All ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association)-affiliated qualifications are internationally recognised, and in many cases you can transfer your certification between countries. That said, not all pathways are identical. The qualification you choose may influence your career direction. Each country tends to favour its own system, so if you already have a destination in mind for working abroad, it usually makes sense to train and qualify within that country’s framework.

Can I transfer my ski instructor Qualification?

The simple answer is yes (and no!). Within the ISIA, most members will both accept your qualification and allow you to continue your training in their system. The CSIA and NZSIA make the process extremely easy. They are happy to accept nearly all qualification levels like for like. BASI can be a little more complicated and may require you to complete a conversion exam or will drop your Level by 1.

Check out our Qualifications page for more in-depth info.

Qualification Systems

Within the ISIA, the most widely regarded qualification systems are:

CSIA (Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance)

NZSIA (New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance)

BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors)

PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America)

Read more about the different instructor systems and where they can led you.

Levels generally run from 1 to 4 and are roughly equivalent for each ISIA member. In most cases, Level 1 will allow you to work in the country you were awarded your qualification. However, if you want to work internationally, you need to aim for Level 2. Therefore, it is worth reading more about the different Levels and where they will get you in the ski instructing and snowboard instructing world.

Ski Instructor Course Qualifications Available With Us

Canada

The Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance “CSIA” is the governing body in Canada. It is part of the ISIA and is highly regarded and recognised worldwide. At Winter Sports, we provide comprehensive training up to CSIA Level 3. Additionally, you can train in other ancillary courses from associations such as the Canadian Adaptive Snow Sports and Avalanche Canada.

New Zealand

Our courses in New Zealand provide training towards the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance “NZSIA” certified qualifications. Again, there are options to train up to Level 3 and compressed courses for experienced skiers wishing to reach L2 in the shortest time.

Switzerland 

In Europe, we focus on the ‘BASI’ system, which is The British Association of Snow Sports Instructors. BASI is again part of the ISIA and, accordingly, recognised worldwide. It is also one of the few tickets that will let you enter the French system after completing the speed test.

We have a whole page on qualifications here!

Emma Dyson

Author: Emma Dyson

Often referred to as the Admiral, she is the glue behind the scenes. Keeping the beating heart of the WSC pumping ensuring all operations are covered. With over 2 decades of experience with complex logistics and planning you will be glad that she is on your team. Found between the UK and Canada.

Trustpilot