Basi instructor
Level 1 + Off-Piste
Course Introduction
BASI Level 1 and Off-Piste Course Verbier
Altitude’s off-piste course in Verbier is led by our in-house professional team, who have been delivering courses here for over 24 years. With access to some of the most incredible off-piste terrain in the Alps, you’ll train in an environment that challenges and inspires at every level.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to ski safely and fluidly in off-piste conditions.
As the most established and experienced course provider in Verbier, we offer more than just training. You’ll build confidence and technique in powder snow, create unforgettable lifelong memories, and experience what it truly means to live the dream in the mountains.
Why Choose Altitude?
We believe there’s always more to learn and new ways to improve. That’s why, every winter, we push ourselves to make our courses even more enjoyable, effective, and rewarding than the last.
While we’re constantly evolving, a few things never change—our commitment to high-quality training, an unbeatable atmosphere in Verbier, and a proven track record of helping our trainees succeed. It’s these foundations that truly set us apart.
Our coaching team
Experienced team including BASI 4’s, BASI Trainers & Swiss Brevet Federals.
Our High pass rates
Consistently high results in Verbier 24+ years.
Accommodation & Food
We provide the best Gap Course accommodation and food in Verbier.
The best Job opportunities
We remain the only course to guarantee jobs in our own ski school.
Who is the course for?
BASI 1 and Off-Piste course.
Our 10-week BASI Level 1 Ski Instructor + Off-Piste course is designed for skiers looking to experience an unforgettable winter in the Swiss Alps. Based in Verbier, the programme combines professional training with incredible mountain experiences.
You’ll develop your off-piste and powder skiing technique, meet like-minded people, and have the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications—opening the door to ski instructor jobs around the world.
Whether you’re on a gap year, taking a career break, or simply looking to take your skiing to the next level both on and off-piste, this course offers the perfect balance of progression, adventure, and achievement.
To join, you must be at least 18 years old (there’s no upper age limit). All we ask is that you can confidently ski a red run and have the motivation to improve, train hard, and enjoy the journey.
Course Prices
2026 / 2027
Prices are set and invoiced in Swiss Francs.
Bookings are open for the 2026/27 courses
Verbier
10 Weeks- Qualifications
- BASI Level 1
- Accommodation
- Course Only
- Duration
- 10 Weeks
2026/27 Courses 3rd January 2027 – 13th March 2027
Verbier
10 Weeks- Qualifications
- BASI Level 1
- Accommodation
- Catered Chalet
- Duration
- 10 Weeks
2026/27 Courses 3rd January 2027 – 13th March 2027
Job opportunities
10 weeks of training
Accommodation in Verbier
Freestyle Coaching
Off-Piste Adventure Day
Performance clinics
Video analysis
Avalanche Safety Training
Airport transfer
Exams Fee’s
Team photos and action shots
Mentor support in resort
Ski servicing clinic
Career advice
Futures clothing
Also included
Optional Add-Ons(1)
Anything else not included?
(1) Lift Passes are not included in the course price as the lift pass price varies significantly based on your age and some people already have their lift pass. However, we are happy to purchase this for you so it’s ready for you on arrival.
Week 1
Team building, assessment of your skiing and creation of an individual action plan. Meet the Altitude Ski School team and settle in.
Week 2
Team building, assessment of your skiing and creation of an individual action plan. Meet the Altitude Ski School team and settle in.
Week 3
Level 1 BASI Instructor Exam.
Week 4
Ski the 4 Valleys. Off-piste training and technical development + teaching skills.
Week 5
Week 6
Off-Piste Safety and technical development.
Week 7
Off-Piste Powder Days and Technique for steep and deep..
Week 8
Tactical Tips for Off Piste . Route Planning and Map Work.
Week 9
Week 10
Explore Bruson’s tree run’s and refine ski technique.
The precise schedule may change slightly each year due to the holiday weeks and BASI exam dates, but the overall content will remain the same. The 70 hours of Ski School Experience might also be replaced in a Pandemic by other developmental tasks and challenges on snow.
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 Ski Instructor Gap Courses, 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 7 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 ski gap 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!
Are you hoping to get a job after the course?
On successful completion of the course, you will have gained your BASI level 1 and 2 ski instructor qualification.
The Futures course is built by instructors for instructors and operates in conjunction with our ski school. Your coaches also work as instructors within our school, and their expert teaching knowledge is invaluable if you’re thinking of making the jump to ski instructing as your future career.
Unlike other companies in Verbier we do employ our own trainees and prioritize you over other applicants. Each season we receive applications from students who chose to train elsewhere and were disappointed to not get offered any work within the school they trained with.
Altitude Ski School has 7 ski schools in Switzerland and is one of the largest schools in Verbier. This places talented ski instructors who train with us at a huge advantage when it comes to finding employment after the course.
Please note until further notice only students with a valid EU passport will be eligable to be considered for a job after completing the course.
Accommodation in verbier
Our most popular accommodation option for the past 24 years has been our private Swiss chalets, centrally located in the heart of Verbier.
Staying in a traditional Swiss chalet gives you the chance to live alongside 8–14 other trainee instructors, creating an unforgettable social and mountain experience throughout the season.
All chalets are within easy walking distance of the main lifts, shops, sports centre, and bars in Verbier—with some even offering ski-in, ski-out access.