Description:
How can tethering skills be refined to promote independence, safety, and performance? This two-day adaptive clinic is designed for multi-discipline instructors with prior tethering experience who work with stand-up and sit-ski athletes. Participants will refine their tethering skills with a focus on maximizing skier and rider performance while exploring Alpine and Snowboard Technical Fundamentals in the context of tethering. On-snow sessions will address tactical adaptations, terrain selection, and progressive release methods that foster athlete autonomy while maintaining appropriate control of tethered equipment.
Previous tethering experience, familiarity with sit-ski equipment and adaptive teaching progressions are required.
Learning Experiences:
Specific activities will vary depending on the session selection, group’s needs and environmental conditions and typically include:
- Equipment setup and tether system comparisons (bi-ski fixed vs. handheld, sliders, harnesses).
- On-snow application of pressure control, edging, and rotary movements while tethering.
- Peer video analysis to identify enabling vs. restricting instructor movement.
- Assessment activity practice for Levels I–III with clinician feedback.
- Progressions to reduce tether dependence and increase athlete decision-making.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, successful participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate tethering techniques that promote safe and independent movement.
- Apply discipline-specific fundamentals while managing speed and direction through tethering.
- Select terrain and adapt tactics based on student needs and goals.
- Analyze adaptive athlete movement patterns and adjust tactics accordingly.
- Use the six-point assessment scale and national standards to evaluate their own teaching and technical execution.
Prerequisite(s):
Discipline Level I Certified
Recommended Learning Resources:
- PSIA-AASI Adaptive Certification Standards – Bi-Ski Pathway
- PSIA-AASI Adaptive Certification Standards – Standup Pathway
- Alpine and Snowboard Technical Fundamentals PDFs
- Teaching Skills Performance Guide
- Adaptive Technical Skills Performance Guide
Equipment/Materials Needed:
- Alpine, Snowboard or Telemark equipment suitable for a variety of terrain and conditions.
- OPTIONAL: personal Sit-ski equipment (bi-ski, sliders, tethers, outriggers)
PSIA-AASI Eastern partners with local adaptive programs to provide equipment for this course. Please be aware that equipment availability and sizing may be limited.
Find Events Like this on the Eastern Calendar:
Adaptive Education –