Ski course APUL A1Introduction to expert skiing, teaching and motion analysis

A1 course is a 7 day follow-up course in APUL education. It takes place at one of the Austrian glaciers. It is the first part of the APUL ski course A. The course is open to any skier older than 17 years who has successfully completed the course APUL "B" (or equivalent) and has min. of 100 hours of experience in teaching skiing. By completing the A1 course the candidate meets one of the conditions for entering the APUL A2 course and the final exams to obtain APUL A license.

Welcome to the master class. It is APUL A1 course where we expand the acquired skills from previous courses and our own practice towards expert skiing at the highest possible level, to the principles of teaching and coaching of very advanced skiers and to a deep understanding of the principles and nuances of the analysis of advanced skiing. Great emphasis is placed on detailed understanding of the APUL technical concept and its interpretation in demonstrations of skiing techniques and in technical discussions with other candidates and lecturers. The aim is to create an environment of self-evaluation and mutual learning based on cooperation between lecturers and candidates. The main topics of the A1 course include the skills associated with conducting private lessons for advanced skiers in a foreign language and leading a technical clinic for ski instructors.

Practical workshops on the slope and beyond will emphasize the following key points of the course A1:

• Improving techniques of skiing with an emphasis on expert skiing on the slopes and beyond.
• APUL methodical process of teaching skiing (teaching expert skiers).
• Developing skills in education toward methods of critical thinking, etc.
• Development of teaching skills towards coaching and leading clinics for ski instructors.
• Improving skills associated with active analyzing of expert skiing technique.
• Principles of technical discussions, arguments and creating a positive atmosphere within the group.
• Deepening knowledge of foreign language terminology and its active use in teaching (English, German).

• Applicant must be at least 17 years old on the opening day of the course.
• Applicant must be licensed APUL "B" (or equivalent).
• Applicant must be a member of APUL (paid membership fee in the given period).
• Applicant must have a practice in the ski school in the range of min. 100 hours.

The course is divided into a practical part on a slope and a theoretical part in the form of lectures and workshops. The daily program will be adapted to weather, local and snow conditions. The course leader is responsible for editing the course program. Participation in all parts of the program is a necessary requirement for successful completion of the course A1.

The APUL “A1” course is an APUL “A” entry course and is not completed with an exam. After completing the A1 course, the candidate has the knowledge of the principles of expert skiing, teaching and analysis. The candidate can test acquired knowledge and experience in practice during the season so that they will be strengthened and improved towards final exams of APUL A course. A succesful graduate of APUL A1 course is competent to:

• entering the APUL "A2" course (if he also ISIA mark holder)
• entering the Avalanche 2 course

The APUL A1 course is not concluded with the final exam. Each candidate receives a regular feedback during the course to all skill areas of the content of the APUL A final exam (skiing, teaching + coaching, analysis, foreign language). At the same time, candidates will be encouraged to self-evaluation and develop training plans.

Each candidate will receive - during the winter season (but no later than two months before the course A2) - a verbal evaluation with recommendations for further training in all skill areas and suggestion whether to participate in the APUL A2 course.

• Adequate ski equipment. 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.
• Appropriate backpack for downhill skiing (about 26l, hip belt, adjustable straps etc.).
• Avalanche equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe).
• Ski and sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen.
• Money for ski pass (a significant discount will be arranged).
• Money for breakfast, lunch and dinner (or self-catering).
• Notepad and pen for making notes and information from workshops.

Basic and recommended sources of information on the course A1 are:

• Blue Book - a textbook for instructors skiing APUL (compulsory source)
• So-called "Red Progression" - APUL Advanced Skiing Methodology 
• APUL audio sources (DVD, YouTube channel APUL etc.).
• LeMaster, Ron "Ultimate Skiing." Human Kinetics, 2010
• Technical articles and analysis in the SNOW magazine (or other expert magazine about downhill skiing).
• current foreign methodological materials (CSIA, APSi, NZSIA, PSIA)
• ... and other sources (YouTube, videos, lectures, internet discussions, ...).

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 participants of the APUL course are 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. We recommend Alpenverrein insurance for all APUL courses organized outside Czech republic.

The purpose of APUL courses and the role of the tutor, is mainly the transfer of knowledge and skills which will also be, after the course itself, a tool for training, self-education and further professional development toward follow-up APUL education.

A few tips on how to do it:

• It's good to have a training partner (or training group) who motivate each other to practice and share experience from their own practice.
• Regular video analysis is a prerequisite for systematic improvement.
• Changing and experimenting with different types of skis during the season (GS ski, slalom ski, off-piste ski, etc.).
• Learning the element we are working on is a very effective tool for self-improvement.
• Skis must always be well prepared and serviced (regular grinding and waxing).
• Using other sources of information materials outside APUL can help to inspire and obtain new impulses. 

The important thing is to enjoy the process of improvement. Not only giving lessons to clients, but the self training during the season, is one of the most enjoyable parts of the profession of a ski instructor.