Could you become a ski instructor?

Did you know that it is achievable for an experienced recreational skier to gain a Snowsports instructor qualification? I explain how. It could be easier than you think!

With the ever increasing number of UK “Snow centres” and the continued benefits of artificial ski slopes, the part time UK ski instructor market is still showing growth. Beyond that, school ski trips, European ski schools and a surge of interest in Japan means that considering training and qualifying as professional ski instructor could be something you may wish to consider?

How?

It may surprise you to know that with 10 weeks plus of skiing and the ability to ski the fall line competently with good speed control on all groomed slopes, this potentially means your skill level could be at the required starting level to attend the early stages of the ski instructor ladder!

Who can you qualify with?

In the current British ski instructor market there are several governing bodies with whom you can qualify in order to gain employment on British soil, plus 1 that will recognize your qualifications abroad.

BASI is the British Association of Snowsports Instructors and has a four tier system that allows you to teach skiing in the UK with the level 1 award and part time possibilities abroad with the level 2. Full time positions are possible with the level 2, but more likely to be attained with level 3 and 4 qualifications in the current climate.

The national governing bodies of Snowsports England, Scotland and Wales work closely and in association with UK Snowsports, they have a very solid and well structured ski instructor pathway for those wishing to become UK based ski instructors and or race coaches for local clubs and junior athletes.

The Irish association of Snowsports instructors also has a four tier system with which you can teach in the UK environment with the level 1.

Where?

All governing body assessments and the BASI level 1 can be taken in the UK snow centers and artificial ski slopes.

BASI levels 2, 3 and 4 are trained and assessed in a mountain environment.

Why?

• An additional part time job to supplement your income.
• Improvement of your technical skiing performance and modernising your understanding of current ski techniques.
• A recognised teaching qualification to add to your skill set or CV.
• The chance to travel and get paid to do what you love.
• Gaining access to the snow centres and artificial slopes for free skiing time outside your working hours.

Tempted? Want to know more? All the details of the course costs, content and entry criteria can be found here: –

BASI – http://www.basi.org.uk/index.aspx
UK Snowsports – http://www.uksnowsports.co.uk/default.asp?contentID=624
Irish Association of snowsports instructors – http://www.iasisnowsports.ie/

Lee Townend is the director and head trainer for SnoworksGAP, a fast track ski instructor program to BASI level 1 and 2. He is also a BASI level 4 instructor and current ski instructor trainer for BASI training and assessing current British ski instructors.