Professional Snowsports Education

A ski instructor helping a student ski down a snowy mountain

As a student of the Professional Snowsports Education certificate program, you will be introduced to the fundamentals – People, Teaching, and Technical skills – of snowsports instruction.

As a part of the certificate, you will prepare for, and complete, your PSIA-AASI Level I Instructor certification in alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, or cross-country skiing. Additionally, you will learn about leadership responsibilities and skills associated with working at ski areas and in winter environments. All of your knowledge and skills gained regarding snowsports education will be supported by your understanding of leisure and the role it plays in people's lives and theories that can help in enhancing the guest experience.

If you aspire to facilitate positive learning experiences for your students and inspire lifelong learning in snowsports, the certificate can help you establish foundational knowledge and skills in the technical, teaching and, people skills of snowsports instruction.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of the certificate students will be able to:

Demonstrate their teaching skills with beginner snowsports participants
Explain the process of teaching beginner skiers in relation to the Learning Connection Model
Articulate the role of leisure in participants lives specific to different theories of life
Develop learning experiences on the basis of people’s prior experiences, interests, skill levels and aspirations.
Demonstrate their knowledge of different parts of the snowsports industry and the ways in which they complement each other to enhance the guest experience
Recognize their stage in the journey to becoming a snowsports professional and plan future steps based on their interests

Courses: RPTM 120 – Leisure and Human Behavior

RPTM 115 – Leadership Development in Snowsports

RPTM 215 – Snowsports Education

Already have your Level I?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for Snowsports Education Certificate or pursue your Snowsports Leadership certificate.

Ready to apply?

Visit the Professional Snowsports Certificates Enrollment webpage for instructions on applying for Level I.