Stage IV

Overview

Stage IV is internally assessed by the Aspen Academy and is based on exemplary performance in all four areas of the S3 Standards for Success.  The on-snow performance and teaching/technical sections are assessed to the PSIA-RM-AASI RMT standard.  Stage IV is our highest pay category for our S3 pros.

We embody a growth mindset, and the process of attaining Stage IV is based on development as well as a minimum standard.  It is expected that, regardless of skill level at the outset of the Stage IV process, successful candidates will evolve their skills through the process based on specific goals and feedback from peers, trainers and coordinators.

Minimum criteria for entering the Stage IV process

• Stage III Pro
• Pro in good standing with their division
• Exceptional request rate and hours

Characteristics of Stage IV Pros

• They maintain Stage IV status through a passport testing process once every 2 seasons.
• They maintain PSIA/AASI Level III Alpine or Snowboard (or higher) certification (or equivalent).
• They are recognized as leaders within the S3 community. They embrace and demonstrate the Aspen Skiing Company’s Brand as well as the S3 Standards for Success.
• They share a passion for excellence and are knowledgeable about current biomechanics, physics and teaching concepts that are the foundations of good teaching, skiing and riding at all levels.
• They present a contemporary image of skiing/snowboarding standards as the sports evolve.
• They demonstrate a thorough understanding of the technology of current skiing/snowboarding equipment.

Maintaining Stage IV

Maintaining Stage IV status is based on continued, measured development.  All Stage IV pros are required to re-submit a completed passport or portfolio for review by the ratification committee every two seasons.  Should a Stage IV pro not be re-ratified they will be moved to the appropriate pay category based on the pay category describers.

Application Process for first time Stage IV applicant 

It is highly recommended that you meet with a lead trainer, coordinator, or mentor to assist in development of your goals and plan.

• Complete the S3 Seasonal Goal Sheet.
  • You will receive an email with a copy of your goals  future reference. Please keep a copy of your completed goal sheet with your portfolio. You will need this during your interview to complete your portfolio.

• Complete a Stage IV Portfolio.
  • Download an Alpine Stage IV Portfolio
  • Download a Snowboard Stage IV Portfolio

• Complete the Stage IV Application. 
• Upload your completed Stage IV Portfolio here.  

To maintain your Stage IV status, you will need to be re-ratified by the S3 Management Team every 2 seasons. The re-ratification process is as follows:

• Download a new Stage IV Portfolio.
  • Alpine Stage IV Portfolio
  • Snowboard Stage IV Portfolio
• Complete the Stage IV Goal Sheet.
• Upload your complete Stage IV Portfolio here.

After we receive your completed Portfolio and Goal Sheet, the S3 Management Team will review your status during a ratification meeting. We will notify you of your status after the ratification meeting.

The Stage IV pay level has evolved from the Diamond Sessions program.  This program was based both on The Sports Diamond teaching/performance system and on the recognition of pros having already achieved the requirements listed in the Stage IV description (above).  Weems Westfeldt’s Sports Diamond model was derived from combining the experience of hundreds of ski pros (over many years in many ski areas) with Ahmed Yehia’s work with Dr. Peter Koestenbaum’s Leadership Diamond ® www.pib.net (as well as the polarity maps of  Dr. Barry Johnson).

For more information about the Sports Diamond as an operating system for all sports teaching and performance, please reference Weems Westfeldt’s book—“Brilliant Skiing, Every Day”—contact Josh Fogg at [email protected] for a copy.

Alpine Verifiers

Snowboard Verifiers