Which is the best ski instructor course?

Gap Year

If it’s a gap year, then many of your choices come down to whether you want to learn and earn that year or simply enjoy an experience. A course gives you the benefit of gaining a qualification that looks great on your CV and may come in handy for work in the future. On the other hand, an Internship gets you qualified that season and work as a fully paid instructor at your chosen ski school. There’s a debate over which is the best, so we’ve written another blog dedicated to the question. 

After that, it’s where do you want to do it? Suppose you haven’t got any actual plans of making a ski instructor your permanent career. In that case, the ticket you qualify for becomes less critical. Where would you love to spend a season? What’s the most crucial factor for you, snow, terrain or nightlife? If you can rate these in order of preference, it can help to guide you towards the correct country and then the right resort. Canada is hard to beat for its snow and varied terrain. For great Apres Ski, look no further than Verbier.

As much as we hate to admit it, your main deciding factor is probably cost. Your budget will significantly influence which ski instructor course you choose and for how long. It pays to spend some time looking at precisely what you will get with each provider. Most providers offer very similar packages but write them down so you can compare. You may find that the more expensive course doesn’t actually get you more. We have a vast range of ski instructor courses for all budgets with no hidden extras, so you know exactly what you’re booking.

Career Choice

Suppose an instructor’s job is something you’re planning on doing more long term. In that case, you need to consider not only the location and your budget but also which governing body you want to qualify in. Many tickets are accepted around the world. But you’ll find that each country leans towards their own system. So if you have a natural preference for where you want to work, it makes sense to qualify in that country’s system.

All ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association) affiliated ski instructor courses are recognised worldwide and, in many cases, can be transferred to another body. However, this doesn’t mean that all courses are the same, and the one you choose could affect your career direction. Here is a handy guide for qualifications in three main governing bodies. You can also check out our Qualifications page for more in-depth info.

BASI

British Association of Snowsport Instructors

Career Path

• You can achieve the BASI Alpine Level 1 qualification in many of the UK’s snow domes and dry slopes. BASI level 1 allows you to teach on artificial slopes.
• BASI Alpine Level 2 has to be taken in the mountains. Many course providers combine BASI levels 1 & 2 into a 10-week programme. Upon completion of Level 2, you can teach beginner to intermediate skiers across much of Europe, Canada, America, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, South America and even Dubai.
• BASI Alpine Level 3 allows you to teach up to and beyond parallel skiing across the world – including France (Dependent on instructors becoming a stagiaire or passing the Test Technique – more information on the BASI website)
• BASI Alpine Level 4 gives you the greatest level of employability. You can teach the highest levels, but it can takes 3 – 5 years to reach.

Most Popular BASI Ski Instructor Course.

The Benefits of BASI

BASI qualifications are recognised across Europe, including France. If working within Europe is your primary goal, then choosing a BASI course could benefit you when applying for jobs.

 Working in Europe is a little tricky, thanks to Brexit. So look to Canada, America, New Zealand and Australia, who will also act your qualification.

Ski instructor qualifications can take you across the world. But there has never been a better time for ski instructor employment within the UK. The UK currently has 6 indoor snow domes with plans for more! So your BASI 1 qualification is recognised at UK snow domes and dry ski slopes.

CSIA

Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance

CSIA’s Career Path

• Upon passing the CSIA level 1 ski instructor course, you can teach entry-level to intermediate skiers. Unlike other courses, you can teach on the mountain as soon as you have passed your CSIA level 1. Many ski instructor internships include guaranteed jobs as a level 1 for an entire season once qualified.
• CSIA Level 2 gives you a more in-depth understanding of technique and methodology. With Level 2, you can reach up to intermediate parallel skiing.
• CSIA Level 3 allows you to teach advanced parallel skiing, off-piste and moguls. You can also train instructors in the CSIA level 1 and 2 programmes and examine CSIA level 1. Visa sponsorship for working as an instructor in Canada usually requires level 3 as a minimum.
• CSIA Level 4 allows you to develop skiers at all levels and train future instructors. Level 4’s are in high demand, and employment opportunities are numerous.

Most Popular CSIA Ski Instructor Course.

The Benefits of CSIA

CSIA qualifications are recognised internationally in Canada, America, Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan, Dubai, Australia and Andorra. The CSIA Level 1 ski instructor course is a ‘fast track’ into the industry. You can

 use it out as an ‘all mountain’ qualification at the resorts. However, to find work internationally, you need to aim for the CSIA level 2. European and New Zealand employers expect level 2 as a minimum in all qualifications.

Ski resorts in Canada are different to those across Europe. Some resorts and mountains are owned by companies. Because the company employs all the staff on the mountain, it can be easier to train and gain work within the one resort. In addition, CSIA qualifications are more recognised in Canada than other international qualifications. So if working within the Canadian Rockies is your ambition, then becoming CSIA certified could be more beneficial.

NZSIA

New Zealand Snowsport Instructors Alliance

NZSIA’s Career Path

• NZSIA ski level 1 allows you to teach first-time skiers up to advanced wedged turns (beginner skiers). You can teach on the slopes as soon as you have passed.
• NZSIA ski level 2 progresses your career and builds on your skills as an instructor. You can teach wedge parallel turns to advanced parallel turns (intermediate skiers).
• NZSIA ski level 3 allows you to teach ‘all mountain situations’. You can take the NZSIA ski level 3 if you hold NZSIA level 2 or an equivalent foreign qualification.
• Unlike other international qualifications, the NZSIA operate a 3 level system with the option to take additional ‘speciality’ courses. These courses are in coaching, free skiing, teaching children and avalanche awareness.

Most popular NZSIA Ski Instructor Course.

The Benefits of NZSIA Ski

NZSIA qualifications are recognised worldwide, particularly in the English speaking world. Traditionally outside of New Zealand, the minimum for employment is level 2 – although this is typical of many international qualifications.

NZSIA ski qualifications are more recognised in New Zealand than other equivalent certificates. So if working in New Zealand is your primary goal, then NZSIA ski is for you.

You can train for the NZSIA ski qualification during the European summer. Being qualified by the end of September means you’re ready with your NZSIA level 2 certification to teach in America, Canada, and Europe.

 

What to do next?

Once you have decided on which is the best ski instructor course for you, research the programme thoroughly. Once you’re happy talk to the provider, get a feel of them and make a booking!

Information about ISIA stamp standards

Intrigued? Check out the courses Winter Sports Company offers on our courses page.