FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Introducing the leadership team of the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada

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September 1, 2023 — Committed to creating lifelong passionate skiers through expert delivery of mountain experiences, the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC) is excited to announce its leadership team. At the heart of the team is a genuine love of skiing, including all aspects of the sport – doing it, learning it, teaching it. But it's not just about passion. We're a curious and hard working bunch, with mountains of experience and extensive industry relationships. Our diverse collective experience – spanning decades in education development, teaching, scientific study, and executive resort leadership – positions the PSIC at the forefront of ski professional training and development. Each member brings their own story, expertise, and dedication to the sport.

 

Mark Sedgwick

President

Mark’s career spans over 30 years in the industry. He was a senior executive with Whistler Blackcomb for 16 years and played a strategic role in all aspects of the resort’s journey and growth as it became the most visited resort on the planet. Mark also served as the Director of Product Development for the CSIA. Mark's ski education spans three pathways: Austrian, Australian and Canadian. Mark participated at two Interski events, representing Australia in 1995 and Canada as Technical Lead and Coach in 2023.

 

Jeff Marks

Development & Empowerment

Jeff kicked off his journey in the ski industry as a teenager teaching at Marmot Basin near Jasper, Alberta. Moving to Banff in 1997, Jeff spent 10 years with the Club Ski Program before moving into the role of Snow School Director. In 2007, a unique opportunity to build a new snow school approach at Niseko Village took Jeff to Japan for four years. Since returning to Canada in 2011, Jeff worked with the CSIA, most recently as National Program Director. Jeff has represented Canada as a member of the 2015 and 2019 Interski teams and most recently, Head Coach of the 2023 Interski Team.

 

Perry Schmunk

Industry & Innovation

Perry served as the Managing Director of the CSIA for 5 years and was head of the Canadian delegation at Interski 2023. During his time as Mayor of Tofino, British Columbia, Perry was honoured with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Community Service. Previous roles also include Snow School Director at Whistler Blackcomb and Business Development Director at Ski Banff Lake Louise Sunshine.

 

Dr. Edward Cambridge, BKin (Hons), DC (Clinic Hons), PhD (Kinesiology)

Science

Ed is an award winning researcher, international lecturer and teacher, and sought after clinical expert in biomechanics. He completed his PhD at University of Waterloo after completing his clinical chiropractic training at CMCC and undergraduate training at Brock University. Ed is a practising clinician in private practice. Respected ski teacher and trainer in the Collingwood area.

 

Addressing the needs of industry is mission critical to the PSIC and deep engagement with industry is underway. An Industry Steering Committee will guide and shape the competencies taught within the PSIC educational pathway. Composed of a diverse cross-section of resort representatives, the committee is currently being assembled. We are excited to announce the committee's inaugural chair:

 

Wendy Reade

PSIC Industry Steering Committee Chair

Wendy is the Winter Sports School Director at Fernie Alpine Resort, and has been a snow sports director for over 35 years. She loves connecting with people, sharing her knowledge and experience of skiing and exploring all the mountain has to offer. Wendy’s belief in being the best one can be through attention, intention, execution and commitment is the perfect complement to the PSIC’s philosophy. Wendy is a CSIA Level 4, CSCF Level 3, CASI Level 1 and the new Chair of the PSIC’s Industry Steering Committee.

 

Further announcements on the Industry Steering Committee will be shared in the weeks ahead.