The BASI Level 2 Exam

The BASI Level 2 exam is the next qualification from Level 1, which allows you to work in a mountain environment. It’s recognised all over the globe and is the next step in building a career as a ski instructor. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

The BASI Level 2 Exam

The qualification is made up of just two modules (all of which are included in our Residential BASI 1 and 2 courses);

• Successful completion of Alpine BASI Level 1 qualification
• A further 35 hours Ski School experience (70 should be logged in total after your BASI Level 1 exam)
• 8 Day Level 2 Exam: This on-mountain examination will assess both your technical and teaching ability

Before you start your BASI Level 2 qualification, BASI recommends that “you should be able to ski to a competent level, and have the knowledge, ability and understanding to safely teach alpine skiing up to and including parallel standard on marked pistes“.

The Exam Format

The exam itself lasts 8 days: 4 days on snow, 2 days off, and another 4 days on. You will be continually assessed throughout the course, meaning you are not expected to be perfect on the first day. The trainers will look to see if you can adapt and change after being given feedback.

You will be learning a lot of new terminologies and will be working on getting your skiing up to the required level. The trainer will provide you with an action plan for the next week. This will specify the aspects of the exam you need to work on and provide you with a focus going into the second week.

After the 2-day break, the trainer will expect to see you improve with their feedback, refine your technique and ski consistently to the level. You’ll also be asked to run several teaching sessions throughout the 8 days.

9am – 2pm, you’ll be on the snow learning and demonstrating, with a short break for lunch.

2pm – 5pm is classroom-based, meaning you’ll look at the provided course materials, the BASI manual and videos of your skiing. This allows you to focus on teaching styles, ski terminology and breaking down the technical aspects of skiing. You will use videos of your skiing to develop your analysis and teaching skills

The Exam Criteria

The exam has three main aspects, teaching, technical abilities and professionalism, which will be assessed throughout the eight weeks.

Technical Assessment Criteria

• SkiCentral Theme – all phases of the CT on terrain appropriate to the client’s needs.
• Piste Short – perform grippy (from the fall line, round, symmetrical, short turns, in various corridors on a blue or easy red piste), show the ability to maintain a constant speed and use effective posture, balance and movements.
• Piste Long – cleanly carved turns on a blue piste, showing a variety of turn radii.
• Variables – cleanly carved turns on a blue piste, showing various turn radii.
• Steeps – linked turns on a steep red or black piste, safely controlling your speed.
• Bumps – continuous linked, skidded turns in easy bumps, show the ability to stay in a narrow corridor and maintain a constant speed.
• Freestyle – ski switch safely on an easy blue run, showing largely parallel skis, perform a small, safe jump with balanced landing off an appropriate side hit or natural feature.

Teaching Assessment Criteria

• Delivery / Safety – be able to run an enjoyable, safe and achievable lesson for the clients using the TIED model.
• Understanding – be able to achive goalds that are approriate to learner needs within the Central Theme, visiting each stage of TIED.
• Session Review – introduced but not assessed.

Concepts such as the Central Theme, Fundamental Elements and the TIED model will have been explained to you during the Level 1 exam, but don’t worry, they will be revised in the classroom sessions. For more details, please visit the BASI website.

The BASI Level 2 exam is a step up from the Level 1 Exam. So it’s really important to ensure you’re at the required level before attempting the exam or undertaking specific training.

Professionalism Assessment Criteria

Safety – show a comprehensive understanding of, and adherence to, the Ski-Way Code and of the FIS regulations.

Preparation – pre-course learning completed, course is attended with appropriate clothing and equipment. Pre-course learning completed.

Communication – demonstrate respectful and inclusive communication and behaviour to others.

Attitude – show a positive attitude and commitment to participation and willingness to learn.

Feedback – be open to change and feedback, including to the Trainer and peers. 

Punctuality – turn up on time for all meeting points.

Re-assessment

As the exam assesses two separate strands (teaching and technical skiing), it is possible to pass one and fail the other. In this case, you must attend the full 3-day IMS Assessment course again.

Our Top Tips!

1. The BASI trainer will ask you to change aspects of your skiing. Even if they feel weird, go with it and do your best. Changing your skiing always feels odd at first!
2. Sometimes the BASI trainer will ask you to go beyond the above criteria because they will always do their best to improve your skiing -even if you reach the level. It’s a good thing!
3. We recommend taking a full rest day during the 2-day break, and one day working on aspects of the exam you need practice in. You could even have a private lesson with a BASI qualified instructor to focus your training.
4. Keep fit, study the manual and plan lessons ahead of time to therefore have the best chance possible.

Check out our Level 1 & 2 Residential courses in France, Switzerland & Austria.