Alpine Level 1

Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of America! The Alpine Level 1 Assessment is the first step in your exciting career as a ski instructor.

If you’re new to PSIA/AASI, make sure to check out our New Member Guide; there’s lots of great information to help you start your career as a ski instructor!

The Alpine Level 1 Exam is a two-day assessment; attendance is required both days.

Alpine Level 1 Prerequisites for members who are currently teaching and employed by a current member school:

• Become a registered member of PSIA and PSIA-I with current dues paid
• Successfully complete PSIA Alpine Level E-Learning Course
• Complete the PSIA-I Alpine Level 1 Workbook
• Successfully complete the Alpine Level 1 Exam two-day assessment; attendance is required both days.

Alpine Level 1 Prerequisites for members who are not currently teaching and employed by a current member school:

• Become a registered member of PSIA and PSIA-I with current dues paid
• Successfully complete PSIA Alpine Level E-Learning Course
• Complete the PSIA-I Alpine Level 1 Workbook
• Complete the Alpine Level 1 Foundations 2-day clinic 
• You must provide your own lift ticket for both the Foundations Clinic and Level 1 Exam
• Successfully complete the Alpine Level 1 Exam two-day assessment; attendance is required both days.

NOTE: If you are not currently teaching at one of our member schools or have not gone through a new hire training clinic at a PSIA-AASI Member School, you MUST ATTEND THE INTERMOUNTAIN LEVEL 1 FOUNDATIONS CLINIC. This is a 2-day preparation clinic designed to facilitate your success at the Level 1 assessment. You MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN LIFT TICKET for both the foundations clinic and the exam. Exceptions may be made for members who have previously taught or trained at a member school or are officially coaching a snowsport.

Recommendations

• Understand the PSIA National Certification Standards.
• Complete 25 hours of on-snow teaching, coaching, or training. Most people do this through their employment with one of our member schools.
• Familiarize yourself with the PSIA Alpine Technical Manual (hard copies may be purchased here).
• Familiarize yourself with the PSIA Teaching Snowsports Manual (hard copies may be purchased here).
• Understand and commit to the PSIA-AASI Code of Conduct and Professional Instructor Expectations

Overview

For more information about the Alpine Level 1 Exam and for an overview of the days of the event, please reference the Alpine Level 1 Assessment Guide. Please make sure you read the Assessment Guide as it contains prerequisites and details about what you will need to do at the exam.