Contact:
303-987-9390
EMAIL: info@psia-c.org
Office Hours:
M-F: 9am- 5pm EST
1-day education updates (6 CEUs, typically) that can be combined with other Alpine Education Clinics during regular 2-day events for a 2-day update (12 CEUs total).
The Experienced Instructor Group is designed for more senior instructors who wish to ski at a slower pace. Challenging terrain and conditions will be approached more cautiously and explored with deference to age and ability. Topics for discussion will be decided by group consensus at the outset of the event.
What: At the conclusion of this course, participants will have been introduced to contemporary concepts and dialogues in ski instruction.
Why: Experienced instructors often have well-entrenched tools and bring a wealth of tacit knowledge to discussions. This course is designed to remind and inform even the most senior of instructors.
How: Exploration, discussion, debate.
This offering is a great opportunity for experienced instructors to work collaboratively with each other, exploring the skiing fundamentals in applied situations. During this course, the group will learn to make situational changes to edging, rotary, balance and pressure movements. Participants will leave with a further understanding of the skiing fundamentals in respect to tactics and terrain, body movements and ski performance.
What: In this course, participants will explore dynamic skiing. They will factor for outside forces and variations in terrain, applying appropriate skill blends and maintaining the 5 fundamentals in order to ensure optimal ski and body performance.
Why: High-level skiing is both fun and exciting- the creation and execution of which is both an art and a science, with a foundation in technique and understanding.
How: Situational skiing- clinic leaders will seek out opportunities to change-up the skill blend to challenge participant’s abilities and concepts.
This module is for all instructors, at all levels, wishing to explore skiing movements and how to use those observations to build lesson plans. We strongly suggest taking this module prior to any on hill exam module.
Why: Being able to observe movements in skiing, understand their cause and effect, and build effective learning outcomes, is critical to skiing development and continuing to foster and excitement for ski learning and growth.
What: This module will work to develop a simple movement analysis tool to help participants learn how to look at turns, what they should be looking for at different phases of the turn, and how to effectively communicate what they see. Participants will work in small groups to practice observing each other’s skiing, give and receive
feedback, and utilize that feedback to build progressions based on the Five Fundamentals of Skiing.
How: This course will blend indoor video segments with on hill work including observing fellow participants movements, exploring their own movements, and developing real life, real time, progressions to foster performance growth. The participants will experience a variety of turn shapes and skiing tasks to best develop their skill sets and accurately create change with skiers.
What: This course is for coaches at the High School and ski school race team level (fundamentals of course setting, drills and movement analysis in a race course); for instructors who wish to work on their skiing skills in a race course (skills and tactics for lowering those FIS points, or improving those Masters or Nastar results); and for instructors looking to develop and refine their skills in working with children (movement analysis skills, working the ATS model, and more). The Staff leading this course will take the time to establish goals and meet the needs of each participant, regardless of which option they are interested in.
Why: Whether you are wanting to learn about coaching or are an experienced race coach at the High School/ Ski school race program level, these clinics provide a great opportunity to work with a PSIA education staff members and other coaches to work on the fundamentals of ski race coaching.
How: Course setting appropriate for the clients; drills, video and movement analysis. A typical weekend will consist of one day of Slalom and one day of Giant Slalom. Coaches should bring shin guards, pole guards and a helmet/goggles to run gates. Course difficulty will depend on the ability of the skiers in the group. (Clinic may or may not include setting and running gates, dependent upon resort policy and available terrain.)
Participants will isolate and explore the skiing fundamentals. This offering will help you to understand skills, movements, biomechanics, and how they apply to skiers through the Intermediate Zone. Some exercises may include: skiing a variety of turn shapes, carving on groomed terrain, and short dynamic turns on steeper terrain. Participants will discover ways to lead, manage and inspire students to become better skiers. Group leaders will demonstrate varied approaches for the establishment of an optimal learning environment, and achieving student goals.
What: At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to reference elements of the 5 fundamentals relative to the skills concept, as applied to skiers in the intermediate zone.
