Ski & Snowboard Instructor courses

There are recognised qualifications and courses on offer from a wide variety of training organisations that will suit budding ski and snowboarding instructors, or people who want to dramatically improve in their chosen sport. Some even promise guaranteed work on passing their courses so you can kill two birds with one stone.

Courses run from around 5 days in length for a basic qualification or a short period of intensive coaching, or up to 3 months for more comprehensive requirements and snowsports based gap years. Most British operators have large European programmes, and gap year options further afield in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. If you want to instruct professionally make sure your chosen course delivers an internationally recognised qualification.

Instructor courses

Pursuing a ski instructor qualification will aid in finding a job where you have some of the best skiing in the world on your doorstep, a free lift pass and a great opportunity to hone your ability. Formalized instruction methods and teaching principles are at the heart of all good courses. Most are designed to give you the qualifications you need to work anywhere in the world but it is always essential to check the credentials of the instructors in the school you are considering attending. You should also be prepared to have your delusions of how good you are shattered by unimpressed examiners!

Ski instructors are trained to standards recognised by their own national organizations (i.e. in Britain this is BASI). These organisations then offer an ‘International’ level qualification which is overseen by the International Ski Instructors Alliance. Don't hesitate to ask about the qualifications and languages spoken of the instructors in a school you are considering.

Ask a stupid question!

To save you doing it, we asked some leading British and Canadian Snowsports training organisations some daft questions. One of the most frequent questions we are asked is "Is there any point getting a British qualification if I want to work in France, Canada or the USA. Their responses are included in the full article here.

So if you are convinced that you are going to spend seasons swanning around bars in your ‘Moniteur’ jacket, us the search options above or click here for ski & snowboard instructor courses.

How do I know if my qualification is an official one?

ISIA (The International Ski Instructors Association) is the world body for professional ski instructors. There are currently 30 nations affiliated with ISIA, each with their own national organisation for snow sports instruction. The U.K. member is BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors). They provide instructor, and examiner courses in alpine skiing, Snowboarding, Nordic skiing, Telemarking and adaptive skiing. Many BASI trained instructors present courses abroad – check for the BASI ‘Licensed training centre’ logo. Having a qualification from one countries ISIA member organisation usually allows your qualifications to be transferred into other member countries systems. This can be particularly handy if you want to use an existing qualification to gain entry to higher level course. Check the ISIA website for a current list of member organisations.

With all reputable training providers there is a strong safety element built into the course. BASP (The British Association of Ski Patrollers) also based in Northern Scotland, provide rescue and first aid services in British Ski areas. They also train BASI instructors, tour operator staff and winter sports clubs in safety related areas. Many BASP instructors are qualified BASI ski instructors, Mountain Leaders or Instructors, or Paramedics.

Most course operators have venues in France, USA, Switzerland, Italy and some (notably BASI themselves) have courses in the UK. You can even go to the European Alps and do a course on a glacier in the Summer. (Saas Fee in Switzerland has a great North facing glacier and is highly recommended).