BASI Level 1: your first step to the mountains
BASI Level 1 is a four-day ski or snowboard course with training and assessment, the first step in BASI's instructor system.
In this guide
- What it is: The entry course in BASI's instructor system, in ski or snowboard.
- What you need first: Skiers: ski parallel confidently, make short turns on red runs and carve long turns on green or easy blue runs. Snowboarders: ride confidently, make rhythmical short turns on reds, ride switch on greens, carve long turns and do basic freestyle such as presses, ollies and 180s. You must be 16 or over, and BASI recommends at least 16 weeks on snow.
- What you'll learn: Teaching beginners in a safe, controlled environment, plus BASI's core teaching and technical principles.
- How long it takes: A four-day course, with online modules to complete first.
- Cost: BASI's course fee is £600 from 1 June 2026, plus membership at £89. A typical UK indoor centre package is up to about £900. Lift passes aren't included.
- What's next: BASI Level 2 (mountain track).
BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors, and its system runs from Level 1 all the way to the international Level 4.
Before the course
Complete BASI's online learning modules in your Member Area.
On the course
Over four days, your trainer assesses your riding or skiing and your teaching. You get regular feedback and build a personal action plan.
After the course
- Log your shadowing hours with a snowsport school, signed off by the ski school director. They're usually unpaid at Level 1.
- To keep a BASI licence, do a first aid course of at least 12 hours every three years. Online-only courses don't count.
- You also get BASI's Safeguarding Children module with your first qualification.
Our advice: be honest about the entry standard. The red-run short turns and clean carving come up on day one.
Source: Ski courses, Snowboard courses and the BASI Help Center on prices, hours, first aid and safeguarding, checked October 2026.
Governing body: Snowsport England in England, Snowsport Scotland in Scotland and Snowsport Cymru Wales in Wales. They set the standards for skiing and snowboarding, so they're the official places to find out more. Instructor qualifications also come from BASI.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