Why: The Alpine Skills Concept has long served as a reference tool for movements in skiing. The 5 Fundamentals serve as a rubric for application of skills. Instructors who understand the interaction of both concepts has the framework for successful outcomes.
How: Discussions regarding the fundamentals and skills will be interspersed throughout the two days. All “Skier Update” courses are activity based, employing the P.D.A.S. (play-drill-adventure-summary) model.
This event is open to current Level 1 or Level 2 with aspirations for higher certification. Current Level 3 are welcome too especially if they are working as a trainer in their home area or if they are looking for a way to keep up with their skills.
(When numbers permit groups can be split between current levels of cert or into more advanced/ less advanced abilities.)
What: Participants will have an opportunity to learn about, practice and perform tasks (benchmarks) in a controlled environment under the guidance of current examiners. The course is designed as a type of exam prep but not the only method for doing so. In this event, the focus will be on tasks, the necessary movements to perform tasks and the understanding of how those movements apply to everyday skiing.
Why: Although not scored directly, task skiing is a part of all Central exams. Understanding how to perform them, how the movements of a given task fit into contemporary skiing, where tasks should be practiced and performed and how to develop skills in one’s personal skiing will lend itself to better performances in exams and more effective skiing in general
How: Starting with basic movements for each benchmark and increasing in difficulty in a "task-chain" format, participants will develop an understanding of the mechanics required to accurately ski each task and understand how/why such activities are building blocks for efficient skiing
The “Teaching Great Teaching” event will offer the latest information and techniques regarding teaching, coming out of PSIA National. Whether you are preparing for an exam or want to deepen your teaching skill to become a more current, higher quality instructor, this clinic will help any Central level I, II, or III certified instructors.
Who: Any Central certified level I, II, or III instructors looking to strengthen their knowledge and techniques in teaching. This event can be a great clinic for on-hill teaching exam preparation.
What: The “Teaching Great Teaching” clinic is a two-day event that starts with movement analysis (based on the MODDS model) and moves into building an appropriate and exciting lesson plan based on the Five Fundamentals, the Teaching Model, the Learning Connection, and producing effective progressions.
Why: We can all become better teachers, whether it is in the “real” environment of our everyday lessons, or in the pressure cooker of the exam environment. This clinic will provide the most up to date tools to improve your teaching.
What: An amazing event put on by PSIA National Team Members.
Why: Many participants consider the Mini Academy the best event in PSIA-C. A great bang for your buck, if you are looking to improve your ski technique.
How: Alpine Team Members are the best of the best in PSIA. They go through rigorous training to get to be a PSIA Team Member. Because of their training, the feedback you will get is spot on.
Dust off those Rollerblades, ‘cause we’re giving them a comeback. In our Skate-to-Ski Clinic, we’re going to revisit the powerful lessons 8 wheels have to offer. You’ll sense the relationship between “grip” and “rotary force”, explore the whole range of “counter” vs. “rotation”, and leave with a clear understanding of how “Rotational Separation” can improve your skiing. You’ll have fun, and will remember why Rollerblades were such a hit in the 80’s!
What: Spring Rally – Skiing or Boarding with other PSIA-AASI Central members conducted by Central Ed Staff.
Why: To end a really great season with fellow Central members.
How: Just sign-up and come.
What: The Two-Day Video Analysis Workshop is a course designed to help the participants learn to do movement analysis thru the use of video.
Why: Using standard video capture AND specialized slow motion video capture, participants will be able to SEE what they FEEL to develop a clear understanding of how their movements produce specific outcomes in the snow. You will be able to compare your own performance with others in the group to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental movements.
How: During indoor breaks, you will analyze video of your and others’ skiing to establish accurate cause and effect relationships in skier movements. Participants will receive a private link to their video files on the PSIA-C video website or a flash drive, following the conclusion of the event, and a personalized plan for improvement.
What: Two days of ski improvement lead with other female instructors. This group is led by current or past female members of the PSIA Alpine Team.
