MIAS Mountain Bike Instructor Courses

MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) is a UK based mountain bike instructor qualification scheme that has been around for over 30 years. It was started in 1989 and has now qualified over 20,000 instructors who work all over the world. There are now 4 levels of mountain bike instructor qualification, each progressively qualifying you to teach & guide to a higher level. Craig has been a MIAS tutor since 2017 and is an approved provider for the 3 levels of MIAS instructor awards. The higher level 4 award is provided by the ABMG (Association of mountain bike guides).

MIAS is a British qualification pathway and all levels qualify you to lead and instruct, within the qualification remit, in the UK. The MIAS qualification is also internationally recognized but you must check with each country what level of qualification is required to legally work. Sometimes this can even vary between departments in countries and it can change from year to year. Please check with your local government about their requirements. For example, in France you need to complete the highest qualifications and apply to the ministry of sport for a Carte Professionnelle.

If your home country is a also member of EO mtbing (France, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Holland, Slovenia) then it is best for you to train with your home nation qualifying body. However if there is an exceptional reason why someone from another EO mtbing country wants to take a course it can be permitted. For example, someone wants to do their training in the English language, or someone living in France but does not want to travel long distances to their home nation to do a course.

Who are MIAS courses for?

MIAS courses are used by a wide range of people from different backgrounds who have varying goals but all share a passion for mountain biking . Below is a list of common reasons why people take MIAS assessments:

• People wanting to start a new career as a mountain bike leader/guide/coach.
• People looking for a part time hobby job where they can share their passion with others.
• Outdoor professionals from other sports who would like to expand their repertoire and products that they can offer to clients.
• Parents who would like to learn how to introduce mountain biking safely to their children so that they can enjoy the sport as a family.
• Mountain bikers who would like to improve their skills, knowledge and safety practices.
• Teachers, scout leaders and youth workers who would like a recognised qualification to lead groups.
• Riders who would like a new challange/goal to help motivate their progression within the sport.

They are for people with a genuine interest in mountain biking and candidates are expected to already have a reasonable amount of competence on a bike before joining the programme. You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to carry out basic trail side repairs. You should be familiar with basic navigation and also have or be working towards a first aid qualification. If you would like some additional skills training before presenting yourself for assessment we can arrange this for you. We also have a partner first aid provider who can schedule first aid courses to be either directly before or after certain MIAS courses on our calendar.

What equipment do you need ?

• A well serviced mountain bike suitable for the terrain (Level 3 candidates should be on a modern all mountain/enduro bike with a dropper post)
• A vehicle to get to different riding locations in the area
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Pads suitable for a long day out with climbing (e.g enduro style knee and elbow protection). This comes down to personal preference.
• Eye protection (for all conditions)
• Appropriate clothing for all weather conditions
• Backpack, 20l to 25l  is ideal for a guide
• Water carrier
• First aid kit
• Tool kit for all trail side repairs
• Map of the area
• Compass (Silva Expedition)
• GPS (essential for Level 3 candidates). Either smartphone with relevant apps or Garmin etc.
• Portable battery charger for phone and GPS.
• Altimeter (usually a function on an outdoor watch) 
• Group shelter 4 - 6 person
  
• Some basic spare parts for your bike e.g inner tube, rear derallieur hanger, break pads.
• Head torch and rear light

Bike recommendation

Bike choice is a very personal thing and not an easy task with so many options available on the market. Ride Camps work closely with Commencal bikes and can recommend the META as a great option to take you through all levels of instructor qualifications. We would be happy to advise if you have any questions or needs for the above equipment list recommendations.

The 3 Levels Of Mountain Bike Qualification

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MIAS Level 1 (non-technical terrain)

This qualification is aimed at those who wish to lead groups of beginners in non-technical terrain (forest tracks, canal towpaths etc).
Basic Skills - allowing access into low-level terrain, with little potential hazards. i.e. country parks, canal towpaths, bridleways and cycle paths in non-wilderness areas where help is almost immediately accessible.
Successful candidates will need to have a current 2 day First Aid Certificate before they can be awarded their qualification.

MIAS Level 2 (Technical Terrain)

This qualification is aimed at those who wish to lead groups of beginners in non technical terrain and intermediate riders in technical (singletrack, rocky, demanding terrain). For low level rides on bridleways and wilderness areas.
Intermediate Skills - allowing access into wild country, with the potential hazards that surround such terrain, so good map reading skills will be needed to achieve this qualification.
Successful candidates will need to have a current 2 day First Aid Certificate before they can recieve their qualification.

The qualifications have national accreditation with The Association of British Cycle Coaches (A.B.C.C.), Cyclist’s Touring Club (C.T.C.) and is recognised by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) and the Association of British mountain Bike Guides (ABMG).

