FR 
DE 
If you are considering a ski instructor course in Verbier, you might be afraid of making an expensive mistake. Spending £7,500 to £11,000 on a course is a big investment; therefore, you need to make sure you understand what each ski instructor course provider offers.
In this article, we compare New Generation’s Verbier BASI Level 1 and Level 2 courses directly with other Ski School providers in Verbier: Peak Leaders, Snowminds, Altitude, and EA, so you can see exactly what’s included (and what isn’t).
We last updated this comparison on 04/02/2026. Competitor course prices and inclusions may have changed. We update the article every 6 months.
Comparing different ski instructor providers in Verbier
Many providers describe their ski instructor courses in Verbier in broad terms. Below, we break down what’s actually included in the 10-week course.
| Feature | New Generation | Peak Leaders | Snowminds | Altitude | EA | Warren Smith |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £7,500 | From £9,330 to £11,218 | From £8,655 | £10,840 | From £10,475 | £5,244 – for the 10 week course only. £10,489 – for 10 week course with catered accommodation. |
| Deposit | £471 | 10% deposit of the value of the full course. | £173 | £660 | Varies | £2,383 (or full amount) |
| Training Group size | Group of 6 | Group of 8 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Group of 6 |
| Hours of coaching | 150 hours – Plus 70 shadowing hours and 96 exam hours time. Additional directed practice tasks and exam-week tune-ups. | 109 hours – Plus 70 shadowing hours and 96 exam hours time. | 135 hours | Not Publicly Listed | Not Publicly Listed | Not Publicly Listed |
| BASI Level 1 and 2 exam fees, materials, and your first year of BASI membership fee | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not Publicly Listed | Included |
| Off-snow workshops | 2-day Outdoor First Aid Course. Mentor sessions. – Safety- 2-day Outdoor first aid course- Avalanche safety course- Off Snow Workshops- Mentoring- Individual goal setting, action plans, and regular video analysis sessions.- Fitness- Ski tuning. | 2-day First aid course. Theory sessions. | First aid course. | First aid and off-piste mountain safety training. | Technical & theory sessions. Avalanche safety course. First aid course. | Theory preparation for Level 1 and L2. 2-day Emergency First Aid Course. Core and ski specific physical training. |
| Shadowing and teaching practice | 70 hours structured shadowing (with briefs, reflection tasks, and sign-off). | Shadowing opportunities | Shadowing opportunities | 35 hours | Included | Teaching practice and opportunities to shadow experienced ski teachers |
| Accommodation | Included. Staff-style housing in Le Châble | Included. Shared accommodation in Mont Gele. | Included | 1st month included. The price for accommodation typically ranges between 800-1,200 CHF per month. | Included | Optional. The course is also available as “course only”. |
| Catering | Not included | Included. Catered accommodation for 10 weeks. Evening meal five nights per week. Breakfast five day per week. Includes a cooked breakfast one day per week. Discounts on food in town. | Not included | Included. Food ½ board from Monday to Friday | Not included | Optional |
| Cleaner | Regular cleaner and linen changes | Regular cleaner and linen changes | Regular cleaner and linen changes | Included | Not Publicly Listed | Not Publicly Listed |
| Lift passes | Not included | Not included | Included (There is a 300 CHF surcharge on the lift ticket for people who are 24 years or older and/or a 300 CHF surcharge for people signed up later than November 20th in the year of departure). | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Freeride and Freestyle Coaching | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Pre-season fitness program | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Included | Not Publicly Listed |
| Hiring support | Real-world guidance: CVs, interview prep, school expectations. | CV and employment advice sessions | Ski school orientation, preparing you for life as a certified ski instructor. | Career advice | N/A | Assistance in applying for jobs in the ski industry. |
| Equipment | Up to 30% discount on exclusive deals on Faction Skis and boots and 20% in Number 1. | Discounts on ski equipment and servicing. | Pro-deals at Snowminds Store. | Deals on skis, boots, goggles and helmets. | Advice and Deals on Equipment. | Discounts on equipment at the start of your course. |
| Video analysis | Included | Included | Included | Included | N/A | Included |
| Ski Servicing Clinic | Included | N/A | N/A | Included | N/A | Included |
| Transportation to or from Verbier, Switzerland | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Optional add-ons | – | – | – | Full season Ski Pass,Single Room option,Ski specific yoga sessions,Fitness sessions,Heli Ski trip,Course extension for non EU students | – | Hotel accommodation. Course extension. |
| Job opportunities | Yes – Employment and work opportunities are subject to students having the right permit to work in Switzerland during the same season. Priority pathway for sponsor residency programme. Priority consideration for fully funded Level 3 work + train programmes for residents who meet standards and are invited into the pathway. Read more about our how our Employment Gates work below. | Job offer after the course (subject to interview and work permit) with a third party. | – | Yes | Conditional job offer depending on having working rights and pre-screening. | Assistance in applying for jobs in the ski industry. |
How do our “Employment Gates” work?
