This unit applies to those working as cross country ski guides or instructors in a variety of controlled conditions, such as gentle to moderate terrain at resorts where ski trails may be groomed and set, and may provide off - track slopes for turns and downhill technique. This unit may also apply to those working as support staff at lodges and resorts or those working for private outdoor adventure companies who run ski camps or for leaders working for outdoor education or adventure organisations or government agencies.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for the cross country skiing activity.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the conditions of the activity.

1.2. Address packaging and storage requirements of food when menu planning.

1.3. Identify possible hazards associated with the activity.

1.4. Access relevantsources to interpret weather and environmental information and their influence on activity plans.

1.5. Identify an appropriate activity site according to contextual issues, relevantlegislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select equipment according to construction features and contextual issues, and check serviceability.

2.2. Adjust and fit equipment according to manufacturer's specifications to ensure comfort and safety.

2.3. Select personal clothing according to location and activity requirements.

3. Apply intermediate cross country skiing skills.

3.1. Display efficiency of movement and intermediate cross country skiing skills across terrain.

3.2. Modify technique to account for changes in terrain.

3.3. Apply rhythm and smooth transfers between strides, steps and turns, showing a degree of balance and confidence.

3.4. Approach hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible.

3.5. Take measures to guard personal safety and safety of others while skiing.

4. Evaluate cross country skiing activity.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the activity.

4.2. Identify improvements for future cross country skiing experiences.

Required skills

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

problem-solving skills to:

respond to changing conditions

determine techniques to use when cross country skiing in various conditions

literacy skills to analyse, interpret and apply weather and environmental information, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe conduct of activities

planning and organising skills to allocate and select food, water, clothing and equipment for the cross country skiing activity

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 and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all cross ski touring activities

Alpine Responsibility Code and skiing practices, snowsport area signs and regulations, and minimal impact codes to ensure safety and protection of environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for cross country skiing, 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

cross country skiing techniques, such as the ability to apply rhythm and smooth transfers between strides, steps and turns

principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy during activity

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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 cross country skiing activity

applies a range of cross country skiing techniques while negotiating hazards and maintaining balance and control

evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple intermediate cross country skiing activities on gentle to moderate terrain to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information to plan and prepare for the cross country skiing activity

a suitable outdoor controlled location for intermediate cross country skiing skills to be demonstrated

cross country skiing, safety, first aid and navigation equipment.

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 cross country skiing strategies and techniques

observation of safe participation and demonstration of intermediate cross country skiing skills such as downhill traversing and free skating

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISOSKT408A Demonstrate snowcraft skills for overnight touring

SISONAV302A Apply navigation skills in an intermediate environment.

Guidance information for assessment

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.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river level

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

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, such as waxing

communication protocols

snowsport area signs and regulations

Alpine Responsibility Code

code of ethics.

Equipment may include:

cross country skis

poles

ski boots

ski bindings

sunglasses or goggles

navigation equipment

safety and first aid equipment.

Intermediate cross country skiing skills may include:

diagonal striding in open terrain

free skating

downhill traversing

step turns

basic stem turning

telemark straight running

kick turns

side slipping.

Terrain may include:

gentle and moderate slopes on groomed trails

on and off packed snow

controlled environment

ski trails.

Technique may include:

edging

degree of glide

pole position

hand and arm position

body position

knee flex

position of skis with respect to each other

weight transfer

synchronisation of movement.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment and course failure.

Safety of others may include:

speed

distance from other skiers.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.