Testimonials
"I got to ski in several of the most spectacular ski regions of Switzerland - if not the World (Saas Fee, Gstaad and Zermatt).”
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SKI ACADEMY SWITZERLAND - Instructor/Leader
We have two options available for students wishing to join PSIA. The first option will be for those students looking to work outside Europe and follows the normal PSIA route and includes:
Level I Certified Member
Performs and demonstrates a basic understanding of American Teaching System concepts and shows efficient movement and use of skis as outlined in the Alpine Level I standards. Additionally, the member will demonstrate a general conceptual understanding of the disabilities, medical, and equipment issues pertaining to at least one of the disability classifications.
Level II Certified Member
Performs and demonstrates a working understanding of American Teaching System concepts and shows efficient movement and use of skis as outlined in the Alpine Level II standards. Additionally, the member will demonstrate detailed understanding and working application of disabilities, medical, and equipment knowledge in all six disability classifications.
Level III Certified Member (ISIA)
Performs and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of American Teaching System concepts and shows efficient movement and use of skis as outlined in the Alpine Level III standards. Additionally, the member will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and thorough application of the disabilities, medical, and equipment knowledge pertaining to all disability classifications.
The second option will be for those students looking to work inside and outside of Europe which includes extra modules to help students find work in ski schools across Europe:
Following post-qualification students will receive European certificates, European membership card (and the normal PSIA card), personal liability (for Europe) and equipment offers. Instructors can also expect higher financial remuneration with ESSP qualifications.
Dates and Calendar:
| Colour key: | Available |  |
Nearly Full |  |
Fully Booked |  |
| Course | Venue | Dates | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Updates | Gstaad / Saas-Fee | Contact the office | £TBC | |
| UK Performance L2/USSA L100 | Saas-Fee | 09/08/2010 - 13/08/2010 | £250 | |
| ISIA/ISTD Training (incl. PSIA) | Saas-Fee | 18/10/2010 - 22/10/2010 | £250 | |
| ISIA/ISTD Training (incl. PSIA) | Saas-Fee | 08/11/2010 - 12/11/2010 | £250 | |
| ISIA/ISTD Training (incl. PSIA) | Saas-Fee | 15/11/2010 - 19/11/2010 | £250 | |
| ISIA/ISTD Training (incl. PSIA) | Saas-Fee | 22/11/2010 - 26/11/2010 | £250 | |
| UK Performance L2/USSA L100 | Ziller Valley | 03/01/2011 - 07/01/2011 | £TBC | |
| PSIA Level 2 Technical | Ziller Valley | 04/04/2011 - 08/04/2011 | £TBC | |
| ISIA/ISTD Training | Saas-Fee | 11/04/2011 - 15/04/2011 | £250 | |
| PSIA Level 2 Exam | Saas-Fee | 17/04/2011 - 23/04/2011 | £TBC | |
ISIA and ISTD Training
The ISIA and ISTD training have been designed for experienced instructors to move forwards in their career as a Snowsport instructor. The ISIA qualification in any ski instructor system is a big step forward, but with the help of are experienced top qualified coaches we can fulfil your potential.
The coaches will provide you with constant feedback throughout the ski day with video sessions and personal development programmes in the evening.
A typical week's course includes:
- 25 hrs+ Personal Skiing Performance
- 20 hrs+ Shadowing top instructors
- Skier analysis and leadership skills
- Teaching skills and techniques
- Off-Piste and Mountain Safety
- Race training
We have many programmes to suit and these can vary in length from 1 to 4 weeks focusing on clients specific needs. Please contact the office for a tailored programme. The ski and teacher training will be based in Gstaad and Saas-Fee.
Mogul Skiing
Mogul skiing is one of the greatest challenges (and fears!) a skier can face, but once conquered you'll never want to ski anything else! We will be using our specialist mogul ski coaches to teach you the most effective and efficient way to ski bumps. We will give you the knowledge, skills and the latest modern techniques to tackle any mogul field with confidence and style!
