Why become a BASI Ski or Snowboard Instructor?

basi-large.jpg
The world of BASI creates many opportunities for aspiring skiers and snowboarders looking to take their riding to the next level, to adopt a solid understanding of the teaching theory and to obtain a firm grasp of the techniques used from a basic to advanced level of riding. A gap year or career break is the perfect time to undertake a BASI Level 1 and 2 ski or snowboard instructor course and can be hugely rewarding allowing participants the chance to gain vocational qualifications that can be used to obtain work in ski resorts around the world.
 
Gap year and career break ski and snowboard instructor courses in France with Basecamp include training from the best BASI Level 4 instructors ensuring Basecampers receive the highest level of coaching. The Level 1 and 2 course in Val d’Isere includes 11 weeks of focused instructor training with a weeks ski school experience where skiers and snowboarders have the chance to shadow in on lessons allowing them to gain experience of conducting lessons, how to manage different riding abilities as well as different ages and nationalities. Obtaining this knowledge is a pre requisite for both the Level 1 and 2 exams and something that needs to be understood in order to pass the teaching theory part of the exams.
 
A BASI Level 1 and 2 instructor course with Basecamp requires commitment, concentration and the ability to perform what one is being taught. Essentially, these traits already require a certain level of understanding, however nothing that can’t be transferred from past learning facilities and experiences such as school, university or in the work place. A career as a ski or snowboard instructor offers an exciting lifestyle that allows one to travel, meet people, earn money and can be extremely rewarding. In a world of increased university tuition fees, economic difficulty and the added expense of living in the UK, a job in the mountains offers as a fantastic alternative to university, a job in the city or a life of 9-5. Don’t be fooled, becoming a ski or snowboard instructor having done a BASI course does have it’s challenges and off days just like any other career, but what would a job be without up’s and downs… Boring!
 
Once you have qualified as a BASI Level 1 and 2 instructor you are able to obtain work in the UK, Europe, New Zealand, North America and Canada. Basecamp instructors and the team in HQ will supply references to help Level 1 and 2 instructors to get work. Once placed in a job, it’s all about showing your worth, proving you’re a good asset and adopting the correct attitude. By doing this you shouldn’t then find it difficult to find work on a seasonal basis. Once a couple of seasons teaching are under the belt, it’s worth thinking about progressing the BASI ladder to get Level 3 and beyond, as by doing this you are doing nothing but opening more windows. Life as a ski or snowboard instructor is rewarding, exciting, tiring and awe inspiring. I’m sure other career paths share the same qualities, however an office in the mountains speaks for itself.