Alpine Event Descriptions

ALPINE EVENTS

No Events

PREMIERE EVENTS

Fall Academy

This 2-day event (with an option of 1 day only) is open to the entire membership as an opportunity to get an early season tune-up. Come prepared to have fun, hone your skiing skills, and receive updates on divisional and national materials. This year we are combining Fall Rally with the Mini Academy to offer a greater range of skiing and learning opportunities from National Team members and our Tech Team. This clinic is great way to get season started with a bang!

Resort Trainer Series #1-4

The Resort Trainers Series are individual clinics and do not require that you attend the entire series. The events provide educational resources for resort trainers or those interested in becoming a resort trainer. Open to all interested level 2 or 3 Alpine certified instructors. The clinic provides the opportunity to review the most current standards and educational materials, receive feedback, and hear important training information to take back to your resort, share ideas on leading exceptional clinics and get feedback on your personal skiing. Topics covered: Level I In-House Training programs, demos and tasks for Level II and III Modules, and developing a solid technical understanding of movement patterns. This series is highly recommended if you are trying out for the Alpine Technical Team.

So Cal Winter Session

This is a super fun 2-day event (with an option of 1 day only) is open to the entire membership as an opportunity to get a mid-season tune-up and motivator. This is a great time to ski with new people, learn new things and refresh some rusty points.

PSIA-W Women’s Summit, Squaw, Feb 10-12

Top women clinicians from the Western Division and beyond will provide insight, knowledge, inspiration and a whole lot of fun for participants of all ability levels! The program will include am/pm clinics to customize each day with different terrain and packing options. Clinic selection will include a wide variety of on-hill and optional indoor presentations. Check the online event description for a detailed agenda and lodging info. If you have questions or special requests please contact Heidi Ettlinger (heidiettlinger@yahoo.com)

Personal Development Events

Build your Technical Foundation

This indoor clinic will build your knowledge of biomechanics, turn mechanics, and performance skiing utilizing fun multi-media presentations. It will include a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects of contemporary skiing. Come prepared for an entertaining day and learn how you can apply these technical foundations to your skiing, teaching and movement analysis. Each participant will receive a workbook and custom dvd.

Foot and Lower Leg Biomechanics

Clinicians: Bud Heishman

This indoor clinic is staffed by industry pros who will present fundamental information for understanding foot and lower leg biomechanics. The following areas will be covered:

Movements and function of the foot, ankle, and lower leg specific to skiing.
Assessment of the attendee’s feet and lower legs for boot fit considerations.
How to understand the ultimate goal of footbed and boot modifications.
How to understand boot fitting and alignment issues to improve your and your students skiing potential.

Understanding Boot Alignment

Clinician: Bud Heishman

Improve your understanding of the effects of predetermined angles equipment places on a skier’s stance. You will be different fore/aft and lateral set-ups on five pairs of identically prepared skis as well as having the opportunity to observe how these changes affect a skier’s movement and stance. You will learn to differentiate between technique and equipment caused skiing movements, improving your effectiveness as a ski instructor!

Teaching in Spanish

This clinic is designed translate common skiing language into Spanish. Come prepared to either develop your current Spanish abilities or start with the basics. Learn how to better communicate with your Spanish speaking students and have more fun!

Level 1/Level 2 Ski/ Teach Training

A complete overview of the skills and knowledge required for both the level I and Level II exams. The day will include skiing, demos, tasks, on-hill teaching, and technical understanding. This is a great event if you have successfully petitioned to do your level I and level II exam this season.

Level 1/Level 2 Prep Training

All Conditions All Terrain

If you like to explore varying terrain, snow conditions and speeds, sign up here! Develop the tactics and technique to be an all-terrain, any-condition skier. This clinic will also improve your skills to be a more effective instructor and enable your clients to become A.T.A.C. skiers as well!

All Mountain Adventure

Are you ready to charge? This clinic will focus on skill development and tactics for exceptional steep and mogul skiing. Coaching will highlight specific feedback on personal performance and may be used as training for certification. This clinic is designed to help you break through terrain barriers.

Intro to Bumps & Off-Piste

This clinic will focus on the fundamental movements and tactics for easy bumps and off-piste terrain. You will practice basic skill development and receive on-hill and video feedback. We will also cover ways to make bumps more fun and less intimidating for guests by exploring skill building tasks and progressions.

How to Create Dynamics & Performance

Turn it up a notch with a review of both technique and tactics for skiing with performance while anchoring your strengths. This clinic will help you refine dynamic skill application on all terrain while sharing what separates the good from the great!

Skiing FUNdamentals

Tour the mountain while covering the basic FUNdamental movements that connect dynamic skiing on groomed to off-piste terrain and steeps. This clinic will kick start your season with ample skiing as well as video analysis of your day sampling different terrain.

