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What qualification to do and why!
First of all, to allow you to teach you need to start with the first level qualification of any snowsport qualification in any country. Every country has their own snowsport instructor association and therefore each qualification is a bit different, some focus more on the methodical & technical aspect others more on the coaching aspect. This means, every country applies different rules and most recognize other qualifications from an omniscient rivaling view, so it becomes somewhat political. It is very difficult for a person who is new to the snowsport industry to know where to begin and what qualification to choose or which one is the best.
This is why we have tried to write a summarizing and objective explanation about the qualifications and what we recommend to do, if you want to become a ski and/or snowboard instructor and get a job afterwards. Even if you are an already qualified instructor, keep on reading, maybe you plan on working in a different country and seek some helpful advice.
(see international qualifications below)
Example
So, let’s say I do my ski instructor qualification over the association A of the country A. They will probably tell you that their qualification is the best and most recognized in the world. Again, this is just an example. Now, you want to work in another country. We’ll call this country B. Country B will tell you then, sorry we only recognize the B system and therefore they want you to do the B qualification. Or, we only recognize the A qualification partially and as a lot lower level (gets degraded).
As from an ISIA qualified level (most countries 3rd level) things get easier. To try to avoid the above problems they founded the International Ski Instructors Association and developed the ISIA system. The International ski instructor association consists of 38 countries. Each country should theoretically recognize all of each other’s ISIA level qualifications equally. Practically this is not the case! It also takes a few years to become ISIA qualified.
To not end up in a pickle amongst all these bureaucratic rules and difficulties think first of where you’d like to work. From there you just take the qualification of that country. It will be more accepted instead of doing a certain qualification and then try to apply in a ski school in a different country.
If you want to work in a country where you don’t speak the native language, try to find a resort in that country where they have a lot of guests from your native country. You have less difficulties finding a job as you can then mostly teach in your native language.
How it works practically in every main skiing country in Europe, America, Canada and New Zealand and Australia
France – you have no chance to work in a French ski school, unless you have the French qualification. You can work in foreign skischools (i.e. British skischool in France) – mostly they will only accept ISIA qualified instructors.
The French ski instructor association has only one level and this is very high. You should have race experience and be an awesome skier; otherwise you have no chance passing these exams or even be allowed on the exams.
Switzerland – You can only work in a Swiss ski school, if you have a Swiss qualification or the ISIA license. The first qualification is not so difficult but it helps if you speak one of their languages. Also the difficulty is to get a work permit in Switzerland, this means paperwork and applying early.
Italy – Similar to France, standard is a bit lower though
Austria – Also most of the times they only recognize their own qualifications, they are getting less difficult but if you have a foreign qualification and it’s not the ISIA yet, they mostly make you take an equivalence test. They test you on your German, methodical progression of the Austrian system and safety.
USA – they recognize a lot of the ISIA countries equally, the only down side to the States is, you need a VISA and since the last 2 years this has proven to be very difficult as a lot of work permits have not been granted.
Canada – the same as the USA
New Zealand – recognizes almost every qualification. Main difficulty in New Zealand is, there are only so many jobs available and not always enough work as well as that the season is short. You also need to apply for a visa and work permit. So apply early!
Australia – same as above
Conclusion
Choose a qualification of the country where you would like to work. Gain some work experience and try to do the next level examination before working elsewhere. Other skills & experience, such as language skills, work experience with children etc. are very helpful in getting a job.
Don’t be scared to do a qualification in a foreign country. The above is the general attitude of these countries and there are many instructors who have managed to get a job in a different country from where they gained a qualification (which can be 1st level) by simply applying early, having actual work experience under their belt and speaking the native or other useful languages. Often it depends on a ski school, regardless of whatever country.
The most prestige qualifications are from the following countries:
These are Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, America and Canada.
System & Qualifications of these countries
Austria: Schneesportlehrer
Level 1, Anwärter: after you pass these exams you can teach beginner to lower intermediate adults and kids
Level 2, Landes: this is divided into 3 parts – Landes 1/Alpine course/ Landes 2 - after completion of these exams you are ISIA qualified
Level 3, Staatlich geprüfter Skilehrer: one of the highest qualifications in the world
Switzerland: Swiss Snowsport instructor(SSI)
You have 4 levels:
Basic education , you are only allowed to teach kids
Level 1, first qualification; after you pass these exams you can teach beginner to lower intermediate adults and kids
Level 2, after passing this exam you can teach more experienced skier & snowboarders
Level 3, after passing these exams you are ISIA qualified
France: moniteur de ski
You have 1 level, similar to Italy, the standard is a bit higher and to join you have to do an entrance examination. It’s very hard to get in and your standard of skiing has to be very high. Only once you are a ski instructor you can become a snowboard instructor.
Italy: Maestri di sci
You have take an entrance exam, after this you have the first part of your exams. If you pass these, you have to do an internship in a ski school. After the internship you have to take the 2nd part of the exams and pass these. Then you have to do another year internship as a ski school instructor assistant. Then follows the third part of the exams, pass these and you’re a maestro di sci, an Italian ski instructor.
America: PSIA
Level 1, first qualification after you pass these exams you can teach the basics to adults and kids
Level 2, after passing these test you can teach more experienced people
Level 3, after passing these exams you are ISIA qualified
Canada: CSIA
Level 1, first qualification; after you pass these exams you can teach the basics to adults and kids
Level 2, after passing this exam you can teach more experienced people
Level 3, the same as above, only difference more insight
Level 4, after passing these exams you are ISIA qualified
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