To work professionally as a ski instructor, you must first become certified with a recognised governing body. Since there is no single, universal instructor qualification, you’ll need to decide which organisation to certify with.
The International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) is made up of 38 member nations, all of which collaborate to uphold the highest standards in both ski instruction and skiing technique.
If you’re about to embark on a new career and become certified as a ski instructor, it’s important to consider which association you choose to certify with. There is no single, universal instructor certification-rather, each skiing nation has its own governing body and certification system.
Many of these are part of the ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association), whose members adhere to strict standards and regulations. Each ISIA member recognizes other members’ qualifications, allowing ski instructors to work internationally. However, there are some notable systems-such as the French certification-that are not members of the ISIA.
For many aspiring instructors, certifying with a system that is part of the ISIA is a solid choice. By doing so, it becomes easier to work in other member countries, as your qualification will be recognized across borders.
The main barriers tend to arise in the reverse situation. When An ISIA-certified instructor seeks work in a non-ISIA country. Their certification is not automatically recognized, and they would likely need to undergo an equivalency assessment-or even complete the respective countries education system-before being approved to work in that country.
However, if an ISIA-certified instructor wishes to work in another ISIA member country-Canada, for example-the process is typically much more straightforward. The CSIA (Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance) would recognize the ISIA qualification and likely issue an equivalency, allowing the instructor to work in Canada without needing to retrain. Equivalency isn’t the same for each ISIA member and there are sometimes additional steps to be taken, however this process is usually more straightforward.
Therefore, I would say one of the most important factors to consider is where you want to work. If you’re hoping to spend your winters in Canada, then certification through the CSIA is likely your best option. Any other ISIA member nation will also offer many opportunities for international work.
However, if your sights are firmly set on working in France, for example, then pursuing certification through their respective system is likely the better path. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that these nations maintain exceptionally high standards-particularly at the top levels-and obtaining certification can be a lengthy and often expensive process.
The Winter Sports Company works closely with the following certification systems, providing instructor courses and internships:
For more information on ISIA equivalency please visit the ISIA website.
Earning the most money as a ski instructor has less to do with which certification you hold-whether it’s CSIA, BASI, Austrian, etc.-and more to do with your level of certification and where you choose to work.
If you’re certified with a member system of the ISIA at Level 1, your pay will typically start relatively low. This reflects both your limited experience and the entry-level nature of the qualification. However, as you progress through the levels, your pay will increase. At higher levels, your certification, location, and experience become the main factors determining your earning potential.
As a fully certified instructor (Level 4 or equivalent), you can expect to earn a solid income, regardless of which system you’re certified through. At that point, the biggest differences in pay come down to where you work and what type of work you do.
The highest rates of pay are typically found in places like France, Switzerland, and the USA. In France or Switzerland, a fully certified instructor can earn anywhere between €400–€600 per day.
In the USA, the base hourly rate may be lower, but the strong tipping culture can significantly increase overall earnings. Even less experienced or lower-certified instructors can earn good money once tips are factored in.
The type of work you do also plays a significant role in your earning potential. Teaching group lessons tends to pay less than private lessons, particularly those that are specifically requested by clients.
For example, in Australia, being requested for a private lesson can increase your hourly rate by $15-$20, and similar incentives exist in most ski regions around the world. Once you’ve built up a repeat client base and are regularly requested for private lessons, your earnings can increase substantially.
Once you’re established in a resort-especially with high-level certification and experience-additional opportunities open up. These include work in seasonal development programs, race training, or instructor training courses, all of which offer consistent hours and higher pay.
At resorts like Thredbo in Australia, instructors can work with season-long programs such as the Thredbo Mountain Academy or the Development Squad, both of which provide guaranteed hours, even during quieter periods. Most ski schools worldwide offer similar opportunities. Fully certified instructors can also work as course conductors, which is generally a well-paid role.
As with most careers, the more experience you gain and the higher your certification level, the greater your earning potential. But being a successful ski instructor isn’t just about skill on the snow-it also involves being strategic about how you manage your season.
For example:
These are all proven ways instructors maximize their income.
Many of the main ski instructor certifications are members of the ISIA, which, put simply, seeks to ensure the highest standards of teaching and skiing standards are upheld by member nations.
That being said, it is widely accepted within the ski instructor community that some associations stand out. Both the Swiss and Austrian systems are renowned for producing some of the best skiers in the world, demonstrating refined technique and exceptional skills among those who hold their highest certification. This is partly due to the rigorous training and examinations that instructors in these systems must complete in order to achieve the top level of certification.
Go skiing with an Austrian Staatlich (Austrian Level 4), and you’ll quickly realize they possess exceptional skiing ability. Many instructors around the world would agree that they stand out above the rest.
Another notable certification is the Italian Maestro di Sci. With only one level in their system, those who hold the Maestro di Sci are exceptional skiers-most of whom come from a ski racing background. If you meet anyone holding the highest level of certification in any of these systems, they will likely stand above the rest in terms of skiing quality.
There are also significant stylistic differences between the systems. Take a look at some of the Interski videos on YouTube, and you’ll notice no two systems look the same. Japanese and Korean instructors, for example, have a noticeably different style compared to their European and North American counterparts. Often, answering the question of which system is “better” comes down to personal preference.
Any certification that is a member of the ISIA and operates within a traditional four-level system will share similar skiing standards throughout the pathway. Level 1 instructors will demonstrate basic fundamentals and be qualified to teach beginners and intermediates. Level 3 and 4 instructors are expected to ski and teach to a much higher standard, with Level 4 instructors skiing at an expert level.
