Irish Association of Ski Instructors qualifications explained
We all know that the start of something could feel overwhelming so this page is here to help you understand what qualification you will achieve on our course and the career progression from there.
At Supreme Pro, we provide the qualifications through the Irish Association of Ski Instructors (IASI), a globally recognized and respected certification. IASI’s strong reputation, combined with Ireland’s ongoing EU membership, ensures that instructors qualifying through this system have access to a wide range of job opportunities across Europe and beyond.
The Level 2 qualification is a significant step up from Level 1, which is limited to a closed environment such as snowdomes and artificial slopes and beginner areas. This qualification opens the door to teaching in open alpine environment around the world, including ski schools in many European countries, Canada, the U.S., New Zealand, and more.
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine
Alpine level one ski instructor
(for artificial surfaces, snowdomes and the Alpine environment in a ski school structure)
Alpine level one ski instructor
(for working within a ski school structure)
Alpine level one ski instructor
(ISIA & ISI Stamps)
Alpine level one ski instructor
has two outcome levels based on where members wish to work; L4 ISIA Card & L4 Euro Ski Pro.
Notes: The L4 Euro Ski Pro includes the European Speed Test recognised by the major Alpine countries of the European Union.
Level one ski instructor
The Level 1 Ski / Snowboard Instructor is the first award available in the qualification pathway ( all disciplines) . Holders of this award are permitted to operate as instructors in the closed, or controlled environment (such as an artificial slope or indoor snow dome, or a monitor beginners snowsports learning area). See below for a more detailed breakdown of the award.
There are also a couple of videos to help you better understand Core Skier Development & Carving.
Once you have decided on a course you will need to join as an Associate Member. Please not from 1st of May 2016 all students taking Level 1 courses must also complete Child Protection Training as part of the award.
For Kilternan based courses please note that for non season ticket holders the Ski Club of Ireland (SCI) charge a slope usage fee of €30 per session (evenings or full day) payable directly to SCI.
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine level one
For artificial surfaces, snow domes and the mountain environment.
Total training hours 84
Pre-selection
1 day or 6 hoursPre-selection can either be a formal ASI session or part of a ski school programme run by an IASI Alpine Trainer
Training
3 days or 21 hoursThe Level One Training and Assessment can be run in a variety of formats including evening sessions. full days, consecutive days etc. to suit the venue artificial slope, indoor snow dome or on snow in a mountain environment
Ski school experience
20 logged hoursSki School experience can include shadowing ski lessons, assisting in the booking office or helping in ski hire but where possible we recommend shadowing of ski lessons as this is the most useful preparation.
Assessment
3 days or 21 hours
First aid
2 days or 16 hours(The refresher requirement for Level One is 1 day every 3 years plus a valid First Aid)
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine level one
For artificial surfaces, snow domes and the mountain environment.
Total training hours 84
Pre-selection
1 day or 6 hoursPre-selection can either be a formal ASI session or part of a ski school programme run by an IASI Alpine Trainer
Training
3 days or 21 hoursThe Level One Training and Assessment can be run in a variety of formats including evening sessions. full days, consecutive days etc. to suit the venue artificial slope, indoor snow dome or on snow in a mountain environment
Ski school experience
20 logged hoursSki School experience can include shadowing ski lessons, assisting in the booking office or helping in ski hire but where possible we recommend shadowing of ski lessons as this is the most useful preparation.
Assessment
3 days or 21 hours
First aid
2 days or 16 hours(The refresher requirement for Level One is 1 day every 3 years plus a valid First Aid)
Level two ski instructor
Gaining the Level 2 Ski Instructor award opens up many more teaching opportunities with ski schools in mountain resorts. Holders of this award can work in the open mountain environment for a recognised ski school, on piste. See below for a more detailed breakdown of the award.
*From Level 2 and above IASI recommends all candidates to be on a ski with a minimum radius of 14m for Women and 16m for Men. Although this is not mandatory, it could hinder your ability to show the necessary skills required to pass the course on a shorter turning ski.
See below for a more detailed breakdown of the award and a video to help guide you towards the standard required.
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine level two
for working within a ski school structure
Total training hours 142.
Performance training
6 days or 30 hoursThe performance training is optional but recommended
Ski school experience
70 logged hoursSki School experience can include shadowing ski lessons, assisting in the booking office or helping in ski hire and can be at an artificial slope, indoor snow dome or on snow in a mountain environment
Training & Assessment
inc. Technical & Teaching (6 days or 42 hours with 5 hours on snow in a mountain environment each day & 2 hours off snow)
Notes:The refresher requirement for Level Two is 1 day every 3 years plus a valid First Aid
20 of the 70 logged hours must be teaching in the appropriate environment for a Level One instructor
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine level two
for working within a ski school structure
Total training hours 142.
Performance training
6 days or 30 hoursThe performance training is optional but recommended
Ski school experience
70 logged hoursSki School experience can include shadowing ski lessons, assisting in the booking office or helping in ski hire and can be at an artificial slope, indoor snow dome or on snow in a mountain environment
Training & Assessment
inc. Technical & Teaching (6 days or 42 hours with 5 hours on snow in a mountain environment each day & 2 hours off snow)
Notes:The refresher requirement for Level Two is 1 day every 3 years plus a valid First Aid
20 of the 70 logged hours must be teaching in the appropriate environment for a Level One instructor
Level three ski instructor
The Level 3 Ski Teacher comprises of many different modules and requires dedication and a serious commitment to the job of teaching snowsports. The award meets the minimum standards required by the International Snowsports Instruction bodies ISIA & IVSI and holders of this prestigious award get the ISIA & IVSI stamps on their licence. The Level 3 technical prep and exam form part of one course over 6 days. The prep part of the course (first 3 days) is not assessed and offers the candidate the opportunity to make changes to their skiing and ski the terrain that will be used for assessment.
