The entry-level course in the UK and Northern Ireland is now called the Level 1 Instructor. The course is approved and accredited by Snowsport Scotland (SNSC) and the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) - The governing body for Snowboard Instruction within Great Britain and the World.

The BASI level 1 instructor course is a 5-day course designed to teach competent recreational boarders the elements of technical riding and entry level teaching techniques. The minimum standard expected for the course is confidence at turning on all types of slope and terrain backed up by at least a year of regular riding in the UK. A sound knowledge of boarding itself is also useful.

What would also be useful is to contact your local slope to see the possibility of shadowing lessons to gain an insight into what’s needed for the teaching element of the course.

Upon successfully completing the course, you will be qualified to teach snowboarding on any dry-slope and any indoor snow facility in Great Britain. Candidates will now also have a more transparent path to progress onto the BASI Mountain Level 2 Instructor Course. A time scale for attending this next level will be given to all candidates at the end of the course.

In order to receive the award candidates who successfully complete the course MUST ALSO :

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a member of BASI (membership included in the course fee)
• Hold a first Aid qualification that meets the requirements of BASI (This is not needed prior to attending the Instructor course – can be obtained after)
• Must attend the compulsory Child Protection Module (3 hour attendance workshop)
• Complete 35 hours worth of shadowing at an approved BASI snowschool