Certifications
Ski & Snowboard Instructor Certifications & Qualifications
All of our ski and snowboard instructor training programs allow you to obtain a range of globally recognised certifications. Depending on the country you achieve your certification in this will be accredited through one of the national organisations below.
In The USA – The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)
The American Association of Snowboarding Instructors (AASI)
In Canada - The Canadian Ski Instructor Association (CSIA)
The Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI)
In New Zealand and Japan – the New Zealand Snow Sports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA)
The above associations are all national bodies responsible for governing snow sports training in their respective countries. Membership to these bodies represents professionalism and rewarding personal achievement. All of these associations are also members of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), and the qualifications gained through any of these associations are recognised around the world and could see you working in New Zealand, Australia, USA, the European Alps, Japan or South America.
Each association has several certification stages, it varies as to the certification level required to become a member of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA).
| Country | Ski Org | Snowboard Org | Entry | Intermed. | ISIA Equiv. | Highest Qual. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | NZSIA | NZSIA | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Trainer |
| USA | PSIA | AASI | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Examiner |
| Great Britain | BASI | BASI | Level 1 | Level 2 | Teacher | Diploma |
| Australia | APSI | APSI | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
| Canada | CSIA | CASI | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
| Argentina | AADIDE | AADIDE | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Trainer |
More information regarding PSIA, AASI, CSIA, CASI, NZSIA and APSI and their respective certifications can be found at the following organisations websites:
For more info on these organisations please click on the logos:
Level One Certification
The level one certification is for those entering the snow sports instruction industry. The exam focuses on the skills, knowledge and professionalism necessary to be an effective ski or snowboard teacher. Those that achieve this certification will be expected to competently teach snowsports to beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The level one exam is a three day pass or fail module which includes on-hill teaching and demonstrations and also a written theory component.
To complete the level one certification you will also need to ski and ride comfortably, linking turns on most terrain. We expect all of our candidates to pass this exam after attending one of our training programs.
Available on:
- All Ski Instructor Internship Courses
- All Snowboard Instructor Internship Courses
- All 3-12 Week Ski Instructor Training Courses
- All 3-12 Week Snowboard Instructor Training Courses
Level Two Certification
The level two certification focuses on the skills and knowledge required to teach advanced level skiers or snowboarders. The exam consists of two parts; a three day skiing or snowboarding module followed by a three day teaching module. Candidates are required to pass the three day skiing or riding module prior to sitting the teaching module.
To complete the level two exam (in the same season as the level one) you must have completed a continuous training program and be ‘signed off’ by our resort training director as having the required technical knowledge and skills to complete the exam. The President of the ski/snowboard association will then give final approval for you to sign up for the exam.
Available on:
- 11 Week Ski Instructor Course Whistler
- 11 Week Ski Instructor Course Lake Louise
- Ultimate Plus Internship Ski Courses
- Ultimate Plus Internship Snowboard Courses
*Please Note: The cost of the Level 2 exam is not included in the program fees because this is not always an option for all participants. Before sitting the Level 2 we always recommend discussing your level of ability as against the required standard with your trainers.
PSIA / AASI Freeride or Freestyle Accreditation (USA Courses Only)
The Freeride (Ski) or Freestyle (Snowboard) is a two day accreditation that is based on Park and Pipe. It is designed for those interested in becoming qualified freestyle coaches. It covers rails, boxes and terrain features including jumps. Confident use of half pipes and quarter pipes is also covered. Basic manoeuvres are explored as well as some fundamental tricks. You will also learn how to teach and coach the approach, take off, manoeuvres and landing (ATML) on all features.
It is expected that candidates have a good understanding of the skills and movements required for park and pipe manoeuvres and are able to demonstrate these confidently. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced ski or board ability in the park and pipe.
Available on:
Park & Pipe Certificate (Canada Courses Only)
On our Canadian based Ultimate Plus Internship Courses an in-house 2 day Park & Pipe certificate is included. This is designed in conjunction with your training resort for those interested in coaching in the park and pipe. It covers rails, boxes and terrain features including jumps. Confident use of half pipes and quarter pipes is also covered. Basic manoeuvres are explored as well as some fundamental tricks. You will also learn how to teach and coach the approach, take off, manoeuvres and landing (ATML) on all features.
For those who have a passion for park and pipe and excel during this internal certification, there is potential to specialise and continue your career in park and pipe instruction.
Available on:
- 11 Week Ski Instructor Course Whistler
- 11 Week Ski Instructor Course Lake Louise
- Canada Ultimate Plus Instructor Internship Courses
Avalanche Certification
An Avalanche Certification provides an invaluable two day introduction to safety in the backcountry. It is designed to give you a basic understanding of avalanche formation and to develop your observation skills. Half of the time is focused on theory in the classroom and the other half is based on snow. You will learn how to recognise potential avalanche conditions, how differing snow pack conditions affect avalanche danger and how to choose safe routes in the backcountry. You will also learn rescue techniques and how to use various rescue tools such as beacons and probes.
USA Courses: Avalanche Certification Course certified by the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) certified guides. For further information please visit www.amga.com.
Canada Courses: Avalanche Safety Training 1 (AST 1) Course affiliated to the CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association. For further information please visit www.avalanche.ca.
Available on:
- 11 Week Ski Instructor Course Whistler
- 11 Week Ski Instructor Course Lake Louise
- Ultimate Plus Internship Ski Courses
- Ultimate Plus Internship Snowboard Courses
First Aid Certificate
The first aid course teaches practical skills about how to manage a range of medical and accident emergencies. The course provides an excellent assessment standard that ensures you feel confident about providing first aid when needed.
The course will teach you about scene assessment, safety, identifying hazards in the workplace, medical conditions and ways to manage a range of possible emergencies including burns, poisoning, soft tissue injuries, head and spinal injuries, eye injuries, chest injuries, chest pain (such as heart attacks) and major incidents. This is an excellent course and is an invaluable tool for those working in the ski or snowboard industry.
Available on: