Start your journey as a performance coach.
Take your first step into coaching and support the development of young and entry-level alpine racers.
The Alpine Foundation Performance Coach (Level 1) qualification is your entry point into the performance coaching pathway. It introduces you to the fundamentals of coaching and prepares you to work with developing athletes in a structured environment.
With this award, you’ll be able to support and deliver coaching sessions for entry-level racers, helping them build strong technical and athletic foundations at artificial slopes and indoor snow centres in the UK.
Alpine Foundation Performance Coach - Level 1
QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW
Minimum Age
16 years-old
Prerequisites
- Must be able to carve clean GS turns, leaving clean tracks on easy blue piste terrain
- Must be able to ski rhythmical slalom turns, showing good speed and control
- Should be physically fit for the demands of the course
Course Duration
Two days (14 hours)
Assessment
Ongoing assessment during the course and through workplace training
Where you can coach
- Indoor snow centres (UK)
- Artificial slopes
- Club environments (under guidance of a lead coach)
Next step
Alpine Club Performance Coach (L2)
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is designed for:
· Skiers looking to take their first step into performance coaching
· Individuals interested in working with clubs and young racers
· Instructors or experienced skiers wanting to move into a coaching role
No prior coaching experience is required.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
During the course, you’ll develop the core skills needed to support developing athletes, including:
· Understanding the role of a performance coach
· Introducing key technical fundamentals (balance, edging, pressure and rotation)
· Supporting athletes in structured training sessions
· Assisting with session planning and delivery
· Developing safe coaching practices in a club environment
· Communicating effectively with athletes and other coaches
You’ll also gain an introduction to long-term athlete development and how to support progression over time.
WORKING TOWARDS YOUR LICENCE
To complete your Level 1 qualification:
· Complete the full course
· Complete workplace coaching experience within a club or programme
· Maintain and complete your logbook
· Hold current Snowsport England membership
Additional requirements for licensing include: valid First Aid, safeguarding training and DBS check.
What’s next?
Once qualified, you can progress to the Alpine Club Performance Coach (Level 2) and continue developing your coaching skills within a competitive environment.
Already qualified elsewhere?
If you hold an equivalent qualification from another country or awarding body, you may be eligible for recognition.
Apply through the equivalency process. Head to our Equivalency page to find out more.
