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HOW QUALIFIED IS YOUR INSTRUCTOR?

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.

British Association of Snowsports Instructors

To learn more about BASI and qualifying as a ski instructor check out their website.

Qualification

What it allows you to do

Requirements

BASI Level 1

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

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

BASI Level 2

This qualifies instructors to teach in the mountains.

  • 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)

BASI 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.

  • 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

BASI Level 4 - ISTD (International Ski Teacher Diploma)

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.

  • 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

...even the best skiers know, there's always more to learn