By Dave Schuiling, Director of Education and Credentialing, PSIA-AASI
On a recent trip back to my home state of Michigan, I made a stop in Ishpeming that I’ve long wanted to experience: a visit to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame – a national landmark nestled in the small Upper Peninsula town where organized skiing in the United States began.
For anyone passionate about skiing and snowboarding, especially those of us in education and instruction, this museum is more than a place – it’s a storybook of our shared legacy. And yes, you can even camp in the parking lot. I did – thanks to the RV Overnights app. Waking up steps from a building that honors so much of our sport’s history was a memorable start to the day.
A Personal and Professional Pilgrimage
As PSIA-AASI’s Director of Education and Credentialing, I spend most days focused on the future – designing learning pathways, building credentialing programs, and growing professional development opportunities for instructors. But my visit to Ishpeming reminded me how critical it is to stay connected to our roots.
I was greeted by Executive Director Justin Koski, whose passion for preserving and sharing skiing history is contagious. We toured the museum together, discussing how the Hall intersects with the work we do at PSIA-AASI – elevating instruction, honoring pioneers, and connecting generations through education – while mingling with snowsports’ most inspirational and highest performers.
Celebrating Our PSIA-AASI Legacy
I made a point to explore the exhibits through the lens of snowsports instruction. Many of the Hall’s inductees have played influential roles in PSIA-AASI’s history – people whose vision, passion, and innovation helped build the instructional foundation we stand on today.
Some of those honored include:
- Deb Armstrong – Olympic gold medalist, certified instructor, and longtime advocate for instructor development
- Max Dercum, Bill Lash, and Paul Valar – Founding members of PSIA’s national organization. Max is also one of the founders of both Arapahoe Basin and Keystone ski areas in Colorado.
- Horst Abraham – Pioneer of student-centered teaching and technical evolution
- Glen Plake – Freeskiing icon and outspoken supporter of certification and mentorship
- Ellen Post Foster – Leader in children’s instruction and alpine skills progression; former member of the PSIA-AASI National Team
- Brian Fairbank – Industry visionary and promoter of professional instruction
- Mike Porter – Architect of many principles we still apply in teaching today; former member of the National Team.
Seeing these names enshrined alongside athletes, filmmakers, and resort developers made me proud to represent an association so deeply connected to the heritage of American skiing.
The Birthplace of American Skiing
The Hall doesn’t just celebrate individuals – it tells the story of how Ishpeming became the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States. In 1905, the National Ski Association (now U.S. Ski & Snowboard) was founded right here. Norwegian immigrants, drawn to the terrain and snowfall of Michigan’s UP, brought their jumping traditions to the hills, launching a national movement.
The still-active Ishpeming Ski Club, one of the oldest in the country, played a huge role in fostering that early ski culture.
A Worthwhile Detour for Every Snow Pro
I took photos and videos during my visit to share with our members, many of whom may never make it to this northern corner of Michigan. But if you ever find yourself nearby, don’t pass it up. It’s a quiet but powerful place that speaks volumes about our history.
As we look ahead – developing new learning models, supporting instructors, and growing our community –it’s grounding to know where it all started. The Hall of Fame is a reminder that we don’t just teach skiing and snowboarding –we carry forward a legacy.
