National Team Tryouts in Breckenridge just completed with Brenna Kelleher, AJ Oliver, Grant Bishop, Katie White, Kevin Mabry,
Zoe Mavis and Matt Larson all vying for spots on the Team. They have all aspired to be part of NRM’s continuous legacy of having
members on the National Team. The effort and dedication they all put into preparing and competing in the tryouts is something
we all can be proud of in NRM.
We had record numbers participating in exams at all levels and in all disciplines, culminating with a record number of you
participating in Level 2 and 3 Exams in April.Ramblings from the President
And just like that, it’s over. In December, we weren’t quite sure what the season was going to be like - masks, social distancing,
powder, lift lines, and teaching lessons. Now in April, well, it turned out to be okay. We made it the distance. And if your season
was anything like mine, you were busy! Lost Trail has been found. We had record numbers of visits, breaking several records in most
tickets sold in a day, number of visits in a season, and probably longest lift lines.For our division, we had a great year. Fall Festival started off the season. It felt different but I was skiing; I smiled with friends I hadn’t seen since last year and everyone had a great time. True, we weren’t able to hold any of our normal indoor clinics or social time, but that’s okay. Through the winter, we held three events at Discovery, Red Lodge, and Grand Targhee to make up for the restricted registration numbers at Fall Festival. Feedback from participants was pretty positive, so we hope to continue these “Mini Academies” next year. In house Level I’s were at an all-time record. Herb had a hard time keeping the pins and certificates in stock. Even the supplier of the pins was having a hard time keeping up with the demand. Way to go. And to all those newly minted Level I instructors, congratulations on earning your pins.
Our division season ended up with a bang at Big Sky. We held a record number of Level II and
Level III exams April 5 – 6. Again, congratulations to all of you that attended. The conditions on the first day of the exams was more
conducive to ice skating. As certificates and pins were being handed out, we presented Mike (Spud) Kelly with a Lifetime Membership Award.
Spud had been convinced that he had to be present but hadn’t been given any clue as to why. It was great to see the surprise on his face
as he was presented with his plaque, certificate, gold membership card, and new TNF puffy jacket with the Lifetime Member patch.
On the 7th and 8th, the Snowboard and Alpine disciplines held their hiring events. It was two days of team building, presentations,
and high-end riding for the participants and coaches. It is apparent that we have some incredible clinician/examiners in our division,
and I expect to see some great clinics in the seasons to come from these folk.Wrapping up the season at Breckenridge Resort was National Academy and Team Hiring. I wasn’t able to make it to Academy this year, but from pictures that I’ve seen, it looks like it was another amazing event. Plan on attending next year when National Academy returns to Big Sky Resort!! Happening as I write this is the National Team hiring event. The Northern Rockies Division is being represented by seven amazing individuals. By the time you’re reading this, selections will have been made. Let’s plan on cheering their success for taking their passion for sliding on snow to such a high level.
Even though winter still wants to play, it’s time to bring out the other seasons toys. As soon as the temperature gets close to my age, I’ll be out on my bike.
Cheers,
Stu Hoyt
Chairman, Board of Directors
PSIA-AASI Northern Rocky Mountain