Ski Instructor Course

Lesson 1 • Mountain Safety and Responsibility Codes

Covers skier responsibility codes, trail signage, and lift safety protocols. Instructors must model and enforce these standards in every lesson.

Lesson 2 • Understanding Snow and Mountain Terrain

Covers snow crystal types, groomed vs. ungroomed surfaces, and slope gradient classification. Establishes terrain-reading skills essential for safe lesson planning.

Lesson 3 • Ski Equipment Selection and Setup

Introduces ski types, boot fitting, binding adjustment, and pole sizing. Proper equipment setup directly affects student safety and performance.

Lesson 1 • Gliding, Stopping, and Speed Control

Covers straight gliding, wedge formation, and hockey-stop mechanics. These foundational movements underpin all beginner-level instruction.

Lesson 2 • Movement Analysis and Self-Assessment

Teaches video-based movement analysis and self-correction strategies. Instructors who analyze their own skiing can better diagnose student errors.

Lesson 3 • Intermediate Carving and Parallel Skiing

Develops parallel ski alignment, angulation, and dynamic carving technique. Builds the personal skiing standard required for instructor certification.

Lesson 4 • Linked Turns and Edge Mechanics

Introduces edge angles, rotary movements, and pressure transfer for linked turns. Students connect turns rhythmically across varied pitch.

Lesson 1 • Motivation, Engagement, and Goal Setting

Covers intrinsic motivation, goal-setting theory, and managing student frustration. Engaged students progress faster and return for additional lessons.

Lesson 2 • How Learners Acquire Motor Skills

Covers Fitts and Posner's stages of motor learning and implicit vs. explicit instruction. Understanding acquisition stages guides task sequencing in lessons.

Lesson 3 • Lesson Planning and Structure

Introduces the PSIA-aligned lesson cycle: assess, plan, teach, and review. Structured lessons ensure progressive skill development within a single session.

Lesson 1 • Managing Group Beginner Lessons

Addresses group positioning, terrain selection, and managing mixed-ability beginners. Effective group management ensures safety and equal learning time.

Lesson 2 • Wedge and Speed Control Progressions

Sequences wedge formation drills from static to dynamic movement on gentle slopes. Controlled speed management is the gateway to independent skiing.

Lesson 3 • First-Time Skier Orientation

Covers equipment familiarization, walking on skis, and falling safely. A positive first experience determines long-term student retention.

Lesson 1 • Mogul and Variable Terrain Instruction

Covers absorption technique, line selection, and rhythm in mogul fields. Instructors must ski and teach variable terrain confidently.

Lesson 2 • Diagnosing Intermediate Technical Errors

Teaches systematic error identification in parallel turns, including rotation, back-seat skiing, and edge release. Accurate diagnosis precedes effective correction.

Lesson 3 • Off-Piste and Powder Skiing Instruction

Introduces powder stance, wider ski use, and terrain awareness for off-piste lessons. Expanding student terrain range increases lesson value and safety.

Lesson 4 • Private Lesson Coaching Strategies

Covers one-on-one goal alignment, rapid assessment, and high-frequency feedback delivery. Private lessons demand faster adaptation than group formats.

Lesson 1 • Child Development and Ski Readiness

Covers cognitive and motor development stages from ages 3 to 12 and their implications for ski instruction. Age-appropriate tasks prevent frustration and injury.

Lesson 2 • Teaching Techniques for Young Skiers

Introduces pizza-wedge progressions, magic carpet use, and game-based learning for children. Playful instruction accelerates skill acquisition in young learners.

Lesson 3 • Instructing Senior and Returning Skiers

Addresses balance decline, reduced flexibility, and fear management in older or returning skiers. Modified progressions rebuild confidence and physical capability.

Lesson 1 • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Covers dynamic hazard scanning, terrain closure awareness, and weather-related risk factors. Instructors must assess risk before and during every lesson.

Lesson 2 • First Aid and Emergency Response on Snow

Covers hypothermia, frostbite, fracture management, and ski patrol communication. Rapid, correct first response minimizes injury severity.

Lesson 3 • Avalanche Awareness for Instructors

Introduces avalanche terrain recognition, danger scale interpretation, and basic companion rescue. Instructors operating in backcountry-adjacent zones must hold this knowledge.

Lesson 1 • On-Snow Skiing Performance Review

Provides video-reviewed skiing runs against certification benchmarks with targeted correction. Personal skiing must meet or exceed the standard being taught.

Lesson 2 • Certification Exam Structure and Standards

Outlines skiing performance benchmarks, teaching evaluation criteria, and written exam components. Understanding exam structure reduces test anxiety and improves preparation focus.

Lesson 3 • Professional Ethics and Ski School Standards

Covers instructor code of conduct, guest relations, and ski school operational expectations. Professional behavior is evaluated alongside technical competency.