal Maine where I grew up. It all started after summers working on a Wyoming ranch during high school and college; I craved the mountains and dreamed of being a cowgirl.

My fiancé (now husband), Tom, and I planned a trip to Whitefish, Montana. We packed our truck and headed north, but about 30 miles into Montana, we stopped in Red Lodge. It was supposed to be a quick visit, but as fate would have it, we never left. The welcoming community and small ski area made us feel at home, and our values aligned perfectly with theirs.

Before long, I was teaching at Red Lodge Mountain with my newly minted Alpine Level I certification. Growing up with parents who valued outdoor education – my mom was a schoolteacher; my dad worked for Outward Bound – outdoor recreation had always been central to my life. Becoming a ski instructor in high school was a turning point; I saw it as a natural extension of my passion for experiential learning and connecting with others.

Over the years, we raised our family and started businesses in Red Lodge. I worked my way up at Red Lodge Mountain – from children’s instructor to ski school director and in the last 12 years, as operations director. I’m grateful for the incredible team I had the privilege to work with – supportive, talented people who helped me grow both professionally and personally, including my involvement with PSIA-AASI.

A Second Home: PSIA

Much like Red Lodge, I found my community within PSIA in the 1990s. Since then, the association has been essential in helping me advance my career, thanks to mentors, advocates, and colleagues. I first got involved at the regional level with the Northern Rocky Mountain Children’s Education Committee and later nationally with the Children’s Specialist Task Force.

In the early 1990s, I aspired to be a JET (Junior Education Team) member – the “best of the best” children’s instructors nationwide, specializing in developing and delivering children’s curriculum. With my background in education, children’s learning was always top of mind. While teaching elementary physical education in Red Lodge, I also taught skiing on weekends. Everything came together, and I was truly in my element.

One of my biggest influences was Marie Russell-Shaw, a former Northern Rocky Mountain Children’s Education Committee Chair and JET member. I met Marie through the Skiwees program of the ’90s when she was a trainer. She inspired me, mentored me, and challenged me to make a difference in children’s experiences on the slopes. Marie helped me transition into leadership roles, including committee chair, and supported me through my Level III certification. That was my jumpstart into a career that took me from operations to governance.

My passion for children’s instruction and work with the National Children’s Committee led to my involvement in designing curriculum for the children’s specialist accreditation (CS1 and CS2), which became a credential in 2010. Endless phone calls and trips to Colorado later, I was privileged to work alongside passionate educators like Grant Nakamura, Stacey Gerrish, and Jani Sutherland – collaborators committed to making a difference.

As I worked with the National Children’s Committee, I shared what I learned with instructors across the Northern Rocky Mountain Region. This helped me build relationships with regional leaders and eventually join the regional board. I had no prior board experience, but I learned from others, was encouraged, and enjoyed making decisions that benefited members. Creating environments that bring out the best in others became a core part of my purpose.

Another key supporter was Eric Sheckleton, who encouraged me to succeed him as regional director and then as a national board member. Later, Ed Younglove’s support and confidence helped me step into the role of board chair, a position I held for five years. I served on the national board for 15 years, traveled extensively, and represented our association internationally.

A Journey of Growth and Joy

I’ve long known that PSIA-AASI’s members are the foundation of the association. I’ve been supported and encouraged by many members along the way, but I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside talented supporters who believe deeply in our mission. Their dedication to the outdoor, active profession of being a snowsports instructor is truly awe-inspiring, and it continually reaffirms my commitment to this association.

Of course, we face struggles and challenges that can sometimes make us lose sight of why we got into teaching in the first place: fun. That joy of sharing our passion with others embodies the spirit of camaraderie, adventure, and lifelong learning that drives our members.

Even in the boardroom, I believed bringing that same spirit of fun and passion was essential, because there’s much more to leadership than just being serious. I worked to infuse a little spice into those meetings, helping to keep the environment engaging and authentic, while still being professional and focused. I wanted our conversations to reflect the joy we find in our craft, reminding everyone that our work is rooted in serving others and creating a strong community for our membership.

Looking Forward: A Community Sustained

As I near the end of my term as board chair, two reflections stand out. First, the pride I feel witnessing our association’s representation and impact locally as well as on the global stage – moments that reaffirm the strength, passion, and professionalism of our members. Second, the ongoing work to align and strengthen our educational and certification systems across the nation – an effort rooted in our shared values and driven by our long-term outcomes for the organization, or “Ends” statements. These initiatives foster greater unity, approachability, and collaboration, and I am proud that our association continues to evolve in service of its members and the outdoor community.

I am grateful for the support and collaboration of all the board members I’ve worked with over the past 15 years, as well as the CEOs and staff who have helped shape our success. Together, we’ve made a difference.

To our members, I encourage you to never stop learning. Our association’s strength lies in education, and each of us has a role in contributing to its future – whether through volunteering, supporting adaptive programs, trying new disciplines, or sharing the joy of teaching in our communities.