The Austrian ‘Landeslehrer’ (State certified) qualification is divided into several advanced course modules and begins with the so-called “Anwärter”. Following on from this, there are two ‘Landeslehrer’ courses and they combine with additional alpine training on a separate ‘Alpine Course’ to complete the full level 3. The ‘Landeslehrer’ course segments are also called "LS1" and "LS2" and each last 10 days. The following information only refers to the 2nd part of the level 3, the ‘Landeslehrer 2’ (LS2).
What are the goals of the LS2 course? The goals of LS2 course are to teach advanced skiers of all ages. In addition, off-piste skiing and skiing on all types of terrain is a main focal point of the training and thus developing a well-rounded, dynamic, agile skier. Accordingly, the individual off-piste skills of the participants are worked on and trained more intensively.
After completing the LS2 course, each participant should be able to take on even more responsibility in their ski school, aiding colleagues while teaching or during in-house ski-instructor training sessions. Furthermore, the level 3 ski instructor will have a multi-facetted repertoire of teaching methods and content to share with skiers of all levels, allowing the lessons delivered to be of an exceptional standard, well-structured and the picture of professionalism.
What do I learn on the LS2 course?
The training is divided into theoretical and practical parts. In the theory sections, the focus is on the methodological progressions and there is a deeper understanding of the biomechanics and movements of skiing. During the practical, the focus shifts towards more dynamic skiing skills and the ability to use these varying techniques both on and off the piste, in all sorts of terrain. There is a large focus on racing GS too in preparation for the timed race at the end of the course. The theory sessions take place every afternoon, off the mountain.
Practical content:
Basic techniques from snowploughing to parallel long and short radius turns
Carving
Moguls
Off-piste/Freeride
Freestyle
Race
Training your own ability and pushing your limits
Theoretical content:
Movement theory
Teaching
Equipment
English // a second language
First aid
Professionalism
Tourism and the environment
What are the prerequisites for taking part in the LS2 course?
The prerequisites for participating in the LS2 course is having passed the LS1 exams. You must also prove having worked a further 10 days as an instructor in a snow sports school. There is no entrance exam.
Which exams have to be taken? The conclusion of the LS2 course is a final Theory and a practical examination in front of a committee and an on- snow ‘Teach’ has to be performed for the exam.
Theory exam:
The theory exam consists of the various subjects covered and worked on during course. These include: movement theory, teaching, equipment, a second language and first aid.
Practical exam: The practical exam takes place on the last day of the course. The participants ski a variety of runs showing the techniques of the Austrian ski curriculum. The runs skied are divided up into the so-called demos, or "Schulefahren", the freeski or "Eigenkönnen" and a GS race:
Schulefahren: There will be three runs chosen from the entire Landeslehrer curriculum, from snowplough turning to dynamic parallel.
Eigenkönnen: An off-piste freeski run, rhythm change and moguls.
Race: a giant slalom (GS) race to be run within a given time limit.
Teaching exam: The third sub-area is the so-called "Lehrauftritt", in which every participant holds a 20-minute lesson on a previously assigned topic.
What do I get after completing my training? The exams for becoming an instructor are held by the Viennese Ski and Snowboard Instructor’s Association and are carried out according to Vienna State Law. After successfully completing the exam, the participant receives a Certificate from the Viennese Ski and Snowboard Instructor Association, which is valid and recognised throughout Austria.
Who are the trainers?
You will be taught by Snowsports Academy trainers. Each one has at least the ‘Staatlicher’ qualification, the "state-certified level 4 instructor". All Team members have many years teaching experience or even run their own ski school. With their knowledge and experience, they make sure the participants are well prepared for the exams and being successful as a ski or snowboard instructor.
Further education: what do I learn on the alpine course?
You can find more information by following these links: