If you are a confident skier or snowboarder you could make 2012 the year you qualify as an Instructor! For the first time in a long while the NZ Snowsports Instructors Alliance will be running Level 1 ski and snowboard instructor courses at Rainbow Ski Area. These qualifications are recognised by NZ and overseas ski resorts for ski school instructor positions.

Ski Level One Certification (previously known as the CSI) 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 beginner and advanced-beginner skiers (class levels one and two).

The four-day course includes teaching adults and children from first time to wedge turning, the teaching model and learning process, class handling and safety, skier analysis, technical information and demonstrating – all within the class levels one and two.

Candidates’ teaching ability is assessed on the final day during an approximately 30-minute long lesson. Here the candidate presents a segment from the level one or two progression 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 (class level five) using a pole touch and comfortable on all groomed terrain plus 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 four days and wedge turn demonstrations will be improved and assessed on day three.

Rainbow NZSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor Course & Assessment
2/9/2012 to 6/9/2012
$630 per person for five days (excl lift pass)
Registration through NZSIA
Course information & registration: http://www.nzsia.org/ski/qualifications/level-one/
Minimum age 16 years.

Snowboard Level One Certification (previously known as the CSI) is the entry-level instructor’s course aimed at people interested in joining the snowsports industry. The five-day course includes modules covering rider improvement, the teaching model, progressions for levels one and two students, guest service elements, teaching children, class handling and safety. Instructors qualified at this level of certification can teach up to making first turns on beginner terrain.

Candidates’ riding is continually assessed during the five days. Candidates must be able to ride all blue groomed terrain with good form and using an efficient blend of movements. Additionally, candidates must perform a tidy skidded turn demonstration on green terrain, both in their normal riding direction and switch. Candidates’ teaching ability is assessed on the final day during a 15-minute lesson. Here the candidate presents a step from the level one or two progression to other members of their group.

Rainbow NZSIA Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Course & Assessment
10/9/2012 to 14/9/2012
$630 per participant (excl lift pass)
Registration directly with NZSIA.
Course information & registration: http://www.nzsia.org/snowboard/qualifications/level-one/
Minimum age 16 years.