Confused by ski instructor certifications? Learn how qualifications from 22 countries compare, what ISIA means, and how Hikari levels make booking lessons simple.
If you've ever wondered what those numbers and certifications after your ski instructor's name actually mean, you're not alone. Ski instructor qualifications can seem confusing at first, but they're actually quite straightforward once you understand the system.
Understanding ski instructor qualifications around the world
Most countries have their own national ski instructor organization that certifies instructors through a progressive level system—typically ranging from Level 1 (beginner instructors) up to Level 4 (master instructors and trainers). The good news? Nearly all of these organizations are members of the ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association), which sets global standards for professional ski instruction. This means a Level 2 instructor from Canada has similar skills and training to a Level 2 instructor from Japan or Sweden.
At Hikari, we've simplified things by referring to just levels 1,2,3 and 4 throughout the website (rather than the awarding body). These levels then correspond with the international standards set by ISIA. This makes it easy for you to understand your instructor's experience level, no matter where they earned their certification. The table below shows how qualifications from 22 different countries align with Hikari's terminology, so you can book lessons with confidence knowing exactly what level of expertise to expect.
You'll spot some systems, such as the French and Italian, don't correspond with the ISIA system exactly - but rest assured these are very highly regarded qualifications.
Instructor equivalency table
Important
This table is not definitive or universally recognized. It is simply how Hikari has chosen to categorize instructors using the platform.
