2026 Life Membership

We would like to proudly announce two recipients of the 2026 APSI Life Membership award: Angela Pope and Emma Christiansen.

Angela Pope

Angela has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the APSI and its members over 13 years of membership, demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the snowsports community.

As a trainer for the past 9 years, Angela has consistently gone above and beyond to support APSI members, delivering course and exams, providing mentorship, and technical guidance. Her willingness to step in, often at short notice, has ensured valuable training and development opportunities remain accessible to members across the industry.

Angela has also made significant contributions to APSI educational resources, playing a pivotal role in the development of the most recent APSI Teaching Manual. Through the generous donation of her time and expertise, she has helped strengthen the quality of APSI training and resources for current and future members.

One of Angela’s most significant contributions has been as a founding member of the Advancing Women in Snowsports (AWS) initiative within the APSI. Through this work, she has helped drive meaningful change by promoting gender equity, challenging unconscious bias, and creating clearer pathways for women in the snowsports industry. Her leadership has contributed to an important cultural shift within the APSI and inspired many members to see snowsports instruction as a sustainable and rewarding long-term career.

Angela’s positive influence, tireless efforts, and deep commitment to the APSI community make her a highly deserving recipient of APSI Life Membership.

Emma Christiansen

Emma has made an exceptional contribution to the APSI over 15 years of membership, demonstrating outstanding leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the development of APSI members and the wider snowsports industry.

As an Alpine Level 4 Trainer and Examiner, alongside Angela as the only two women to hold this position, Emma has played a significant role in shaping and mentoring the next generation of instructors. She is also a current two-time APSI National Team member, representing the APSI at the highest level both nationally and internationally.

Emma’s contributions to APSI education and curriculum development have been substantial. She was an integral author and chapter leader for the “People” chapter of the newly released Alpine Teaching Manual and played a key role in developing the CARE model, helping embed it into APSI training pathways. She also led the APSI keynote presentation at Interski 2023 in Finland, showcasing her expertise and leadership on the international stage.

Known for her calm confidence, generosity, and willingness to step up when needed, Emma consistently goes above and beyond to support APSI courses, events, and members. Her lasting impact on the organisation and the people within it make her a highly deserving recipient of APSI Life Membership.