In part two of our How To Become A Ski Instructor, ICE's Mark Jones talks about taking your BASI Level 2 and what steps to take to be able to take your first ski lesson. If you missed part one, give it a quick read first.
BASI Level 2 (10 days)
The course is physically demanding, as you will spend two blocks of five days involved in lectures, self-study, skiing/riding and teaching. While it is not necessary to be an amazing athlete it does help to have a good level of personal fitness which in turn helps to reduce fatigue and potential for injury. You can greatly help yourself by being familiar with the BASI manuals and in particular the fundamentals of technique and the central theme.
Before you can attend the BASI Level 2 course, you must complete 35 hours of experience in a ski school. This can be done by either shadowing an instructor or teaching as a Level 1 instructor in an artificial environment. Please note that these 35 hours are in addition to the 35 hours required to complete the Level 1 Qualification. Therefore there are 70 hours required between both levels.
Once you have achieved your BASI Level 2, your work prospects are very good. Level 2s regularly leave the courses with ICE and go on to work in Switzerland, Austria, Andorra, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Working in France
At present the French authorities only recognise Alpine qualifications, with other disciplines being treated as offshoots. To work in France a UK instructor must comply with one of the following:
- Be part of the ESF system within a ski school holding the Centre de Formation status (training status), as a 'stagiaire' (trainee). This involves passing the Test Technique and a timed slalom — organised by the DDJS (local department authority) — at which the candidate must achieve a specified time. After obtaining the Test Technique and a first aid certificate, the candidate enters the Préformation — a two week residential course, again run by the DDJS. On completion, the candidate becomes a 'stagiaire' and can work for an approved ski school.
- Hold the BASI Alpine Level 2 Instructor Qualification or the BASI Alpine Level 3 ISIA Qualification & the Test Technique qualification, followed by working as a 'stagiaire' with an approved ski school. Having entered the stagiaire system, the BASI Level 3 ISIA has a 3-year period to complete the BASI Level 4 ISTD Qualification (including the European Speed Test).
- Hold the BASI Alpine Level 3 ISIA Qualification and have passed the Test Technique.
Working Independently
Only instructors qualified at BASI Level 4 ISTD level can work independently and take their own clients on to the mountain.
Once you have obtained your Level 4 ISTD qualification — you will need to apply for full French equivalence for the region that you are going to work in to be able to teach independently or with a ski school in France. There are two routes to complete the modules required to get you to this level as shown in this video:
Part three coming soon.