The coaches will provide you with constant feedback throughout the ski day with video sessions and personal development programmes in the evening.
A typical week's course includes:
- 25 hrs+ Personal mogul ski performance
- Video analysis
- Evening feedback sessions (optional)
- SAS evaluation and debrief
We have many programmes to suit and these can vary in length from 1 to 4 weeks focusing on clients specific needs. Please contact the office for a tailored programme. The mogul programmes will be based in Gstaad.
Alpine Ski Leader
SNSC courses are aimed specifically for parents, head teachers, governors, LEAs and party leaders.
Alpine Ski Leader (ASL)
The ASL Qualification and Course Aim
The Scottish Alpine Ski Leader qualification is widely recognised throughout the UK as the most appropriate award for skiers taking sole charge of groups (often children) in the mountain environment. The Alpine Ski Leader is an award originally developed in the 1960's, for mainly teachers and youth workers wishing to introduce skiing to young people from their own organisation, often without direct financial remuneration. The award covers a range of responsibilities including; planning, organising, supervising, leading and instructing.
The three key elements of an Alpine Ski Leader course are:
- Leadership (which is not the same as leading)
- Technical Skiing
- Teaching
Score of the Award
The award offers the opportunity to gain technical competence in leading skiers within the bounds of a ski resort in a mountain environment at home and abroad. It does not provide a professional instruction qualification and does not permit a Ski Leader to take their group off piste.
It is the combination of personal leadership qualities, leadership skills, technical and teaching skills which form the basis of effective group management in a skiing environment and the award assesses all these aspects.
As part of leading their group it may be necessary for a Ski Leader to teach the group skiing skills. A Ski Leader is licensed and insured to teach their own group from beginner up to basic parallel standard. A Ski Leader may operate anywhere within the remit of the award.
The award is limited to those travelling and working with their own groups and would be invalid if used in any other circumstances.
When operating abroad, a Ski Leader should introduce themselves to the local ski school and inform them of their intentions whilst leading in a ski resort. This is good practice and strongly recommended by Snowsport Scotland.
The seven day course contains elements designed to improve the participant's ability to lead skiers in a mountain environment and to introduce skiing to children in a safe and enjoyable manner.
Course Content
The content of the course includes:
Leadership Skills
Group leading considerations; group practice supervision; knowledge od ski resorts.
Mountain skills
Navigation; weather; clothing; equipment; accident procedures.
Technical skills
Personal performance; introducing skiing to children; knowledge of instructional methods.
The course material is presented primarily during on-snow skiing sessions and is supported by evening programmes and seminar sessions. The course provides opportunities for discussion and candidates are required to present a short lecturette (a topic is sent to participants with confirmation of the course booking).
Assessment of the course is continual during the seven days of the course. The course Tutor will provide ongoing feedback during the course concerning participants performance. On completion of the course the Tutor will conduct individual course reviews with each participant.
Quotes
"The course was well organised... It was an extremely valuable learning curve... most enjoyable course that I have ever taken part in."
"Anyone thinking about going on this course should stop thinking and get on it."
Course entry requirements
Course participants should:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to ski basic parallel skiing on groomed red slopes
- Have at least 20 days on-snow experience
- Use carving skis
- understand all levels of the UK Awards and be able to perform many of the activities up to level 7
- Be a member of the Snowsport Scotland Coaching Scheme (or that of Snowsport England, Snowsport Wales or Northern Island Ski Council)
If you are unsure of your level of performance please see this self assessment or seek the advice of a qualified instructor.
This video link shows the entry standard required for the ASL: Alpine Ski Leader Entry Standard
Before issue of a qualification, a first aid certificate (which meets the SNSC First Aid Requirements) must be sent to Snowsport Scotland.
Dates and Calendar:
| Colour key: | Available | |
Nearly Full | |
Fully Booked | |
| Course | Venue | Dates | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Ski Leader | Stubai | 24/10/2010 - 30/10/2010 | TBC | |
For more information on price, accommodation and other details please contact martyh@skiastons.co.uk.