Ski Level One Certification is the entry-level instructor’s course aimed at people interested in joining the snowsports industry. A Level One Ski Instructor is certified to teach first time skiers up to advanced wedge turns.
The five-day course includes teaching adults and children from first time skiers to advanced wedge turns, the teaching model and learning process, class handling and safety, skier analysis, technical information and demonstrating – all relative to first time skiers through advanced wedge turns.
Candidates’ teaching ability is assessed on the final day during an approximately 30-minute long lesson. Here the candidate presents a segment from the progression, for first time skiers to advanced wedge turns, to other members of their group. Technical and teaching theory knowledge will be assessed by a written test.
To achieve this qualification candidates should be advanced-parallel skiers using a pole touch and comfortable on all groomed terrain and easy off-piste. Personal skiing will be improved throughout the course both on and off piste, and free skiing elements will be used as part of skill development. Candidates’ skiing is continually assessed throughout the five days and wedge turn demonstrations will be improved and assessed on day four.
Summary
Length: 5 days
Cert resource: The NZSIA Ski Instructor’s Manual is required reading for this course.
Pre-requisites: You must be at least 16 years old and an associate member or full member and have the ability to ski with advanced-parallel turns.
Why take this certification: This is the first step for every Ski Instructor in New Zealand. Take this cert if you would like to begin on a new career pathway, enjoy a fun sideline job, or just improve your skiing/teaching ability.
What’s next: After the Level One Certification you may proceed to the Level Two. Alternatively you may take the Children’s Teaching Certificate, Free Ski Level One, or you may choose the coaching route and take your Level One Coach.
Testimonials
Name: Byron Wells
Course and Resort: Ski Level One (previously the CSI) at Cardrona
“I originally came from a ski racing background then started to compete in Freeski events about eight years ago. I am now working at Cardrona Alpine Resort as a part-time coach in the High Performance Centre. It’s great to be able to give something back to my sport and I enjoy teaching the young guys my skills. The Level One course that I completed was really valuable to me. It not only made me think about my own skiing but helped me to know how to communicate better with others when teaching those skills. I will go on to do the Park and Pipe Course next. Great course… I’d recommended it to anyone!”
Name: Mitchey Greig
Course and Resort: Ski Level One (previously the CSI) at Cardrona
“In 2007 I sat my Level One; going into it just thinking it was going to be a drag, however I was pleasantly surprised. There was a friendly team of Examiners and a really entertaining bunch of other students to keep ourselves occupied. It was a good course taking me back to the basics of skiing, and it really drills things into your head. Having a Racing background it is nice to see the other side of the fence and understand to teach a client to ski without confusing them. The Level One is nice because it’s short, yet intense – fitting a lot of content into a short time frame. It was interesting and exciting!”
