Elements and Performance Criteria

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
emergency food and water
Principles of nutrition may include:
dietary guidelines
essential nutrients
individual food requirements and allergies.
Off-piste conditions may include:
weather
terrain.
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
code of ethics
snowsport area signs and regulations
Alpine Responsibility Code.
Hazards may include:
other snow users
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
coastal patrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
river heights
synoptic charts
high and low tides.
Equipment may include:
alpine skis
poles
ski boots
ski bindings
clothing and footwear
goggles
safety and first aid equipment.
Design and or construction features may include:
side-cut
longitudinal flex
ski length and width
binding risers
boot rigidity and performance.
Comfort and safety may include:
maintenance of equipment
the ski length appropriate to skier's ability, height and weight
ski boot type appropriate for an advanced skier
ski bindings chosen have a Deutsches Institute fur Normung (DIN) range suitable for an advanced skier
ski poles fit the body size of participant.
Techniques may include:
side-step
side-slip
kick-turns
traverse
parallel turns.
Efficient movement may include:
centred and athletic skiing stance in relation to the fore and aft planes of movement
well timed
strong pole touch to aid balance
coordination in the rotational, lateral and vertical planes of movement.
Coordination may include:
timing
speed and precision to blend the planes of movement.
Planes of movement may include:
rotational plane of movement
lateral plane of movement
vertical plane of movement.
Speed control may include:
stopping
slowing down
speeding up.
Turn-shape may include:
medium radius turns
long radius turns
short radius turns
shallow turns
deep turns.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment and course failure.
Measures may include:
safe falling
speed
observation of winter weather conditions and terrain
adequate clothing
fluid and food intake
complying with all snowsport area signs and regulations
complying with Alpine Responsibility Code and skiing practices within the code.
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.

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:
applies relevant process to plan equipment and supply requirements appropriate to the off-piste conditions and duration of the downhill alpine skiing activity
practices a range of safe alpine skiing techniques in off-piste conditions, such as parallel turns while negotiating hazards, and maintaining balance, control and efficient movement
evaluates and reflects on own skiing performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in downhill alpine skiing on off-piste terrain that reflects local conditions and is of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable off-piste location to enable demonstration of downhill alpine skiing skills and techniques
resources and information to accurately plan and prepare for the alpine skiing activity
equipment such as alpine skis, poles and bindings.
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:
observation of the planning and review process with evidence of reference to resources
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge on downhill alpine skiing strategies and techniques in off-piste conditions
observation of safe participation and demonstration of downhill alpine skiing skills, such as the execution of parallel turns and speed control, off piste
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:
SISOSKI303A Alpine ski downhill on advanced terrain.