SKIER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Name: Snowschool: Program: AM PM
SKIER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The CSIA Skier Development Program provides guidelines for the development of all skiers, with a special focus on young skiers. These reference points will help instructors and skiers understand how skiing skills develop within a safe and fun environment, providing clear and achievable objectives to motivate skiers of all ages. The Skier Development Program provides six development levels for skiers under 6 years old (Mini-Vikings). For skiers of 6 years and up there are three main development levels - Exploration, Adventure and Performance. In turn each of these categories has 3 levels of ability bronze, silver and gold. It is important for instructors, parents, and skiers of all ages to understand that skiing skills develop gradually. New skills may be apparent on easy terrain but not always present in more challenging situations. For example a skier that is parallel most of the time on green terrain may still use snowplow type turns in difficult terrain or conditions. This is why the evaluation of skiers using this progression specifies terrain for each development stage. However, the development of these skills can take many forms and a good instructor will provide a variety of learning environments.
EXPLORATION 1 - BRONZE linked snowplow turns Easy terrain balance over both feet stopping in a snowplow control by turning, both sides confidence on flat terrain 3
EXPLORATION 2 SILVER parallel skis some of the time Easiest terrain some balance on outside ski some mobility of stance varied turn shapes gliding on flat terrain 4
EXPLORATION 3 - GOLD parallel skis most of the time Easy terrain lateral mobility, foot to foot some mobility in all joints turns both skis together gliding on flat terrain, control when steeper 5
ADVENTURE 1 BRONZE parallel skis some of the time Intermediate terrain some separation of upper/lower body some mobility of stance pole plant on the correct side round turn shape 6
ADVENTURE 2 SILVER linked parallel turns Intermediate terrain consistent balance on outside ski increases edge grip through angulation a well-timed pole plant speed control on steeper and varied terrain 7
ADVENTURE 3 GOLD performance parallel turns Intermediate terrain steering effort with the lower body a centered stance in most situations speed control using short turns generate speed with clean edging (carving outside ski) 8
PERFORMANCE 1 BRONZE steering versatility Intermediate terrain consistent carving on intermediate terrain separation maintained as edging increases use of ski reaction for rebound and turn linking speed control on steep terrain 9
PERFORMANCE 2 SILVER linked parallel turns Advanced terrain mobility and strength in challenging terrain coordinated movements at advanced speed consistent steering in short turns use of ski reaction to generate speed 10
PERFORMANCE 3 GOLD dynamic skiing All terrain stance and mechanics adjusted to situations consistent snow contact varied speed and turn shape as desired anticipation and control of ski reaction 11
CANADIAN SKI INSTUCTORS' ALLIANCE 12 Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance 220-4900 Jean-Talon West Montréal (Quebec) H4P 1W9 Tel.: 514 748-2648 800 811-6428 Fax: 514 748-2476 800-811-6427 national@snowpro.com www.snowpro.com