Under his leadership, the club achieved national certification through the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors in 1991, becoming one of the first non-resort ski schools in the country to earn that distinction. He expanded programming beyond beginner lessons to serve skiers of all levels and snowboarders, introduced one-day instructional trips to regional resorts, and established weekend instructional programs to West Virginia destinations, including Canaan Valley, Timberline, Snowshoe, and Silver Creek.

Since 1994, these programs have brought thousands of club members to ski in West Virginia, strengthening ties between the Mid-Atlantic skiing community and the Mountain State.
 

Leadership in West Virginia Snowsports

Mike began teaching at Timberline in 1999 and became Technical Director in 2005, serving in that role until 2017. In 2021, he joined the Canaan Valley Snowsports School as Technical Director, continuing his focus on instructor development and program innovation.

During his tenure, he:

• Developed and implemented a module-based training program for instructors to improve teaching consistency and risk management

• Created the “Master the Mountain with a Master Teacher” program, offering full-day instruction with video analysis

• Successfully coached more than 50 instructors to achieve certification at various levels

His mentorship significantly increased the number of certified instructors in the Canaan Valley region and strengthened the professional culture of ski instruction throughout the area.
 

Professional Excellence and Recognition

Mike holds an extensive list of professional credentials, including:

• PSIA and Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Alpine Level III certification

• United States Ski and Snowboard Association Level 100 Coach

• PSIA Master Teacher designation

• PSIA Trainer Accreditation, Senior Specialist I, and Children’s Specialist I

A PSIA member since 1987, he has attended more than 100 PSIA events and was recognized by the PSIA Eastern Region in 2017 for decades of dedication to snowsports education. He has also participated in National Academies and Interski events, bringing international insights back to instructors and students in West Virginia.
 

Legacy

Mike Cavallaro is widely respected as a master teacher, mentor, and advocate for professional standards in ski instruction. His leadership has strengthened instructional programs, elevated certification levels, and enhanced the learning experience for countless skiers. Through decades of dedication, he has helped define what quality snowsports education looks like in West Virginia and beyond.
 

Inducted into the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia Hall of Fame in recognition of his transformative leadership and enduring contributions to snowsports instruction.