Snowsport England Level 1: start teaching on UK slopes

• What it is: Snowsport England's entry award: Ski Foundation Instructor or Snowboard Foundation Instructor (Level 1).
• What you need first: You must be 16. Skiers need to show linked parallel steering, and snowboarders controlled linked turns.
• What you'll learn: Assisting with beginner lessons, basic teaching principles, communicating with learners and managing groups safely.
• How long it takes: Two days (14 hours) of training, then a formal one-day assessment or a workplace assessment.
• What's next: UK slope track: Snowsport England Level 2. Mountain track: BASI Level 1.

You love the slope. Now you get to share it. Snowsport England says you don't need any teaching experience, just a passion for skiing or snowboarding and the drive to develop.

What you'll be qualified for

You can teach all ages on UK artificial slopes and indoor snow centres. Skiers teach from complete beginners to people working towards parallel skiing, and snowboarders from complete beginners to basic turning.

To finish the qualification

• Complete the full course.
• Complete at least 20 hours of workplace training.
• Complete the logbook and pass the assessment.
• Hold current Snowsport England membership.

To get your licence, you also need valid first aid, safeguarding training and a DBS check.

Source: Ski Foundation Instructor Level 1 and Snowboard Foundation Instructor Level 1, Snowsport England, 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.