Ski course APUL Badvanced skiing on and off-piste, advanced tuition and analysis

Course B is a 9 day follow up course in APUL education. It takes place on one of the Austrian glaciers. It can be attended by a skier older than 17 years, who has successfully completed the course APUL „C“ (or equivalent) and has passed the min. 50 hours of experience in skiing teaching. The successful candidate of the “B” course becomes an APUL B license holder who is competent to teach advanced skiers of all ages.

At the APUL B course, we further expand the skills acquired at basic levels of education and from own work experience in the field of winter sports teaching. Education at B level focuses on teaching advanced skiers with an emphasis on private tuition. During the course, a great emphasis will be placed on self improvement of advanced skiing technique towards skiing at higher speed, on steeper slopes and application of the technique to variable conditions of variable terrain. The candidates will be encouraged to link their own skiing skills with technical understanding and skills associated with active skiing analysis and self-assessment.

Practical workshops on and off the slope will emphasize the following key points of the course B:

• Improving skiing techniques with an emphasis on dynamic skiing on and off-piste.
• APUL customer service.
• Deepening the knowledge of the APUL educational concept with emphasis on conducting private lessons.
• Methodical procedure of teaching skiing by APUL (advanced skiers).
• Learning active analysis of advanced skiing technique.
• Basic introduction to equipment for avalanche rescue (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel).
• Deepening the 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.
• Be a holder of APUL ski “C" license with a test in a foreign language (or equivalent).
• Be a member of APUL (paid membership fee).
• Be an experienced ski instructor (minumim of 50 hrs).

The course is divided into a practical part on the slope and a theoretical part in the form of lectures and workshops. The daily program will be adapted to the weather and local snow conditions. The course leader is responsible for editing the course program. Changes in the program are the responsibility of the course leader. One day of the course is reserved for final exams. Participation in all parts of the program is essential for a successful completion of the course B.

Ski education at level "B" entitles the successful graduate to teach advanced skiers on ski slopes of all levels of difficulty as well as in a rough terrain during private lessons. Such a graduate also use the principles of advanced analysis and sophisticated teaching methods.

Successful graduate of the course B is competent to:

• teach advanced skiers
• demonstrate advanced (dynamic) skiing technique
• apply skiing techniques to various conditions (steep slopes, deep snow, bumpy terrain etc.)
• conduct a private lessons of advanced skiers on the ski slope as well as easy variable terrain (off-piste).
• demonstrations and using of the basics of freestyle techniques on the slope and in the freestyle park,
• teach skiing in one of the world languages ​​(English, German),
• enter the follow-up course APUL "A1".

The structure of the APUL B final exam consists of three basic skill areas (skiing, tuition, analysis) that participate in the overall profile of the APUL ski instructor. For successful completion of the course B it is necessary to meet the requirements from all three areas at a minimum of four average points on a scale of 0-10 points.

1. Ski test

The test contains six different test runs, divided into two blocks:

• Demonstration of skiing technique and selected elements of methodical procedure
• sports skiing

The set of exam rides for each block contains elements from previous courses and elements specific to course B. A compulsory exam ride common to all courses B is a demonstration of the "parallel turn (medium to long radius)". The other two test runs in the “Demonstration of skiing technique” block and all three runs in the “Sports Skiing” block will be announced by the course leader the day before the ski test.

Block: Demonstration of skiing technique and selected elements of methodical procedure.

Set of exam rides:

1. Parallel turn (medium to long radius)

Terrain moderately steep blue piste (beginner terrain) to gentle red piste

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed and radius control (Fulfillment of tasks).
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns)
• Balanced stance (good work with dynamic balance).
• Changing direction is the result of the work of lower limbs (separation).
• Maintaining parallel ski guidance throughout the turn.
• Changing edges is accompanied with a pole plant.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

2. Carving turn (medium to long radius)

Terrain: steeper blue to red piste

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed and radius control (Fulfillment of tasks).
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns)
• Balanced stance (good work with dynamic balance).
• Changing direction is the result of the work of lower limbs (separation).
• The support leg is changed in the transition phase between the turns.
• Larger ski edging is the result of the work of lower limbs (angulation).

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

3. Stork turn

Terrain: medium blue piste (beginner terrain) to gentle red piste

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed ​​and radius control.
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns)
• Balanced stance and good work with dynamic balance.
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• The support leg is changed in the transition phase between the turns.
• The balance is maintained only on the outer ski throughout the whole turn.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

4. SKIING SWITCH (PARALLEL TURN BACKWARDS)

Terrain: medium blue piste (beginner terrain) to gentle red piste

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed ​​and radius control.
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns)
• Balanced stance (good work with dynamic balance).
• Maintaining parallel ski guidance throughout the turn.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

5. Javelin turn

Terrain: very gentle blue slope (beginner terrain) to gentle blue slope

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed ​​and radius control.
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns)
• Balanced stance (good work with dynamic balance).
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• The support leg is changed in the transition phase between the turns.
• Ski tips are held above each other throughout the turn.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

6. Basic turn

Terrain: very gentle blue slope (beginner terrain) to gentle blue slope

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed ​​and radius control (fulfillment of assignment).
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns)
• Balanced stance and good work with dynamic balance.
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• The guidance of the skis (snowplow / stem christie) in the basic turn depends on the speed and the gradient of the slope.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

7. Short turn

Terrain: moderately steep red piste

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed ​​and radius control.
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns)
• Balanced stance and good work with dynamic balance.
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• Maintaining parallel ski guidance throughout the turn.
• Changing edges is accompanied with a pole plant.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

Block: Sport skiing

Set of exam rides:

1. Rhythm change (transition from the long to short radius)

Terrain: red to gentle black piste

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Dynamics of the ride (sports character).
• Speed ​​and radius control (throughout the whole ride)
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns)
• Balanced stance (Good work with dynamic balance).
• The quality of the change of rhythm (dynamics, stability and control).

