LEVEL ONE INFO
APSI level one courses cover everything you need to know to get started instructing with a strong focus on demonstrations and teaching beginners. You must be at least 15 years of age at the commencement of the course and be proficient in English with the ability to communicate detailed safety and technical information to a group. Please see discipline specific eligibility criteria below.
Passing all components of the exam 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.
SELECT YOUR DISCIPLINE:
ALPINE
ALPINE LEVEL 1 COURSE
The APSI Alpine Level 1 qualification is the entry point into the APSI Alpine pathway and is designed for skiers at the beginning of their journey as an instructor.
On successful completion, candidates are qualified to teach beginner lessons, with a focus on teaching children, up to basic linked turns.
No prior teaching experience is required. Candidates must be a minimum of 15 years of age at the commencement of the course and have an intermediate level of skiing ability, being comfortable on blue terrain.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The course is delivered over three days, followed by a one-day assessment.
Training focuses on introducing the fundamental skills required to teach beginner skiers.
Key areas include:
The price does not include lift tickets, meals, equipment, or accommodation. These must be arranged prior to attending the course.
REGISTRATIONS FOR ALL EVENTS CLOSE 7 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT STARTS. If places are still available within 7 days of commencement, you may be able to book by contacting the APSI office. A late booking fee of 10% of the event fee will apply.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE COURSE?
Courses are delivered by APSI Trainers and provide a supportive and structured learning environment.
The course covers all content required for the assessment, so no prior knowledge is needed. Candidates will receive ongoing feedback and multiple opportunities to practice and demonstrate their skills throughout the course.
The assessment is integrated into the course environment and designed to give candidates every opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and ability. You should be prepared for full days (7+ hours), with approximately six hours spent on snow each day.
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.
COURSE DAY (days 1 to 3)
EXAM DAY (day 4)
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
FITNESS & SKIING ABILITY
Our ski certifications are intensive courses of 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 skiing ability to attend this course is intermediate (i.e. you can make parallel turns on blue runs). However, you don’t have to do anything you feel is beyond your capabilities. Please speak to us if you are concerned about your ability or fitness.
HOW TO BOOK
Dates will be release soon, please book via the Calendar of Events.
Please ensure you read and understand APSI's terms & conditions, including the cancellation policy, prior to registering for an event.
SNOWBOARD
SNOWBOARD LEVEL 1 COURSE
The APSI Snowboard Level 1 qualification is designed for those entering the snowsports industry as an instructor.
On successful completion, candidates are qualified to teach beginner lessons, with a focus on teaching children, up to basic linked turns.
No prior teaching experience is required. This course is suited to individuals with good communication skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
Candidates must be a minimum of 15 years of age at the commencement of the course and have an intermediate level of Snowboarding ability (comfortable on blue terrain).
COURSE OVERVIEW
The course is delivered over three days, followed by a one-day assessment.
Training focuses on introducing the fundamental skills required to teach beginner riders in a safe, structured, and engaging way.
Key areas include:
The price does not include lift tickets, meals, equipment, or accommodation. These must be arranged prior to attending the course.
REGISTRATIONS FOR ALL EVENTS CLOSE 7 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT STARTS. If places are still available within 7 days of commencement, you may be able to book by contacting the APSI office. A late booking fee of 10% of the event fee will apply.
Please ensure you read and understand APSI's terms & conditions, including the cancellation policy, prior to registering for an event.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE COURSE?
Courses are delivered by APSI Trainers and provide a supportive and structured learning environment.
The course covers all content required for the assessment, so no prior knowledge is needed. Candidates will receive ongoing feedback and multiple opportunities to practice and demonstrate their skills throughout the course.
The assessment is integrated into the course environment and designed to give candidates every opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and ability. You should be prepared for full days (7+ hours), with approximately six hours spent on snow each day.
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.
COURSE DAY (days 1 to 3)
EXAM DAY (day 4)
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
FITNESS & RIDING ABILITY
Our snowboard certifications are intensive courses of riding and learning.
It is 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 snowboarding ability to attend this course is intermediate (i.e. you are comfortable on blue runs). However, you don’t have to do anything you feel is beyond your capabilities. Please speak to us if you are concerned about your ability or fitness.
2026 SNOWBOARD LEVEL 1 COURSES
See below for dates, but please book via the Calendar of Events
| Location | Date |
| Corin Forest | 09/06 - 11/06 |
| Mt. Buller | 22/06 - 25/06 |
| Falls Creek | 22/06 - 25/06 |
| Mt. Hotham | 22/06 - 25/06 |
| Perisher | 29/06 - 02/07 |
| Thredbo | 29/06 - 02/07 |
| Falls Creek | 10/08 - 13/08 |
| Ben Lomond | 24/08 - 27/08 |
| Mt. Buller | 14/09 - 17/09 |
| Perisher | 14/09 - 17/09 |
| Mt. Hotham | 14/09 - 17/09 |
| Perisher | 21/09 - 24/09 |
| Thredbo | 21/09 - 24/09 |
| Falls Creek | 28/09 - 01/10 |
TELEMARK
TELEMARK LEVEL 1 COURSE
The telemark 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) - but not a star.
The telemark level one course covers everything you need to know to get started instructing. The two-day course and assessment covers topics such as:
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The level one course and exam is a package and the price includes:
The package price does not include lift tickets, 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.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Please bring:
*We recommend that all candidates wear a helmet when participating in courses or exams
FITNESS & SKIING ABILITY
Our telemark certifications are intensive courses of 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 skiing ability to attend this course is intermediate (i.e. you can link telemark turns on blue runs). However, you don’t have to do anything you feel is beyond your capabilities. Please speak to us if you are concerned about your ability or fitness.
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:
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The level one course and exam is a package and the price includes:
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.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Please bring:
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:
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.
ADAPTIVE
ADAPTIVE LEVEL 1 COURSE
The Adaptive level one qualification is aimed at experienced instructors looking to expand their teaching repertoire to meet the demands of the ever-growing numbers of students with disabilities participating in snowsports. The course is designed to complement, build on and create adaptations of skills and knowledge from the APSI primary discipline of Alpine skiing, Telemark skiing, Snowboarding or Nordic to bridge the gap between mainstream instruction and Adaptive instruction and become a more versatile instructor.
The one day In house course and one-day APSI assessment covers topics such as:
Prerequisites
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The level one course is an In House training product and offered within each Australian Snowsport School. The APSI exam makes up the scond day of the course and the price includes:
The package price does not include lift tickets, meals, equipment or accommodation. You will need to make these arrangements prior to attending the course.
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 on the exam day.
During the exam, 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 Adaptive level one certificate.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Please bring:
*A helmet is mandatory when participating in any Adaptive courses or exams.
FITNESS & SKIING ABILITY
Our ski certifications are intensive courses of 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 skiing ability to attend this course is intermediate (i.e. you can make parallel turns on blue runs). However, you don’t have to do anything you feel is beyond your capabilities. Please speak to us if you are concerned about your ability or fitness.