The qualifications you need to be a ski instructor varies depending on your aims and what country you want to work in. Level 2 is considered the minimum industry standard for employment internationally. If you are aiming to work as a ski instructor you should aim to achieve level 1 and 2 qualifications in your first season – most people do this via a ski instructor course or internship.
Each country has its own governing body for ski instructors such as the British system (BASI), Canadian system (CSIA) and New Zealand system (NZSIA). All systems operate a levels system of qualification, and whilst all organisations have similarities, there are slight differences to each system – find out about the different qualifications.
Level 1 Instructors
Level 1 is an entry level ski instructor qualification allowing the instructor to teach complete beginners up to parallel turns. Level 1 instructors can find work via internships and at smaller resorts.
Level 2 Instructors
Level 2 certification allows the instructor to teach up to higher level intermediate skiers and is the qualification required to be a ski instructor in many resorts around the world.
Level 3 Instructors
Level 3 is a high level qualification and requires a greater skill, technique and teaching experience. Level 3 instructors can teach up to advanced skiers, including training level 1 & 2 instructors.
Level 4 Instructors
Level 4 is a respected professional qualification and is accomplished by instructors who have exceptional standards across all areas. Level 4 instructors train advanced skiers and the higher levels of instructors (level 3 training and level 4 training).
The levels system is recognised by most countries apart from France. Find out how to become a ski instructor in France.
