BASI ski instructor qualifications offer a world-recognised pathway to teaching skiing and building a global snowsports career.
BASI (the British Association of Snowsports Instructors) was founded in 1963 and is the UK’s national governing body for training and certifying snowsports instructors. They provide courses across five disciplines, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, adaptive, telemark, and cross-country. All designed to help you teach around the world. In this guide, we break down exactly how the BASI system works for aspiring Alpine ski instructors.
Founded in 1963, the British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI) is the UK’s official body for training and certifying snowsports instructors. While rooted in the UK, BASI has a strong international reputation, with many instructors working across Canada, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and beyond.
As a member of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), BASI offers four progressive levels of Alpine ski instructor qualifications that are recognised and respected worldwide. Known for their high standards and comprehensive training, BASI-qualified instructors are in demand at ski schools across the globe, making it an excellent choice if you dream of turning your passion for skiing into a global career.
Like many international systems within ISIA, BASI uses a structured four-level qualification pathway. Each level builds on your technical skills, teaching ability, and mountain experience, opening doors to instructing opportunities across the globe.
The BASI Level 1 course is perfect if you’re looking to get started as an instructor.
– A four-day training and assessment course.
– Includes a first aid qualification, 35 hours of snowsports school experience, and online learning modules.
– Level 1 instructors typically work at indoor snow centres in the UK or under supervision in ski schools abroad.
Ready to move on to real mountains? Level 2 enables you to teach more advanced skiers on international marked pistes.
– An eight-day training and assessment course.
– Requires an additional 35 hours of snowsports school experience (on top of Level 1 hours).
– You’ll refine your technical skills, learn to demonstrate for intermediate to parallel skiers, and gain more independence as an instructor.
This is where you step up to a professional, full-season instructor career.
– Awards the International Ski Instructor Association (ISIA) stamp.
– Requires 200 hours of teaching experience, a second language, mountain safety training, a BASI coaching course, and Level 1 in a second snowsport discipline.
– Level 3 opens up more countries and higher-level roles in ski schools.
The highest certification you can achieve, Level 4 (ISTD), recognises you as one of the best instructors worldwide.
– Extensive technical and teaching modules.
– Opens opportunities to become a trainer and course examiner.
– Typically takes years of dedicated training and teaching to achieve.
– Unlocks long-term, sustainable career pathways in the industry, including top-level international roles.
– Level 4 certifications are hosted by the governing body itself.
With each level, you expand where and who you can teach, from beginners in UK snowdomes to expert skiers on the world’s best mountains. BASI qualifications are respected globally and can help turn your passion for skiing into a true worldwide career.
Check out our ski and snowboard instructor courses to see where a BASI qualification can take you.
At Winter Sports Company, we offer comprehensive BASI Level 1 and 2 instructor courses in two incredible locations: the world-famous Verbier in Switzerland and multiple resorts across Canada.
While the course fee of £10,600 for Verbier might look high at first glance, it’s designed to provide exceptional value and everything you need to kick-start your instructor career confidently.
Whether you choose the iconic Swiss Alps or the stunning resorts across Canada, you’ll get an immersive, supportive experience that sets you up for success on and off the mountain.
Check out our Verbier BASI Instructor Course, or explore our full range of Instructor Courses.
Contact us! Speak through the best options with our qualified team.
A BASI qualification isn’t just a certificate, it’s your ticket to teaching and travelling across the world.
Because BASI operates under the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), its qualifications are recognised and respected globally. Whether you’re starting out or aiming for the top, each level unlocks new destinations and job opportunities.
Level 1: Begin your journey by teaching beginners on indoor slopes in the UK or at mountain resorts under close supervision. It’s the perfect first step to build your confidence and gain essential teaching experience.
Level 2: Open doors to work in international ski schools across Europe, Canada, Japan, and beyond. You’ll take on more responsibility and independence, and many schools offer in-house training to help you develop further.
Levels 3 & 4: These top levels make you a true industry professional. Level 3 instructors are highly sought after at premium resorts worldwide, while Level 4 (ISTD) holders can move into trainer and examiner roles, coach new instructors, and enjoy higher earning potential.
Working abroad is an incredible way to keep improving your skills, meet new people from around the world, and live your passion every single day.
Explore our instructor course locations to see where your BASI qualification could take you.
Check out our guides below for CSIA, CASI, SBINZ, and NZSIA qualifications to compare your options.
While BASI is one of the most respected instructor qualifications in the world, it isn’t the only option if you’re looking to teach skiing or snowboarding abroad.
In Canada, the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) is the main governing body, and in New Zealand, it’s the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA). Each system has its own structure, level progression, and recognition in different parts of the world.
BASI stands out for its strong ties to the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), rigorous technical standards, and broad global recognition. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re dreaming of a truly international career, moving between Europe, Japan, Canada, and beyond.
This piece was last updated 08/07/2025
If above 15, given the right attitude and ability, anyone can be a ski instructor. Training through a provider like the Winter Sports Company can ensure a speedy journey to becoming a ski instructor. Embarking on an intense training programme is a surefire way of learning the correct methods and, more importantly, understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses so that the student can improve through learning, practising and teaching the techniques and skills associated with a ski instructor.
Earnings vary by country, resort, and level. Entry-level instructors typically cover living costs and enjoy seasonal perks like free lift passes and accommodation. At higher levels (Level 3 and 4), instructors can earn significantly more and access premium roles, including trainer and examiner positions. Earnings can range from around £1,200 to over £3,000 per month, depending on your BASI level, location, and experience.
This wouldn’t be easy to achieve without proper training and certification by a governing body or a ski instructor provider such as the Winter Sports Company. Internationally recognised ski schools will always employ people who have been professionally trained to a standard accepted by the governing body recognised in that country. Additionally, the resort or ski school will likely not allow an unqualified, uninsured person with zero experience to teach on the mountain. Fortunately The Winter Sports Company can teach complete beginners to become ski instructors in as little as 6 weeks.
For Level 3 and above, a second language is required if you want to qualify for the ISIA stamp. Even at Level 2, learning another language can increase your chances of getting hired in non-English speaking resorts.
Yes! Many instructors work in the northern hemisphere during winter (December–April) and then head south (New Zealand, Australia, South America) for their winter season (June–October), allowing them to teach and ski all year.
Besides earning an income, you’ll enjoy perks like daily skiing, free or discounted lift passes, staff accommodation, and the chance to live in beautiful mountain resorts. Many instructors also love the strong community and international friendships they build.
Most people achieve BASI Level 2 after completing Level 1 and then progressing through an 8-day Level 2 course plus required teaching experience. With full-time training, this can be done in a single season (around 10–12 weeks).
