I passed my L2!

[BackCountryGirl]

I don't know what made me think of doing this today. Maybe it's the cold temperatures and the fact that I've been getting tons of calls and emails from instructors this week, all wanting to know when our training will start. But, I passed my Level II teach at the end of the season last year. The exam was at my home mountain -- no pressure. There were only about 50 people in the room with me waiting for the results.

 

[ski now work later]

Congrats! Nothing like a little supportive pressure (or would that be pressured support?). Sounds like you have a great community there at your mountain.

 

[perma-grin]

Wahoo! Congratulations! Nothing quite compares with that "relaxing "time waiting for exam results to be announced! Lol! Nice job Back country girl.

 

[ski diva]

Way to go!!!

I updated your profile.

 

[Jilly]

Way to go BCG. I was going for my CSIA 3 last spring. Wasn't recommended for the exams. It gets so much harder higher up doesn't it? (we have 4 levels in Canada.) I've been looking for my dues invoice. So I went on-line into the website for the CSIA and looked up my profile. There was a big fat 0 under dues owed. What??? OMG I'm a 25 year member and don't have to pay dues again!! That said they want you to pay to a scholarship fund instead. So when the bill comes I'll contribute. Since I want to do the Diva Summit, not going to try again for the 3 this year. Going to work on the skiing instead. Teaching was OK, just can't get my a*s in the snow!!

 

[skiwishes]

Way to go, bcg! Congratulations online. When are we going shooting? genie

 

[BackCountryGirl]

Genie: I thought that must have been you in the post from February. How about either day on the weekend of the 4th of October; you are both welcome to come here? Did you get your letter yet about our training dates? Some changes on the horizon... I am headed to do one of the Master Teacher things next weekend -- the new one on Functional Movement. I'll fill you in. Barb

 

[skiwishes]

Can't do it that weekend. We are in CA and won't be back until late that week, possibly weekend, and Stan is going duck hunting right after. Phew.

No I didn't get an update on training. Perhaps I am no longer a trainer...it is always a mystery what is going on until things start. Hopefully, I'll be on the list, because I love it.

I would love to take that class! We are out here because we are going to the Gun Rights Policy Conference in Phoenix the 26-28, so couldn't do the class. For a short while it looked as if I would speak, but they had to take out my panel. Drats. Take tons and tons of notes! It is exactly what I would like to work with!

Just sent off my application for ProJam. I have never been, but decided to give it a shot. Something has to help me get that 3! Other than my own hard work. Read a great book this summer, Ultimate Survival, which was helpful in understanding just what happens when I (and a great portion of the skiing public!) freak...even when we know we can do something.

Of course, it is like psychlogoy of any type: knowing why doesn't mean we can easily do anything about it.

Obviously, I am really ready to 'come home' to snow! genie
Has Beth contacted you about getting together?

 

[skiwishes]

Jilly,

You are absolutely right about it getting harder the higher you go! It is something the public does not understand, either. There is such a qualitative difference between I and II and II and III in the states, and you Canadians have that extra level, so I am not sure how it fits, but know it is comparable.

It is relatively easy to get a Level I, and many people just think they can waltz into the II. They have little idea of the degree of knowledge you need in so many areas. Lots of people think if they can ski all over the mountain, they are experts...not realizing the technical aspects. An instructor has to know how and why things happen, plus know how to communicate that knowledge. Two segments that get more and more precise as you rise through the ranks.

Of course it makes one's own skiing phenomenal at whatever level you ski! Precision leads to control, and isn't that what we are all seeking? Control in less and less controllable situations!

Ah. The ski bug musta got me overnight. The weather is balmy and I am thinking bumps! genie

 

[tcarey]

skiwishes,
Congrats on the shiny new sliver pin! I ski often at Sunday River and do enjoy it there. I also took my L3 skiing there,we had a great time with great weather,conditions and clinicians.
Projam is a great event! I have done it for the past 4 or 5 years and have loved it! On one of the days you will have the opportunity to ski with the National Members make sure you sign up early for this as it fills quickly.
On another note make sure you enjoy the journey to your L3 take your time train hard and go when YOU know you are ready!

T

 

[Jilly]

In Canada a level 1 is a 4 day course, usually 2 weekends. The 2 is a 5 day course with daily evaluations. 3 is a week long course and 2 days of exams later. 4 is another world. 1 and 2 can easily be done in a season. 3 takes more time and if you pass and add another tech course you can teach level 1 courses. The level 4's ski, teach, run schools or are examiners for the other levels. These people eat, sleep and drink skiing. Some even go down under for our summer to teach and there is a level 1 and 2 course in NZ offered.

As you say a lot of people think because they can ski, they can teach their buddies. There is a lot of techical stuff you don't mention to your student. You get them to do the manouvers without the techno-babble and physics lesson. I was always told to keep your students moving, keep the explainations short and sweet. Don't talk too much!!

 

[tcarey]

Seems I have misread this thread-Congrat Backcountrygirl on your L2!

Skiwishes-congrats on your L2 as well-no matter when you attained it!

My bad! Sorry girls.

T

 

[skiwishes]

No problem, tcarey! It seems I have had my Level 11 forever, but not so. It was hard getting it, too. I have Master Teacher certification, and can teach anything and anyone, including my betters in some cases. However, my skiing is my nemesis!

If I didn't love the process, I would have quit years ago. Our teaching model is based on 'strengths.' I often say my greatest strength is my refusal to accept reality.

Seems most people (except those marvels that just are born skiing perfectly) never forget their Level II exam! Kinda like childbirth. In many ways.

That is the great divide, I think. Almost anyone can get the Level I. Level II means you are a true professional skier. Level III: not so horrible if you don't achieve it, because so many do not. genie

 

[Sheena]

Congrats!!

 

[BackCountryGirl]

Terry: Yep, it was me who got the silver pin this year; Ski Wishes has had hers for a bit. I'm taking this year simply to ski; I learned alot from Chris Fellows at the NASTC camp I did this summer in Portillo, so now I'm just going to ski it for a season. For me, the highlight's going to be a trip to Silverton, 3/4-3/9.

Genie: I'll PM you with some info. that I have about our dryland stuff at SR -- even though I've supposedly signed the "welcome back" letter, I have no idea what it says.

Barb

 

[tcarey]

Bcg,
Have fun skiing with no pressures! Never had the pleasure of skiing with Fellows.I am sure you had a great time! Silverton looks like a great place to visit.Enjoy!

 

[tcarey]

Skiwishes,
So if you pass the skiing portion of L3 you are all set.Things were the other way around for me.The skiing just came to me.The teaching portion was harder only because I lacked confidence even though I understand the techical aspects of skiing.I failed my first attempt at my L3 teaching.I came back the next year and scored a 16.The year between helped me gain the confidence I needed order to pass! Good luck in whatever path you choose to take!

T

 

[KatyPerrey]

Congrats on your Level II!!!

 

[Snowsong]

Belated congratulations. I always joke that my pin is the most expensive piece of jewelry I own The costs of the pre-clinic, skiing exam, teaching exam, travel, motels, etc., etc. You were lucky part of yours was at your home mt. I had to travel to NY both years to do mine. Now my school has a fund to reimburse for some expenses for L2 & L3 after one has passed.

 

[skiwishes]

Snowsong,

If you think the silver pin was expensive, try Master Teacher's! That is the single most expensive thing I own...well, except the house. Our mountain has been paying for the actual exams (II & III) if you pass. Hopefully, the new owners will continue that.