*From Level 2 and above IASI recommends all candidates to be on a ski with a minimum radius of 14m for Women and 16m for Men. Although this is not mandatory, it could hinder your ability to show the necessary skills required to pass the course on a shorter turning ski.
See below for a more detailed breakdown of the award and a video to help guide you towards the standard required.
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine level three
ISIA & IVSI Stamps
Total training hours 450.
Skills Development (SDC)
6 days or 36 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Both the skills development course (SD) and the tech exam prep are optional but recommended
Teaching Experience
200 logged hours of which 50 hours need to be on snow open mountain environment/resort
The teaching experience logged hours MUST be completed before attending the teaching module and 200 hours is the minimum requirement
Tech Exam Prep
3 days or 18 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Technical Exam
3 days or 18 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Teaching Module
6 days or 42 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 2 hours off snow
Level 1 Off Piste Security
6 days or 42 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 2 hours of snow
2nd Discipline
Equivalent to level 1 certification – 62 hours
2nd Language
For country you wish to work in
Coaching Theory
Coaching theory (3 days or 18 hours off snow)
Level 1 Coach
Alpine racing or Freestyle min 2 days or 14 hours
Ski Club Membership
Maintain membership for IVSI Stamp
Notes:
The refresher requirement for Level three is 1 day every 3 years this is ISAI requirements plus a valid First Aid
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine level three
ISIA & IVSI Stamps
Total training hours 450.
Skills Development (SDC)
6 days or 36 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Both the skills development course (SD) and the tech exam prep are optional but recommended
Teaching Experience
200 logged hours of which 50 hours need to be on snow open mountain environment/resort
The teaching experience logged hours MUST be completed before attending the teaching module and 200 hours is the minimum requirement
Tech Exam Prep
3 days or 18 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Technical Exam
3 days or 18 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Teaching Module
6 days or 42 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 2 hours off snow
Level 1 Off Piste Security
6 days or 42 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 2 hours of snow
2nd Discipline
Equivalent to level 1 certification – 62 hours
2nd Language
For country you wish to work in
Coaching Theory
Coaching theory (3 days or 18 hours off snow)
Level 1 Coach
Alpine racing or Freestyle min 2 days or 14 hours
Ski Club Membership
Maintain membership for IVSI Stamp
Notes:
The refresher requirement for Level three is 1 day every 3 years this is ISAI requirements plus a valid First Aid
Level four ski instructor
The Level 4 Ski Teacher is the highest award in the IASI system and is aimed at those wishing to make a career in teaching snowsports. There are two outcomes; Euro Ski Pro (New EU CTT standard) and ISIA card. The outcome has a bearing on where you can work as a snowsports professional. The Level 4 technical prep and exam form part of one course over 6 days. The prep part of the course (first 3 days) is not assessed and offers the candidate the opportunity to make changes in their skiing and ski the terrain that will be used for assessment.
*From Level 2 and above IASI recommends all candidates to be on a ski with a minimum radius of 14m for Women and 16m for Men. Although this is not mandatory, it could hinder your ability to show the necessary skills required to pass the course on a shorter turning ski.
See below for a more detailed breakdown of the award and a video to help guide you towards the standard required.
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine level four
Skills Development (SDC)
6 days or 36 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Both the skills development course (SD) and the tech exam prep are optional but recommended
Teaching Experience
200 logged hours of which 50 hours need to be on snow open mountain environment/resort
The teaching experience logged hours MUST be completed before attending the teaching module and 200 hours is the minimum requirement
Tech Exam Prep
3 days or 18 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Technical Exam
3 days or 18 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Teaching Module
6 days or 42 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 2 hours off snow
Level 2 back country Security award
(7 days – training 4 days & assessment 3 days or 49 hours
Project
Written 3500 words or multi media
ISIA Speed test
or required FIS points
Euro speed test
or required FIS points
Alpine level four ski teacher
ISIA card
Alpine level four ski teacher
Euro ski pro
Notes:
Holders of the level four Euro card pro are also entitled to the ISIA card
The refresher requirement for Level three is 1 day every 3 years this is ISAI requirements plus a valid First Aid
IASI Qualification Pathway - Alpine level four
Skills Development (SDC)
6 days or 36 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Both the skills development course (SD) and the tech exam prep are optional but recommended
Teaching Experience
200 logged hours of which 50 hours need to be on snow open mountain environment/resort
The teaching experience logged hours MUST be completed before attending the teaching module and 200 hours is the minimum requirement
Tech Exam Prep
3 days or 18 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Technical Exam
3 days or 18 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 1 hour off snow
Teaching Module
6 days or 42 hours with 5 hours on snow each day & 2 hours off snow
Level 2 back country Security award
(7 days – training 4 days & assessment 3 days or 49 hours
Project
Written 3500 words or multi media
ISIA Speed test
or required FIS points
Euro speed test
or required FIS points
Alpine level four ski teacher
ISIA card
Alpine level four ski teacher
Euro ski pro
Notes:
Holders of the level four Euro card pro are also entitled to the ISIA card
The refresher requirement for Level three is 1 day every 3 years this is ISAI requirements plus a valid First Aid
Our most popular instructor courses
Our ski instructor GAP courses run in some of the most premier resorts in Europe – offering excellent training and career opportunities.
Verbier
10 week long course Level 1 and 2
Verbier, Switzerland
1st December 2025 to 6th February 2026
CHF 10,900
Sauze d’Oulx
10 week long course Level 1 and 2
Sauze d’Oulx, Italy
9th January 2026 to 27th March 2026
EUR 9,399
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