New Generation’s ski instructor programme in Verbier is designed as a pipeline into New Generation Ski School, but work isn’t guaranteed.
Residents may be invited to work with the ski school after the programme, based on:
- professional standards and conduct during the residency
- performance and readiness
- passing qualifications
We hold review points throughout the programme to ensure expectations are clear and fair. Below is how it works:
Gate #1 – end Week 2: “On track / Action plan”
In this gate and very early on in the course, we evaluate punctuality and reliability, coachability, Safety awareness, technical progress rate and professionalism in the group.
Based on the results, the outcomes are:
- On track
- On track with the action plan
- At risk – this means you will receive a written improvement plan and a personal development review
Gate #2 – end of Week 7: “Invitable status”
At this stage, we evaluate different criteria, including your teaching competence trajectory, emotional control under pressure, client-facing professionalism, and contribution to team culture and housing conduct (if issues exist).
Based on the results, the outcomes are:
- Invitable (conditional)
- Invitable with conditions
- Not invitable (documented; still can finish training)
Gate #3 – end Week 10: “Invitation decision”
Our final step evaluates the gate history and trainer consensus, exam results, conduct record and the business staffing needs.
Based on the results, the outcomes are:
- Invited into the work pathway
- Deferred (clear plan, plus conditions)
- Not invited (clear reasons provided)
Choosing a qualification pathway
Verbier offers more than one route into instructing. The right one depends on where you want to work, how quickly you want to work, and how committed you’re in the long term.
Option 1: BASI Level 1 and Level 2
(The most common “Verbier course” route)
- Internationally recognised qualification
- Ideal if you want flexibility to work in multiple countries
- Clear progression from Level 1 to Level 2
- Strong focus on teaching quality, skiing performance, and professionalism
Best choice for most non-French or German-speaking trainees training in Verbier.
Option 2: Swiss Snowsports Route
(Local Swiss ski school pathway)
- Swiss-specific qualification system
- Requires French (or German) for exams and working
- The national exam system so recognition and ongoing development, making it easier if you plan to live and work long-term in Switzerland
- Different structure and assessment style from BASI
Best for those committed to the Swiss system and language requirements.
You can start in the BASI system and then convert to the Swiss system at Level 3, which is quicker.
How good do you need to be to join a ski instructor course in Verbier?
Minimum skiing standard
- Confident parallel turns on red runs
- Comfortable on steeper terrain at a controlled pace
- Able to ski variable snow (not just perfect pistes)
- You do not need to be an expert or freeride skier
If you’re unsure, we’ll tell you honestly before you book.
Age
- Minimum age: 16 for BASI Level 1
- Most trainees are 18–35, but there’s no upper age limit
Language Expectations
- BASI route: English-speaking (no French required) until Level 3, when you have to sit a second language exam.
- Swiss Snowsports route: French is required for the exams.
Working in Switzerland
Switzerland has strict employment and residency rules for ski instructors.
In most cases:
- You need a job offer or an employment contract
- You must register locally and apply for the correct permit. You’ll need at least BASI Level 3 to obtain a work permit. EEAA instructors generally don’t need a work permit, but most register with the local authorities.
- Requirements vary by nationality and contract length
Simple checklist
You’ll typically need:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract from a Swiss ski school
- Proof of accommodation
- Health insurance
- Registration with local authorities
Who sponsors what?
- Ski school: employment contract
- You: registration, documents, insurance
- Us: guidance on timelines and expectations (not immigration sponsorship)
Read our full guide: How to apply for a ski instructor work permit in Switzerland.
