Awards and skiers' codeAwards

The British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI), the UK body responsible for the training and grading of snowsports instructors is pleased to announce the re-launch of the UK Snowlife Award Scheme which is designed to recognise and reward skiers at various different levels of proficiency. Developed in conjunction with the Home Nations (England, Scotland & Wales), the awards will encourage the development of skills though a common pathway and be measured against pre-set criteria. Tuition and assessment from qualified instructors, coaches and ski leaders working at Snowsport Schools will determine whether candidates have successfully reached different skill levels within the scheme and progression is rewarded with a certificate and badge.

How much will it cost?

tbc

Where can I take the awards?

Coordinated by BASI and delivered by the Home Nations including Snowsport England, Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport Wales, the Snowlife Awards Scheme will be introduced at indoor snow facilities and artificial ski centres around the UK from August 1st 2011 and at the Scottish ski centres this winter. Information packs and point of sale will be available from ski schools and at registration and reception points at ski centres. The Snowlife Award Scheme will also be rolled out internationally during this winter and promoted by Snowsport Schools in the Alps, ensuring that skiers can continue progressing through different levels of the scheme whilst on holiday.

Working through the awards

There are nine recognised levels of proficiency starting at an elementary level (Green Zone) where a skier needs to demonstrate some basic skills on skis. Pre-determined achievable targets are set allowing keen skiers at any level to further build their knowledge, confidence and abilities with the benefit of instruction from Snowsport Schools.
In parallel with the classification of the degree of difficulty of different pistes, skiers can relate to their individual ability levels to tackle different runs in safety, by progressing through the Snowlife system.
Skiers within the Green, Blue, Red and Black zones can quickly be identified with different levels of ability, and a star award method of grading allows a skier to progress through the zones from one star (Green) up to nine stars (Black). Upon entering the Snowlife scheme, each skier can obtain or purchase a log book from the Snowsport School to record their development through the various levels – this is then completed and signed off at each stage by an instructor. Upon reaching the upper levels of the system an aspiring snowsports enthusiast could then enter a coaching pathway to become a qualified club coach or snowsport instructor.

Snowlife is being launched initially for skiers but there are plans to embrace all disciplines including Adaptive, Nordic, Snowboard, Telemark and Freestyle from Spring 2012 onwards.

For further information please visit the home nations websites from your region:

Stay safe the Snowsport code

Be sure to follow the international safety guidelines for snowsports, which should be on display at all slopes and resorts. You can find out more at the Snowsport Scotland safety website.

RESPECT FOR OTHERS – Don't endanger other people on the slope

CONTROL OF SPEED – Adapt your speed to match your ability and the slope conditions

CHOICE OF ROUTE – Adapt your line so that you don't endanger people further down the slope

OVERTAKING – You can overtake to the left or right, but always leave enough room for the person you're overtaking to continue their line

STARTING – Check up and down the hill when you start, enter or cross a slope

STOPPING – Always stop at the side of the slope. Avoid stopping in narrow areas, or places with restricted visibility

CLIMBING – Always keep to the side

RESPECT SIGNS – signs and markings are there to keep you safe, so make sure you obey them

ACCIDENTS – If you see an accident, you inform the emergency services and offer help. Identify yourself to the emergency services and the people involved in the accident.

IDENTIFICATION – Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

Snowlife is an initiative of the Snowsport Foundation and is supported by Snowsport Industries of Great Britain (SIGB). All site content is © 2005 SIGB.