May 13, 2008

Doug Pierini, Director of Resort Services/Ski & Snowboard School at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, has been named as a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (or PSIA) Alpine National Team. Regarded as the highest level of skiing within the PSIA, the National Team is comprised of the country’s top 16 instructors from nine regional divisions – and represents more than 28,000 instructors.

As many as 120 finalists met at Mammoth Mountain from all divisions this week where they underwent rigorous evaluation in hopes of becoming members of the coveted Demo Team. Demo Team candidates were examined both on and off-mountain in areas of alpine technical education, core teaching concepts, and teaching methodology. The PSIA holds National Team tryouts every four years; and each team member serves a four-year term.

“[A skier who is selected for the National Team] makes any terrain and condition look easy and achievable… a teacher that can share all of this easily with the PSIA/AASI membership, and a person that connects on many levels with instructors from all over the country. Doug’s skiing is outstanding,” said Katie Fry, PSIA/AASI National Teams Manager and two-term National Alpine Team member. “I look forward to working with Doug for another four years, and I’m excited to develop a legacy we create together with the other team members,” she added.

Stated by the PSIA, the purpose of PSIA teams is to promote, support, and assist in the development of PSIA and AASI education programs and activities at all levels. The mission of PSIA and AASI is to “support our members, as a part of the snowsports industry, to 1) develop personally and professionally, 2) create positive learning experiences, and 3) have more fun.

“We are all incredibly proud of Doug,” said Jim Kercher, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort General Manager. “Being selected to the PSIA National Ski Team is a real honor. Doug’s accomplishment is a testament to his skiing and teaching expertise, his passion for the sport, and his commitment to develop one of the country’s most renowned ski and snowboard schools at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort,” he added.

For additional information about the Professional Ski Instructors of America, visit www.psia.org.

About Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
Ranked as a top winter resort, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is situated in the picturesque Tahoe National Forest and offers skiers and snowboarders 2,400 acres of terrain. With 13 lifts, more than 100 trails, and majestic views of Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows is accessed via Interstate 80, 45 miles west of Reno, Nevada and 200 miles east of San Francisco, California. Visit SkiAlpine.com or call 530.583.4232 for more information about Alpine Meadows.