Foundation Coach Accreditation

Snow Australia’s Foundation Coach Accreditation is the first level of Snow Australia’s Coaching Pathway. It includes a combination of e-Learning courses and practical workshops and is designed for instructors, current and former athletes, and others starting their journey as winter sport coaches.

The accreditation process has four main steps:

STEP 1

Snow Australia Foundation Coach e-Learning on the Snow Academy

Introduction to Coaching

+ 1 DISCIPLINE MODULE

Alpine / Freestyle / Snowboard Fundamentals

ASC Community Coach Essential Skills

SIA Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction

STEP 2

Complete other Coach e-Learning on the Sport Integrity Australia website

SIA Anti-Doping Fundamentals

SIA Coaches Course

STEP 3

Complete Snow Australia's Practical Coach Workshops

Discipline-specific Practical Coaching Workshops are conducted periodically. As they become available, the dates and locations of practical workshops will be communicated to all registered coaches.

STEP 4

Complete Practical Coach Experience

20 hours practical coaching

10 hours shadow coaching

Download the Coaching Experience Log and Guidelines. Coaching hours can include any on-snow or dryland coaching of snowsports athletes.

Prerequisites and Recognition of Prior Learning

Prerequisites

For the Alpine, Freestyle and Snowboard disciplines, APSI Instructor qualifications are a prerequisite.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Candidates may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for some or all components of the Snow Australia Fundamentals course if they are able to supply sufficient evidence of the relevant required competencies.

Memberships / Qualifications

In addition, accredited Snow Australia coaches must be current financial members of Snow Australia, Working With Children Check, and have First Aid qualifications.

For any enquiries on Coach Accreditation email coaching@snow.org.au

BACK TO COACHING

Foundation Coach e-Learning Courses on the Snow Academy

Introduction to Coaching The Introduction to Coaching course is designed for snowsports instructors, current and former athletes, and other prospective winter sports coaches beginning their coaching journey. After completing this course, learners must then complete at least one discipline fundamentals course.
Freestyle Fundamentals The Freestyle Fundamentals course provides an introduction to coaching Freestyle and Freeski disciplines in Australia. The content is primarily targeted around participants at the Interschools level of competition.
Snowboard Fundamentals The Snowboard Fundamentals course provides an introduction and overview to coaching Snowboard disciplines in Australia. The content is primarily targeted around participants at the Interschools level of competition.
Alpine Fundamentals The Alpine Fundamentals course provides an introduction and overview to coaching Alpine and Ski Cross racing in Australia. The content is primarily targeted around participants at the Interschools and Snow Australia Children’s levels of competition.
Community Coach Essential Skills Developed by the Australian Sports Commission, this course is designed to assist new, returning or current coaches to create positive, safe and inclusive environments for participants to learn, play, compete and thrive in sport.  The course is made up of 7 modules that guide coaches on how to perform their role with a modern approach.
Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction Developed by Sport Integrity Australia, this course is designed to help you understand Safeguarding Children and Young People in your sport, including the Children and Young people Safe Practices, and how to recognise and respond to possible breaches.

Foundation Coach Accreditation Snapshot

How to Complete Online Coaching Accreditation Courses on the Snow Academy

You can access the Snow Academy through your Snow Australia membership login. You will need to have a current financial Snow Australia Membership to access the coaching courses on the Snow Academy.

1. Active SnowID

Make sure you have an active SnowID (Snow Australia Membership) for 2025.

Join or Renew with Snow Australia

2. Login

Log into your Snow Australia account via the Member Login at the top of the website or via the top menu if on a mobile.

3. Access Snow Academy

Once logged in you should see the Snow Academy button. Simply click this to be taken to your Snow Academy account.