French Sports Code
In forceAptitude test
I.-Technical safety test.
The aim of the technical safety test is to check the candidate's ability to progress safely, at a sustained speed, on Nordic-type hilly terrain, whatever the snow conditions.
The technical safety test is carried out in accordance with the provisions of a of II of appendix V of thedecree of 26 April 2013, relating to the specific training for the national Nordic cross-country ski instructor diploma.
II - Test to verify theoretical and practical knowledge and safety skills
This test takes place during the winter, over a period of two to five days. It consists of three tests designed to check, in the following chronological order, that the candidate is able, based on a professional situation in the field:
1° carry out a search for avalanche victims within a limited time;
2° analyse and interpret various types of information to enable them to prevent risks, implement safe conditions for progressing in Nordic cross-country skiing on and off the pistes in the Nordic area and manage the situation in the event of an accident;
3° lead a group safely in an itinerant context during an outing lasting at least two days, off the marked pistes.
1. First test: search for avalanche victims.
The test consists of detecting and probing in order to find two avalanche transceivers (DVA), each placed in a duffel bag with insulation approximately 60 cm wide, buried without signal overlap at a depth of approximately 1 m, and successfully freeing one of the two devices. The search area was 50 m x 50 m. The two avalanche transceivers must be located and one of them freed in a maximum of 8 minutes.
This test is eliminatory.
2. Second test: analysis and interpretation of information to prevent risk, to implement safety conditions for progress in Nordic cross-country skiing on and off the pistes in the Nordic area and to manage the situation in the event of an accident.
In the context of a professional situation in the field, the candidate must be able to:
a) Analyse a weather report and an avalanche risk report written in French;
b) Locate themselves on a map of the resort's pistes and on a topographical map.
This ability is assessed overall. It may or may not be acquired. If the candidate does not master either situation a or b, he/she will be eliminated.
3. Third test: leading a group in safety during a two-day itinerant outing, off the marked trails.
In the context of a work-related situation, the candidate must be able to:
a) Implement the safety conditions for progressing with a group on a Nordic raid, on and off the pistes;
b) Manage an accident: avoid over-accidents and manage the group;
c) Alert the emergency services by issuing an alert message in French.
If the candidate fails to validate any one of the three abilities a, b or c, he/she will be eliminated.
The test of theoretical and practical knowledge and safety skills must be passed in its entirety. In the event of failure in any of the three component tests, the candidate must repeat the test in its entirety.
