The
Australian
Nordic Ski Instructor
Manual

Instructor 3 Course outline

to act as an ambassador of Nordic skiing, and ski instruction.
to provide Nordic ski instruction at all levels of skill.
to instruct and ski at an internationally-accepted professional level of competence.
to test for the Ski Australia SkiXC bronze, silver and gold award levels.
to impart her/his extensive knowledge to other instructors, especially through APSI Nordic courses.

attained an Instructor 2 qualification (or a recognised overseas equivalent) with a recommendation from the Course Director to attend, and a minimum of two seasons of ski instructing since such a qualification, and have instructed within a wide variety of ski schools, community groups, commercial operators, clubs, and educational institutions for a minimum of fifty days (preferably over at least five seasons). A log-book recording such details is to be presented to the Course Director at least two weeks prior to the off-snow component of the course.
to have participated in at least five state, national, or international races.
a résumé of the candidate's ski history/experience is to be posted to the Course Director at least two weeks prior to the off-snow component of the course.
applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the start of the on-snow course for which they apply.

a closed-book pre-exam (mostly short answers) is given, covering the following topics: waxing, equipment, skiing history, snow and avalanches, skills/techniques, weather, clothing, day-pack contents, instruction/ lessons, racing/competition, navigation, emergency survival, overnight touring, and publications.
discussions of the Instructor 3 course follow (including skill level required), with a review of the exam papers and results. A further exam is to be taken home after the off-snow course, to be completed and in the Course Director's hands two weeks prior to the on-snow component.
a major presentation is designated to each candidate, to be prepared for the on-snow component (topic chosen is generally of candidate's weaker area).

a practical review of all techniques and teaching styles, with individual coaching and improvement sessions to balance strengths and weaknesses.
an extensive array of skiing skills will be taught (and tested) in addition to a review of Instructor 3 skills. It is accepted that some skill areas may well be weaker than others, however the end-result to be attained at the completion of the course is an all-round ability, showing no specific weaknesses in any area, nor showing too great a strength in others.
major presentation by each candidate (they will also give impromptu lecturettes on ski-related topics).
further lectures if and when required (to cover gaps in knowledge).

continuous feedback on teaching and skiing skills will be given during the course.
testing will be performed by a minimum of two APSI Nordic Examiners of Instructor 3 level.
theory assessment will consist of a pass/fail for total presentation (including each candidate's lecture/presentation, and personal presentation/attitude).
the total mark is apportioned (roughly) as follows: teaching skills - one third, skiing skills - one third, presentation and exam - one third.
epending upon the final results, candidates will either be granted an overall pass, or be required to re-sit some or all of the course components.
a common marking scale rated one to five will be used (with comments as appropriate).
although specific techniques will be tested (drawn at random), each candidate will have to show competence in the broadest sense - ie. an ability to perform all possible skills in an expert manner.
teaching assessment will be with a class of four to six volunteers.
teaching skills will be assessed in a 40- to 90-minute period, including one flat, and one slope technique.

assessment of the skiing skills component will be at an Assessment Day following the Instructor 3 course. Candidates have the option of being assessed up to two seasons later if they desire.
assessment of the instruction skills component will be at an Assessment Day following the Instructor 3 course. Candidates have the option of being assessed up to two seasons later if they desire.

If a course member is unsuccessful in any component of the course s/he may apply to re-submit for testing at a location and date approved by the Course Director.
the re-test must be completed within two seasons following the season in which the course is attempted.

the APSI Nordic Committee requires instructors to notify the committee that they have completed the requirements of the course so that it can be ratified and a certificate and badge awarded.

applications will be accepted in order of receipt of payment of full course fees.
applicants in excess of 12 will be advised of alternative course or placed on a waiting list for the current course, in case of cancellations.