Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

SISOSKT408A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply snow craft skills for overnight touring

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOSKT408A - Apply snow craft skills for overnight touring
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to safely undertake overnight activities in a snow environment including the ability to identify and negotiate potential avalanche conditions and construct snow shelters.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working as skiing or snowboarding leaders who conduct overnight tours in a range of snow conditions. This may apply to those working at lodges and resorts or outdoor education or adventure providers, volunteer groups, not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Plan for overnight snow activity.
  • Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the conditions and duration of the snow activity.
  • Determine an appropriate site for the overnight snow activity according to contextual issues, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Identify possible hazards associated with the overnight snow activity.
  • Identify the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of possible risks associated with the snow activity.
       
Element: Select and carry equipment.
  • Select equipment after consideration of construction features and contextual issues, and check serviceability.
  • Adjust and fit equipment, according to manufacturer's specification, to ensure comfort and safety.
  • Identify minimum emergency and safety equipment to be carried while participating in the overnight snow activity.
  • Use protective clothing and apply pace of travel and other methods to reduce the possibility of hypothermia.
       
Element: Negotiate snow conditions.
  • Access relevantsources to interpret weather and environmental information and determine activity plans.
  • Identify the effect of weather and snow conditions on the snowpack and the planned activity.
  • Identify potential avalanche terrain using knowledge of factors contributing to avalanches.
  • Select, where necessary, a line of travel which reduces exposure to avalanches.
       
Element: Construct an emergency shelter.
  • Determine factors to be considered when locating and building emergency shelters.
  • Select and justify snow shelter site and type of emergency snow shelter.
  • Construct an emergency snow shelter according to the site and conditions.
       
Element: Evaluate snow activity.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of the activity.
  • Identify improvements for future overnight snow activities and experiences.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

plans equipment and supply requirements appropriate to the conditions and duration of the overnight snow activity

identifies potential hazards and risks associated with the snow activity and applies knowledge of weather and snow conditions to take adequate safety precautions in potential avalanche areas

demonstrates the construction of a range of emergency snow shelters to accommodate a small group of people reflects on own performance and identifies any areas requiring improvements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple overnight snowcraft activities at a suitable snow location to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable snow location to undertake snow activities and overnight stays

activity-specific, navigation, overnight, emergency, first aid and rescue equipment

resources and information to plan and prepare for the overnight snow activity.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of personal safety strategies and techniques used in snow conditions

observation of safe participation and demonstration of safe overnight snowcraft skills, such as selecting a safe line of travel which reduces exposure to avalanches

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended. Industry has determined that this unit may be assessed with the following unit:

SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site

SISOSKT303A Day ski tour away from a patrolled area

SISOSKT304A Guide day ski tours

SISOSKB302A Snowboard on intermediate terrain

SISOSKB303A Guide day snowboarding activities.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to allocate and select relevant food, water, clothing and equipment for the overnight snow activity

communication skills to interact with other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment

problem-solving skills to:

respond to changing conditions

navigate along safe lines to an overnight destination

make decisions about potential hazards

determine activity-specific skills to use according to the conditions

literacy skills to analyse, interpret and apply weather and environmental information, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

self management skills to:

review and reflect on own performance

set goals to improve technique

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies such as an avalanche, and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all overnight snowcraft activities

Alpine Responsibility Code, safe mountain travelling, and minimal impact codes to ensure safety and protection of environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for overnight snow activities, the advantages and disadvantages, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

clothing requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing

principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy throughout the overnight snow trip

snow shelter construction techniques to locate and build a snow shelter in emergency circumstances

signs, symptoms and first aid of common snow-related conditions such as hypothermia to enable efficient treatment

weather and environmental information and factors affecting snow conditions to ascertain possible impact on activities

emergency procedures and potential hazards, such as avalanches, relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and others.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

individual food requirements and allergies.

Conditions may include:

surface snow

snow stability

steepness of slope

run-out

terrain features

visibility

wind

sun.

Duration may include:

overnight

several nights.

Snow activity may include:

snowboarding activities

skiing activities.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

snowsport area signs and regulations

Alpine Responsibility Code

code of ethics.

Hazards may include:

poor visibility

temperature extremes

difficult snow conditions

dense vegetation

group management hazards.group management hazards.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment misuse.

Comfort and safety may include:

length, weight and width of ski

grip and glide zones of skis

flex and shape of ski

edges tuned

free-heel

longitudinal rigidity

surfaces waxed and or cleaned

length of poles and basket type

bindings and boots in good working order.

Equipment may include:

personal cloting

goggles orglasses

activity-specific equipment

overnight pack or sled

overnight equipment

navigation equipment

safety and rescue equipment

communication equipment

first aid equipment

snow shovel.

Minimum emergency and safety equipment may include:

whistle

matches

space blanket.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

ski patrol

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

event warnings

river level

synoptic charts.

Factors contributing to avalanches may include:

slope angle

elevation

weather

deposition

snow pack structure

local instability

topography.

Factors may include:

construction time versus available time

equipment

weather

physical and mental state of the party

suitability of the snow and location.

Type of emergency snow shelter may include:

snow mould

igloo

snow cave

trench

improvised shelter.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

rescue techniques employed.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the conditions and duration of the snow activity. 
Determine an appropriate site for the overnight snow activity according to contextual issues, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify possible hazards associated with the overnight snow activity. 
Identify the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of possible risks associated with the snow activity. 
Select equipment after consideration of construction features and contextual issues, and check serviceability. 
Adjust and fit equipment, according to manufacturer's specification, to ensure comfort and safety. 
Identify minimum emergency and safety equipment to be carried while participating in the overnight snow activity. 
Use protective clothing and apply pace of travel and other methods to reduce the possibility of hypothermia. 
Access relevantsources to interpret weather and environmental information and determine activity plans. 
Identify the effect of weather and snow conditions on the snowpack and the planned activity. 
Identify potential avalanche terrain using knowledge of factors contributing to avalanches. 
Select, where necessary, a line of travel which reduces exposure to avalanches. 
Determine factors to be considered when locating and building emergency shelters. 
Select and justify snow shelter site and type of emergency snow shelter. 
Construct an emergency snow shelter according to the site and conditions. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of the activity. 
Identify improvements for future overnight snow activities and experiences. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOSKT408A - Apply snow craft skills for overnight touring
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SISOSKT408A - Apply snow craft skills for overnight touring

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: