Instructors training course - Basic course ZA

In Switzerland, there are two different training programmes to become a ski/snowboard instructor : anyone who teaches skiing or snowboarding must complete the Swiss Snowsports (SSSA) or the Jeunesse et Sport (J+S) training programme.

Swiss Snowsports is the umbrella association of the Swiss Ski Schools and is responsible for the professional snowsports training programmes. The complete Swiss Snowsports training course leads to the Federal Certificate for Snowsports Teachers.

For more information: www.snowsports.ch

Youth and Sport (J+S)

J+S is the federal government’s sports promotion programme (over 70 sports disciplines). As such, J+S aims to promote sport that is suitable for children and young people and contributes to the development and fulfilment of children and young people in the areas of education, social integration and health. J+S is part of the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO).

For more information: www.jugendundsport.ch

Passways

There are a number of gateways between the two streams. The Swiss Ski Schools hire instructors with both types of certifications.

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Even if the ski and snowboard training courses take place at the same time, the courses are separated and it is not necessary to practice the other gear at this level. The candidates wishing to follow both ski and snowboard training courses must register for two separate training courses.

The course is open to all good skiers; the technical level expected must be at least equivalent to the Red King level of the Swiss Snow League.

Technical forms assessed (video from the Swiss Snowsports Demo Team)

1. Glide down the slope in snowplough – Spinning snowplough

• Start with skis parallel
• Control snow plough speed
• Link snow plough turns

2. Turning steps

• Change direction with a succession of diverging steps (“S”-shaped turning steps)

3. Parallel turns

• Skidded and/or cut turns with skis parallel
• Link regular parallel turns

The course is open to all good snowboarders; the technical level expected must be at least equivalent to the Red King level of the Swiss Snow League.

Technical forms assessed

1. Turns using rotation techniques

• About 4 normal turns with short crossings; same thing backwards (switch)

2. Tricks on the slope
The elements are judged individually (you can stop between two tricks).

• 2 Waltzes
• 1 Noseturn / 1 Switch Noseturn

3. Jumps on the slope
The elements are judged individually (you can stop between two jumps).

• 2 Ollie
• 2 180°

It can be useful to take a few private lessons to prepare for the ZA basic course if you are unsure about your technical level.

The Swiss Ski School of Geneva also organises a Teachers Academy : this course is made for all skiers/snowboarders who do not have the age or level required to take the ZA basic course.

Yes.

Immediately after completing the course, the Swiss Ski School of Geneva offers candidates who obtain the ZA certificate the opportunity to :

1. take a few days of mentoring with an instructor of the Swiss Ski School of Geneva to gain initial experience in the field
2. then teach in the various courses at the Swiss Ski School of Geneva (courses according to individual skills and availability).

At the end of the course, the candidates receive the ZA admission training certificate, which is recognised as a “Swiss Snowsports Basic Course”. It gives access to the ME (Methodology) and TE (Technique) modules of the Swiss Snowsports training programme.

The ZA basic course also prepares to the Jeunesse + Sport courses.

A test is organised during the course to help candidates choose the right programme for the next training courses.