The Austrian snowboard instructor education system is divided into several advanced course modules and begins with the "Anwärter" course. The course is 10 days long and is concluded with a theory and practical exam. After completing the course, you are then allowed to work at a snowsports school.
What are the goals of the Anwärter course? The goals for the level 1 & 2 course are to learn how to effectively teach beginners and intermediate snowboarders of all ages (children and adults). Every fully trained ‘Anwärter’ will feel comfortable teaching in any snowsports school and should be able to plan and produce high-quality, structured lessons. In addition, the ‘Anwärter’ course is the optimal first step and preparation for further Snowboard ‘Landeslehrer‘ (level 3) course.
What do I learn on the Anwärter course?
The training is divided into theoretical and practical parts. In the theory sections, the focus is on the methodological progressions, didactics and the biomechanical basics of snowboarding. During the practical sessions, the focus shifts towards clean and dynamic riding skills and the ability to accurately show and teach the techniques of basic, low level snowboarding. The theory sessions take place every afternoon off the mountain.
Practical content:
Intro
Basics
Turns
Drift turn with a weight shift
Drift turns with an /up, un-weighting movement
Freestyle
Lessons for children
Training your own ability and pushing your limits
Theoretical content:
Biomechanics
Teaching
Freestyle
Second language
Equipment
Children's lessons
Snow science and avalanche knowledge
Safety and hazard awareness
Professionalism
Tourism
First aid
What are the prerequisites for taking part in this course? The prerequisites for participating in the Level 1 & 2 snowboard instructor course is the ability to do a drift turn on blue and red slopes safely. Additionally, the participants must be aged 16 or over. The candidate may take part aged 15, if their 16th birthday falls later in the same calendar year, e.g. the course is in July and their 16th birthday is in December. There is no entrance exam.
Which exams have to be taken?
The exams consist of three parts:
1. Theory exam
2. Practical exam
3. Teaching exam
Theory exam:
The theory exam consists of the various subjects covered and worked on during course. These include movement theory, Freestyle, teaching, children's lessons, equipment knowledge, snow science and avalanche awareness, safety and hazards and a second language.
Practical exam: The practical exam takes place on the last day of the course. The participants ride a variety of runs showing the techniques of the Austrian snowboarding curriculum. The runs are divided up into the so-called demos, or "Schulefahren" and the individual skills or "Eigenkönnen":
Demos "Schulefahren": Drift turns with a weight shift, and, an up, un-weighting movement
Individual skills "Eigenkönnen": Carving, Freestyle, Flat tricks
Teaching exam: The third sub section is the so-called "Lehrauftritt" or simply, the ‘Teach’. Here each participant teaches a 20- minute lesson on a previously assigned topic.
What do I get after completing the course? 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 Vienna 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 snowsports school. With their knowledge and experience, they make sure the participants are well prepared for the exams and being successful as a snowboard instructor.
Further training: What do I learn at the level 3? You can find more information by following these links: