Stephen Helfenbein

We would like to congratulate and welcome Stephen Helfenbein as the new Alpine Education Manager for PSIA/AASI  Intermountain Division.  Ron Kipp announced in May that he would be taking a position with USSA in Coaches Education.

Stephen has served as the Alpine Team Manager for 3 years and will now oversee the Education direction while Franklin Williams will coordinate the Certification direction.  In his experience with NOLS (the National Outdoor Leadership School) during the past 8 years, he has developed a skill set that involves creating and implementing educational progressions specific to the development of technical (ie. kayaking and river rescue) and non technical skills (ie. communication and decision making).  Stephen has worked well with the office staff, Board, Executive Committee and fellow DECL members.

Please join us in welcoming Stephen to this new position.
PSIA/AASI  Intermountain Executive Committee

Crash helmets

The use of crash helmets is compulsory for all Race/Gate events.

According to the FIS:

Helmets with spoilers or edges that stick out are not permitted. Certain helmets must show a smooth top surface for safety reasons. Helmets used in FIS Snowsports shall be specifically designed and manufactured for the respective discipline and shall bear a CE mark and conform to recognized and appropriate standards such as CEE 1077 or US 2040, ASTM F2040, SNELL S98 or RS 98, etc. Soft ear protections are only allowed for SL events. FIS Specifications for Competition Equipment Edition 2008

As you can see the FIS does not recognize nor probably want to endorse a certain helmet brand. If the helmet has been sold for skiing, which would include any helmet sold in a "ski shop", then it will be suitable for Gate/Race clinics. The participant should realize that there are many choices in helmet selection. The FIS has high standards and there expertise should be taken into consideration for personal helmet choice. The user assumes responsibility for their choice of helmets