Freestyle Specialist Assessment-Based Certificate Programs

Freestyle Specialist 1 (FS1) is the entry-level freestyle education course for PSIA and AASI members, and it includes an assessment component. The course includes a written workbook, skiing/riding and teaching scenarios and a technical discussion regarding how individuals learn and progress through beginner/novice zones.

The FS1 course is for instructors embarking on the journey toward mastery of the art of freestyle coaching/instruction.

Assessment Criteria

  • Must complete the Freestyle Track E-learning Module for your primary discipline (Skiing or Snowboarding) at least 48 hours before the beginning of your on-snow clinic.
  • Must be an active participant in the on-snow event.
  • Receive a passing score from divisional freestyle education staff based on the participant’s demonstrated knowledge, understanding, teaching, movement analysis and on-snow performance.

Assessments of those taking the FS1 course reflect the participants’ knowledge of safety in the freestyle environment, teaching freestyle and their possession of the requisite skills necessary to demonstrate freestyle maneuvers to their guests. Successful completion of the course grants professional recognition to the coach/instructor for their education, experience and expertise in freestyle. This is a multi-disciplinary course.

PSIA-AASI NRM members are encouraged to take the FS1 course once they’ve achieved PSIA-AASI Level I certification. This will help in preparation for Level II and Level III certification within the Alpine, Snowboard and Telemark disciplines.

Participants’ achievement will be relayed via verbal feedback from the education staff member throughout the course and written feedback at its end. 

Freestyle Specialist 2 (FS2) is the mid-level freestyle education course for PSIA and AASI members and it includes an evaluation component. The course includes a written workbook, skiing/riding and teaching scenarios and a technical discussion regarding how individuals learn and progress to intermediate freestyle zones. Participants will integrate their technical understanding of the ATML model and Smart Style with movement analysis and teaching activities for freestyle in the intermediate zones.

The FS2 course is for instructors embarking on the journey toward mastery of the art of freestyle coaching/instruction.

Assessments of those taking the FS2 course reflects the participants’ knowledge of safety in the freestyle environment, knowledge of teaching freestyle and their possession of the requisite skills necessary to demonstrate freestyle maneuvers to their guests. Successful completion of the course grants professional recognition to the coach/instructor for their education, experience and expertise in freestyle. Depending on the region, this may be a multi-disciplinary course.

Assessment Criteria

  • Must complete the FS2 online test with a score of 80 percent or higher at least 48 hours prior to attending the FS2 on-snow event.
  • Must complete the NRM FS2 Workbook for discussion on the first morning of the on-snow event.
  • Must be an active participant in the on-snow event.
  • Receive a passing score from the region freestyle education staff based on the participant’s demonstrated knowledge, understanding, teaching, movement analysis and on-snow performance.

Participants’ achievement will be relayed via verbal feedback from the education staff member throughout the course and written feedback at its end.