Why: A chance to train in a unique all-female clinic environment with group leaders considered to be among the best in the nation.
How: Sign up, join a diverse group of other women, and collaborate to have a great two days of training together.
What: Interactive e-learning event for Central Level I, II or III certified members who are interested in further development of their movement analysis skills.
How: This event consists of 3 two-hour sessions in an e-learning format utilizing video segments of skiers at various levels of development, MODDS movement analysis model, voice interaction and prescription for change. Participants will observe and learn from the Ed Staff facilitator in session one, contribute to movement analysis through Ed Staff guidance in session two and develop movement analysis followed by prescription for change and lesson/coaching development in session three.
Why: Deep dive into movement analysis for greater depth of understanding.
What: Combines the movement MATRIX — using Tip, Twist and Bend analysis and MODDS — with the concepts and practices presented in the PSIA-AASI Teaching Snowsports Manual.
How: The course is presented over 3 two – hour sessions in an e-learning format utilizing student profiles and video segments of skiers at various levels of development, MODDS movement analysis model, voice and video interaction and prescription for change. Participants will observe and learn from the Ed Staff facilitator in session one. Contribute to discovering student motivation, suggestion for lesson path, and to ensure student motivation is met through a playful experience with Ed Staff guidance in session two and develop complete student-centered lesson plans in session three to meet the student’s motivation.
Why: At the completion of this course, the participants should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how capable instructors personalize their content and delivery to match the student profile. Factors that may change to meet the students profile include but are not limited to: lesson pace, drills/exercises, and terrain.
What: The Level 1 assessment is designed as the first step in the certification process. The multi-day assessment gives instructors an opportunity to have their skiing, teaching, and technical skills evaluated against PSIA National Standards for Level 1 certification.
Why: The Level I assessment gives the candidate an opportunity to learn collaboratively with the PSIA C education staff as well as other candidates. The Level I assessment is the beginning step in the exam process for instructors who wish to expand their teaching careers. The candidate has the opportunity to enhance their teaching, skiing, and technical skills.
How:
Level 1 Virtual Module:
***You must register for and attend the Level 1 Virtual Module before you can complete the on-snow portion of the assessment. Use the Central Event Calendar to find and register for a Level 1 Virtual event. You are encouraged to do this early in the season, so that you know what to study and practice before taking the exam. Give yourself time to prepare!
e-Learning Course:
All Written Exams & E-learning Courses, along with the separate Level 1 Virtual Module, must be taken online prior to attending the on-snow portion of the assessment. To take your online e-learning course and written exam please click here.
On-Snow Assessment:
**All Written Exams & E-learning Courses, along with the Level 1 Virtual Module, must be taken online prior to attending the on-snow portion of the assessment. To take your online e-learning course and written exam please click here.
Be sure to check other prerequisites in the Certification Pathways Guide below and review Certification Training Resources.
What: The Level 2 TECH/MA module is one of the four steps in the Level 2 certification process (Written Test, Tech/M.A., Teach Module, Ski Module).
The Tech/MA section requires that candidates observe a skier on video, Evaluate their skiing relative to the Five Fundamentals and Skills Concept, and discuss a Prescription (not a lesson plan) for that skier–this is the PSIA OEP model. Candidates will have 15 minutes to describe their assigned skier’s performance. Your teaching will be evaluated according to the National Standard for Level 2, showing your assess the suitability and efficiency of the skiers movements.
Why: The Level 2 Tech/MA assessment gives the candidate an opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to recognize and describe the visual cues of efficient and inefficient skiing with the PSIA Central education staff as well as other candidates. The Level 2 Tech/MA module is the next step after Level 1 in the assessment process for instructors who wish to expand their teaching careers.
How: The Tech/MA Module consists of a single evening online meeting with a pair of examiners.
You should be prepared to discuss any of the Level 2 Video Candidates — assigned at the assessment by the examiner. The candidates ability to observe the student, evaluate and describe their application of the Five Fundamentals of Alpine Skiing and Skill Blend,and prescribe suitable corrections to their movements will be assessed relative to the PSIA National Standards for Level 2.
