Adaptive Alpine

Adaptive Alpine Certification

Below is listed the certification process for each level. For more information, you may consult the PSIA Adaptive Alpine National Standards.

Level 1 Certification Process

Beginning in the 23-24 season, the Level 1 certification process has been modified to align with the new, National Standards and Exam Processes.  Please read carefully and take note of any changes.   

  1. Become a Registered Member of PSIA-AASI
  2. Pass PSIA Alpine Level 1 or Foreign Equivalent
  3. Pass Online Adaptive Alpine Professional Knowledge Exam VI/COG (https://lms.thesnowpros.org/product/adaptive-alpine-cognitive-and-visual-impairment-level-i-professional-knowledge-exam/)  You must pass this online exam BEFORE registering for the on snow exam.
  4. Register for the Adaptive Alpine Level 1 VI/COG Assessment.  This will be the only adaptive module offered this season in the Intermountain region.
  1. PREPARE with these OPTIONAL Suggestions:
    1. PSIA E Learning Courses  
    2. 30 hours experience teaching or volunteering on adaptive lessons
    3. Review the Certification Standards, Performance Guides, and Assessment Forms at: https://www.thesnowpros.org/certification/national-certification-standards/

https://www.thesnowpros.org/download/PSIAAASI_Adaptive_Standards_10.22_v1.pdf

  1. Attend One Day Assessment

 

Each Level 1 Assessment will have 3 Segments:

  1. TEACH – You will be asked to teach at least one lesson based off a student scenario. The scenario will provide the student’s diagnosis, skier level, goals, and other pertinent information.  You will be given 15-30 minutes to complete your lesson and will be asked follow up questions after.  Your student will be another candidate who is skiing to the scenario’s ATS level, but will not be role playing the student’s diagnosis.  
  2. SKILLS – You will be asked to perform a variety of skills related to teaching each discipline for which you register.  These skills are outlined in the Performance Guide (https://www.thesnowpros.org/download/FINAL_Cognitive-and-Visual_Level-1.pdf) for each discipline.
  3. MOVEMENT ANALYSIS – You will watch a video of a student interview and skiing performance.  You will then complete a form answering several questions about the student’s performance and prescription for change.

 

Level 2 Certification Process

  1. Obtain the Adaptive Alpine Level 1 Certification and be a current PSIA member and current instructor at a snowsports program (within the last two years).
  2.  Must be certified at Alpine Level I (or equivalent).
  3. Attend the two-day, on-snow exam.
    Day 1: You will be graded on your functional skiing skill based on tasks and skills related to Adaptive teaching. You will also be graded on tethering Bi skis on blue groomed terrain, and Sit Ski fitting and setup.
    Day 2: You will be graded on your teaching, covering Mono, Three, and Four Track skiing. You will also take a timed written exam covering all six disciplines. There will also be chairlift interviews to assess your general knowledge in equipment, disabilities and teaching techniques.
  4. The outcome of the exam will be discussed with the attendees on the last day of the exam process.

An overview and typical daily schedule of the Level 2 exam is available in this document.

Level 3 Certification Process

  1. Obtain the Adaptive Alpine Level 2 Certification and be a current PSIA member and current Instructor at a snowsports program (within the last two years).
  2. Attend the three day, on-snow exam.
    Day 1: You will be graded on your functional skiing skills on all terrain and all conditions. You will also be asked to demonstrate your ability to ski basic skills independently in mono or bi ski at a beginner level. Independent loading is not required.
    Day 2/3: You will be graded on your teaching; all disciplines at all levels will be covered. You will also take a closed book, timed, written exam covering all six disciplines a teaching exam day. There will also be chairlift interviews to assess your general knowledge in equipment, disabilities and teaching techniques.
  3. Outcomes of the exams will be discussed with the attendees on the last day of the exam process.

Upcoming Events


Adaptive Alpine Level 1 VI/COG Exam
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Thursday, April 4, 2024

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