FIS delivers the first Train the Trainer course in Planica, bringing Coach Level 0 to local communities

Oct 27, 2026·Inside FIS

@ FIS / Action Press / Jonathan Nackstrand

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has completed its inaugural in-person Train the Trainer course for Cross-Country Coach Level 0 education in Planica.

Positive early experiences of Cross-Country skiing can spark a lifelong interest in the sport. Through its Train the Trainer program, FIS prepares certified coaches to teach local volunteers how to instruct beginners in Cross-Country skiing. The initiative aims to open the sport to more people through clubs and communities.

“With Coach Level 0, we want to make it easier for National Ski Associations to bring quality coach education right into their local clubs and communities. The ‘Train the Trainer’ concept is an important part of that approach because it builds the capacity to deliver the program locally and sustainably.”– Cornelia Blank, FIS Senior Manager Education

Giving volunteers the foundations to get started

About the FIS Level 0 Coach Education course

FIS’s Coach Level 0 education is an accessible, stand-alone course designed for people with little skiing or coaching experience. It covers the practical foundations of organizing beginner activities and supporting local clubs. It also serves as the starting point in the wider education pathway, before Coach Level 1.

About the FIS Level 0 Coach Education Train the Trainer course

The Train the Trainer course prepares certified coaches to deliver Coach Level 0 education to local volunteers. Those volunteers will then introduce beginners to Cross-Country skiing.

“This course was pretty interesting. The concept itself is interesting, but most importantly for me, it made me recognize again how important fun is for skiing. It was fun for me as a ski instructor, and it reminded me that the most important thing is for kids to have fun on the snow or on roller skis."– Adam Soti, HUN (Cross-Country Coach and Participant)

Over three days of lectures, workshops, and practical Cross-Country sessions, participants developed their approach to teaching essential beginner skills. These skills ranged from putting on skis and getting up after a fall to balancing, transferring weight, gliding, and stopping. Participants also explored how to use technique and terrain to create exercises that help new skiers develop speed and control.

In addition, the course focused on adapting teaching to different audiences and national contexts, making Level 0 education relevant to the communities participants will support.

“Development starts at grassroots level. A good first experience can make a real difference in whether someone stays involved in skiing. By equipping local club volunteers with simple, practical ways to teach beginners, we want to help clubs create those positive experiences and open more pathways into Cross-Country skiing.” – Dimitrije Lazarovski, FIS Development Program Director

Bringing Coach Level 0 to local communities

“We need this course because we need to start from the very, very beginning to get even more kids to enjoy the sport that we love so much.” – Ingunn Fossmellem (FIS Educator)

The path to a FIS Train the Trainer diploma continues beyond Planica. To qualify, participants must complete the required e-learning. Next, they will deliver at least one Level 0 course in their own country within 12 months of the in-person training. A FIS expert observes and approves the delivery before awarding the diploma.

“This course in Slovenia would be very good for us because we learned something new and learned how to teach others. That is very important because we work with beginners, trainers, and athletes.” – Gabrijela Skender Abramovic, CRO (Cross-Country Coach and Participant)

This first Train the Trainer course in Planica enables certified Cross-Country coaches to grow the sport in their communities, with support from their respective National Ski and Snowboard Associations (NSAs).

To facilitate this journey from training to local delivery, the FIS Development Department and FIS Knowledge & Education Center provide funding, expert support, learning resources, and starter kits, alongside accommodation and travel contributions.

Volunteers who complete Level 0 education receive recognition from their NSA through a Coach Level 0 certificate.

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