Ski Interactive Manual | NZSIA Online Learning Platform

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This digitised manual is a guideline and source of reference for the NZSIA Ski certification system, and the teaching of skiing in general. It is by no means the only way to teach skiing and offers a select number of examples.

The concepts and progressions within this manual are tried and tested, and have been developed over many years. They have been used by thousands of instructors both within New Zealand and around the world.

Indicators and icons are used throughout this manual to identify the type of content or the point at which a concept is first introduced…

Certification Indicators

The indicators below are used to identify the first point within the education pathway that a particular concept is introduced. These concepts are then carried through to the following levels of certification and often explored in more detail.

Note that all content from Level One upwards is considered relevant for the Trainer’s Certification. Further concepts that are not included within this manual are also explored at that stage of development.

Level One Certification

Level Two Certification

Level Three Certification

Children’s Teaching Certification

Terrain Park Certification

Coaching Certification

Progression Icons

The progression icons below can be used as a quick searching tool to get ideas or find specific content quickly.

What, Why, How – An example verbal description for how to present a task.

Technical Know-how – To create a more detailed understanding for instructors.

Teaching Tactics – Methods and tips for managing your students.

Corrective Teaching – Common inefficiencies and some simple corrective steps.

Self Reflection – Questions to ask yourself as the instructor.

This version of the NZSIA Ski manual was written by:
Gavin McAullife
Sarah Walls
Jon Gass
Josh Duncan-Smith
Yolinde Magill
Colin Tanner

Further written contributions from:
Campbell Mason
Jay Pattinson
Dave Taylor
Harry McFadden
Garett Shore
Jonathan Ballou
Stephanie Brown
Rachel Milner

Photographic contributions from:
NZski – Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt
Real NZ – Cardrona / Treble Cone
Jason Kerr
Grant Nakamura
Vince Boelema
Josh Duncan-Smith
Garett Shore
Colin Tanner

Digital layout by 360 New Zealand.

Video editing by 360 New Zealand and Josh Duncan-Smith.

Infographic design by Sam Liggins and 360 New Zealand.

Editing and proofreading by Alex Kerr.

Thanks to:
SBINZ
Cath Taylor, Dalmau Consulting

This is a log to record the sections of the Ski E-Manual that have been updated each year.

2023 – New Ski E-Manual

The majority of content from the previous 2017 printed manual was refreshed and updated, with some major new concepts in Section A including:
Activity-Analyse-Adapt Teaching Cycle in Structuring Lessons
Skill Acquisition
Seek-Give-Seek

SECTION A | The Art of Teaching

Getting Stoked on Skiing

How People Learn

Structuring Lessons & Sessions

Using, Adapting & Creating Progressions

Effective Communication

Managing Stress

SECTION B | Skiing; A Sport of Movement

The Movements

Skilful Skiing

Skiing & External Forces

The Biomechanics of Skiing

Turn Descriptions, Intentions & Phases

SECTION C | Pathway; First Time to Expert

First Time to Advanced Wedge Turns

Wedge to Advanced Parallel Turns

Dynamic Skiing & Short Turns

Situational Skiing

SECTION D | Teaching Children

Great Children's Lessons

Understanding Children

Real World Teaching Children

SECTION E | Freeski

Freeski in NZ

Switch & Flatland

Park & Pipe

Freeride

SECTION F | Equipment & Appendix

Ski Equipment

Appendix

Certification Indicators

Progression Icons

2023 – New Ski E-Manual