What are the different levels available in different countries?
There are many national ski associations across the world and each have their own levels, standards, and qualifications. Here, we detail the systems and qualifications of some of the leading ski associations around the world.
Austria: Schneesportlehrer (ÖSSV / WSSV)
Level 1 – By completing this qualification, you’ll be able to teach in dry slopes, indoor snowslopes, or other controlled environments. You may also be able to teach on snow in some kindergarten areas if you’re supervised by a senior instructor.
Level 2 (Anwärter) – You’ll be able to teach on-piste with this qualification and work with beginner and/or lower intermediate children and adults.
Level 3 (Landeslehrer) – There are three separate parts to this advanced qualification if you’re skiing. Along with the Alpinkurs (mountain safety course), you’ll also complete landes 1 (pt1) and landes 2 (pt2) to qualify as a full landeslehrer. If you’re taking the snowboard version of this course, the landes parts are taught as one.
Level 4 – Diploma – Staatlich geprüfter Skilehrer
Canada: CSIA / CASI
Level 1 – Once you pass this first qualification, you’ll be able to teach adults and children basic skills.
Level 2 – You can move up a level and teach people with more experience once you pass your Level 2 exam.
Level 3 – The Level 3 qualification will help you work your way up to your full ISIA qualification. It’s classed as a low-level ISIA.
Level 4 – Congratulations! You’re now fully ISIA qualified once you pass your Level 4 exam.
UK: British Association Of Snowsport Instructors (BASI)
Level 1 – By completing this qualification, you’ll be able to teach in dry slopes, indoor snowslopes, or other controlled environments. You may also be able to teach on snow in some kindergarten areas if you’re supervised by a senior instructor.
Level 2 – You’ll be able to work in the snow and on the piste with your Level 2 qualification, giving you the chance to teach intermediate skiers or snowboarders.
Level 3 – Once you’ve passed your Level 3 qualification, you’ll be ISIA qualified!
Level 4 – This will allow you to complete your ISTD Level 4 and is the BASI diploma level.
Switzerland: Swiss Snowsport instructor (SSI)
Basic Education – With this, you’ll be able to teach children, but not adults.
Level 1 – Once you’ve passed your Level 1, you can teach lower-intermediate level adults as well as children.
Level 2 – As you move up in your levels, you’ll be able to teach skiers or snowboarders who are more experienced.
Level 3 – Congratulations! You’re now fully ISIA qualified once you pass your Level 3 exam.
Italy: Maestri Di Sci
In Italy, qualifications work a little differently. You’ll first take an entrance exam before moving onto the first part of your main exams. Once you’ve passed, you’ll have the opportunity to join a ski school on an internship. Once you’ve completed this, you’ll take the second part of your exams. You’ll then get a year-long internship at a ski school as an instructor assistant. Finally, you’ll take your last exams and qualify as a maestro di sci, an Italian ski instructor!
France: Moniteur De Ski
France is more closely aligned to Italy, with only one level. You’ll again need to complete an entrance exam before taking on the rest of your learning. While the standards are incredibly high, you’ll gain a renowned qualification as a ski instructor. Once you have that, you’ll be able to further qualify as a snowboard instructor.
America: PSIA
Level 1 – You’ll be able to teach basic skills to children and adults once you’ve passed your Level 1 qualification.
Level 2 – You’ll be able to teach people with more experience and skills upon passing your Level 2 qualification.
Level 3 – Congratulations! You’re now fully ISIA qualified once you pass your Level 3 exam.
