 Poster: A snowHead
|
After missing out for family reasons on doing my BASI L1 at Tamworth this month, I’m looking at booking onto the next course I can feasibly do which is early 2026: Milton Keynes or Wengen.
Coincidentally I am out in CH the week before the Wengen course for the Inferno so my current thinking is to stay on for a few days and do it there. Or I could do a course in MK early Dec or Jan.
I assume I am better off on real snow rather than Snozone for the more varied terrain etc?
The cost reality for me is not much more as I’m out there anyway, vs a b&b etc in MK (I’m 5 hrs away in south Devon)
It’s a no brainer right? I’ve already got my shadowing hours provisionally lined up once I’m home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
In terms of the longer term plan and international teaching and my L2, probably 26/27 seasons onwards I’m an Irish passport holder
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
@P17hae, as an Irish passport holder why BASI and not IASI?
If you're planning to go the full distance to fully certified, you might want to consider what you'll do about a eurotest which being part of BASI will potentially cause you issues.
In terms of snowdome vs alps, alps is always nicer, and if you're there anyway and isn't much difference in price then do the alps route. I did the snowdome route and have no regrets. I was trying to keep costs down and annual leave usage as low as possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| swskier wrote: |
@P17hae, as an Irish passport holder why BASI and not IASI?
If you're planning to go the full distance to fully certified, you might want to consider what you'll do about a eurotest which being part of BASI will potentially cause you issues.
In terms of snowdome vs alps, alps is always nicer, and if you're there anyway and isn't much difference in price then do the alps route. I did the snowdome route and have no regrets. I was trying to keep costs down and annual leave usage as low as possible. |
BASI over IASI: BASI is what the instructors at both slopes local to me suggested, plus it’s BASI running the Wengen course, IASI is be back to the “fridge” option.
I’m UK based, so one of those annoying (post brexit annoying anyway) people who has both UK and Irish passports 
It would have been better for costs for me to have done my L1 at Tamworth this month but it just couldn’t happen and all their remaining courses are sold out this year.
I’m not clear on the challenges re the speed test and BASI though, I have been following your journey on your own thread but I’m not quite there with the “why”!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
@P17hae, re: BASI or IASI, I'm not quite sure what the practical implications are at the moment, but British professional qualifications no longer have automatic recognition within the EU since Brexit. Irish professional qualifications, including from IASI, do have automatic recognition. If you intend to use a BASI L2 qualification alongside your Irish passport in an EU country or in Switzerland, it might be worth checking with ski schools that you may wish to work for whether holding a British qualification will be a problem or not.
BASI and IASI have a similar qualification structure and there aren't huge differences between them. BASI is the larger of the two in terms of membership, and that is reflected in the number courses which are run during the year, and the variety of locations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@P17hae, as the Wengen course works well for you, it's probably not a bad route. You could always then convert to IASI and do their level 2. I wouldn't know for sure, but I'd feel fairly confident they'd just recognise your BASI L1 straight to the IASI L1.
https://iasisnowsports.ie/education/iasi-equivalence-conversion/
The only real downside I can see to doing the L1 in the alps is you can guarantee you'll wake up one morning to 30cm fresh snow, bluebird day, and you'll be stuck on the nursery slope teaching each other the central theme looking up wishing you were skiing the nice fresh powder. However, that's also the reality of teaching in the alps.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@P17hae, Do it outside! A whole week in a fridge? Nooooooo! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| swskier wrote: |
@P17hae, as the Wengen course works well for you, it's probably not a bad route. You could always then convert to IASI and do their level 2. I wouldn't know for sure, but I'd feel fairly confident they'd just recognise your BASI L1 straight to the IASI L1.
https://iasisnowsports.ie/education/iasi-equivalence-conversion/
The only real downside I can see to doing the L1 in the alps is you can guarantee you'll wake up one morning to 30cm fresh snow, bluebird day, and you'll be stuck on the nursery slope teaching each other the central theme looking up wishing you were skiing the nice fresh powder. However, that's also the reality of teaching in the alps. |
Ah you gem! That’s exactly what I’d been trying to find out from IASI! Ok looks like I have a plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
| rob@rar wrote: |
| @P17hae, re: BASI or IASI, I'm not quite sure what the practical implications are at the moment, but British professional qualifications no longer have automatic recognition within the EU since Brexit. Irish professional qualifications, including from IASI, do have automatic recognition. |
Where exactly? I'm not aware of any countries around here that have any legal recognition of any foreign ski instructor qualifications bar the top level, Maestro de ski, Carte Pro, BASI 4, Patent, etc. And mostly they still require you to get the local qualification as well, just that the foreign one (including BASI) gives an easy way to do so. Below that level it's only a question of whether you can transition into another countries training system, and BASI is still just as much (or as little) recognised as any other for such purposes.
