Courses

Group & Skier Levels

Skiers ability levels range from basic intermediate skiers wishing to get off the typical
intermediate plateau to skiers taking their instructors exams and performance training
for competition (alpine racing or freeride). To easily identify the levels of skiers and
groups running on an Academy week you can use the following system.

Level 1 Basic Intermediate
This group consists of skiers who are trying to make basic parallel turns but use a small
snowplough wedge in between the turns to help turn initiation. Skiers in this group can
generally get down blue runs but struggle on Reds. This group have usually never skied
moguls, steeps or freeride terrain.

Level 2 Intermediate
This group consists of skiers who can make basic parallel turns but lack the strength
and confidence in the turn to make it consistent. These skiers can usually get down Blue
and Red runs. On Red runs however their technique suffers and the body weight moves
over the back of the skis making the steering more difficult. These skiers have usually
attempted moguls, steeps and a bit of off-piste skiing but with no success.

Level 3 Advanced Intermediate
This group consists of skiers who can make parallel turns with confidence on Blues
and Reds. When they attempt Black runs or steeper gradients they lose their technique
and the body weight drops back. Skiers in this group can generally get down moguls,
steeps and freeride terrain but with a weak or/and confidence lacking technique.

Level 4 Advanced
This group consists of skiers who can ski with confidence on Blues, Reds and Black
runs. They can carve effectively from turn to turn on nicely groomed snow but are
not so consistent when the snow is icy or un-groomed. Skiers in this group can get
down steeps, moguls and freeride terrain with confidence and a semi consistent
technique but lose control approximately 30% of the time. Skiers at this level want
to develop performance towards skiing 40 degrees slopes with good technique and
direct (zip) line moguls.

Level 5 Expert / Instructor
This group consists of skiers who can ski all terrains comfortably but want to be able
to ski higher speeds through greater dynamics, ski steeper fall line moguls with a
greater range of absorption and extension, make higher speed GS freeride turns in
powder and variable snow conditions and generally master a solid technique. Skiers
in this group would cover the basics of race training, steep couloirs, instructor exam
technical requirements, freeride performance and higher speeds.

Level 6 Athlete / Performer
This group consists of skiers wishing to compete or who already compete in
freeskiing competitions, Alpine Racing competition or freestyle skiing disciplines
such as moguls, half pipe, big air, slope style or rails. In this group you will also
find skiers who are training for their BASI Level 3 and Level 4 technical exams
and Euro Speed Test.