Central Division Library
Course Description for SAEE Senior Alpine Skiing/Riding Evaluation
- Program objective – The Senior Alpine Skiing/Riding Evaluation provides an opportunity for Senior Alpine candidates to demonstrate contemporary skiing/riding fundamentals by performing a variety of turn sizes while skiing/riding on groomed slopes, steep slopes, moguled slopes, and ungroomed terrain. Equipment carry will also be expected to be stable on senior terrain. The main objective is to determine whether Senior Alpine toboggan candidates are qualified at the senior level.
- Program structure – This program is open to Senior Alpine candidates enrolled in the Senior Alpine Program, with a recommendation for evaluation from their patrol representatives and/or their Senior Alpine Program coordinators. (pending skill sign-offs are completed based on Division specific criteria)Venue – This is an on-snow activity. There should be minimal off-the-snow time to complete registration and liability waivers, discuss clinic logistics, wrap up, and complete course evaluation forms. Class size – The minimum and maximum number of participants is determined by the region transportation advisor or region ski school advisor and Senior Alpine Program coordinator, considering instructor availability, location, and equipment resources.Instructor/student ratio – Depends on the format. Clinic format evaluations may require more instructors/evaluators per student. If the evaluation is solely an evaluation of skills via demonstration by the candidate, the minimum number of
- evaluators/instructors is determined by the region’s protocol (a minimum of three evaluators are recommended).
- Audit frequency – Audit 100% of evaluations
- Course content – These evaluations focus on the development of skiing and riding skills in varied terrain and snow conditions. Components include short-, medium-, and long-radius turns, skiing and riding in unpacked or icy conditions, and equipment carry. Demonstration, feedback, and drills are used to evaluate skills that blend stance, balance, edging, rotation, and pressure to ski or ride with stability. The successful Senior Alpine candidate will demonstrate confidence, control, and stability while skiing/riding. Maintaining balance with. Effective use of edges (e.g. tipping of the skis is simultaneous versus sequential at turn initiation) Use of rotary movements to steer skis or snowboard at the initiation point of the turn Use of effective pressure control throughout the turn Awareness for safe speed and consistency as appropriate for people, terrain and conditions Linked turns of varied size and rounded shape Minimal (controlled) skidding in turns with no traversing Ability to adapt to terrain changes, snow conditions, and moguls Resources required – Cooperation of ski area management and the patrol representative at the hosting area are necessary to provide access to a ski area with terrain suitable for training Senior Alpine candidates.
- Instructors – Recommended that the region/division OET supervisor or Senior Program Coordinator be the Instructor of Record (IOR). Assistants may be experienced PSIA Level II instructors and experienced toboggan instructors who maintain Senior Alpine or Certified classification.
- Helpers – These may include patrollers and candidates to assist as necessary.
- Equipment – Skis/board, PPE (optional Helmets)
- Educational materials – None required
- Instructor credentials – Evaluations are to be registered by an NSP toboggan Instructor. Other evaluators could be NSP members who are certified PSIA Level 3s & 2’s, Patrollers who are T/E’s, or qualified NSP toboggan instructors capable of demonstrating the skills at a Senior Alpine level on more and most difficult terrain.
- Course prerequisites – Participants need to have candidate status in the Senior Alpine Program and have a recommendation from a patrol representative., and or Division skill sign-offs completed
- Evaluation format – Ski-along
- Grade scale/structure – The grading scale varies. Some regions use a 1-10 scale, some use a “+”, “=”, “-“scale.
- Reporting requirements –
- Class registration – Online registration using course selection “SAEE”
- Course completion report – The IOR will send the course completion report to the National Office within two weeks of the course completion date per the NSP’s Policies and Procedures. Delivery options include emailed copies, fax copies or hard copies. The IOR is responsible for maintaining a hard copy of the course completion record in accordance with division policy for division-specific document retainer and distribution requirements.
- Course feedback form – All participants complete the course feedback form and submit it at the end of the course.
- Risk management considerations – Standard risks apply to skiing/riding training exercises. Risk mitigation may include using less populated slopes and avoiding populated slopes during peak operating hours. Use of slopes needs to be consistent with candidate skill levels (i.e., demonstrating on easier terrain and progressing to more difficult terrain). At any time, candidates can choose not to participate in an activity they feel is too dangerous.
- Conflict resolution – Complaints can be taken to the IOR, the region senior coordinator, the region transportation supervisor, or the division transportation supervisor.