I'm not saying BASI is better than IASI (it is though  ) but I would base any decisions on convenience and availability of courses in the long term rather than anything else.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| swskier wrote: |
@P17hae, as the Wengen course works well for you, it's probably not a bad route. You could always then convert to IASI and do their level 2. I wouldn't know for sure, but I'd feel fairly confident they'd just recognise your BASI L1 straight to the IASI L1.
https://iasisnowsports.ie/education/iasi-equivalence-conversion/
The only real downside I can see to doing the L1 in the alps is you can guarantee you'll wake up one morning to 30cm fresh snow, bluebird day, and you'll be stuck on the nursery slope teaching each other the central theme looking up wishing you were skiing the nice fresh powder. However, that's also the reality of teaching in the alps. |
I do recall one such day on my L1 in Zermatt. The trainers just took us all straight into the powder 
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
I have a young friend who lives in Grindelwald, I queried why he was training through BASI,
he suggested the training structure was as good as any European alpine country.
He also stated that Japan was always looking for BASI qualified instructors. The friend has virtually completed his level 3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@swskier, I wouldn't know about that sorr. I've heard it said but don't have first-hand experience on which to base an opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| Rogerdodger wrote: |
I have a young friend who lives in Grindelwald, I queried why he was training through BASI,
he suggested the training structure was as good as any European alpine country.
He also stated that Japan was always looking for BASI qualified instructors. The friend has virtually completed his level 3. |
On my previous two tech courses, there was a French candidate who decided to go through the BASI pathway instead of ENSA, as he said the teaching element of BASI is much better and more complete. Whether there was an element of dodging the Test Technique I don't know, but that was his reason.
There was another qualified Italian Maestro who decided to get his BASI equivalence for similar reasons, and also to learn skiing bumps as Italians do not ski bumps as part of the qualification.
From anecdotal evidence, BASI has a rather good reputation by their European counterparts and are well respected.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
@Chaletbeauroc, I've heard it too, usually from BASI trainees 
To be fair, there is a small amount of truth in it if you look at the L4 tech exam assessment criteria:
Shorts:
BASI - Perform grippy (at the fall-line) symmetrical turns, short turns, in various corridors on a black piste
vs
IASI - Steep red or black - short turns using a refined blend of the steering elements to produce rounded arcs with a high degree of ski performance. This will include the ability to grip (edge with pressure) above the fall line.
Longs
BASI - Perform cleanly carved (unless the task is otherwise) turns on a black or steep red piste. Influence the radius of the arc whilst still carving.
vs
IASI - Red piste - accurate carved medium/long turns leaving clean tracks in the snow with both skis and using appropriate range and rate of movement in the legs. Continuous, progressive lateral movements. The ability to influence the turn shape (tighten the arc whilst carving). The ability to use both cross-under and cross-over to change the edges. A good blend of inclination and angulation (lateral separation). The ability to deal with terrain changes, e.g. being able to carve over a roller or into a compression/undulation without skidding or losing composure.
There's some other small differences on bumps, variables etc. I would say that BASI have arguably made the variables/off piste aspect a bit easier by introducing a split in the L4 tech exam with off piste being done separately and on different skis, whereas with IASI it's one course and the same ski would be used throughout.
Anyway, for @P17hae a L1 will be very similar in either association.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
Go to Wengen @P17hae, there is a strong possibility another very good friend of mine will be on the L1 course. I am sure it will be a great week for everybody concerned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| garricw wrote: |
From anecdotal evidence, BASI has a rather good reputation by their European counterparts and are well respected. |
My experience, as a BASI instructor working in Swiss ski schools, would support that view. There are some differences between the Swiss and the BASI approach to certain things, but IME the Swiss patent-holders are always happy to compare and contrast, rather than suggesting that the BASI way is in any way inferior. I've known some who will accept that a particular BASI explanation may be 'better' than the Swiss way, as in easier to get the message across.
There are things I dislike about the BASI training system (for instructors, not what we teach to the pubic) though, with far too much emphasis, IMO, on strands and threads and elements - which always confused me - and a very detailed approach to teaching models and styes. I don't mean it's not good, but so much theoretical stuff they force you to parrot off, and make you (the trainee instructor) do lesson plans detailing how you're applying particular aspects according to their definition. OK, maybe that's just me, I was the same in my professional life as well, but in practice I have _never_ written a lesson plan, and even in training the best laid plans are thrown out of the window pretty soon in most cases.
