Snowsport England Nordic Proficiency Awards

What Are the Nordic Proficiency Awards? The Nordic Proficiency Scheme offers skiers a 5 step programme of awards from beginner to expert. Starting with basic skiing skills at 1* the Awards take skiers through the range of Nordic techniques to advanced and refined skiing at 5*. There are Awards at each level for cross-country on snow (S) and/or rollerskiing (R), and at 4* and 5* for cross-country downhill (XCD: free-heel alpine and telemark). At each level they cover the key skiing skills and appropriate awareness of equipment.

Who are the Proficiency Awards for? Any interested skier! 1* and 2* Awards are suitable for all skiers, whether on holiday or a course, and they provide a foundation for all types of Nordic skiing. 3* and above are more demanding, and more likely to be attained through a course or other event with tuition.

How Do the Awards Progress? The steps between the Awards are quite large, so there is real progression from one level to the next.

1*(S, R): for beginner and early novice skiers. It includes the key techniques for moving safely and comfortably around easy terrain, basic awareness of equipment and suitable clothing.

2* (S, R): for novice skiers. It covers the foundation skills for all aspects of Nordic skiing including classic, skating and downhill techniques.

3* (S, R): for intermediate skiers. It covers the full range of Nordic skiing techniques at a competent level.

4* (S, R, XCD): for advanced skiers. Skiers can specialise in cross-country or cross-country downhill (or do both, of course). They need to be able to cover the relevant skills competently and effectively in varied terrain.

5* (S, R, XCD): for expert skiers. Techniques have to be carried out to a very high standard throughout.

How Do I get Assessed for an Award? You need to be assessed by a Snowsport England registered Coach, and there are various ways this can be done. SSE now offers assessment at all its rollerski and on-snow events. Many ski clubs run coaching programmes which can include Proficiency assessments, and some holiday companies offer assessment through courses and holidays. Any of the awards can be attained gradually over several assessments, or in a single session.

How Can I register on the Proficiency Scheme? You can register directly by contacting the Adminstrator (Dagmar Junghanns) on sseproficiency@googlemail.com or tel 01380 729312.

Some courses and coaching schemes also include registration, likewise holiday companies offer it as part of a course or holiday.

Registration costs £5 for two awards (on all surfaces), or £10 for all awards on all surfaces. You recieve a scorecard, and a certificate for each award achieved.

(All Photo's - Fischer Skiing)