Understanding What Is ISIA

The International Ski Instructors Association, more commonly referred to as ISIA, is an international organization that sets standards and qualifications for ski instructors. At the beginning of their establishment in 1967, their primary focus was in Europe, however they have since become an international organization with over 40 member countries around the world. ISIA aims to continually set higher standards for ski instruction, as well as promote ski safety and teaching excellence worldwide. Since their establishment, ISIA has been extensively involved in helping to shape the sport of skiing and the worldwide community of ski instructors into what it is today.

What Does ISIA Do?

ISIA works to promote safety and excellence in skiing instruction worldwide. They work to set the best standards in ski instruction, and maintain these standards throughout their member countries. ISIA creates specific credentials and qualifications for ski instructors based on age, experience, certifications, and other elements required by individual member countries. It is up to each individual nation to decide which qualifications and credentials they recognize, but the ISIA provides resources, standards, and its own certification course to help each nation institute a more standardized system. Moreover, ISIA ensures that each member country is abiding by its regulations and making sure instructors are up to their standards before issuing a certification.

What Benefits Does ISIA Offer?

ISIA is actively involved in the international ski community, and offers a number of benefits. For member countries, they offer the assurance that instructors have passed a regulated and qualified course, have relevant experience, and are up to the standards of their country, regardless of where they are from. Moreover, instructors themselves gain recognition from the ISIA if they qualify, allowing them to work, teach, and/or certify in member countries. On a larger scale, ISIA works to strengthen relationships between member countries, by working to open up job opportunities, increasing international cooperation, and developing a shared language between instructors and resorts.

Finally, for the sport in general, ISIA seeks to foster the growth of skiing and ski instruction, as well as helping to make the sport sustainable and enjoyable for future generations. This involves promoting safety, professional excellence, and technical advancement in the sport, all of which ISIA is actively involved in.