Updated August 20, 2025
If you’re exploring a career as a ski instructor or supporting someone who is chances are you’ve come across the term BASI. But what exactly is BASI, and why does it matter so much in the world of snowsports instruction?
Let’s break it down.
What Is BASI?
BASI stands for the British Association of Snowsports Instructors. It’s the UK’s official body for training and certifying ski and snowboard instructors. Based in Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland, BASI is led by a member-elected Board of Directors and supported by a professional team based at Morlich House.
While BASI is British by name, its reach is global. It offers internationally recognized qualifications, and anyone regardless of nationality can train and certify through the BASI system.
BASI runs over 300 courses each year, covering five disciplines:
Alpine Skiing
Snowboarding
Adaptive (for disabilities)
Telemark
Nordic
The BASI pathway begins with Level 1 and progresses to the elite Level 4 International Snowsports Teaching Diploma (ISTD), the highest qualification level, aligned with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
What Does BASI Actually Do?
BASI’s primary role is to train, examine, and certify snowsports instructors to ensure they meet high standards of safety, skill, and teaching ability.
But it’s not just about running exams.
BASI also:
Works closely with international governing bodies to ensure mutual recognition of its qualifications
Provides member benefits, including public liability insurance for instructors
Negotiates member discounts on ski gear and apparel
Promotes high standards in British snowsports instruction across the globe
In essence, BASI ensures that its instructors are respected, recognized, and ready to teach on snow, anywhere in the world.
Do Other Countries Have Their Own BASI?
Yes! Almost every ski nation has its own snowsports instructor association. Some examples include:
CSIA – Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance
ESF – French National Ski School
APSI – Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors
NZSIA – New Zealand Snowsports Instructors’ Alliance
While the structure varies (for example, some have four levels like BASI, while others have just one), the overall goal is the same: to train and certify skilled, safe, and effective instructors.
Tip: If you’re planning to teach abroad, research how each qualification system is recognized in different countries. For example, BASI is accepted in Canada, but the Canadian CSIA qualification isn’t always accepted in Europe.
A Closer Look at the BASI Qualification Pathway
BASI Level 1: The Starting Point
This is the foundation of your instructor journey. The course introduces BASI’s methodology and terminology.
To qualify, you must complete:
A 5-day training and assessment course
35 hours of shadowing at a ski school
An outdoor first aid certification
A child protection module
A clean criminal record check
Where you can teach: Indoor slopes, dry slopes, and some beginner areas in the UK or Europe.
Typical pay: £10/hour (UK) or ~22CHF/hour (Switzerland)
BASI Level 2: The Gateway Qualification
Level 2 is a 10-day on-snow course with additional shadowing. It allows you to teach in mountain environments internationally.
Where you can teach: Most ski resorts around the world (on-piste beginners to intermediates)
Typical pay: Around 25CHF/hour (Switzerland) or higher
Many instructors stop at Level 2 and work seasonally — it’s a great qualification if you’re aiming for a few winters abroad.
BASI Level 3: ISIA Standard
This is the International Ski Instructor Association (ISIA) level recognized globally and respected within the industry. It’s a significant leap from Level 2, involving multiple components.
Requirements include:
Separate technical and teaching exams
A second discipline (e.g. snowboard, adaptive)
Mountain safety training
A second language
200+ hours of logged teaching experience
Coaching Level 1 qualification
At this stage, you’re likely working full-time as a ski instructor and earning higher wages with more opportunities both on and off-piste.
BASI Level 4: The Elite Badge
The highest level in the BASI system, the International Snowsports Teaching Diploma (ISTD). This is globally respected, particularly in Europe, and often required for top-tier resort jobs or teaching off-piste in France.
To achieve Level 4, you’ll need:
Advanced technical and teaching exams
The Euro Speed Test
A written project
Level 2 coaching qualification
Mountain safety course + tours
BASI interview
This level typically takes 4–6 years to achieve. But once qualified, you’ll be earning €40–€70 per hour often hitting €30,000+ per season. It opens doors to elite instructing jobs worldwide.
Final Thoughts
BASI is one of the most well-structured and widely recognized instructor qualification systems in the world especially if you’re looking to work in Europe or the UK.
It offers a clear pathway from beginner to expert, and the modular format allows flexibility as you progress. Whether you’re aiming for a full-time career or a few unforgettable seasons, BASI gives you the foundation to succeed on snow.
Pro Tip: Always choose the qualification system that best supports your long-term goals and the country you plan to work in most.
