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How To Become A Ski Instructor In France
Guide Summary
To work in France as a ski instructor, you must complete a rigorous education process. Prerequisites to work in France include the test technique, the speed test, mountain safety and training in a French ski school. You may qualify through the BASI system as a Level 4 ISTD instructor.
How To Work In France As A Ski Instructor
The journey to becoming a ski instructor in France is often shrouded with confusion and misinformation – we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make it a little clearer
First and foremost, it will not be easy, but not impossible. France has a ski-race culture; most French ski instructors have grown up racing, and the chosen minimum standard for being a ski instructor in France is the completion of a speed test – set by a French pro racer. There is no point in beating around the bush with this one; if you can’t take the pace, you will not be able to teach in France.
The Pathway To Becoming An Instructor In France
Step 1 – The Test Technique
The Test Technique is a timed slalom – at the start of the day, a professional skier will set a time, and you have to get within a percentage of that time (usually within 15-18%). The Test Technique requires training – and a lot of it. You will not become a ski racer overnight; essentially, you won’t be able to teach in France unless you meet the calibre of a professional racer.
Step 2 – Preformation
This stage 2 examination, alongside the Test Technique, allows you to move forward into paid employment within a French Ski School as a Stagiere.
Step 3 – Stagiare Status
This means you are a trainee and will complete an apprenticeship under the French system. In France, you do not qualify at different levels; you are either a trainee instructor or a fully qualified instructor – there is no in-between. You will be required to take part in training and complete modules as a Stagiare over the course of four years.
Step 4 – Eurotest
The Eurotest is a giant slalom speed test – it is more challenging than the Test Technique. The Eurotest is no easy feat; a pro ski racer sets the time, and you must get within a percentage of that time (around 10%) to pass. Your technique has to be flawless, and you have to be fast!
Once you have completed all French modules and passed the Eurotest, you are qualified to teach in France.
Become A Ski Instructor With BASI
Step 1 – Get your Level 2 Ski Instructor qualification
The ESF recognise BASI level 2 as an entry-level qualification in their system. Spend a season or two getting your level 2, then work towards the test technique.
Step 2 – The Test Technique
The Test Technique is a prerequisite of teaching in France – you will not get around it! A professional skier sets the timed slalom, and you must get within a percentage of their time. The test technique requires extensive training.
Step 3 – Stagiare Status
Once you have BASI level 2 certification and have passed the Test Technique, you can apply to join a French Ski School as a trainee (called Stagiare status). You then have four years to reach BASI Level 4.
Step 4 – Eurotest
The Eurotest is a giant slalom speed test. This is no mean feat – a pro ski racer sets the time, and you must get within a percentage of that time (usually around 10%) to pass. Your technique has to be flawless, and you have to be fast!
Once you have completed all BASI level 4 modules and passed the Eurotest, you are now qualified to teach in France. You should expect this to take a minimum of 4 – 6 years.
Train To BASI-ISTD
BASI is one of only a few national instructor bodies recognised by the French system. The difference between entering the French system and completing your BASI journey independently is time and place.
As part of the French system, you will be in France, usually in the same resort and must achieve level 4 status within four years. If you choose to complete your BASI training outside of France, you will have the opportunity to work and train worldwide; you can also take your time and not worry about not completing it within four years.
Other qualifications
Click below to see what other qualifications we offer. You might find that a different course suits you better.
FAQs
If you are a UK passport holder or not part of the EU then you will need a work visa to work in Europe which can be very limiting as its currently only valid for 90 days and is reliant on your employer to provide you with this visa. Canada as it stands is the best combination for plenty of venues to work in, and the ease of getting a work visa. Its currently the best place in the northern hemisphere to make a career out of this industry until Europe & the UK’s work relations strengthen,
Gaining your basic ski instructor certification, with the correct existing skills, costs as little as $480 or £350. However, achieving those skills, should you need training, can cost considerably more as accommodation, lift passes, transportation, and food must be factored in whilst training and completing your exams. These costs can be in the region of £3500-£8500 for your Level 1 or Level 2, depending on the quality and duration of the programme.
If you are a capable skier, simply attending a three- or 5-day course and examination will entitle you to become a level 1 ski instructor upon successful completion. If you still need to gain sufficient skills, then a standard timeframe to train to this level can be around 3-4 weeks for Level 1 and another 5-7 weeks for Level 2. The Level 2 exams are completed within six days after the preparation and training.
A Ski Internship is the most affordable, full season programme involving ski instructor training, free skiing and a paid position within the snow school. A balanced yet immersive experience into the ski industry giving you world recognised qualifications and work experience allowing maximum improvement in teaching and overall confidence in a ski school role. The Winter Sports Company offer different versions of internships to suit different goals, so its worth understanding what is best for you.
Both apply similar methods of teaching. Ski instructors work with skiers to develop fundamental skills to help them ski better for the purpose of recreation. Ski coaches work with skiers and ski racers to develop skills specific for competition.