To conclude, it’s fair to say that certain systems uphold a higher standard than others. However, anyone holding the highest level of certification in their respective system will be able to ski and teach at an incredibly high level.
The difficulty of ski instructor exams largely depends on the certification level you’re pursuing and the governing body you’re certifying with.
For associations that operate with a traditional four-level system, the exams become progressively more challenging as you move from Level 1 to Level 4. Level 1 is not particularly difficult-it’s designed as an entry-level certification, allowing you to teach beginner skiers. With a bit of training, a competent parallel skier could expect to pass a Level 1 exam.
However, as you progress through the levels, both the expectations for your skiing and teaching skills increase and the pass rate typically decreases. By the time you reach Level 4, the expectation is that you can ski and teach at an expert level-and you’ll also be capable of training other instructors. The pass rate for Level 4 exams is notoriously low, with only a small percentage of instructors achieving this level each year. Most who do are full-time professionals with several years of experience.
For instructors looking to progress through these levels, associations like the CSIA, BASI, NZSIA, and the PSIA offer accessible pathways with a relatively lower entry point. These systems provide a structured and achievable progression for most skiers.
On the other hand, if you choose to certify through systems like the French or Italian ski instructor programs, be prepared for a more rigorous and extensive certification process. These countries have higher skiing standards and more demanding education requirements, even for their first level of certification.
Many instructors in France and Italy come from a ski racing background or have extensive certifications from other systems. For example, in France, there’s no in-between: you’re either a trainee instructor or a fully qualified instructor. To become fully qualified, you must complete the extensive training modules required by the French system or hold a recognized international qualification (usually at Level 4) and achieve ISIA status.
The exams in these systems are notoriously tough and cannot be passed without serious training and preparation.
Most countries use a traditional four-level ski instructor system, which is fairly similar among ISIA members.
Let’s break down each level so you know what to expect on your journey.
Level 1 is your entry point into the world of ski instructing. It qualifies you to teach beginners and early intermediates, perfect for kids’ programs and first-timer lessons. During your training and exam, you’ll learn your association’s teaching methods, technical fundamentals, and what it means to be a true ski professional.
Key points:
Teach beginners up to basic intermediate level
Focus on safety, fundamentals, and fun
Ideal for starting your ski instructor journey
Level 2 allows you to teach higher-level intermediate skiers and is the qualification needed to work at many resorts worldwide.
It’s a step up from Level 1, requiring more technical mastery and teaching experience. If you’re keen to progress quickly, our 11-week Level 1 & 2 combined course or our 8-week fast-track program are both fantastic options.
Key points:
Teach intermediate and advanced beginners
More lesson variety and higher employability
Essential for working abroad
Majority of CSIA instructors hold this level
Level 3 is a high-level qualification for experienced instructors who want to teach advanced skiers and train new instructors.
You’ll need at least one season of Level 2 teaching under your belt before attempting it. It’s challenging, with a pass rate around 20%, but opens up more global job opportunities and visa options.
Key points:
Teach up to advanced skill levels
Train Level 1 & 2 instructors
Greater job mobility worldwide
Level 4 is the pinnacle of ski instructing, reserved for those who excel in every area, technical skill, teaching ability, and leadership.
Level 4 instructors can train Level 3 and other top-level candidates, often leading programs at major resorts worldwide. It usually takes multiple seasons and intense training to achieve this standard.
Key points:
Train the highest-level instructors
Recognised as the top professional standard
Requires extensive experience and dedication
Check out My Journey to Level 4 CSIA with Winter Sports Company.
Yes! One of the best parts about having an ISIA-recognised qualification is that you can usually transfer between member countries and continue your training without starting from scratch.
How it works:
You’ll need to provide proof of prior learning, such as your current membership and certification level.
You’ll typically pay the membership fee of the new governing body you want to join.
Some systems might ask you to take a conversion exam or complete extra training to match their standards.
For non-ISIA countries, the process is more complex and varies by country. We always recommend checking directly with the association in the country where you plan to work.
Tip: If you’re unsure about your options, reach out to us – we can help guide you on the best pathway for your goals.
At the Winter Sports Company, we specialise in turning passionate skiers into certified instructors, ready to work in ski schools around the world.
We offer training courses and internships in some of the best destinations, including Europe, Canada, and New Zealand. Not sure whether to choose a course or an internship? Check out our guide: Should I Do an Instructor Internship or an Instructor Course?
We have options for everyone:
Short 3–5 week courses for a quick qualification.
Season-long internships with employment opportunities.
Comprehensive programs combining all levels.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll be coached by top-level instructors and supported every step of the way to pass your exams with confidence.
Popular course options:
Got questions? We love to help – get in touch here, and we’ll guide you on the best path to suit your goals.
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.
To become a ski instructor in Canada you must successfully pass the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) Level 1 instructor course as a minimum requirement. To increase your employability and work internationally, you need to obtain your CSIA Level 2 after further training. Similarly you can achieve a secondary pathway through the newly formed Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC). Both governing bodies’ qualifications and prior training programmes are available through the Winter Sports Company. Getting a ski instructor job in a resort will be achievable with these certifications and guidance.
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.
A typical salary ranges from $17-19 as a Level 1 ski Instructor to $19-22 as a Level 2. A level 3 instructor can start to make a good living with more hours and a higher wage of $23-28, depending on the resort. Private lessons and tips will help increase your take-home pay. When you reach fully certified Level 4 standard, you can maximise your earning potential and hours and become a sought-after commodity. This level will significantly increase your employability and offer many other gateways to earn a considerably well-paid salary.
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.