Level III and Beyond

The primary focus of the clinic will be on high level skiing performance and the ability to see, understand, and describe the skiing movements of other participants. Clinic/teaching skills will be integrated into the event activities. This is the first step for instructors who are interested in becoming trainers, clinicians, or examiners.

MA & Turn Mechanics for Level 2

This clinic that will focus on developing the movement analysis skills and understanding turn mechanics for Level 2 Certification. Participants will use Level 2 demos and tasks to practice MA on each other as well as on-hill analysis of intermediate skiers.

MA & Turn Mechanics for Level 3

This clinic that will focus on developing the movement analysis skills and understanding turn mechanics for Level 3 Certification. Participants will use Level 3 demos and tasks to practice MA on each other as well as on-hill analysis of advanced skiers.

Skiing Detectives-Level II Movement Analysis

What do you see when you watch somebody ski down the hill? What is the most efficient progression to get them to the next level? This clinic is specific to improving movement analysis, understanding cause and effect and then developing a progression from those observations. This is a great clinic to take as preparation for the Level II teach module.

Skiing Detectives-Level III Movement Analysis

Fill Your Tool Box

This is a teaching focused clinic. Your clinician will give you new “tools” to use, and teach you when, where, why and how to use them. You will get to try out new ideas as you explore the mountain. This is a great clinic to take if you are thinking of taking a teach module, or if you are feeling like you need to expand your teaching horizons.

Teaching Ideas for Intermediate Students

This clinic is focused on teaching ideas for level 6 and 7 students. It will develop ideas of what movement patterns need to be developed and where to develop them, while exploring fun and exciting ways to get them there. This clinic is great for anybody taking their level II teach module or if you are looking for new teaching ideas.

Teaching Ideas for Advanced Students

This clinic is focused on teaching ideas for level 8 and 9 students. It will develop ideas of what movement patterns need to be developed and where to develop them, while exploring fun and exciting ways to get them there. This clinic is great for anybody taking their level III teach module or if you are looking for new teaching ideas.

“Just Move”, Secrets of Dynamic Skiing

This clinic focuses on the accurate and precise mechanics that are required to create the desired turn-shape for the type of snow, pitch and terrain. You will also explore the finishing phase of the turn and how that will allow you to maximize your ability to rip into the new turn and throughout it. A great clinic for anybody wanting to make their skiing more dynamic!

How to Create Dynamics & Performance: March 6 Tue Snow Summit

Intro to Bumps and Off-Piste

This clinic will develop both techniques and tactics needed for skiing bumps and variable conditions. You will ski a variety of terrain to best learn how and when to use these movements. This is a perfect clinic for anybody who is nervous about getting into off-piste terrain and has limited experience exploring that terrain.

Level 1 and 2 in a Season

This clinic is specifically designed to help those who have petitioned to take their level 1 and 2 in a season. This clinic will assess where you are and what you need to do to pass your level 2 exam. Skiing, demos, tasks, movement analysis and teaching scenarios will all be covered.

Level II Ski and Demo Prep

This clinic is for anybody who is thinking of doing their Level II ski certification, or anybody who has their II and would like a refresher. If you just want a little extra training, a better understanding of the process and standard, or are not sure if you are ready yet this is a great event to attend. Demos, tasks, and free skiing standards will all be covered along with personal feedback.

Level II Teach Prep

This clinic is for anybody who is thinking of doing their Level II teaching certification, or anybody who has their II and would like a refresher. If you just want a little extra training, a better understanding of the process and standard, or are not sure if you are ready yet this is a great event to attend. On-hill teaching presentations, teaching methodology and movement analysis will be covered along with personal feedback.

How to Create Dynamics & Performance:

Level III Ski and Demo Prep

This clinic is for anybody who is thinking of doing their Level III ski certification, or anybody who has their III and wants a refresher. If you just want a little extra training, a better understanding of the process and standard, or are not sure if you are ready yet this is a great event to attend. Demos, tasks, and free skiing standards will all be covered along with personal feedback.

Level III Teach Prep

This clinic is for anybody who is thinking of doing their Level III teaching certification, or anybody who has their III and would like a refresher. If you just want a little extra training, a better understanding of the process and standard, or are not sure if you are ready yet this is a great event to attend. On-hill teaching presentations, teaching methodology and movement analysis will be covered along with personal feedback.

