Ski course APUL D1 Introduction to teaching children to ski

D1 course is designed for those interested in the work of a ski instructor with no previous education in the field.

It is an entry 5-day course to APUL education.

It is an alternative to the Skiing course D specialized in teaching children.

It may be attended by a skier older than 17 years, who is able to ski red piste in parallel turns (maintaining parallel ski guidance).

The successful candidate of the APUL Skiing course D1 becomes "APUL skiing D1" licensee and is competent to teach beginners and moderately advanced children.

Mastering methods of teaching skiing children of all ages to ski, training demonstration rides (demonstrations of the taught elements of skiing technique), introduction to motion analysis, and acquisition of other skills that are important for teaching children and adults.

An integral part of the course are games and practical activities that require the active participation of all participants.

It is also a possibility of insight into the concept and philosophy of APUL educational system and familiarization with the role of a winter sports instructor in the ski industry. The course D1 is also a prerequisite for entering further education APUL. 

D1 course consists of practical training of skiing techniques and teaching, as well as continuous quality testing of acquired knowledge and skills. Practical workshops both on and off the slope will emphasize the following key points of the course D1:

• Customer Service APUL.
• The functioning of the ski school and the role of winter sports instructor in the ski industry.
• Fundamentals of educational and technical concept of APUL.
• APUL Methodical procedure of teaching skiing (beginners and intermediate).
• Skiing technique training with emphasis on so-called "Basic turn".
• Understanding basic educational and safety principles of teaching skiing.
• Basic introduction to the terminology in teaching skiing.

Applicant must be at least 17 years old on the opening day of the course.

Applicant must be able to ski on red piste in parallel turns (maintaining parallel ski guidance).

Previous experience in teaching skiing is not required.

Applicant must be interested in working with children.

License APUL "D1" entitles its holder to perform skiing techniques and teach skiing beginners and moderately advanced ski school clients, especially children.

Successful graduate of the course APUL Skiing D1 is competent to:

• teaching beginners and intermediate skiers, specializing in teaching children.
• Performing techniques of skiing to the level of "basic turn"
• Teaching children in the ski kindergarten and ski slopes
• ensure the safety of the clients during the lesson on ski slopes
• enter the follow-up course APUL Skiing "C".

1. Theory

Written preparation for the lesson - the candidate fills in the prepared form -  eg .: a group of children aged 5-6, intermediate (characteristic of the age, terrain, equipment, exercises, parkour, games, animation program ...).

The test is evaluated in points and the result is included in the overall evaluation.

2. The practical exam (exam on teaching technique)

Ongoing practical exam is a simulated group lesson in which the candidate must demonstrate correct knowledge and skills of teaching procedures.

The examiner evaluates each demonstration based on the following criteria:

1. Skiing skills - mastering of demonstrated skiing techniques
2. Technical preparation - preparation of "parkours" (obstacle course), fluency of instruction, diversity of teaching aids
3. Pedagogical approach and animation - variety of exercises and games, adapting animation and pedagogical approach to the age period, communication skills
4. Methodology - knowledge of the methodical process, continuity of the exercises, logic of the chosen teaching method

The exam is evaluated in points and the result is included in the overall evaluation.

3. Overall evaluation 

The lecturer assesses the participants (of his group) during the course - especially their activity, ideas, communication skills, skiing skills, knowledge and understanding of the teaching methods.

The rating in points is included in the overall evaluation.

4. Skiing skills

Each lecturer evaluates the skiing skills (and their improvement) of the candidates during the course.

The raiting in points is included in the overall evaluation.

A candidate who even in front of the Examining Committee does not meet the criteria necessary for successful completion of the course D1, fails and the course must be repeated.

• Adequate ski equipment. Appropriate size ski boots. We recommend serviced versatile ski with a radius of 14-18 m.
• Ski helmet as part of the basic equipment of each APUL instructor.
• Waterproof and warm clothing. We will spend min. 5 hours a day outside.
• Goggles and sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen.
• Money for ski pass (significant discount will be arranged).
• Money for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (or self-catering)
• Notepad, pen for making notes and information from workshops on the snow and beyond.

• "BLUE BOOK - APUL Ski Instruction Book",

Recommended parts of chapters to study will be specified.

Skiing with APU - Blue League

And information obtained during the course.

All APUL courses are very intensive educational experience and are held in a mountain area and in all weather conditions. Therefore, they are physically and mentally demanding so it is recommended to dedicate sufficient attention to physical preparation few weeks before the course.

All APUL course participants are - when moving on the ski slopes - obliged to comply with the so-called "Ten Rules of conduct on the slopes." If any participant of the course will be systematically violate the rules of conduct on the slopes by his behaviour, threatening other course participants or other skiers, he will be asked to quit and leave the course.  

Since skiing is a risky sport, we recommend arranging the appropriate accident insurance in case of accident or injury. Participation in the course is voluntary and at your own risk. APUL does not bear any consequences for possible injuries.