Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Food and water requirements may include:
range of foods:
perishability
packaging
storage.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines.
Conditions may include:
snow:
surface snow conditions
weather:
visibility
terrain.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
safety and emergency procedures
code of ethics
snowsport area signs and regulations
Alpine Responsibility Code and snowboarding practices within the code.
Hazards may include:


temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Off-piste snowboarding may include:
backcountry snowboarding
no lifts or patrols
extreme terrain and snow conditions
dangerous terrain such as cliffs, deep snow, chutes, and trees
navigation through off-piste conditions.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:




satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river heights
synoptic charts
high and low tides.
Equipment may include:
beanie
larger, off-piste snowboard
off-piste boots
bindings
wrist guards
gloves
sun glasses or goggles.
Design and or construction features may include:
side-cut
overall length
effective edge
torsional flex
camber
soft or hard boots
soft or hard bindings.
Comfort and safety may include:
height and weight
boot type
side-cut
overall length
effective edge
forward lean
stance width
stance angle
surfaces waxed.
Movements may include:
steering
edging
pressure control
sideslipping.
Turn types and shapes may include:
turn types:
skidded
edged
carved
shapes:
small radius
medium radius
large radius.
Shape of the turn may include:
open
unfinished
incomplete and or closed
finished
complete.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Measures may include:
effective communication with other snowboarders
first aid and emergency response
rescue procedures
navigation
safe falling
observation of winter weather conditions and terrain
fluid and food intake
complying with all snowsport area signs and regulations
complying with Alpine Responsibility Code and snowboarding practices within the code.
Safety of others may include:
speed
distance from other snow users.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applies relevant process to plan equipment and supply requirements appropriate to the off-piste conditions and duration of the snowboarding activity
demonstrate off-piste snowboarding techniques, such as turns and side slipping, and safe off-piste snowboarding manoeuvres away from patrolled snowsport areas, such as controlling speed with the shape of the turn or by using side slipping
evaluates and reflects on own off-piste snowboarding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple off-piste snowboarding activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a snowsport location with terrain suitable for off-piste snowboarding skills to be demonstrated
resources and information, such as principles of nutrition and weather sources to accurately plan and prepare for the off-piste snowboarding activity
equipment such as off-piste snowboards, bindings, boots, suitable clothing, goggles, helmet, backpack or bumbag, navigation equipment, rescue and first aid equipment and food and water.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of off-piste snowboarding strategies and techniques
observation of safe participation and demonstration of off-piste snowboarding skills, such as the execution of airs and turns
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOSKB404A Snowboard on advanced terrain.