APSI HISTORY

The first Australian Ski Instructors Association was founded in August 1974. The association was known as the Australian Ski Instructors Association (ASIA). This was formed to improve the working conditions, in general, for its members. There were 25 founding members who appointed a committee of eight to represent them. They were: President, Graham Bookallil; Secretary, Peter Clare; Treasurer, Victor Dalziel; Publicity Officer, Rod Dunning; and Committee Members, Geoff Meredith, Bill Foster, John McDonald and Jim Rose.  

During 1976, the association divided to form NSW and Victorian divisions. The Victorian division, under John Whitehouse, formed the Australian Professional Ski Instructors (APSI) and largely through his efforts, the APSI gained government and importantly, international accreditation for its exams. The International Ski Instructors Association’s (ISIA) recognition of the APSI in 1978 forced these two factions of ski instructor training to unite. Over the next few years Australians earned examiner status at both junior and senior levels - although courses were still run by Europeans and Americans.  

The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA) questioned the credibility of the existing association and proceeded to conduct training courses in Victoria under the name ASAA Ski Instructors Division (ASAA - SID). The merger of the APSI and the ASAA was a lengthy process, further complicated when the Melbourne office caught fire in 1984, resulting in the loss of many records. It wasn't until 1985 that these two associations finally merged, becoming responsible for training, and accrediting all Australian instructors.  

After overcoming past challenges, the APSI found itself under new leadership, fully dedicated to training and accrediting Australian instructors under local guidance. This commitment garnered increased support and funding from the ASAA, leading to the appointment of Australian directors in major schools within three years. As the ski industry expanded, a balance emerged with both imported instructors and new Australian talent filling key roles, with the APSI still utilising skilled trainers from abroad when needed.  

The ASAA played a crucial role in advancing the association by funding a Training Coordinator position. Don McInnes became the inaugural Training Coordinator, traveling to various resorts to enhance training coordination and ensure the accreditation of all instructors.  

Interski has played an important role in the continuing development of the APSI method. These congresses have enabled APSI to share and gather information and to showcase Australian skills. APSI's first attendance was at Sesto, Italy 1983, followed by Banff 1987, St Anton 1991 (first time with a full coordinated team), Japan 1995, Norway 1999, Switzerland 2003, Korea 2007, Austria 2011, Argentina 2015, Bulgaria 2019, and Finland 2023.