For PSIA, the Alpine discipline refers specifically to alpine, or downhill, skiing. Three levels of Alpine certification are available, and many clinics and other events are offered every year to support members’ certification and continuing education. Please select one of the links on the right side of this page to find the information you need.
For many members, certification is their primary reason for becoming a member of PSIA. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned veteran, certification is the best way to advance your career as a ski instructor. Most ski schools offer increased pay and standing to certified instructors, with the benefits generally growing at higher levels of certification. Once you become certified, you must maintain your certification by fulfilling the PSIA Continuing Education requirements.
The standards for each level can be found in the Alpine Certification Standards. For detailed information about the certification process for each level, please see the page for that level which is linked below.
Additional information on the certification process for all levels is available in the PSIA-NI Certification Documents.
Level 1
The Alpine Level 1 Assessment is the first step in your exciting career as a ski instructor. Many instructors take this assessment during their first season of teaching. While this is an assessment, coaching will be provided. This is unique to the level 1 assessment. During the day, your Clinic Leader/Examiner will help you to understand the skiing and teaching requirements defined by the PSIA National Certification Standards.
Level 2
Certified Level 2 instructors must ski all green and blue terrain (including bumps and other un-groomed conditions) and groomed moderate black terrain. Alpine Certified Level 2 instructors are expected to teach adults and children through the Intermediate Zone. According to the PSIA Alpine Technical Manual, “Skiers in this zone can perform consistent parallel turns on beginner and easy, intermediate terrain.
Level 3
Certified Level 3 instructors must ski all green and blue, and black terrain (double black where available) in most conditions. Alpine Certified Level 3 instructors are expected to teach adults and children through the Advanced Zone. According to the PSIA Alpine Technical Manual, “Skiers in this zone range from those who can handle the easiest groomed black runs to experts who can apply a variety of turn shapes to control speed on any type of terrain, in any snow condition.”
