The Best Skis and Ski Boots for a Ski Instructor Course (BASI Course)

One of the questions we’re asked most often before the season starts is:

“What skis and boots should I buy for a ski instructor course?”

With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you buy race skis? All-mountain skis? Stiff boots? Soft boots?

After more than 20 years of training ski instructors in Verbier, we’ve helped hundreds of trainees choose equipment for their BASI Level 1 and Level 2 courses. The right setup won’t magically make you a better skier, but it will make learning easier, improve your comfort and help you get the most out of every day on the mountain.

Here’s what we recommend.

Why Your Equipment Matters

A ski instructor course is very different from a week’s skiing on holiday.

During your 10-week programme you’ll spend almost every day on snow. You’ll be training, practising demonstrations, shadowing lessons and preparing for your BASI assessments. That means your equipment needs to perform consistently day after day.

The right boots and skis will help you:

• Develop better technique.
• Feel more balanced and confident.
• Reduce fatigue during long training days.
• Progress more quickly throughout the season.

While good equipment won’t replace quality coaching, it allows you to focus on improving your skiing rather than fighting against uncomfortable or unsuitable gear.

Choosing the Right Ski Boots

A Good Fit Is Everything

If you only invest in one thing, make it your ski boots.

Poorly fitting boots can lead to discomfort, tired legs and bad skiing habits. That’s why we always recommend visiting an experienced boot fitter rather than buying online.

A professional boot fitter will assess:

• Foot length and width.
• Arch height.
• Ankle flexibility.
• Lower leg shape.
• Biomechanics.
• Previous injuries.

The result is a boot that supports your skiing while remaining comfortable enough to wear every day.

Choosing the Right Flex

Flex refers to how stiff the boot feels when you move forward.

As a general guide we recommend:

• Women: Flex 90–110
• Men: Flex 100–130

However, this isn’t a strict rule.

If you’re still developing your skiing or have limited ankle mobility, a slightly softer boot may allow you to move more naturally and improve your technique more quickly.

Discuss your skiing level and goals with your boot fitter—they’ll help you choose the best option for you.

Features We Recommend

Look for boots with:

• Four buckles.
• A solid power strap.
• A performance-focused alpine design.

We generally don’t recommend boots with a walk or hike mode for BASI Level 1 and Level 2 training. Since you’ll spend the vast majority of your time skiing on piste, a dedicated alpine boot offers better performance and precision.

Boots Our Coaches Recommend

Some of the models our coaches regularly recommend include:

• Rossignol Hero
• Tecnica Firebird
• Lange RS Wide

The most important thing isn’t the brand—it’s finding the boot that fits your foot properly.

Choosing the Right Skis

Stick to Piste Skis

Although you’ll ski all over the mountain during the season, the BASI Level 1 and Level 2 courses focus heavily on piste skiing.

You’ll spend your time developing:

• Short turns.
• Long turns.
• Carving.
• Edge control.
• Demonstration skiing.
• Variable turn shapes.

For this reason, a piste ski is almost always the best choice.

Ski Width and Length

Our coaches generally recommend:

• Waist width: 66–78 mm
• Tip width: around 110 mm
• Length: 5–10 cm shorter than your height

These dimensions provide excellent edge grip while remaining easy to manoeuvre during demonstrations and technical training.

Choosing the Right Flex

Avoid skis that are extremely soft or race-level stiff.

Instead, choose a model designed for intermediate to advanced piste skiers. These skis provide the right balance between stability, responsiveness and forgiveness as your skiing develops throughout the course.

Common Equipment Mistakes

Every season we see trainees make the same mistakes.

Try to avoid:

• Buying skis that are too long.
• Choosing boots that are too stiff.
• Purchasing all-mountain skis because they seem more versatile.
• Buying boots online without having them professionally fitted.
• Waiting until the last minute to organise your equipment.

A little preparation before the season can save a lot of frustration later.

Should You Buy Before You Arrive?

If you’re unsure which skis or boots to choose, don’t worry.

Many of our students wait until they arrive in Verbier.

Our coaches are happy to accompany you to a trusted local boot fitter or ski shop, helping you choose equipment that’s appropriate for your skiing level, goals and budget. This also gives you access to a wider range of specialist equipment than you may find at home.

Skis Our Coaches Recommend

Some of our favourite skis for instructor training include:

• Blizzard Firebird HRC/WRC
• Blizzard Thunderbird
• Rossignol Forza 70D V-TI Konect
• Rossignol Nova 6 (Women’s)

Each of these models offers the edge grip, stability and versatility needed for BASI Level 1 and Level 2 training.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right skis and boots is one of the best investments you can make before starting a ski instructor course.

Well-fitted boots will keep you comfortable through long training days, while the right skis will help you develop the technical skills needed to progress quickly and confidently.

If you’re still unsure what to buy, there’s no need to guess. Our coaches are always happy to offer advice and can even help you choose the right equipment once you arrive in Verbier.

With the right setup beneath your feet, you’ll be able to focus on what really matters—becoming the best ski instructor you can be.