PSIA Western Nordic Educational Topics Descriptions
- General Characteristics: All clinics have two things in common:
- A lot of skiing. In all clinics students don't just learn about skiing, they experience it!
- A student centered approach. All clinics are geared to the needs, abilities, and desires of the group, regardless of topic or stated ability level. One exception is in advanced skiing clinics, where terrain selection and skiing speed may not be suited to lower ability levels. Participants are urged to evaluate their abilities honestly, and/or accept reassignment to a more appropriate group.
Clinic topics provide a starting point for each session, as well as a general theme, but are often modified during the session in response to group needs, abilities, desires and progress. All participants will receive individual feedback and suggestions for further development. Participants are encouraged to complete feedback sheets at the completion of each session. For information about certification, refer to either the Cross Country or Telemark Handbook, downloadable from the Nordic Education Materials Page .
TOPICS:
Cross Over to Telemark Skiing:
This clinic is for alpine skiers, snowboarders, and X-C track skiers with little or no telemark skiing experience. Clinic leaders will be experienced in the participant's primary sports, and will facilitate the transfer of skills from those sports to telemark skiing. Participants will learn to apply familiar movements and sensations to unfamiliar equipment, accelerating the path to telemark bliss.
Skiing improvement - intermediate:
This clinic is for telemark skiers who can ski blue square runs comfortably (up to PSIA certification level II) Participants will learn to improve and refine ski technique for increased efficiency and confidence. Tactics for dealing with more challenging terrain and snow conditions will also be addressed.
Skiing improvement - advanced:
This clinic is for telemark skiers who can ski most terrain and snow conditions. Versatility and adaptability are key points of focus in this clinic, as are techniques for maximum utilization of equipment design. Participants will learn specialized techniques and tactics for steeps, bumps, powder, carving, etc. as conditions permit.
Teaching - intermediate:
This clinic is for novice and first year instructors (up to PSIA certification level I). Participants will learn progressions, exercises, and tactics for teaching basic NDH lessons. Participants will have the opportunity to practice class handling, movement analysis, and other instructional techniques. (highly recommended for those aspiring to level I or II certification).
Teaching - advanced:
This clinic is for experienced instructors seeking to expand their bag o' tricks. Advanced movement analysis skills, and high-end tips and drills will help participants improve their teaching as well as their own skiing. (highly recommended for those aspiring to level III certification).
Conditions related topics (i.e. steeps, bumps, powder, etc.):
These clinics are offered at introductory and advanced levels. Obviously these topics are dependent on the existence of said conditions, which can change daily. The intro level groups will practice appropriate skills and tactics in familiar settings before venturing into gentle examples of said conditions. Advanced groups will start easy, and progress to more extreme conditions as group progress allows.
Terrain park/big air:
This is a challenging clinic for the adventurous skier. Helmets are recommended.
Age/gender related topics (i.e. children, seniors, women, etc.):
These clinics focus on content and methodology specific to certain student types, each with specific needs, desires, and learning modes. Participants will have the opportunity to practice instructional techniques in an experiential setting.