PSIA Adaptive Alpine Level I

PSIA Adaptive Alpine Level I combines an underlying Alpine qualification with assessed adaptations for beginner and novice skiers in the adaptive categories completed.

Adaptive snowsport · Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors

What This Qualification Covers

  • The October 2023 standards describe teaching beginner and novice skiers with adaptive needs on green and the easiest blue terrain, within the adaptive category or categories assessed.
  • Adaptive assessment addresses student assessment, equipment and tactics; diagnoses and medications; technical tactics and communication; movement analysis; and adaptations of teaching. Ask which diagnosis or equipment categories were assessed: cognitive, visual impairment, stand-up physical diagnoses, bi-ski or mono-ski.
  • This guide covers PSIA Adaptive Alpine certification. A named adaptive specialist certificate or a single passed module does not by itself establish the complete certification or competence in every adaptive category. AASI Adaptive Snowboard is a separate pathway.
  • The award describes assessed instruction, not a national professional licence or immigration permission. Teaching in another country depends on the applicable recognition, employment and operating requirements.

FASS country rules

These are the active qualification conditions configured on FASS. They do not confirm that a person has met them or has permission to teach. Local professional and immigration requirements still apply.

No active FASS rule is recorded for these qualifications. This does not establish permission to teach or lack of recognition.

Training and Progression

  • The published Level I minimum is Alpine Level I or an accepted equivalent, plus successful assessment in at least one paired adaptive module: Cognitive/Visual Impairment, Stand-Up Physical Diagnoses, or Bi-Ski/Mono-Ski. Passing one paired module does not demonstrate that every adaptive category was assessed.
  • After Adaptive Alpine Level I, instructors can pursue named Adaptive Specialist 2 certificates in their chosen categories. A full Adaptive Alpine Level II record also requires the underlying Alpine Level II certification.
  • Use the national standards together with the delivering region's current prerequisites and assessment requirements. Preparation, event attendance and individual assessment passes are separate from the full award. Maintaining certified status also requires current membership and continuing education.

Check the awarding body's current syllabus for entry requirements, course dates, fees, and assessment rules.

Sources and Further Reading

Official source review

Official sources checked on .

Read the national adaptive overview and its linked Adaptive Alpine standards. The PDF is internally dated October 2023 despite its filename and upload date. The full certification, underlying Alpine level, and diagnosis or equipment specialist certificates are distinct records; regional assessment delivery can differ.