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What Are The Ski Instructor Qualifications?
Guide Summary
A ski instructor qualification certifies you to teach skiing at different ability levels and ages, depending on the certification level. Entry-level instructors can teach beginners up to basic intermediate skiers, whereas fully certified instructors can train instructors at the expert level. With certification with an ISIA member nation, instructors can also work worldwide.
Becoming Certified As A Ski Instructor
Numerous countries provide professional and recognised ski instructor qualifications. Each country has its route to certification, although the techniques and skills required are often very similar. Many are part of the ISIA (International Ski Instructor Association), whose members adhere to strict standards and regulations. Each member of the ISIA recognises each other’s qualifications, which allows ski instructors to work worldwide. The Winter Sports Company works closely with the following certification systems, providing instructor courses and internships:
CSIA – Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance
BASI – British Association of Snowsports Instructors
NZSIA – New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance
Some operate outside the ISIA, such as the French, Austrian and Italian systems. Their systems are highly regarded but run differently from those of the standard ISIA members, and they typically require you to have conversational language skills for that country.
What Are The Levels Of Ski Instructor Certification?
Most countries operate with a traditional four level system 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. There are some exceptions, for example, the NZSIA of New Zealand operate a three level system, with an additional certification to become a trainer. Countries outside of the ISIA like France operate a completely different certification system. We’ll break down the traditional four level system and what each level means for an instructor.
Level 1 Certification
An entry-level ski instructor qualification allows the instructor to teach beginners up to basic intermediate skill levels. Many ski resorts hire entry-level 1 instructors to teach beginner lessons and kids programs. During your training and exam, you will be exposed to that particular association’s skiing and teaching methodology and learn what it means to be a ski professional.
Level 2 Certification
Level 2 instructors teach higher-level intermediate skiers. It is the qualification required to be a ski instructor in many resorts worldwide. It’s a significant step up from Level 1 and requires training and time practising teaching. If you want to achieve Level 2 in one season, our 11-week Level 1 and 2 course is a fantastic option. On the other hand, if you’re a strong skier and short on time or budget, consider an 8-week fast track program. Once certified as a level 2, you’ll be exposed to a wider variety of lessons and programs and become more employable for ski schools. Level 2 instructors make up the majority of the membership in the CSIA.
Level 3 Certification
This is a high-level qualification requiring greater skill, technique and teaching experience. Level 3 instructors can teach up to advanced skiers, including training level 1 & 2 instructors. To seriously attempt getting your Level 3, you need at least 1 season of teaching at the Level 2 standard. It’s a tough ticket in any governing body with a typical pass rate of only 20%. However, once you have your Level 3, you’ll find it much easier to gain work worldwide, and more VISA opportunities will be available.
Level 4 Certification
A respected professional qualification is only 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). They are the top instructors, and you will only get to this standard after numerous seasons of work and training. The highest level of certification, qualifying instructors to teach at the expert level and train instructors. Level 4’s help to inspire guests and instructors alike and seek to promote the growth of the ski industry. My Journey To Level 4 CSIA with Winter Sports Company
Where Can I Use My Ski Instructor Qualification?
Suppose you choose a governing body that is part of the ISIA. In that case, your qualification will be accepted in any member country. It’s worth noting that BASI level 1 is not an all-mountain qualification, which means you can only work on dry ski slopes and indoor snow domes. Other Level 1 certifications, such as the CSIA and NZSIA, will allow you to teach on the mountain immediately. They are excellent qualifications when combined with a Level 1 internship.
Level 2 certification will allow you to work worldwide, especially in countries that are ISIA members. However, one country will always be more challenging: France! You can work there with a BASI level 2, but only as an apprentice. To do so, you must pass an extra speed test, which takes significant training. After this, you may join the French system and train towards your level 4. However, you must pass the Level 4 and Euro Speed test and other modules to teach in France officially. France is a tough place to work as a ski instructor. Read more on How To Become A Ski Instructor In France
Can I Transfer My Ski Instructor Qualification?
Within the ISIA, most members will accept your qualification and allow you to continue your training in their system and become certified under their accreditation. To transfer to another governing body, you usually need to provide proof of prior learning, such as your current association membership and certification and pay the membership fee for the association you wish to join. Some systems may require you to take a conversion exam or some form of education in that system before awarding equivalency. Again, for countries outside of the ISIA umbrella, the conversion process is different for each country, and we advise checking with the applicable association you wish to transfer to.
Become A Ski Instructor With The Winter Sports Company
The Winter Sports Company is a leading provider of instructor training courses and internships, allowing you to become certified and start work for a ski school. We have locations in Europe, Canada and New Zealand. If you’re interested in becoming a ski instructor but unsure whether to do a course or an internship, check out this blog: Should I Do An Instructor Internship Or An Instructor Course?
We have many options, including short 3-5 week courses and season-long internships with employment. Whichever course you choose, you’ll be trained by top instructors and will be given all the tools and resources required to pass your certification exams. Have a look at some of our most popular courses, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to help.
18 Week Level 1, 2 & 3 Ski Instructor Course
6-Week Advanced CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor Course
11-Week Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor Course
Further Education
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
