BASI ISIA Level 3
Training

Weekly Breakdown

A typical day on the Verbier BASI level 3 training includes 5 training hours per day (allowing for 1 hr practice at end of day), video analysis sessions at set times during the week and individual debriefs with training mentor at the end of the week to go over action plans and help structure practice time.

Week 1 & 2

Re-visit the fundamentals of skiing and develop a strong understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses.

Week 3 & 4

Working with Altitude over busy Xmas and New year period.

Week 5

Mountain Safety week with training specifically towards BASI L3 MS. This will normally include an off-piste ski touring trip.

Week 6

BASI Mountain Safety Exam (can vary based on BASI course dates).

Week 7

Race training – both an introduction and development week used to both improve your own skiing in a new environment whilst also having a fun experience in the gates.

Week 8 & 9

Continued exploration of performance in Piste, Bumps, Variables and Steeps.

Week 10

Consolidation of action plan towards both Technical and Teach exams. Setting up clear goals to aim for over half-term working period.

Week 11 & 12

Working with Altitude over busy half-term period.

Week 13

Final exam prep week skiing exact terrain that will be used in exams.

Week 14

BASI L3 Tech exam.

Week 15-18

Working with Altitude over Easter / BASI Exams.

*This is the breakdown for the work and train program. It may vary depending on students goals, and the BASI exam weeks. 

**The classic BASI level 3 course will follow the same content but teaching weeks will be replaced by shadowing weeks.  

Skiing Level

How good do i need to be?

If you’re considering joining our Level 3 or 4 work and train programs the minimum requirement is to have passed the technical level (or equivalent) of the below qualification. If you are looking to join our BASI 1 & 2 Course, you will need to already have some ski experience. As a general rule, you would need to be able ski confidently linking turns down the fall-line of a red run. You also need willingness to try and improve your skiing in bumps, steeps and powder.

How long should I have been skiing for?

Generally speaking, you need to have about 5 weeks of skiing experience as a minimum, but this can vary from person to person. We’ve had people join us who’ve been skiing since they were 3 years old, and some who only started recently as an adult. There is no upper ability level for participating in the course.

Still not sure if you’re at the right level?

It’s normal to be a bit nervous about whether your skiing is good enough as joining the course can be a bit commitment, but we’re here to help. If you’re able to send us a video of your skiing we can let you know where we think you’re at. If you’re coming from the UK we’re also more than happy to meet you over the summer for a ski in one of the snow-domes or dry slopes and give you some one-on-one feedback on your skiing, with a few tips too!

What happens next?

Work opportunities after completing the course?

On successful completion of the work and train program you are very likely to reach the required level to sit and (fingers crossed) pass your BASI 3 exam.

 With many years of experience preparing students for all levels of BASI exams we are very confident that and our team will provide you with the tools to become a great ski instructor.

Our schools employ a large team of instructors throughout the alps and we are always on the look out for talented instructors to join us in one of our resorts on a full time basis. It goes without saying that we always prioritize any new jobs to instructors that have performed well on one of our training programmes.

Our team will be there to support you and give you the best possible chance of success!

We provide all our students with career advice and support throughout the course, however following completing this program many instructors go on to work full time with Altitude in one of their schools in Switzerland.

A few reasons to choose Altitude?

Guaranteed Employment

Altitude employs our own students ahead of any other trainees from other smaller schools. The reason for this is that throughout the training we are able to build a confidence and trust in your abilities and the types of clients that we believe are most suited to your skill set (its like a really long interview). Having this confidence in your teaching ability enables us to make sure we guarantee a high level of service to our clients.

Employment is on a part time basis and we provide students with a uniform and work permit. Work is during the holiday weeks of Christmas and New Year, Half Term Holiday weeks in February and the Easter Holidays.

Experienced Coaching Team

Over the last 20 years we have prepared hundred’s of instructors for their level 1,2,3 and 4 exams. Our team includes BASI Trainers, BASI 4’s and Swiss Patents, all equipped with the skills and knowledge to help you reach your full skiing potential.

Off-Piste Day with FWT Competitor

In Verbier you will be lucky enough to spend a day with one of the top world freerider’s who is currently competing on the Freeride World Tour. This will be an inspirational day and hopefully one to inspire you in your skiing.

A Training Package including 200 on snow Training Hours

That’s a lot of training (more than most companies offer) and we believe this extra time helps to account for our students continual high pass rates (last winter the highest pass rates in Verbier).