Snowboard Instructor Course

Lesson 1 • First Movements on Snow

Guides learners through flat-ground gliding, one-foot skating, and controlled stopping. These movements form the motor foundation for beginner lesson delivery.

Lesson 2 • Snowboard Equipment Overview

Covers board types, bindings, boots, and protective gear selection. Establishes the equipment knowledge base required for all subsequent riding instruction.

Lesson 3 • Mountain Environment and Safety

Introduces slope ratings, trail signage, and avalanche awareness basics. Ensures learners can assess terrain risk before teaching on any slope.

Lesson 1 • Edge Control and Pressure

Teaches angulation, edge angle, and pressure distribution across the board. Edge control is the mechanical basis for every turn type covered in this chapter.

Lesson 2 • Skidded Turns on Groomed Runs

Introduces J-turns, garlands, and fully linked skidded turns. Skidded turns are the first complete turn shape learners will teach to beginners.

Lesson 3 • Carved Turns Introduction

Builds on edge control to produce clean carved arcs with minimal skid. Carving skills differentiate intermediate instructors and are required for advanced learner progression.

Lesson 1 • Demonstration and Explanation Techniques

Covers whole-part-whole demonstration, verbal cuing, and positioning for visibility. Effective demonstration accelerates learner skill acquisition and reduces confusion.

Lesson 2 • Adult and Child Learning Principles

Contrasts adult self-directed learning with children's play-based learning. Facilitators apply appropriate motivational strategies for each age group in lesson planning.

Lesson 3 • Lesson Planning and Structure

Teaches the introduction-body-conclusion lesson format and time allocation. A structured plan ensures consistent quality and safety across all lesson types.

Lesson 4 • Group Management on the Mountain

Addresses group spacing, safe stopping zones, and managing mixed-ability groups. Proper group management prevents accidents and keeps all learners engaged.

Lesson 1 • Teaching Skidded Turns to Beginners

Breaks down the garland-to-linked-turn progression into teachable steps. Facilitators practise delivering each step with accurate demonstrations and cues.

Lesson 2 • Managing Fear and Falling

Equips facilitators to address learner anxiety, falling technique, and confidence rebuilding. Emotional safety is as critical as physical safety in beginner lessons.

Lesson 3 • Adapting Lessons in Real Time

Teaches facilitators to modify activities based on learner progress, weather, and fatigue. Real-time adaptation is the mark of an experienced, learner-centred facilitator.

Lesson 1 • Progressing to Carved Turns

Guides facilitators through drills that transition learners from skidded to carved arcs. Carving progression requires precise sequencing to avoid reinforcing bad habits.

Lesson 2 • Introducing Variable Terrain

Prepares facilitators to teach on moguls, steeper pitches, and groomed blue runs. Variable terrain exposure accelerates intermediate learner development.

Lesson 3 • Refining Learner Movement Patterns

Focuses on correcting upper-body rotation, counter-rotation, and weight distribution errors. Movement pattern refinement is the core task of intermediate-level instruction.

Lesson 1 • Off-Piste and Powder Riding

Introduces powder technique, tree riding, and backcountry awareness for resort instructors. Off-piste skills expand the terrain range instructors can safely access with learners.

Lesson 2 • Coaching Advanced Learners

Applies video analysis, goal-setting, and learner performance feedback to advanced lesson delivery. Advanced coaching requires a shift from instruction to facilitated self-discovery.

Lesson 3 • High-Performance Carving

Covers dynamic angulation, cross-under and cross-through movements, and race-inspired carving. These skills enable instructors to model expert technique for advanced learners.

Lesson 1 • Park Lesson Safety Protocols

Establishes drop-in rules, spotting positions, and emergency procedures for park lessons. Safety protocols are non-negotiable before any park lesson is delivered.

Lesson 2 • Freestyle Fundamentals

Covers ollie, nollie, and basic jump mechanics as the foundation of all freestyle riding. Instructors must demonstrate these skills before teaching park terrain.

Lesson 3 • Jib and Rail Instruction

Covers approach, lock-on, and dismount technique for boxes and rails. Jib instruction demands careful terrain selection and clear safety briefings.

Lesson 4 • Teaching Jumps and Spins

Breaks down 180 and 360 spin progressions and teaches instructors to spot and cue them. Spin instruction requires precise verbal cuing to prevent injury.

Lesson 1 • Certification Exam Preparation

Reviews riding and teaching evaluation criteria used in professional certification assessments. Understanding examiner expectations is essential for exam success.

Lesson 2 • Professional Conduct and Ethics

Covers instructor codes of conduct, learner confidentiality, and conflict resolution. Professional behaviour protects learners, employers, and the instructor's career.

Lesson 3 • Liability and Risk Management

Introduces duty of care, incident documentation, and professional liability concepts. Instructors must understand their legal and ethical responsibilities on the mountain.