Sarah Lyster

APSI Board Member and Member of the Executive Board

Are you currently a snowsports instructor, or have you been one in the past? If yes, how long have you been instructing, over what time period and where?
Yes, I am currently employed as an instructor in Thredbo. I have been instructing on and off for 30 years - my first season was in Thredbo in 1995. I was hired through the "hiring clinic" process - Kent Carpenter was my clinician and Brad Spalding was my first Snow Sports Director. During my 30 years, I have also worked overseas in St Anton, Austria, Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada and Vail/Beaver Creek CO.

What is your favourite part about being involved in the snowsports industry?
I still get a real kick out of watching newly hired instructors put on their uniforms for the first time. It's a special moment—the excitement, the nerves, the sense of possibility—and I feel privileged to share in the
beginning of their journey. There’s something deeply rewarding about helping the next generation find their place in the snowsports world. That connection, that passing on of knowledge and culture, is one of my favourite parts of being involved in the industry.

How long have you been involved with the APSI and what inspired you to join the Board?
I’ve been involved with the APSI as a member since 1995. Over the years, I’ve progressed through the certification pathway and remained actively engaged with the organisation. My main inspiration for originally nominating to join the Board was a strong desire to give back to the organisation that has given me so much. I also felt a responsibility to help ensure the APSI’s legacy is preserved and strengthened for future generations of instructors.

What is your professional background outside of snowsports (if any)?
My academic background in Human Movement Studies (BA) laid the foundation for a broad and versatile career outside of instructing, particularly in business, marketing, recruitment, and leadership.

I spent several years in national sales and marketing roles, including as Sales and Marketing Manager for Phoenix Leisure Group and Snowsports International, where I led brand strategy for companies such as Rossignol, Mambo, Hestra, and POC. These roles involved high-level financial planning, supply chain management, and wholesale/retail operations, giving me a strong grounding in commercial strategy and stakeholder engagement. I also represented Phoenix Leisure Group on the Board of Snowsports Industries of Australia (SIA), contributing to industry-wide planning and collaboration.

I’ve also worked extensively in recruitment, both in and out of the snowsports sector. My time as a Recruitment Manager helped hone my skills in talent acquisition, onboarding, and organisational development—experience I continue to draw on in my current role as an In-House Trainer.

Additionally, I own and operate a private chalet business. This has deepened my understanding of customer service, small business operations, and the seasonal tourism economy.

What is one thing you think members might not know about what the Board or APSI does?
One thing I think many members might not realise is just how deeply invested the Board is in the legacy of the APSI—not just in a symbolic sense, but through detailed strategic planning, financial oversight, and forward-focused decision-making. Our 50-year celebrations were a powerful reminder that this legacy matters—and as the current custodians of the organisation, we take that responsibility seriously.

Behind the scenes, the level of collaboration, respect, and thoughtful discussion among Board members is incredibly strong. Every individual brings a unique perspective, but decisions are always made with the same guiding principle: What is best for the member? We constantly ask ourselves: How does this benefit the member? Can we clearly justify this decision to our membership? What more can we do to support and serve our members better?

It’s a highly engaged, member-focused process—one I’m proud to be part of.

What is one thing you hope to contribute or achieve during your time on the Board?
I hope to leave the APSI as a well-positioned, robust organisation—one that can weather any storm and continue to thrive into the future.

Is there anything else you would like to add or share with the APSI membership?
Outside of my professional life, I’m also a wife and mum—roles that deeply shape my perspective, strengthen my empathy, and fuel my commitment to the future. Recently, my 17-year-old passed his Level 1 instructor certification—a very special moment for our family.

My favourite day of the week in winter is Saturday. You’ll usually find me loading the chairlift with my trusty friends Jules and Brad, heading up to do the Thredbo Flare Run. It’s a tradition I cherish and hope to continue for many years to come.