LEVEL I CERTIFICATION EVENTS

LEVEL I 6 DAY NEW INSTRUCTOR MODULE:

The 6-day program is for people who are not actively teaching at a snowsport school, but are interested in becoming a Certified instructor. The program covers information on skiing, teaching, movement analysis, and technical knowledge to meet our National Level 1 Certification Standards. Successful candidates receive a certificate of completion and then have 2 years to complete 20 hours of teaching to become a Certified Level 1 Instructor.
Course outline Alpine 6-Day module 2011
Prerequisites: See Level 1 (3-day) Certification Module

AASI Snowboard Manual or the PSIA Alpine Technical Manual

Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors
AASI Snowboard Certification Handbook (available through PSIA-w only)
PSIA Alpine Handbook (teaching exercises for adults)
Children’s Instruction Handbook: Alpine Skiing (teaching exercises for kids)

LEVEL I MODULE:

This 3-day program is for members who are actively instructing at a Snowsports School. The event covers teaching and skiing demonstrations, movement analysis, and technical knowledge to meet our National Standards for Level I Certification. Successful candidates that pass the Module and have completed 20 hrs of teaching at their snowsports school, become a Certified Level I Instructor.

Prerequisites: Must be at least 16 years old and a Registered Member of PSIA/AASI – W. Participants must be capable of linking parallel turns on blue intermediate terrain. Participants must read the Alpine Level 1 Study & Certification Guide and complete the Alpine Level 1 Workbook and deliver to the clinician on the first day of the Module. Participants should also review the National Alpine Level I Study Guide.

Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase education materials for their discipline. The PSIA Alpine Technical Manual 2^nd Edition and the Core Concepts for Snowsport Instructors are highly recommended. There are also several handbooks that contain teaching progressions for new instructors available on the National website www.thesnowpros.org in the Accessories Catalog.

LEVEL I IN-HOUSE CERTIFICATION:

Training scheduled by resort trainer
Validation clinic scheduled by resort trainer

The In-House Training Program allows members who are actively instructing at a resort the opportunity to train for their Level I Certification with an In-House Resort Trainer. After all study sessions and on-hill trainings have finished, candidates will be validated by a PSIA-W Examiner to assure they meet the National Level I Certification Standards. Candidates that meet these standards and are validated pass their Level I Certification. Training and Validation dates are scheduled by the Resort Trainer.

How to get started:

Check that your Snowsports School offers this option for Level I Certification.
Locate your Resort Trainer and let them know you are interested in joining the In-House Level I Certification program.
Become a Registered Member of PSIA-W (see online application).
Download the Alpine Level 1 Study & Certification Guide, Alpine Level 1 In-House Portfolio , and the National Alpine Level I Study Guide
Attend all the study sessions/on-hill trainings that your Resort Trainer schedules.
Once you have completed your portfolio and training, your trainer will schedule a validation clinic with a PSIA-W Examiner.
You will need to complete an Event Application to pay for the In-House Level I Certification Validation Clinic (this application must be received in the office 2 weeks prior to the validation date).
The charge for the $ 90 In-House Validation should be paid two weeks in advance and coordinated directly through your trainer.
Upon successful completion of the Validation Clinic, candidates will be awarded their Level I Certification.
Prerequisites: Must be at least 16 years old, and a Registered Member of PSIA – W. Participants must be capable of linking parallel turns on blue intermediate terrain.
Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase education materials for their discipline. The PSIA Alpine Technical Manual 2nd Edition and the Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors are both available for purchase from the National website at www.thesnowpros.org in the Accessories Catalog. Also available from the Accessories Catalog are handbooks with teaching progressions for all levels and children specific manuals.

LEVEL II CERTIFICATION EVENTS

Candidates must pass the Ski Module before taking the Teaching Module

LEVEL II SKI MODULE:

Please read the Western Division Alpine Level 2 Certification & Study Guide 2011 for detailed information.

The 2-day Level II Certification Module includes a skiing assessment, feedback, and coaching from the clinician to meet the Level II National Standards. Level II certified instructors have the skills to make short, medium, and long radius turns on blue and groomed black terrain with minimal skidding. Skill application and accuracy may vary with terrain and snow conditions. Demonstrations should illustrate accurate movement patterns. Scoring for this event is pass or fail. Essential elements of all skiing maneuvers must appear regularly at a satisfactory level to pass.

Prerequisites: Must be a certified level I instructor, current with membership dues and education credits, and actively working at a Snowsports School. Participants must read the Alpine Level 2 Certification & Study Guide, and the National Alpine Level 2 Study Guide.

Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase education materials for their discipline. The PSIA Alpine Technical Manual 2^nd Edition and the Core Concepts for Snowsport Instructors are highly recommended. There are also several handbooks that contain teaching progressions and children specific manuals available on the National website www.thesnowpros.org in the Accessories Catalog.

LEVEL II TEACHING MODULE:

Please read the Western Division Alpine Level 2 Certification & Study Guide 2011 for detailed information.

