TO FULL CERT: TRAINING FOR CAREER INSTRUCTORS 

Level 4 Training Zermatt 

Season-long BASI Level 4 Ski Instructor Training Program Zermatt 

The ES Academy BASI ISTD program is a season-long training and development program, with the opportunity to also work for one of the largest, most established private snowsports schools in Europe. The ISTD is the highest level of qualification within the BASI system and holds an internationally recognised standard. The program is focused on preparing you for all the ISTD exams and building your experience as a ski instructor. The training is designed and delivered exclusively by BASI Trainers and experienced BASI ISTD’s. The minimum requirement to join this program is the BASI ISIA with a current license. In addition to this, you must be prepared to work hard in order to make the most out of the training.  

The training and development program will prepare candidates for all modules of the BASI Level 4 qualification. All candidates will be mentored through their own individual development and action plan. There are 10 elements to complete for the BASI Level 4 ISTD:  

  • 200 Hrs Teaching Experience Alpine level 4 ISTD Teaching Course (5 days) Alpine Level 4 ISTD Technical Course (5 days) Level 4 EMS Training Course (4 days) 6 Logged Days Touring Level 4 EMS Assessment Course (3 days) Euro Speed Test BASI Coaching Course (5 days) Written Project Interview  

What is Included:

  • 200 hours Personal Performance Training exclusively with BASI Trainers and BASI ISTD Instructors
  • Formation week with ES Instructors – 5 days on snow formation week to integrate Trainees into the ski school
  • ES Academy branded ski jacket (Patagonia)
  • Personal action planning and mentoring with your principal coach.
  • Race Training (GS) and Ski Tuning Clinics 
  • EMS training with a highly experienced off-piste specialist
  • Level 4 EMS touring experience
  • Regular Video Analysis 
  • Regular Off-snow fitness training
  • Regular Social Events with ES
  • Swiss Work Permit
  • A paid job ski instructing this winter with ES (subject to interview) 


Unlike other course providers, you do not have to travel elsewhere to seek employment. Our in-house training centre allows you to fully integrate with the team and teach alongside all of our instructors from Level 2s up to Trainers. You will be able to gain real teaching experience in a working ski school as you prepare for your exams.  

Course Content Level 4

Work Opportunities 

Whilst we do not guarantee peak week work with us during your training season, we will offer you the opportunity to interview with us either before arrival or once you have arrived in resort. Upon successful interview, you will be able to teach with us over the Peak weeks. Teaching can range from between 4 – 10 weeks of work, depending on your schedule and our requirements. 

The ES Academy provides you with a unique opportunity in Zermatt to train and work within the same ski school, so that you can earn money whilst you train. Working for ES is optional and we are also happy for instructors to join the ES Academy who would prefer not to teach and focus on exams only.  

ES is a highly professional and very well regarded school with top clients who come back year after year. We have a great team of talented instructors and see the Academy programme as the way to add selected instructors to our full time team. So it’s a foot in the door too which bodes well if you are looking for full time employment in the future.  

The aim of the ES Academy, from our perspective, is to produce a supply of high quality instructors to be part of the team from the beginning of the season. That is why the courses starts with the ES Instructor formation week early in December. This training week takes place with the full team and it gives you the chance to get to know our team and become a part of the Zermatt community. The Academy instructors become a part of the ski school in every respect. There is a really strong feeling of camaraderie and being part of a team on the course.  

You will of course have to meet all of ES’ standards of professionalism and behaviour in order to teach. We have a high profile clientèle with high expectations. This teaching component of the course will allow you to gain crucial experience inside a busy snowsport school.  


Dates and Prices

200 hours coaching, 2nd December – 26th April £ 2350  

The BASI Level 4 instructor (ISTD) training will run throughout the season, taking into consideration any exams trainees have booked onto for the winter. The training calendar is set, but is then re-evaluated and can be adapted as and when trainees book onto exams. Our trainers will recommend and will help you decide which exams to do and when, and will ensure that your training towards these exams is appropriate and maximized.  

This price includes all training, on and off the snow. It does not include your lift pass, travel, accommodation and insurance. Once you are a member of the team, you will be eligible for a reduced season lift pass and we will assist you in finding accommodation alongside our instructors.  


Coaches 

Training will be conducted by BASI ISTD Sarah Norton and BASI ISTD David Fielding giving you a comprehensive and broad training experience. yBASI uHr text in this area

Sarah Norton, BASI ISTD  

A former FIS ski racer and ex-British team athlete. Sarah has since then gained her ISTD badge and has channeled her love and enthusiasm into ski instructing. She has many years of experience working as a ski instructor as well as an international race coach. Last year she was part of the Academy training team, helping instructors improve their overall skiing and prepare them towards upcoming exams. Dedicated to snowsports and with a great love of the mountains, Sarah is keen to pass on her skills and experience.