Skiing and Snow Boarding Competency

The competency standard for skiing or snow boarding whilst patrolling is reasonably high given the requirements to move casualties down steep slopes on ice, or uneven snow. The descriptions below deal with the assessment of that standard.  Each patrol has a standard that applies and anyone seeking membership should inquire directly with their chosen Patrol.

The initial Skiing or Snowboarding Competency Exam is not seeking a specific style of skiing or boarding, (eg. instructor style) but is emphasising ski/board performance, sound technique, competence and confidence.

Control Run

Consisting of two manoeuvres:

• varying radius
• constant radius turns.

The aim is for the candidate to demonstrate good functional skiing/boarding with variations of technical skills including independent leg action, pivoting and edge control.  The candidate's skill will be reflected by their ability to respond to command and in so doing, control the ski/board over the snow.

Free Run
This test will be held on a frequently skied steep slope with moguls. The length of the descent should test the stamina and endurance of the candidate.  This run is intended to test the candidate's ability to ski as well as he / she is able on "most difficult" terrain.  Emphasis will be on strong functional skiing and the candidate making linked parallel turns (without traversing) indicating a competent descent.  A fall does not
necessarily mean disqualification.

Off Piste Run
This test is intended to confirm the candidate’s ability to ski/snowboard a steep slope competently under
adverse snow conditions, eg. heavy tracked snow, ice, crud etc.  The emphasis is on function much less than style with the result being a safe controlled descent.  Should such conditions not exist on the day it will be at the examiner’s discretion to include a run transporting rescue equipment, to ask the candidates to ski/snowboard with danger poles, etc