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

2. Skiing bumpy terrain

Terrain: blue to gentle red piste.

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed ​​and radius control (fulfillment of tasks).
• Balanced stance (good work with dynamic balance).
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• Changing edges is accompanied with a pole plant on the mogul.
• The chosen line corresponds to the shape of the terrain and the type of snow.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

3. Skiing steep slope (short to medium radius)

Terrain: very steep red to black piste.

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Speed ​​and radius control (maintaining a constant speed).
• Balanced stance and good work with dynamic balance throughout the whole ride.
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• The support leg is changed in the transition phase between the turns.
• The balance is maintained predominantly on the outer ski throughout the whole turn.
• Changing edges is accompanied with a pole plant.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

4. Skiing off-piste (skiing in variable terrain)

Terrain: red to gentle black slope

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Dynamics of the ride (sports character).
• Speed ​​and radius control.
• Balanced stance and good work with dynamic balance.
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• The width of the track is adapted to current snow conditions.
• Maintaining parallel ski guidance throughout the turn.
• Changing edges is accompanied with a pole plant.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

5. Dynamic turn (short radius)

Terrain: red to gentle black slope.

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Dynamics of the ride (sports character).
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns).
• Balanced stance and good work with dynamic balance.
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• Larger ski edging is the result of the work of lower limbs (angulation).
• Maintaining parallel ski guidance throughout the turn.
• Changing edges is accompanied with a pole plant.

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

6. Dynamic turn (medium to long radius)

Terrain: steep red to gentle black slope

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each ride based on the following criteria:

• Dynamics of the ride (sports character).
• Turn shape (linked S-shaped turns).
• Balanced stance and good work with dynamic balance.
• The change of direction is the result of the work of the lower limbs (separation).
• The support leg is changed in the transition phase between the turns.
• Larger ski edging is the result of the work of lower limbs (angulation).

Every examiner evaluates the exam run as a purported average rating of above mentioned criteria.

Assessment:

Each ride is evaluated by a three-member board of lecturers. Each examiner evaluates every single ride as the purported average rating of above criteria on a scale from 0 to 10 points. A successful graduate must obtain at least 12 points in total for all three runs of the block (a minimum of 3 points from each run) for successful completion of the skiing examination. Candidate who receives less than 12 points in total, becomes the evaluation "expectant from skiing" and the test from the relevant block must be repeated.

2. Exam on Teaching Technique

The practical exam is a simulated private lesson in which the candidate must demonstrate the skills and knowledge of the correct teaching methods to teach advanced skiers. The practical exam takes about 20–30 minutes.

Practical examination of the teaching on the slope takes place mainly in the Czech language. The final part of the lesson, so-called "Summary", will be conducted in a foreign language.

Criteria:

The examiner evaluates each demonstration based on the following criteria:

• Model lesson (mastering and applying the lesson model for private lesson)
• Communication (level of verbal and nonverbal communication)
• Customer service level (positive attitude and creating an optimal environment for the lesson)
• Motion analysis (discovering the relation cause-result)
• Understanding and using of the APUL methodical procedure (suitability of the used methods, tactics and procedures, etc.).
• Safety and pedagogical principles (choice of terrain, providing safety, organization of the group, the pace of instruction)

Assessment:

Every examiner evaluates teaching method as the purported average rating of the above mentioned criteria on a scale from 0 to 10 points. A successful graduate obtains at least 4 points. A candidate who obtains less than 4 points, becomes the evaluation "expectant from skiing" and the exam on teaching technique must be repeated.

3. Exam from analysis (theory):

Examination of the analysis is a 20-minute written preparation based on an analysis of two different videos (different level and different task of the ride) and additional questions related to the presented topics. The test continues as a 10-minute interview (oral examination) of the analyzed videos, connected with questions related to wider knowledge of lectured topics.

Assessment:

A successful graduate must obtain minimum of 4 points on a scale of 0-10 points. The candidate who receives less than 4 points, becomes the evaluation "expectant from analysis" and the exam from analysis must be repeated.

4. Foreign Language exam:

A foreign language exam consists of two parts (during the exam from teaching and during the exam from analysis). Candidates can choose between English or German.

Note .: The possibility of passing the exam in different foreign language than mentioned above (English, German), will be possible only after prior agreement with the course manager (Head of course) and under certain conditions.

Candidates are tested in three areas:

• General knowledge of the language (general lecturer-candidate discussion with emphasis on understanding and ability to react)
• Skiing technique (Ability to professionally describe the specified motion, turn or skill)
• Teaching skiing (ability to explain some element of progression or analysis)

Assessment:

The knowledge of a foreign language is rated on a positive - negative scale.

• 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.
• 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 (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 B are:

• Blue Book - a textbook for instructors skiing APUL (compulsory source)
• So-called "Red Progression" - APUL Advanced Skiing Methodology (the candidates will obtain in on the course)
• APUL audio sources (DVD, YouTube channel APUL etc.).
• LeMaster, Ron "Ultimate Skiing." Human Kinetics, 2010 (recommended source)
• Technical articles and analysis in the SNOW magazine (or other expert magazine about downhill skiing).
• ... 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.
• Setting a training and educational goal for the whole season will help to make the training more meaningful.
• Learning the element we are working on is a very effective tool for self-improvement.
• Every hour spent with the teacher on the course should be relevant to three hours of your own training.
• Skis must always be well prepared and serviced.
• 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.