NORDIC

 

NORDIC LEVEL 1 COURSE

The nordic level one qualification is the entry point to the Australian instructor training pathway.

No teaching experience is required, just good people skills, patience and a friendly personality.

You must be 15 years of age at the commencement of the course and you will need to be competent in your chosen discipline (intermediate, diagonal stride with weight shift) - but not a star.

If you are unsure of your ability to attend the course or want extra training before the course consider attending the Nordic Level One Prep Day.

The Nordic Level One Course covers everything you need to know to get started instructing. The two-day course and assessment covers topics such as:

  • Teaching beginners
  • Class handling and safety
  • Technical information and theory of instruction
  • Personal skier improvement
  • Demonstrations

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The level one course and exam is a package and the price includes:

  • 2-day course and exam
  • Course materials and a teaching manual
  • One-year membership to the APSI (valid until 31 December)
  • A certificate and pin (on successful completion of the assessment tasks)
  • Access to our teaching app.

The package price does not include meals, equipment or accommodation.

You will need to make these arrangements before attending our course, but you can check out our recommendations on our accommodation page.

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE COURSE?

When you attend a course with us you can expect to receive world class training, delivered with pride, passion and understanding.

The level one course will cover all units that are assessed – so you don’t need to have any prior knowledge.

You will be given numerous attempts at each task creating a relaxed training atmosphere, allowing every opportunity for you to show that you possess the correct skills and understanding to attain the level one qualification.

Below is an example outline so you know what to expect each day. However, this may change depending on snow and weather conditions at the time of your course.

You do need to be prepared for full days (7+ hours) and that you will be outside on the snow for six hours each day.

  • 8:30 am : Meet
  • 9:00 am : Training (outside)
  • 12:00 pm : Lunch
  • 12:45 pm : Training (outside)
  • 3:45 pm : Discussion (inside)
  • 4:30 pm : Finish & Presentation on Day 2

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Please bring:

  • Your boots, skis and poles (classic only). These should be well maintained and tuned.
  • Warm waterproof clothing, including a beanie or helmet* and gloves – be prepared!
  • Sunglasses or goggles and sunscreen.
  • A packed lunch or money to buy lunch – you need to be able to carry this with you as the group may stop on the mountain for your lunch break.
  • A notebook and pencil.

 

FITNESS & SKIING ABILITY

Our nordic courses require you to participate in several days of intensive skiing and learning.

It is therefore, important that you are physically fit and in good condition to be able to take full advantage of the training and education provided and to perform at your best for the duration of the course. Safety is our number one concern. The minimum recommended nordic skiing ability to attend this course is intermediate (i.e. able to diagonal stride with weight shift). However, you don’t have to do anything you feel is beyond your capabilities. If you're a less experienced nordic skier or you would like some more training you can attend a Nordic Level 1 Prep Day before the course to receive extra training and an on snow recommendation on if your skills are sufficient for the Level 1 Course. Please speak to us if you are concerned about your ability or fitness.

 

NORDIC LEVEL 1&2 COMBINED COURSE

The APSI level one and two combined course is a special course designed for:

  • APSI Instructors qualified in other disciplines, who already have had significant APSI teaching experience and wish to add Nordic instruction to their skill set.
  • Athletes and other recreational skiers who are competent skiers in classic and skating techniques and wish to become Nordic instructors.

Participants wishing to attend the combined level 1 and 2 course must have their skiing skills to a standard expected of entry into a level 2 course. Where there is doubt, the Nordic Technical Director (TD) may request that candidates undergo a skills assessment either in person or by presenting a video demonstrating their Nordic skiing techniques prior to registering for the course.

The combined level 1/2 course curriculum essentially is the level 1 curriculum in full, plus day two and day three of the level two curriculum combined into a four-day continuous course. At the end of the combined level 1/2 course, candidates achieve the level 1 qualification by completing the assessment on the afternoon of the second day.

During the level 1 assessment, participants need to meet expectations in the basic skills of instruction including: stationery and safety skills, basic diagonal stride, running down gentle terrain and slowing, turning and stopping using snowplough. Candidates who complete the combined Level 1/2 course are required to sit a separate Examination Day to gain their level 2 qualification. The examination can be completed up to two years after successful completion of the course.

It is important to understand and acknowledge that successfully passing all components of the L1 assessment is subject to your performance and is not guaranteed. Should a participant be unsuccessful in one or more of the components, they may retake the component/s at a later time subject to “resit” fees.