Snowsport Scotland Courses
Mountain Ski Leader (MSL)

Course Aim

The Mountain Ski Leader (MSL) course is designed for already skillful skiers and experienced winter mountaineers who wish to lead others on mountain ski tours.

Course Description

The five days of the course focus on the specific skills of leading groups in the mountain environment away from pisted areas. Course participants may use either Nordic or Alpine touring equipment.

The course covers a wide range of topics and activities including:

Leadership skills
Group leading considerations; group practice supervision; knowledge of mountain hazards.

Mountain skills
Navigation on skis and route finding; weather; clothing; equipment; accident procedures.

Technical skills
Personal performance; roped ski techniques; knowledge of appropriate methods.

The course material is presented primarily during on-snow skiing sessions and is supported by evening lectures and seminar sessions. The course provides opportunities for discussion within the group.

Assessment of the course is continual during the five days of the course. The course Tutor will provide ongoing feedback during the course concerning participant's performance.

On completion of the course the Tutor will conduct individual course reviews with each participant.

Course entry requirements.

As a minimum course participants should:

Be at least 21 years of age
Possess the SMLTB Winter Mountain Leader Award
Possess one of Snowsport Scotland Alpine Ski Leader, Snowsport Scotland Nordic Ski Leader or BASI Alpine, Nordic or Telemark Instructor
Be a member of the Snowsport Scotland Coaching Scheme (or that of Snowsport England, Snowsport Wales or Northern Ireland Ski Council).
Have at least 3 days of logged experience of mountain ski touring

Before issue of a qualification, a first aid certificate (which meets the First Aid Requirements) must be sent to Snowsport Scotland.

Course Dates and Cost

For information regarding this course please contact Snowsport Scotland, 0131 445 4151.

Booking information

Qualification

The Alpine Ski Leader Qualification is issued to candidates who pass the course and also hold a First Aid Certificate and have paid membership fees.