Can I book onto the Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor course at the same time?
Answer: No. At the end of your Level 1 course, to obtain your Level 1 Qualification you will need to gain 35hrs of ski school experience, attend a First Aid course and the Child Protection Module.
Once you have obtained your Level 1 Qualification, you can then book onto your Level 2 Instructor course.
Where can I do my 35hrs of ski school experience?
Answer: Your 35hrs of ski school experience can be completed at any dry slope, snow dome or ski school. The director/manager of the school needs to write and sign a letter, on headed paper, confirming that you have completed these hours. A copy should be sent to the BASI office for verification.
How long does it take to become a ski/snowboard instructor?
Answer: How long is a piece of string? It is possible to complete your training within one season dependent on completion of all modules and start date.
Where can I do my first aid course?
Answer: Anywhere as long as the provider is Health and Safety Executive Approved and the course is held over a minimum of 12 hours.
Do I have to do the BASP course?
Answer: No
When will I receive my qualification?
Answer: On successful completion of your Level 1 Instructor course and having completed all of the following; upgraded to full membership, receipt of 35hrs of ski school experience, current copy of a first aid certificate and Child Protection module.
You will have to send the following into the BASI office: copies of your valid first aid certificate, 35hrs of ski school experience, child protection and a passport sized photograph. You will then receive your Level 1 Instructor qualification certificate and license. This qualification allows you to instruct in a controlled environment only, (not within a mountain environment). Once you have successfully completed your Level 2 qualification you will then be entitled to upgrade to a Full Member of BASI. (Level 2 qualification entitles you to work in a mountain environment).
From 1st October 2008 you will be required to complete an Enhanced Criminal Record Disclosure through BASI. This may take 2-3 months to process on application so you should complete this application before the end of June.
Where can I work?
Answer: With the Level 1 Instructor Qualification, you can work in the UK on a dry slope or snow slope in a control environment. With the Level 2 Instructor Qualification you CAN WORK IN MOST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD although outside the European Union you will be obliged to obtain a work permit, typically this can be obtained through a Snowsport School which is prepared to employ you. Within Europe each country has different rules France and Italy are the most stringent.
Where can I stay?
Answer: Contact the relevant Tourist office or look on the BASI website for accommodation.
How do I get there from the airport?
Answer: Try contacting relevant Tourist office for your destination or look on the BASI website.
How do I get there?
Answer: contact your local travel agent or check out the web for travel options don’t forget the train in some case the information will be on your pre course information.
Do you provide flights?
Answer: No. Flights will be provided if you book onto a BASI GAP Course, although flights are not provided if you book a GAP Course with our EBP's (ICE & New Generation).
What will BASI insurance cover me for?
Answer: Cancellation, Curtailment, Medical and Personal Insurance. Please contact Fogg Insurance directly for further information. Telephone number: 01623 631 331
Can I use Carte Neige or other Insurance companies?
Answer: Yes, but please be aware that the Carte Neige will not cover you for Cancellation or Curtailment. Please check further with your insurance company for cover details.
I have taken out FOGG Insurance with BASI. When will I receive my Medi Card?
Answer: Fogg Insurance will send this information to you directly. This is normally received before your course commences. If you do not receive this before leaving for your course, please contact the BASI office directly.
Can I transfer my deposit?
Answer: BASI Booking Conditions – No. EBP – the decision is theirs but you will be liable to pay BASI £75 per transfer.
Is my deposit refundable?
Answer: No, see BASI Booking terms and Conditions
Is my balance refundable?
Answer: See BASI Booking terms and Conditions
When do I become a BASI member?
Answer: You become an Associate member of BASI once you start your training with us. You will not become a Full Member until successful completion of your Level 2 Instructor Qualification.
What will I receive as an Associate member of BASI?
Answer: As an Associate Member you will receive the quarterly BASI News, Associate Member card (as long as a passport sized photo has been sent to the BASI office); purchasing of merchandise from the website. You are not entitled to any offers made to Full Members. You will also be entitled to the BASI Liability insurance once you have successfully completed your Level 1 Instructor qualification.
Who is the Trainer?
Answer: You will be advised at your welcome meeting who your Trainer will be. (BASI does not give this information to students prior to the course as this may change)
Do I have to be there on the Sunday?
Answer: Depending on courses you will have to be there or not. If it is an EPB run course, they will advise. If it is a BASI course, this will be in your pre course info.
What is the start time of the course and what time does it end?
Answer: The timings depend on the venue, snow conditions and trainer. Normally you will meet your trainer 9 – 9:30 am for the on snow start; you will then be on the hill until 15:30-16:00 (with time for lunch). Mnay course have a welcome meeting the evening before.
What is the time for the lectures?
Answer: Lectures are around 2hrs every evening from 16:30-17:00 onwards.
What time does it finish on Friday?
Answer: Friday is also a full day with end of course debriefing in the afternoon, plan to be there until at least 5pm.
Is there a test at the end of the course?
Answer: You will be given a written paper to complete on the Level 2 Instructor course and you are under continual assessment for the duration of the course.
Is there a written paper?
Answer: Yes, on the Level 2 Instructor Course and all Technical courses in higher qualifications. Please speak with your Trainer if you experience difficulties in this area.
Can I be exempt from the Level 1 Instructor course?
Answer: You will need to contact the training department to find out which qualifications will give you exemptions. All exemptions must be in writing to Dave Renouf, Operations Manager, BASI, enclosing copies of all your qualifications.
If I am a qualified rock climber, does this mean I can get exemption from the Level 1 Instructor course?
Answer: No
Can I hire equipment in resort or do I have to take my own?
Answer: All venues where BASI run courses will have hire shops to be able to hire equipment. You are better to have your own equipment.
What can I do with my Level 1 Instructor Qualification?
Answer: Your Level 1 Instructor Qualification enables you to teach in the UK on a dry slope or snow slope within a controlled environment.
When will the course fill up?
Answer: How long is a bit of string we try to confirm courses six weeks before the start of the course within this period if there are not enough bookings to confirm the course we will advise students of the situation and ask them if they would like to wait to see if more bookings come in, or move to another date or venue.
When do I have to book the course?
Answer: Whenever you wish. Please be aware that the longer you leave it to book the course the less chance there is that a place will be available.
How long have I got before I have to book?
Answer: Until the course is full or a week before the course starts.
When should I book my accommodation and flights?
Answer: Once the course has been confirmed as going ahead. Do not book flights travel or accommodation if the course has not been confirmed.
When do I have to pay my membership/subscription?
Answer: At the time of booking your Level 1 Instructor course and then your membership will be due on the 1st of October every year.
Do I need to provide a Criminal Record Disclosure?
To receive an Instructors licence you need to complete an Enhanced Criminal Dislcosure through BASI, note this can take up to 2-3 months so apply well in advance. You may attend courses without the Disclosure.