Three remarkable snowsports instructors were honored with the PSIA-AASI Award for Educational Excellence at the PSIA National Academy this week in Snowbird, Utah.

Dave Merriam , Linda Crockett and Katie Ertl received the very prestigious award, which recognizes those exceptional members who, over the years, have authored PSIA-AASI educational materials, and have contributed significantly to, and possibly even changed, the educational direction of PSIA-AASI. All three have exhibited dedication, devotion, and self-sacrifice as they have helped guide and implement an educational system that supports the professional development of PSIA-AASI members.

“These recipients are dedicated to providing world-class education for our members, and were instrumental in broadening PSIA-AASI’s view beyond alpine ski teaching,” said PSIA-AASI Executive Director and CEO Mark Dorsey. “Linda, Katie, and Dave continue to inspire skiers! and riders across the country, and their work is one of the reasons we enjoy today’s success.”

Dave Merriam
Dave Merriam started teaching more than 33 years ago at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. When he joined PSIA back in 1979, he immediately fast-tracked through the certification levels. By the early 1980s he became part of the divisional education staff by becoming an examiner in the Eastern Division. In 1989 Dave moved to Stowe, Vermont, and worked his way up through the organization to become the resort’s director of mountain recreation. In 1984 Dave made the PSIA Alpine Team and served for three terms. He served as head coach from 1996-2004 and then became the first PSIA-AASI Teams Manager. Throughout the years Dave has been a part of developing, editing, and appearing in many of the association’s manuals and videos. In addition, he was a strong team presence at several Interskis (1987 in Banff, Canada; 1991 in St. Anton, Austria; 1995 in Nozawa Onsen, Japan; and 2003 in Crans Montana, Switzerland).

Last year! Dave was awarded the Einar Aas Award by the Eastern Division for being an outstanding snowsports school director. This award was given to Dave, by his peers, for achieving and maintaining the highest standards in snowsports school management. Dave’s skiing has always produced a clean, precise image and his teaching style has always been innovative and engaging. He has helped shape and develops many educational staff members throughout the country and impacted his team members in a positive way.

Congratulations to all three recipients of the PSIA-AASI Award for Educational Excellence.