Search Adaptive Manual
This digitised manual is a guideline and source of reference for the NZSIA Adaptive certification system, and the teaching of adaptive snowsports in general.

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.

Level One Certification

Level Two Certification

Progression Icons

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

What, Who, How – An overview of the task, who it’s for and how to teach it.

Terrain, Equipment & Safety – Methods and tips for managing your students.

This version of the manual was edited by Scott Palmer.

Written Contributions:
Thanks to Scott Palmer, Jane Stevens, Ross James, Christina Bruno Thanks also to Sam Colby, Kim Cosman, and Ben Adams for their input

Photographic contributions from:
Snow Sports New Zealand
Cardrona – Treble cone
Special Olympics New Zealand

About NZSIA Adaptive

NZSIA Adaptive Division has a renowned qualification for instructors wishing to work in this rewarding sector of the industry. The qualifications are designed to adapt teaching, techniques and equipment for people with a wide range of physical, intellectual or sensory disabilities to learn to ski or snowboard.

NZSIA Adaptive offers New Zealand based adaptive qualifications at Level One, for those that hold a Level One Ski/Snowboard Level One Certification, and at Level Two, for those that hold a Ski/Snowboard Level Two Certification and have adaptive experience.

The courses cover the recommended teaching progressions up to the appropriate level for: mono-ski, bi-ski, 4-track, 3-track, snowboard, visual impairments and intellectual impairments; lifting, loading and handling, etiquette, attitude and disability awareness.

Adaptive Certification Pathway