Ski / Snowboard Europe : HOW TO GET STARTED
To become a qualified ski instructor in Europe, you typically need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain the necessary skiing skills and experience: You should have a high level of skiing ability and experience, typically equivalent to being able to ski on a range of slopes and in varying snow conditions. This can be achieved through taking ski lessons and practicing regularly.
2. Choose a ski instructor training course: There are several recognized ski instructor training organizations in Europe, including the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), the European Ski Instructors Association (ESIA), and the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA). You can choose a course that suits your needs and budget.
3. Complete the ski instructor training course: Depending on the organization you choose, the course can last several weeks and include both practical and theoretical training. You'll be taught how to teach skiing, how to assess students' abilities, and how to manage a group of students on the slopes.
4. Pass the ski instructor exams: After completing the training course, you'll need to pass exams to become a qualified ski instructor. The exams typically include a practical skiing test, a teaching assessment, and a written exam.
5. Obtain insurance and work permit: Once you pass the exams, you'll need to obtain liability insurance and a work permit to work as a ski instructor in Europe.
An example of the education model is BASI.
BASI is the UK based membership association responsible for the training and licensing of snowsport instructors.
- BASI Level 1 - Allows you to work with beginner to early intermediate skiers – but you're only qualified to teach at dry slopes and indoor snow centres.
- BASI Level 2 - Allows you to teach up to and including parallel turns on marked pistes. For those who want to do seasonal or part-time work teaching for a ski school in the mountains.
- BASI Level 3 - Allows you to teach up to and beyond parallel turns, including bumps, steeper terrain, higher speeds and variable conditions, both on piste and off piste on marked routes. For those wanting to work full-time as an instructor at an international ski school.
- BASI Level 4 - In addition to everything you're qualified to do with Level 3, you can teach anywhere off piste (apart from glaciated terrain). This qualification includes the Euro Speed Test, and allows you to teach anywhere in France, Austria or Italy.
The requirements to become a qualified ski instructor may vary depending on the country and organization you choose. It's important to research the specific requirements for the activity and country and organization you're interested in.
If you are an expert in your sport and/or would like to become a contributor for Work the Wilds, please drop us an email at info@workthewilds.com or Contact Us