TBF I never got round to doing the L3 Teach module, which _may_ have convinced me of the value of this approach. Did the L3 tech, but then injury, then Covid came along, and it didn't seem important anyway. The only 'advantage' if I'd completed the L3 would have been a slightly higher rate of pay, but even when I was a regular instructor at the ski school here the amount of hours I was doing were such that it would have taken years to even recoup the cost of the course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
Right it’s booked and in the diary! Just need to sort everything else out now! Thanks for the advice and encouragement all
| Rogerdodger wrote: |
| Go to Wengen @P17hae, there is a strong possibility another very good friend of mine will be on the L1 course. I am sure it will be a great week for everybody concerned. |
Do let me know if they do!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@P17hae, I'll be seeing a big chunk of the IASI trainers in the next 4-6 weeks, including an ex head of education, I'll ask about the BASI recognition for you so you can consider exploring that avenue if you wish.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| swskier wrote: |
| @P17hae, I'll be seeing a big chunk of the IASI trainers in the next 4-6 weeks, including an ex head of education, I'll ask about the BASI recognition for you so you can consider exploring that avenue if you wish. |
Thanks that would be great - much appreciated
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Good decision @P17hae, I will provide you with a name nearer the time.
"She" is a very good skier! Really hope it goes well for everyone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Rogerdodger wrote: |
Good decision @P17hae, I will provide you with a name nearer the time.
"She" is a very good skier! Really hope it goes well for everyone. |
Oh brilliant! Thanks. Nice to know there will be another lady on course with me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Chaletbeauroc,
| Quote: |
TBF I never got round to doing the L3 Teach module, which _may_ have convinced me of the value of this approach.
|
I did my Grade 2 (then! now L3 ) Teach Alpine in 1992.... roll forward too many years and did L2 Tele Teach in 2018 --- hated it! Did L3 Tele Teach couple of years later... much much easier - because I could actually teach, rather than jump through L2 hoops...
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
| ski wrote: |
I did my Grade 2 (then! now L3 ) Teach Alpine in 1992.... roll forward too many years and did L2 Tele Teach in 2018 --- hated it! Did L3 Tele Teach couple of years later... much much easier - because I could actually teach, rather than jump through L2 hoops... |
IKWYM. I'd been teaching (part-time) for nearly ten years by the time my L3 teach was on the cards, so yeah, maybe I could have applied real experience instead of just the book work to it. And TBH even on the L1 and 2 my experience of actual on-snow leading, having been a rep for a ski club for over ten years at that point, gave me quite an advantage over some of the others, mainly the younger ones, such that I was just doing what came naturally. But for the teaching elements I think I'd still have had to read, understand and regurgitate the stuff from the manual.
AAMOI where/when/with whom did you manage to find a L3 Tele course? I did the L1 for my 2nd discipline with Joe Cerveza over in Morzine, but I've seen some people commenting on how difficult it is to even get enough people and commitment to put a L2 course together. I know Andy J would love to run one if there were enough demand.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Chaletbeauroc,
| Quote: |
AAMOI where/when/with whom did you manage to find a L3 Tele course? I did the L1 for my 2nd discipline with Joe Cerveza over in Morzine, but I've seen some people commenting on how difficult it is to even get enough people and commitment to put a L2 course together. I know Andy J would love to run one if there were enough demand.
|
We have managed to run a combined (2 and3) course in April pretty much every year. I would have been there this year, but broke 5 ribs three days before the start. There will be another running next April in Tignes. Please say "Hi" to Andy J for me (Simon). If you would like to spend some time on Teles this autumn, look here....https://www.freeheeler-campus.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
@ski, thanks, but I'd need to update both my kit and my fitness to commit to any tele action. I may do so at some point during this season, perhaps just borrow some NTN-mounted skis and boots for a couple of days. I bought decent old-style bindings just before the NTNs started to dominate, mounted them up on my old pocket rockets, and got some 2nd hand Scarpa boots at the local tele shop in Engelberg where we had an apartment at that time.
They were good enough when I did my L1 perhaps five years on from that, but have only been used very occasionally since then, mainly due to knee injury. The skis must be 20-yers-old by now, so will be pretty much shagged, I'm sure, the boots never really fitted properly (a bit too long), and apparently the NTNs make it all a lot easier... So yeah, maybe I'll try and motivate myself to get free-heeling again soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
| Quote: |
old pocket rockets
|
NTN will make it a ton easier --- it's like having a tennis racket with a huge sweet spot. Narrower skis (easily done if you are on Pocket Rockets) and an NTN setup will let you access ski performance thats impossible to achieve on 75mm. Scarpa boots fit pretty much like they ever did --- but the new TX-Pro and Comp (first new boots for 15 years...) are a step up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
