Ski instructor qualifications

With so many qualifiying bodies and levels of ski qualification how do you know your teacher is actually qualified? Well the best thing to do is ask!

As a British school most of our instructors are qualified through the BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors) system. You can read here about what is involved in reaching each qualification in this system.

All instructors work their way through the system. Summit instructors generally move faster due to the training and level of support we offer withing the school. The Summit trainers are all BASI level 4 and Swiss level 3 qualified. One is also a BASI Trainer/Examiner.

Make sure you ski with a qualified instructor who knows what they are talking about

The British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI) system

Level 1

This qualifies instructors to teach in a non-mountain environment (eg on a dry slope).

To achieve this qualification you must:

- Pass Level 1 technical/teaching module (1 week)
- Have a valid first aid certificate
- Have 35 logged hours of ski school experience

Level 2

This qualifies instructors to teach in the mountains.

To achieve this qualification you must:

- Pass Level 2 technical/teaching module (2 weeks)
- Have a valid first aid certificate
- Have 35 logged hours of shadowing (additional to the hours achieved for the Level 1)

Level 3

At this qualification instructors achieve their ISIA. The ISIA is huge achievement as it is an international standard, which is normally given out at the country's top level.

To achieve this qualification you must:
- Pass Level 3 teaching course (1 week)
- Pass Level 3 technical course (2 weeks)
- Pass the common theory course (1 week)
- Pass the coaching course (1 week)
- Pass Level 3 mountain safety course (1 week)
- Pass the Level 1 in a second discipline (1 week)
- Speak a second language
- Have a valid first aid certificate
- Have 200 logged teaching hours

Level 4

At this qualification instructors achieve their ISTD (the International Ski Teachers Diploma).

This is the top qualification in the British system and instructors with this qualification can work all over the world.

To achieve this qualification you must:
- Pass Level 4 teaching course (1 week)
- Pass Level 4 technical course (1 week)
- Attend Euro Mountain Safety Training (4 days)
- Pass Euro Mountain Safety Assessment (3 days)
- Pass the European speed test
- Complete a research project
- Have an interview