Ski Industry Certification

Individual country’s have their own national organisations, responsible for certification and training of ski instructors.

The INTERNATIONAL SKI INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION, (ISIA), is the world body for professional ski instructors. Formed in 1971, it currently has 38 member nations, representing the very best in ski instruction around the world.

The ISIA promotes collaboration in respect of ski technique; methodology; didactics (science of teaching) and the question of safety; ensuring the highest standards of professional practice.

The ISIA is characterised by the ISIA trademark and can be used by Associations and their member ski schools and ski instructors exclusively.

THERE ARE 38 MEMBER STATES OF THE INTERNATIONAL SKI INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION (ISIA).

There are 6 English speaking ISIA Members:

Australia – “The Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors Inc. (APSI) is a not-for-profit association formed in 1976. Our main charter is the education, training and certification of Australian snowsports instructors”.

Canada – Established 1938, “As the leader in the profession of ski instruction and a most valued and respected contributor to the sport of skiing, The CSIA develop a safe and positive guest experience, a progressive approach and set national standards in ski teaching”.

Ireland – “The Irish Association of Snowsports Instructors Ltd. (IASI) is the national accrediting body for snowsport instructors in Ireland. IASI provides a comprehensive list of training and assessment courses to help you gain your qualification. The IASI system has been designed to take ski & snowboard instructors through the progression from the artificial slope (Level 1 Ski Instructor) through to International level instructors (Levels 3 & 4)”.

New Zealand – The NZSIA was established in 1971 to train, examine and certify snowsport instructors and coaches at an internationally recognised standard. As an Incorporated Society the NZSIA is a completely non-profit organisation.

Renowned within the New Zealand snow industry and well recognised by the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), NZSIA is comprised of four different divisions: Ski, Snowboard (SBINZ), Telemark and Adaptive. Our vision is… ‘To be a global leader in snowsports professional development.’

United Kingdom – Founded 1963, “BASI is the UK national training and grading provider for professional snowsport instructing and coaching qualifications. BASI takes advanced Snowsport enthusiasts, using a step by step progression, through an award system which meets the market place needs and national and international requirements”.

USA – “Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) was incorporated in 1961 out of a need to unify the various teaching and skiing organizations that previously existed in the United States. The goal was to create a consistent experience for guests regardless of where they were travelling and at what area they skied. Education is the foundation of what our organization is about, with members teaching great lessons so that people want to ski and ride as often as possible. Within the snowsports industry and world community of snowsports professionals, certification ultimately gives a measure of credibility to the title of “professional ski instructor” or “professional snowboard instructor.” The PSIA-AASI “system” is built around the premise of enabling our members to feel the STOKE of helping guests be successful sliding on snow!”