Become a Nordic Instructor or Coach

The Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors (APSI) turns 50 this year. It is the peak body for training snowsports instructors to work in the industry and covers all five disciplines of nordic, alpine, snowboard, adaptive and telemark. Originally Nordic instructors were certified under the National Coach and Instructor Scheme (NCIS), but since 1999 NCIS’s functions were transferred to APSI.

There are four levels of Instructor (1-4) for all disciplines with Level 1 being the entry level qualification. A level 1 is becoming mandatory for many schools as the minimum standard required to coach and teach. The Level 1 course is two days in duration and included the Level 1 exam on the afternoon of the second day.  On successful completion a level one instructor is qualified to teach very basic beginner classes and act as an assistant instructor in groups of intermediate level skiers (stationary skills, basic diagonal stride, slowing and stopping and free running over gentle terrain).

The Level 2 course is 3 days in duration (pre-requisite is Level 1) and it covers teaching classical technique to an intermediate level and all of the skating gears. Instructors who have previously completed a course need to recertify every 2 ½  years. Instructors wishing to update their certification can do this by either attending a course at the next level or undertaking a one day recall.

Join the team.

For those wishing to go down the XC coaching pathway, the Level 2 Instructor certification is a pre-requisite as it covers off on a number of the modules contained within the Coaching pathway (teaching skills, skiing skills and group management). Coaching courses are managed by Snowsports Australia,

Course dates at Perisher this season are:

Recall/Certification update. 7 July
Level 1 Course: 20-21 July
Level 2 Course: 2-4 Aug
Level 3 Course: 2-5 Aug
Level 2 and 3 Exam: Can be arranged on demand at Perisher (24 Aug Falls Creek)

For further information you or to register for a course, visit the APSI website at https://www.apsi.net.au/  or contact the Nordic Technical Director, Zac Zaharias at zac.zaharias@apsi.net.au or 0402-286257. For those wishing to get more information on coaching, contact Finn Marsland.