Certification Pathway
Membership & Certification Information
- Join the Rocky Mountain Division and the PSIA-AASI National Organization by paying the annual dues
- Members without certification are referred to as “Registered Members”
- Membership must be current in order to attend any events through PSIA-AASI Rocky Mountain
- Members can attend events under the age of 16 but will not be awarded any certification until they turn 16
Cross Country Level 1 Certification
- If you have a background in XC coaching/teaching or hold a Level 2 certification in another discipline there is a process for bypassing Level 1 certification. Please see the additional notes at the bottom of page
Cross Country Level 2 Certification
Cross Country Level 3 Certification
Cross Country RMT Certificate
Prerequisites:
- Current in Dues & Credit Hours
- Level 3 Cross Country Certified
- Attend a Rocky Mountain Trainer Prep clinic or attend XC PSIA Ed Staff Fall Training (to attend PSIA Ed Staff Fall Training option you must contact XC chairperson prior and write a letter of intention of becoming a RMT)
- Complete the E-Learning Module: Delivering the Beginner Experience – Cross Country
- Complete RMT Selection Workbook and turn in first morning of the selection. It is highly recommended that you complete the XC level 1 E-Learning Course and Level 1, 2 and 3 Work books. This will help familiarize you with the New XC Certification National Standards of 2021.
Requirement:
- Attend and pass all portions of the RMT selection
Additional Notes:
Skipping Level 1 Certification and going directly to Level 2 Certification Process
Achieving XC level 1 Certification is always highly recommended for anyone pursuing higher certification because the candidate will be more familiar with PSIA XC teaching methodologies and will have a greater chance at success in the higher certification process. However, to accommodate those rare instances where a XC Instructor has a wealth of experience and knowledge specific to teaching and performing in another sport/discipline and wants to go directly to higher certification, the following guidelines have been established:
- A current membership in PSIA
- PSIA Level 2 Certification in another snowsports discipline OR have a minimum of 100 hours XC Ski teaching or coaching experience (must submit coaching hours to PSIA-RM office)
- Pass a telephone interview with XC Chairperson
- Complete all XC Level 2 prerequisites before attending a Level 2 assessment.
- *If you do not pass at the level 2 certification level, you will not be given a level 1 certification.
Movement Analysis Videos
Education Materials
Rocky Mountain Cross Country Rendezvous
December 8-9, 2022
Gold Run, Summit County Colorado
The biggest skiing and teaching event of the season! Learn a new cross country discipline, or explore modern cross country skiing, teaching and people skills with members of the PSIA National Team and Rocky Mountain Educational Staff in a small-group learning environment. This event is a must for instructors looking to enhance their cross country ski skills, become a more effective ski instructor, or work towards a higher level of instructor certification. Many clinic topics to choose from, with 1 or 2 day options available.
Registration Options
- 1 Day Option – Dec 8 or 9, 2022 – $120
- 2 Day Option – Dec 8-9, 2022 – $240
REGISTER NOW
Clinic Topics & Schedule
Classic/Skate Ski Improvement – Offered Day 1 and Day 2
Prerequisites: Intermediate Classic/Skate Skills
Hone and update your X-C skiing skills and knowledge. This one or two-day clinic is designed to help participants improve their skate and/or classic skiing and teaching skills. Get personal feedback on your push off, weight transfer, and glide while solidifying your knowledge of various Skate and Classic maneuvers. Participants will be split into groups based on skiing abilities and goals and focus on one discipline (skate or classic) each day.
Learn to Classic / Creating a Positive Experience for Beginners – Offered Day 1 Only
This is a combined clinic for both novice skiers looking to learn how to skate ski for the first time and experienced ski instructors wanting to learn new ways to develop effective beginner teaching progressions. We will develop progressions foster learning in a welcoming learning/teaching environment for everyone.(key areas covered: personal ski improvement, teaching skills, people skills)
Skate & Classic Skiing Pattern Breakers – Offered Day 2 Only
Prerequisites: Intermediate Skate/Classic Skills
Skiing skills develop over hours, days, and years of practice. Over time everyone develops movement patterns that are both productive and unproductive to efficient skiing. Changing movement patterns can be one of the most important, and often frustrating, things to do to improve your skiing. In this clinic we will explore unconventional ways to change your perception and performance. (key areas covered: personal skiing improvement, technical skills, people skills, teaching skills)
Games, Drills & Skills for Kids – Offered Day 1 Only
Prerequisites: Intermediate Classic and Skate Skills
If you are coaching or teaching kids on skis then you know that the key to a successful outing is keeping the kids moving and having fun. But how do you ensure that they are learning something along the way? In this clinic, you’ll learn a variety of games and drills that will keep the fun level high and the learning continuous. (key areas covered: children/kids, teaching skills, people skills)
Learn to Skate / Creating a Positive Experience for Beginners – Offered Day 2 Only
This is a combined clinic for both novice skiers looking to learn how to skate ski for the first time and experienced ski instructors wanting to learn new ways to develop effective beginner teaching progressions. We will develop progressions foster learning in a welcoming learning/teaching environment for everyone. (key areas covered: personal ski improvement, teaching skills, people skills)
Adaptability – Welcoming Guests with Disabilities into Cross Country Classic Style Lessons
Cross country skiing is a natural entry portal into snowsports for people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with disabilities. Join this interactive and game-filled session to explore group lessons with adaptive application for stand-ski guests with cognitive, behavioral health, or physical diagnoses including the use of communication tools, learning tools, and teaching methodologies applicable to all participants. BethAnn Chamberlain, US Para Nordic coach and a para Nordic athlete will make a guest appearance in the afternoon of this session.
Cross Country Level 1 Prerequisites:
- Participants must be a current PSIA-AASI member in order to attend events. You can join at this link.
- Complete the following online E-Learning Modules:
- Cross Country Level 1 E-Learning Course (must be passed 1 week prior to the on-snow assessment)
- Delivering the Beginner Experience – Cross Country (must be passed 1 week prior to the on-snow assessment)
- Attend the Cross Country Level 1 Prep
- If you have a background in XC coaching/teaching or hold a Level 2 certification in another discipline there is a process for bypassing Level 1 certification. Please see the additional notes at the bottom of this page
Cross Country Level 1 Prep:
Leadville – December 12-13, 2022
Crested Butte – January 7-8, 2023
Eldora – February 1-2, 2023
Cross Country Level 1 On-Snow Assessment:
Leadville – December 14, 2023
Crested Butte – January 21, 2023
Eldora – February 3, 2023
Cross Country Level 2 Prerequisites:
- Complete the Cross Country Level 2 Workbook and bring it with you to the event
- It is highly recommended to complete the following online E-Learning Modules:
- Attend the Cross Country Level 2 Prep Clinic
Cross Country Level 2 Prep:
Snow Mountain Ranch – February 27-28, 2023
Cross Country Level 2 On-Snow Assessment:
Not offered during the 22/23 Season
Cross Country Level 3 Prerequisites:
- Complete the Cross Country Level 3 Workbook and bring it with you to the event
- It is highly recommended to complete the following online E-Learning Modules:
- Attend the Cross Country Level 3 Prep Clinic
Cross Country Level 3 Prep:
Snow Mountain Ranch – February 27-28, 2023
Cross Country Level 3 On-Snow Assessment:
Not offered during the 22/23 Season
