Snowboard Leader (SBL)

Course Aim

The Snowboard Leader course is designed to train and qualify responsible snowboarders to safely lead groups of snowboarders within ski patrolled areas. The award is primarily aimed at teachers, youth group leaders and other responsible adults wishing to encourage and supervise young snowboarders.

Scope of the Award

The award offers the opportunity to gain technical competence in leading snowboarders within the bounds of a resort in a mountain environment at home and abroad. It does not provide a professional instruction qualification and does not permit a Snowboard Leader to take their group off piste.

It is the combination of personal leadership qualities, leadership skills, technical and teaching skills which form the basis of effective group management in a boarding environment and the award assesses all these aspects.

As part of leading their group it may be necessary for a Snowboard Leader to teach the group boarding skills. A Snowboard Leader is licensed and insured to teach their own group. A Snowboard leader may operate anywhere within the remit of the award.

The award is limited to those travelling and working with their own groups and would be invalid if used in any other circumstances.

When operating abroad, a Snowboard Leader should introduce themselves to the local snowsports school and inform them of their intentions whilst leading in a resort. This is good practice and strongly recommended by Snowsport Scotland

The seven day course contains elements designed to improve the participant's ability to lead skiers in a mountain environment and to introduce skiing to children in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Course Description

Candidates attend a six day modular course where the required technical skills, leadership skills and knowledge and understanding will be presented and assessed.

The content of the course includes:

Leadership skills
Group leading considerations; group practice supervision; knowledge of ski resorts.

Mountain skills
Navigation; weather; clothing; equipment; accident procedures.

Technical skills
Personal performance; introducing snowboarding to children; knowledge of instructional methods.

It should be understood that in the time available the training cannot be comprehensive but is intended to supplement prior skills and knowledge. Successful candidates will be required to hold a relevant first aid certificate before an award will be issued.

The above modules will be assessed by a variety of methods. These will include observation of sessions, simulation, a written paper and questioning.

Candidates will be required to attend a refresher course within three years of the initial training and every three years thereafter.

Course entry requirements.

Course participants should:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be able to snowboard down all marked runs, in all conditions, showing good balance and control.
  • Be a member of the Snowsport Scotland Coaching Scheme (or that of Snowsport England, Snowsport Wales or Northern Ireland Ski Council).

Before issue of a qualification, a first aid certificate (which meets the First Aid Requirements) must be sent to Snowsport Scotland.

Course Dates and Cost

DateVenueIncluded in the priceFeeOrganiserPhone
11-18 April 2009 Aosta Valley * Transport from Geneva airport to resort;
* 6 nights half-board hotel accommodation;
* 6 day lift pass;
* Winter sports insurance
* Lunch vouchers;
* Board and boot hire;
* Course booklets;		 £699 Interski (book direct)
www.interski.co.uk/sbl.htm
Refunds of up to £500 available if a school college group has never travelled with Interski before and subsequently books a group of 20+ full paying passengers		  01623 456333