Ski Instructor Courses

Think about where you want to work. Whether you’re looking to teach skiing in Europe, Canada, the United States or elsewhere, research is the key to ensuring your ski instructor qualifications and certifications meet local requirements and regulations. Once you’ve chosen where you want to work, it’s time to get qualified. There are various courses, from exam-only options to packages with accommodation and training.

The most common way people start their careers is on a Level 1 and 2 ski instructor course. These are usually between 10 and 12 weeks long and are a great way to start your career.

Once you’ve got your first qualifications, you can start delivering ski lessons. Starting your career as a ski instructor is an exciting time. You can share your passion for the sport with others and help them grow. First, you’ll mainly teach beginners, children and those learning to make parallel turns.

Read our full article on how to become a ski instructor for more details.

The qualifications needed to become a ski instructor vary depending on the country and resort you want to work in. Generally, most countries require at least a Level 1 certification from an internationally recognised organisation such as BASI or CSIA. Some countries may also require additional first aid or teaching qualifications. It’s important to research the specific requirements of your desired location before choosing a ski instructor course.

We operate small training groups of 8 to 10 students.

The best skis for a level 1 and 2 course are versatile piste skis. These skis should have a turn radius of around 15 metres. Underfoot look for skis that are between 70mm to 80mm. These skis will give you great piste performance but will also be more forgiving in challenging variables. The length of the ski will depend on personal preference.

ISIA courses demand an increase in performance over lower-level courses. With this in mind, many students use a race-derived ski. Many students will either use a GS or a Slalom ski; however, skis that have a radius that falls between these are often popular. These skis trade in versatility for performance, so they will require a greater level of skill to handle them in variable conditions.

Yes, completing a ski instructor course is definitely worth it. By gaining internationally recognised qualifications, you open up job opportunities worldwide. A ski instructor certification also allows you to continuously improve your skills and knowledge through ongoing professional development courses. Your ski instructor qualifications can also be used for University and Job applications.

Yes, you can make a living as a ski instructor. Many people pursue this career full-time and make a successful living out of it. The demand for ski instructors is high in popular ski resorts worldwide, making it a viable job option. With additional qualifications and experience, you can also progress to higher levels of certification and earn more as an instructor.

Yes, we advise owning all of your own gear. It’s well worth it as you get familiar with it and the duration of the course will mean that it’s far cheaper to buy then rent.

All of our courses do have days off so they are great opportunities to explore the resorts. Just be wary of fatigue. It can creep up on you later in the season.