What: The Level 2 Teach assessment exam is one of the four steps in the Level 2 certification process (Written Knowledge Exam, Tech/M.A., Teach Module, Ski Module).
Candidates are expected to present a lesson plan, applying the PSIA Teaching Fundamentals. Your teaching will be evaluated according to the National Standard for Level 2, showing your ability to introduce, refine, and/or adapt skiing movements. The typical teaching presentation time range is between 20-30 minutes.
Criteria for evaluation includes the suitability of the exercises, likelihood to effect change, task explanation and application, accuracy of demonstrations, participant feedback, and a post-teach review. The candidate will receive a written evaluation at the end of the complete event.
Why: The Level 2 Teach module is the next step after Level 2 in the certification assessment process for instructors who wish to expand their teaching careers. The candidate has the opportunity to enhance their teaching, skiing and technical skills at a higher level.
How: The Teach Module consists of a single day assessment.
It is the responsibility of the candidate to upload a video to a suitable platform and provide a link to that video. This format allows you to choose your student- an actual student, or a peer of equal or lesser certification.
In 20 minutes, you will assess the student’s needs, and address those needs.
When you register for your Level II Teach Online, you will be provided a time to meet and present your video and lesson.
A few requirements for this video:
Watch this video for more explanation: https://youtu.be/uH1OzJ3bDMs
What: The Level 2 Ski assessment module is designed as the skiing performance segment of the Level 2 certification process (alongside the Written Knowledge Exam, Tech/M.A., and Teaching Portions)
The 1-day on-snow event gives instructors an opportunity to demonstrate their grasp of the 5-fundamentals and utilization of skill blending relative to the PSIA National Standards for Level 2 Certified Instructors. Candidates will perform tasks intended to highlight individual fundamentals, along with those that test the ability to adjust ski and body performance to suit a variety of situations. Candidates will perform demonstration tasks representing various skills within the Intermediate Zone.
Why: The Level 2 Ski assessment gives the candidate an opportunity to see, show, and share movements with the PSIA Central education staff. The Level 2 assessment is the next step after Level 1 in the process for instructors who wish to expand their teaching careers into the intermediate zone. The candidate has the opportunity to enhance their teaching, skiing and technical skills at a higher level.
How: The Ski module consists of a single day (on-snow) with a pair of examiners and a group of participants. These tasks are representative of the I.D.P., or Instructor Development Pathway. The candidates Skiing, Demonstration, and Decision Making is evaluated relative to PSIA National Standards for Level 2. The skiing portion will be an evaluation of contemporary skiing ability and the application of skiing skills throughout different movement pools.
Note that the conditions of the day may dictate an adjustment or variation from how you have trained or how a Benchmark has been described in our Education documents. If you are not clear or unsure on what is expected, ask for clarification so that everyone has a consistent perspective on performance expectations.
***The candidate will receive a written evaluation at the end of the complete event/second day ski module. Scoring and feedback requires thought and time from the examiners. Please be patient and understand they are working as efficiently as possible.
What: The Tech/MA section requires that candidates OBSERVE a skier on video, EVALUATE their skiing relative to the Five Fundamentals and Skills Concept, and discuss a PRESCRIPTION (not a lesson plan) for that skier- this is the PSIA OEP model. Candidates will have 15 minutes to describe their assigned skiers perfomance. Your teaching will be evaluated according to the National Standard for Level 3, showing your assess the suitability and efficiency of the skiers movements.
Why: The Level 3 Tech/MA module gives the candidate an opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to recognize and describe the visual cues of efficient and inefficient skiing, tactics and technique with the PSIA Central education staff. The Level 3 Tech/MA module is the next step after Level 2 in the assessment process for instructors who wish to expand their teaching careers.
How: The Tech/MA Module consists of a single evening online meeting with a pair of examiners and a group of participants.
