Ski and Snowboard Instructor Certification Guide
EA Ski & Snowboard Training give you the chance to gain ski and snowboard instructor qualifications recognised by the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA).
In general, ski and snowboard instructor certifications are issued by a national association that is responsible for certifying ski instructors. These associations are governed by the ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association), which sets the global standards for all the member organisations.
All our ski school partners offer ISIA ski and snowboard instructor qualifications. Regardless of where you decide to become an instructor, your qualifications will be recognised across the globe.
USA
PSIA - The Professional Ski Instructors of America
AASI - The American Association of Snowboarding Instructors
Canada
CSIA - The Canadian Ski Instructor Association
PSIC - The Professional Ski Instructors of Canada
CASI - The Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors
New Zealand
NZSIA - The New Zealand Snow Sports Instructors Alliance
SBINZ – Snowboard Instruction New Zealand
Japan
NZSIA - The New Zealand Snow Sports Instructors Alliance
SBINZ – Snowboard Instruction New Zealand
APSI - The Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors Inc - Niseko Go Snow (snowboard)
Switzerland
BASI - The British Association of Snowsports Instructors - Saas Fee and Zermatt
NZSIA - The New Zealand Snow Sports Instructors Alliance - Verbier
How Good do you Need to be to Become a Ski or Snowboard Instructor?
Ski & Snowboard Instructor Certifications / Qualifications Explained
Ski & Snowboard Level 1 Instructor Certification
The level one certification is for those entering the snow sports instruction industry. The exam focuses on the skills, knowledge and professionalism necessary to be an effective ski or snowboard teacher. Those that achieve this certification will be expected to competently teach snow sports to beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The level one exam is between three and five days long (depending on the certifying body) and will include on-hill teaching and demonstrations as well as a written theory component. At the end of the course, you will be issued with a pass or fail result.
To complete the level one certification you will also need to ski and ride comfortably, linking turns on most terrain. We expect all of our candidates to pass this exam after attending one of our training programs.
* Note - With the BASI pathway there are further steps required at level 1 to complete requirements and be able to continue on to further qualifications. These are:
- Evidence of at least 35 hours snow sports school experience completed after attending your Alpine Level 1 Course
- A BASIC Criminal Record Disclosure
- A valid First Aid & Emergency Certificate
- Completing the BASI safeguarding children module
* Note - With the PSIA and AASI pathway 20 hours snow sports school experience is required to receive your level one pin.
Ski & Snowboard Level 2 Instructor Certification
The level two certification focuses on the skills and knowledge required to teach advanced level skiers or snowboarders. The exam format varies depending on the association but will include a teaching module along with a skiing or snowboarding module. The cost of the level two exam is not included in most Internship Plus Programs fees as it is not always an option for all participants. Before enrolling in the level 2 exam please discuss your ability level as against the required standard with your trainers and establish what other requirements must also be completed.
Park & Pipe Training
At resorts with terrain parks and features there will be dedicated training in the park and pipe. Training will cover rails, boxes and terrain features including jumps along with use of half pipes and or quarter pipes. Basic maneuvers are explored as well as some fundamental tricks. You will also learn how to teach and coach the approach, take off, maneuvers and landing on all features. For those who have a passion for park and pipe there is the opportunity to take a formal Park Certification Course with the relevant association. At resorts without terrain parks your training will be focused on Big Mountain Skiing or Riding.
Avalanche Safety Course
The avalanche safety course provides an invaluable two day introduction to safety in the backcountry. It is designed to give you a basic understanding of avalanche formation and to develop your observation skills. Some time is focused on theory in the classroom and the rest is based on snow. You will learn how to recognise potential avalanche conditions, how differing snow pack conditions affect avalanche danger and how to choose safe routes in the backcountry. You will also learn rescue techniques and how to use various rescue tools such as beacons and probes.
First Aid Certificate
The first aid course teaches practical skills about how to manage a range of medical and accident emergencies. The course provides an excellent assessment standard that ensures you feel confident about providing first aid when needed. The course will teach you about scene assessment, safety, identifying hazards in the workplace, medical conditions and ways to manage a range of possible emergencies including burns, poisoning, soft tissue injuries, head and spinal injuries, eye injuries, chest injuries, chest pain (such as heart attacks) and major incidents. This is an excellent course and is an invaluable tool for those working in the ski or snowboard industry.
