Choosing the best ski instructor course isn’t about picking the most popular programme, it’s about finding the one that fits you.
Are you doing this as a career move or the ultimate gap year? Are you on a budget or aiming for long-term global opportunities? You’ve probably spent quite a bit of time researching instructor courses. You want to do it but can’t decide which direction to go. Of course, you’ll never regret becoming a ski instructor, but knowing what experience you want is a great place to start in order to choose the right one.
Before you compare qualifications and destinations, take a moment to ask:
Your answers will help narrow down your choices fast.
Your availability determines where you can train.
| Hemisphere | Season | Popular Locations |
| Northern | Nov – Apr | Canada, Europe, Japan |
| Southern | Jun – Sep | New Zealand, South America |
If you’re free over the winter months, Canada and Europe offer incredible training opportunities. If summer works better, New Zealand is the top Southern Hemisphere destination with well-established training schools.
Ski instructor courses can range from a few thousand pounds to over £10,000. Make sure to factor in:
Most providers bundle core costs like lift passes and training, but extras like meals or visa fees vary. It’s worth putting together a comparison table – Contact us for a free template to get you started.
If you’re planning a one-season adventure, you might prefer:
Popular for gap years:
Or try an Internship – qualify and work in the same season. Lower cost upfront, and you’ll gain real-world experience (just be aware of visas and your eligibility – use our free guide!). Some providers also offer a guaranteed placement once you have completed your internship!
Your current skiing ability plays a big role in choosing the right instructor course. You don’t need to be an expert – but you do need to be confident on the slopes.
Ask yourself:
If you’re still working on technique or have only skied a few times, choose a course with pre-training or a longer level 1 & 2 programme. These are designed to build up your skills while preparing you to qualify.
If you’re already confident on varied terrain, you may be eligible for a shorter fast-track course or an internship, especially if you’re aiming for a Level 1 qualification and to work the same season.
Important: Most Level 1 courses expect you to arrive with intermediate ability. You’re learning how to teach, not how to ski from scratch.
If you’re planning to make a genuine career out of ski instructing, whether that’s teaching year after year in Canada, moving between hemispheres, or progressing into coaching and training roles, your choice of course is critical. You’ll likely need:
You’ll want to pick your course carefully and keep your working holiday visa options open, particularly for countries like Canada, Japan and New Zealand. Unless you have a European passport then treat your work visas like gold dust.
When comparing destinations, ask yourself:
Examples:
Here’s a breakdown of the main instructor systems and where they shine:
Best for: Working in Canada, Europe or UK
Note: Brexit makes EU work trickier, but still possible with BASI Level 2+
Explore BASI ski instructor courses ➝
Best for: Working in Canada, North America, or resorts that value CSIA fast-track options
Bonus: Some internships include a guaranteed job after Level 1
Explore CSIA ski instructor training ➝
Best for: Southern Hemisphere courses or working in English-speaking countries
Flexibility: Start your training in NZ and teach in Europe or North America
| Your Goal | Recommended Level |
| Just want the experience | Level 1 |
| Teach in resorts abroad | Level 2 |
| Long-term international career | Level 3+ (ISIA) |
Most full-time instructors aim for Level 2 or 3. Reaching Level 3 often opens doors to sponsorships and full-time roles in Canada, Japan, and Europe.
| Course Type | Pros | Cons |
| Internship | Work the same season, lower upfront cost. Full Season experience. Work experience on your CV. Easier to find work afterwards. | Must pay for living once you start work. Less training than a course. Its a proper job with an employer, stricter environment |
| Standard | More in-depth training, living costs covered. Simple season to plan, no visas needed, all costs covered upfront, less budgeting worries.Focus on improving skills | Higher upfront price. Lacks paid teaching experience. A little harder to find work afterwards in comparison to Internships |
| Train & Work | Cheapest option! Work straight after your Level 1 completion. Gain experience straight away and start earning to cover your course costs | No Rep, less support, often in smaller resorts. Busier season! |
Top Tip: Save your working visa for Level 3 if you’re thinking long-term. Many people start with a standard L1+L2 course and progress later to a Level 3 Internship
Once you’ve narrowed your options:
At Winter Sports Company, we run Level 1-3 ski instructor courses and internships in Canada, Europe and New Zealand. Whether you’re taking a gap year or switching careers, we’ll help you find the right path.
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.
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.
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.
You can start your career as a ski instructor and teach beginner skiers. It allows you to instruct people or small groups on the basics, including techniques, equipment and safety. It is the building block for higher-level certifications. Only Level 2 qualifies you to instruct skiers at an intermediate level and progress further.
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.