The 3-day Level II Teaching Module includes a teaching assessment, feedback, and coaching from clinician to meet the Level II National Standards. Candidates will be evaluated on their use of the Teaching model, ability to communicate, actual demonstrations by the candidate, use of methodology “tools”, tasks, drills, exercises, and overall instructor presence. Candidates will be asked to teach adults and children ATS levels 1-7. Scoring for this event is pass or fail. Essential elements of all teaching demonstrations must appear regularly at a satisfactory level to pass.

Prerequisites: Candidates must have passed the Level II Skiing Module and completed the Alpine Level 2 Workbook and deliver to the clinician on the first day of the Teaching Module.

LEVEL III CERTIFICATION EVENTS

Candidates must pass the Ski Module before taking the Teaching Module

LEVEL III SKI MODULE:

Please read the Western Division Alpine Level 3 Certification & Study Guide 2011 for detailed information.

This 2-day event includes a skiing assessment, feedback, and coaching from the clinician to meet the Level III National Standards. Level III certified instructors have the skills to make short, medium, and long radius turns with the appropriate blending of the skills. Demonstrations should illustrate accurate movement patterns. Certified level III instructors can ski any slope, with any snow condition commonly skied by the public and can do so skillfully and dynamically. Candidates must demonstrate strong leg action, a quiet and stable upper body and powerful use of the ski as it has been designed. Scoring for this event is pass or fail. Essential elements of all skiing maneuvers must appear regularly at a satisfactory level to pass.

Prerequisites Must be a certified level II instructor, current with membership dues and education credits, and actively working at a snowsport school. Participants must read the Western Division Alpine Level 3 Certification & Study Guide 2011and the National Alpine Level 3 Study Guide.

Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase education materials for their discipline. The PSIA Alpine Technical Manual 2^nd Edition and the Core Concepts for Snowsport Instructors are highly recommended. There are also several handbooks that contain teaching progressions and children specific manuals available on the National website www.thesnowpros.org in the Accessories Catalog.

LEVEL III TEACHING MODULE:

Please read the Western Division Alpine Level 3 Certification & Study Guide 2011 for detailed information.

This 3-day event includes a teaching assessment, feedback, and coaching from clinician to meet the Level III National Standards. Candidates will be evaluated on their use of the Teaching model, ability to communicate, actual demonstrations by the candidate, use of methodology “tools”, tasks, drills, exercises, and overall instructor presence. Candidates will be asked to teach adults and children ATS levels 1-9. Scoring for this event is pass or fail. Essential elements of all teaching demonstrations must appear regularly at a satisfactory level to pass.

Prerequisites: Candidates must have passed the Level III Skiing Module and completed the Alpine Level 3 Workbook 2011 and deliver to the clinician on the first day of the Teaching Module.

FREESTYLE ACCREDITATION EVENTS

Freestyle Specialist Level 1 – Intro to Freestyle Course

This course will enable instructors of all ages and ability levels to learn the core foundations of freestyle teaching. Instructors will learn how to understand and manage terrain parks and pipes on their own and with their students. By breaking down the components of features and maneuvers to their most basic elements, we can guarantee that every participant will walk away having made huge steps toward confidence in skiing and teaching in & around the park & pipe. This course will give you the ability to safely progress like never before by taking an outside park to inside part approach to progression building. Participants will have an amazingly fun experience no matter their skill level. Helmets are mandatory and twin tip skis are strongly encouraged for this course. Please go to the Western Division Website to download the required workbook and current standards, which includes details of the required readings for this Freestyle Specialist Course.

Prerequisites:

Must have at least a PSIA Level 1 Certification
An understanding of teaching and coaching concepts, a willingness and ability to perform the required freestyle maneuvers
Completion of Level 1 Freestyle Specialist Workbook.

Freestyle Specialist Level 2 – Basic through Intermediate Freestyle – (Past Western Freeride Level 1)

This course if for any Alpine ski instructor that wants to teach guest basic through intermediate guests in parks and pipes and has already developed some freestyle skills in those arenas. The Level 2 Specialist consists of two days of training & evaluation. Each day requires on hill activities that are educational as well as interactive. Candidates will need to show their application and analysis of the use of safe and effective freestyle progressions. As well as recognize movement patterns as they applying proper teaching concepts. The candidate will also need to demonstrate required maneuvers, included but not limited to, 360 aerial spins and grabs on jumps and in the pipe as well as a range of sliding maneuvers. A solid understanding and application of skills must be shown in order to successfully complete the course. Helmets are mandatory and twin tip skis are required for this course. Please go to the Western Division Website to download the required workbook and current standards, which includes details of the required readings for this Freestyle Specialist Course.