Assessment syllabus:

• Group management
• Communication
• Coaching skills
• Navigation
• Route planning

• Risk assessment
• Management
• Legal issues
• Recording systems

• Access & conservation
• Equipment requirements
• Riding skills
• Emergency repairs

MIAS level 1 & 2 courses run at the same time and you will be assessed within the syllabus shown above. Your performance within the syllabus will determine whether you are awarded the level 1 or the level 2 qualification at the end of the course:

• Candidates who wish to be assessed at Level 1 must be able to demonstrate basic off-road riding skills and have a current First Aid Certificate or be working towards obtaining one
• Candidates who wish to be assessed at Level 2 must be able to demonstrate strong off road riding skills including step drops (up to 1/2 metre), descending braking in a controlled manner, effective climbing and pedaling techniques, ability to ride in rough, rocky terrain. Have a current First Aid Certificate or be working towards obtaining one.

MIAS Level 3 (Mountainous Terrain)

This is a qualification for those wishing to lead advanced riders in areas defined as mountainous by mountain training UK. You will already need to be a MIAS level 2 or equivalent and show evidence through your log book that you ride regularly in mountainous terrain. You must be proficient with advanced map reading and use of GPS. You will be able to guide groups beyond 30 mins of cycling assistance. You will require advanced riding techniques to ride unpredictable mountainous terrain with drops up to 1 metre and a high level of group management.
AALS may require you to hold additional qualifications to work in this terrain (e.g. ML or equivalent qualifications, approved prior learning). Includes Red and Black bike park trails. You will be assessed within the same syllabus as outlined above but all areas need to be performed to a higher level.

Additional First Aid Qualification (necessary if you don't have one)

A First Aid qualification is a necessity before you can be awarded with your MIAS qualifications. We have a First Aid provider (Tip Top Ski Coaching) that we use and we try to schedule it so that you can take this either directly before of after certain MIAS assessments.

Navigation Courses (Optional)

If you are coming on a MIAS level 1 & 2 course and you would like to brush up on your navigation first, we have a local provider of NNAS bronze navigation qualifications, White Marmotte. There will be an opportunity to take this course directly before one of our MIAS 1 & 2 courses. This could really boost your chances of being awarded the Level 2 qualification.
If you are coming on the MIAS level 3 course, you could take the NNAS silver award to give yourself a boost directly before your exam if you wanted to.

Dates
3 day assessments
These will be full days 8:30 - 18:00

> 05 - 07 June 2022 - MIAS Level 1 & 2  350€
> 31 May - 2nd June 2022 - MIAS Level 3  350€
>  25th - 27th May 2022 - ABMG training/assessment Bookable through ABMG  

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All courses will be based in and around Les 2 Alpes. Please wait for your pre-course information before booking accommodation. If the dates do not work for you, please get in touch as we may put on additional dates and can also arrange private assessment.

Detailed assessment criteria for the MIAS levels can be found here

You have completed the MIAS pathway and would like to go further...

Once you have completed your MIAS/British Cycling or MBCUK level 1, 2 and 3 you can apply to join the ABMG (Assosiation of British Mountain Bike Guides) and start working towards the ABMG Level 4 and EO mtbing guide qualification. 

 ABMG and the EO-MTBing guide qualification

ABMG members are an association of Mountain Bike Guides who work nationally and internationally; they lead, instruct, coach, and guide with professional knowledge and skill.They are collectively, highly qualified riders from world class mountain biking, International Mountain Bike Guides, Adventure Activities specialists and skilled Coaches.

They meet at workshops and hold regular meetings to provide and maintain the high quality of the scheme and respond to the ever changing demands of mountain bikers in the UK and Overseas
The Association of British Mountainbike Guides ABMG is the national association that:

• Trains and assesses mountain bike guides in all aspects of leading, guiding, instructing and coaching mountain bike activities.
• In partnership with EO-MTBing the European Organisation of Mountain Bike Instructor-Guides, ABMG offers professional standards for services offered by their members.
• Promotes safety, enjoyment, and current good practice in mountain bike activities worldwide.

ABMG is an Executive Member of, EO-MTBing the European Organisation of Mountain Bike Instructor-Guides, which is the body that coordinates the standard qualification level of its ten national mountain bike guide associations. A British Mountain Bike Guide is an EO-MTBing Guide, which means an internationally qualified guide with the knowledge and skills to guide worldwide.

The ABMG has three categories of membership.

1. Organisation Member: Is a member organisation that ascribes to the aims and objectives of the ABMG and is accepted as contributing to those aims.
2. Trainee Guide: Is a member who is training towards the full ABMG qualification and the EO-MTBing carnet.
3. ABMG Guide: A fully qualified ABMG Guide with EO-MTBing carnet.

The ABMG and its members are “non political” and committed to working in the interests of Mountain Biking and Mountain Bikers at home and abroad.

For a link to the ABMG website please click here

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