APUL cross-country skiing course how to teach cross-country skiing

APUL Cross-country skiing course is a valuable part of APUL education. The course is designed for those interested in cross-country skiing technique. This course is also one of the ways to achieve the so-called "other instrument" in APUL educational system, which corresponds to the standards of ISIA. It is a 5-day course. The course is open to any APUL member who is 16 years or older and had succesfully completed APUL "D" level of education. The applicants must have at least a basic experience with cross-country skiing. The course is not designed for beginners and its content is not conceived this way. The successful candidate of APUL cross-country skiing course becomes a "cross-country skiing instructor APUL" licensee and is fully competent to teach cross-country skiing. At the same time the successful candidate meets the requirement of "second instrument" in the quest for ISIA stamp (ISIA card).

The major part of the course will consist of practical training of cross-country skiing techniques (classic and skating) in variable conditions. We will also focus on the specifics of teaching cross-country skiing. The practical training outdoor is followed by  evening theoretical lectures and practical workshops - see the daily program. The course takes place in the Czech language.

• Applicant must be at least 16 years old on the opening day of the course.
• Applicant must be APUL "D" licensee (or equivalent).
• Applicant must be an APUL member (membership fee paid in the period).
• Applicant must have basic experience with cross-country skiing.
• Applicant must have basic knowledge of work as a ski instructor.

The course content is divided into a practical part outside and the 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 competent to provide changes in the course program. One day of the course is reserved for final exams. Participation in all program parts is a subject to the successful completion of the course.

License "cross-country skiing instructor APUL" entitles its holder to teach beginners and advanced techniques of cross-country skiing.

The final exam consists of three basic skill areas (cross-country skiing techniques, teaching, theory), which contribute to the overall profile of APUL ski instructor.

1. The examination of the technique of cross-country skiing

The exam focuses on two basic cross-country skiing techniques - classic and skating - and contains four exam rides. All four rides are mandatory to pass the exam.

Exam rides:

1. Classic - diagonal stride

2. Classic - double pole

3 Skating - one skate

4. Skating - two skate

2. The examination of teaching techniques

Practical examination of the teaching takes place as a simulated group or private lesson, during which the candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills of good teaching procedures of cross-country skiing (classic and skating) of skiers of all ages.

Practical examination takes place in the Czech language.

Criteria:

The examiner assesses each lesson demonstration based on the following criteria:

• Model lesson (understanding, mastering and application of model lesson).
• Communication (level of verbal and nonverbal communication).
• Level of customer service (positive attitude and creating an optimal environment for learning, skills for working with people).
• Understanding the "APUL methodical procedure of teaching cross-country skiing" (understanding and use of methodical procedure).
• Safety and pedagogical principles (choice of terrain, providing safety, organization of the group, the pace of instruction).

3. Theory test

The exam takes a form of a written test.

Overall evaluation

All three examination areas (skiing, teaching, theory) must be completed for successful completion of the course. If the candidate fails to comply with only one of three parts, he becomes an evaluation "expectant" of the particular part of the exam and will be invited to resit. Once he fails in two (or all three) parts of the exam, he will be invited to repeat the course. 

• adequate skis for classic and skating
• ski poles for classic (length up to shoulder joint) and skating (length up to the mouth)
• glide and kick wax, wax remover
• notepad, pens, personal documents

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.

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. 

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.