The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) has more than 30,000 members who teach skiing and snowboarding across the USA and beyond. Programs that certify the skills of instructors to teach snowsports at various levels are certified at various levels by PSIA-AASI. These levels are a great way to evaluate the proficiency of an instructor.
Level 1 – Bronze
Level 1 Certified instructors have been certified to teach students through the beginner zone and into the intermediate ability zone. Look for a bronze colored pin worn by these pros. This is the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in teaching snowsports.
Level 2 – Silver
Level 2 Certified instructors have been certified to teach through the entire Intermediate zone skiers and riders. They are proven pros and this level of certification is equivalent to a Master’s Degree in teaching snowsports. Look for a silver colored pin worn by these pros.
Level 3 – Gold
This highest level of certification that PSIA-AASI offers. The Level 3 instructor has been certified to teach all levels of skiers and riders. They are top pros and this level of certification is equivalent to a Ph.D. in teaching snowsports. Many of these pros train other instructors at their school and proudly wear a gold colored pin signifying the accomplishment of their craft.