CSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor Course Outline

General Goal

To introduce the candidates to ski teaching, the CSIA and its function within the industry.

Final Goals

At the end of the course, the candidate should be able to:

• Define goals and objectives of a ski lesson.
• Plan the organizational needs of a lesson.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the three competencies of the CSIA.

Specific Goals

Know how to:

• Demonstrate a good understanding of a safe environment for the level of skiing (eg. According to the regulations of the Alpine Responsibility Code).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the format used to structure a lesson.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the CSIA structure.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Christie progression (up to parallel turns) and the concept of "Fast Track to Parallel."

Attitude:

• Demonstrate a positive attitude towards ski teaching.
• Demonstrate respectful behavior towards the other candidates and the teaching staff.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate in a ski teaching context.
• Demonstrate a certain amount of self-confidence that will create success in ski teaching.
• Demonstrate an open mind and be objective during the analysis of skiing abilities.

Content:

During the course, the following subjects will be discussed:

• Safety in ski teaching.
• Analysis and development of skier movements.
• Lesson planning.
• Christie progression and fast track to parallel.
• Age specific workshop for children.
• Guest experience workshop.

Methodology

Technical Sessions:

• Candidates will work on ski improvement, analysis and development of ski movements and how to adapt exercises and drill to specific age groups.

Teaching Sessions

• Candidates will work on teaching particular movements and skills that have been presented.

Indoor workshops

• Workshops will take place before and/or after the on snow sessions. (see content).

Evaluation

Technical Evaluations:

• Demonstrations executed by the candidate during class time will be evaluated on a daily basis.
• Candidates must pass both, skiing and teaching aspects in order to be certified Level 1
• Candidates will be evaluated on their ongoing participation and effectiveness on and off the snow
• Specific demonstration assessments of progression tactics.

Criteria

Parallel Turns
Demonstrate good stance and balance, control, elements of rhythm, symmetry and coordinated movements.

• Terrain: moderate (blue run).
• Speed: consistent and moderate.
• Ski position: parallel.
• Competencies: coordination of the three basic compentencies.
• Radius: consistent and controlled.

Beginner Wedge Turns
Show the basics of good balance and good application of ski mechanics. Stance must show mobility and turning effort must come from the lower body.

• Terrain: beginner (flat green run).
• Speed: slow.
• Ski position: wedge.
• Competencies: Basics of stance and use of lower body to steer while balanced.
• Radius: Fall-line serpentine.

Teaching Evaluation

The teaching is an evaluation of the student's participation in the workshops and sessions.

Marking System

Technical Evaluation Pass or Fail
Teaching Evaluation Pass or Fail.

Retest on skiing or teaching:
If a candidate fails skiing, teaching or both portions, he/she can return for re-evaluation and re-evaluation will be for 2 days.