You should be prepared to discuss any of the Level 3 Video Candidates — assigned at the assessment by the examiner. The candidates ability to observe the student, evaluate and describe their application of the Five Fundamentals of Alpine Skiing and Skill Blend, Tactics and Equipment choice, and prescribe suitable corrections to their movements will be assessed relative to the PSIA National Standards for Level 3.
Be sure to check other prerequisites in the Certification Pathways Guide below and review Certification Training Resources.
What: The Level 3 assessment exam is designed as the first of two on-snow steps in the Level 3 certification process. The 1-day module gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their teaching, technical, and demonstration abilities relative to the PSIA National Standards for Level 3 Certification.
Presentations will be built upon one of the tasks, assigned at random, from Central’s blended, highlighted and applied tasks. Candidates will evaluate their peers, develop and present a clinic plan suitable for that group.
Criteria for evaluation include:
The candidate will receive a written evaluation at the end of the complete event.
Why: The Level 3 Teach gives the candidate an opportunity to observe, demonstrate, and share movements with the PSIA Central education staff as well as other candidates.The National Standards and Performance Guides determine the criteria for the candidate and the “Teach Module” will allow a consistent and thorough evaluation of each candidate against the standards.
How: The Teach module consists of a single day with a pair of examiners and a group of participants. (Assessments are scheduled with Teach Day preceding Ski Day at events.) The typical teaching presentation time range is between 20-30 minutes, as determined by the group leader. Candidates’ will be evaluated on their ability to teach according to and explain teaching decisions relative to the National Standards for Level 3. Teaching Effectiveness and Movement Analysis will be assessed.
***If you are only taking the teaching module, then you will receive your assessment feedback at the completion of this module. All other candidates will receive feedback after the end of the second day ski module. Scoring and feedback requires thought and time from the examiners. Please be patient and understand they are working as efficiently as possible.
What: The Level 3 Ski assessment module is designed as the second of two on-snow steps in the Level 3 certification process. The 1-day event gives instructors an opportunity to demonstrate their grasp of the 5-fundamentals and utilization of skill blending (Rotary, Edging, Pressure) relative to the PSIA National Standards for Level 3 Certified Instructors. Candidates will perform tasks in the blended, applied, and highlighted realms intended to highlight individual fundamentals, along with those that test the ability to adjust ski and body performance to suit a variety of situations(Versatility, Adaptability, Integration of Fundamentals). Candidates will perform demonstration tasks representing various situational skiing requirements within the Advanced Zone.
Why: The Level 3 Ski Module gives the candidate an opportunity to see, show, and share movements with the PSIA Central Education Staff as well as other candidates. The Level 3 Ski is the next step after Level 2 in the exam process for instructors who wish to expand their teaching careers. The candidate has the opportunity to enhance their teaching, skiing and technical skills at a higher level.
How: The Ski exam consists of a single day with a pair of examiners and a group of participants. (Assessments are scheduled with Teach Day preceding Ski Day during events.) The candidates Skiing, Demonstration, and Decision Making is evaluated relative to PSIA National Standards for Level 3. The skiing portion will be an evaluation of contemporary skiing ability and the application of skiing skills throughout different movement pools. Please review the Standards, Performance Guides, and Assessment Forms for the best overview of what you will be assessed on.
The candidate will receive a written evaluation at the end of the complete event/second day ski module. Scoring and feedback requires thought and time from the examiners. Please be patient and understand they are working as efficiently as possible.
**Note: Maintain active certification status by paying annual dues and obtaining a minimum of 6 CEU’s every membership year (July 1 – June 30.) Any CEU hours greater than 6 obtained in a membership year will be applied towards the CEU requirement for the following membership year only.
Requirements:
***Note: Check out each calendared event description AND the message from Executive Director Ron Shepard on exam processes in 2020-2021 for more detailed information: https://psia-c.org/newsletter/central-alpine-exam-and-clinic-processes-2020-2021title/
The Pathway to Education Staff Portal describes the various ways a Central Level 3 Instructor can work his or her way towards becoming a member of the Central Division Education Staff as a Staff Member or as an Examiner.
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