Ski Instructor Training

Ski instructors love skiing, enjoy teaching and want to make a living at both. The Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) provides a comprehensive training program for ski instructors at various levels. Many schools also provide PSIA-AASI certification training throughout the United States. The International Ski Instructors Association has its own certification program for those who want to work outside of the United States.

  1. History

    • The PSIA was founded in 1961 as a way to bring together all of the various ski instructors and organizations in the United States at the time. According to the PSIA, its purpose was to provide ski students with a consistent training experience. The organization developed a teaching method called the American Training System, which is currently in use today. Through these efforts, the PSIA says it wanted to give “…a measure of credibility to the title of 'professional ski instructor.'”

    Function

    • Training provides future instructors with the ability to teach people how to ski in varying levels of difficulty and on different kinds of terrain. These training courses also provide instruction on different styles of teaching and communication. In addition to skiing, instructors are taught basic safety in terms of equipment evaluation, weather conditions, avalanche preparedness and first aid. Some training courses even provide instruction on how to become a member of the ski patrol.

    Types

    • Ski instruction involves four tracks. These are adaptive (for disabled persons), alpine (fixed heel bindings), Nordic (free heel bindings) and snowboard training courses. Each of these courses has different levels: Registered (for new instructors) and levels one through three which require increasing levels of expertise and skill to obtain. Each of these levels of instruction requires a different set of practical and written exams. There are also different certifications for people who would like to teach children and seniors to ski.

    Time Frame

    • Instructor training programs in the United States and Canada range from a month to an entire ski season, depending on the level of certification you wish to pursue. Many of programs include accommodations into the price, although meals are not included. Courses usually involve spending a full day on the slopes and evening classes on technique and theory.

    Benefits

    • Ski instructor training schools tend to have a high pass rate for the certification exams. Additionally, many schools help place students with ski schools as instructors after successfully completing the program and certification. Additionally, certified instructors generally get paid more by ski schools than amateur instructors and may have an easier time finding employment. Ski instructor training also provides ample opportunity to spend time doing what you love—skiing.