course overview

Explore the stages of the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada's certification pathway. Our courses, ranging from Levels 1 through 4, offer a progressive curriculum that equips you with the skills, techniques, and pedagogical knowledge required for excellence in ski instruction. Delve into our course overviews to discover how each level can enhance your expertise and propel your ski instructing career.

level 1 professional ski instructor certification

Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada Level 1 Program. We are very excited that you are interested in stepping into the fun and fulfilling culture that is ski instructing!

Purpose of the Level 1 Program:

Spark your interest and excitement through a fun and engaging introduction to ski teaching.
Expose the purpose, potential and responsibility in the role of the ski instructor.
Provide guidance for creating fun, safe, learning adventures for first timers through green and easy blue run skiers with a primary focus on children.
Provide you with basic concepts and practical tools to equip you for your first lessons in a snow school.

Duration:

E-Learning component — approximately 45 minutes to complete at home, at your own pace prior to the on snow component (required)
On snow course — three days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (required)
Course consists of Skiing & Teaching training and evaluation.

Program Summary:

View Level 1 Detailed Program Summary

Level 1 Courses

level 2 professional ski instructor certification

Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada, Level 2 Program. By now, you are already a member of the PSIC or other organization. We know this next step will be a great one!

Purpose of the Level 2 program:

To support Level 1 Professional Ski Instructors with next steps, new ideas, concepts and practical tools to increase versatility in their practice.
To develop confidence and versatility in a variety of teaching and terrain situations.
To further technical understanding and enhance skiing and teaching skills up to and including moderate, off piste conditions.

Duration:

The Level 2 Program contains two components.

E-Learning component — approximately 45 minutes to complete at home, at your own pace prior to the on snow components (required)
On snow course — five days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (required)
Course consists of Skiing & Teaching training and evaluation.

*New for 2025/26 – the Level 2 Program is now delivered as a single 5-day course combining both Skiing and Teaching components, including training and evaluation. In select cases, separate 3-day Skiing and Teaching courses may still be offered.
Already passed part of your Level 2? If you’re a current PSIC member with either the Ski or Teach portion complete, you can register for a 5-day Level 2 course at a reduced price — and you’ll only be evaluated on what you still need. You’re welcome to attend all five days or just the ones that matter for your evaluation: Days 1–2 for Ski, Days 3–5 for Teach. Please contact us at info@psic.pro to access your discount.

Program Summary:

View Level 2 Detailed Program Summary

Level 2 Courses

Level2

level 3 professional ski instructor certification

Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada's Level 3 Program! This program is designed to utilize your practical experience and exposure to real-life teaching scenarios at your snow school, with the goal of enhancing the versatility and adaptability of your skiing and teaching skills. It's a fun and high-energy program that focuses on the development of advanced skiing and teaching techniques in advanced conditions and situations.

Purpose of the Level 3 program:

To hone your understanding and skills to prepare you as a future leader in the skiing industry.
To provide deeper understanding of the physics behind skiing, as well as the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of advanced teaching.
To develop advanced skiing skills to demonstrate versatility and adaptability through a range of outcomes and situations.
To develop advanced teaching skills to develop learning experiences for advanced skiers in on and off piste terrain and bumps.

Duration:

The Level 3 Program contains multiple components:

E-Learning — approximately 45 minutes to complete at home, at your own pace prior to the on snow components (required)
On snow Training course — four days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (required)
On snow Top-up course — two days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (optional)
On snow Evaluation — three days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (required)

New for 2025/26 – the Level 3 Training course, formerly a 5-day program, is now offered as a 4-day course. An optional 2-day Top-Up course has also been introduced.

Program Summary:

View Level 3 Detailed Program Summary

Level 3 Courses

Licensed Professional Trainer (LPT)

The purpose of the PSIC LPT Certification Course is to mobilize leaders and trainers in the ski industry who will be training and empowering others in snow schools and who may be interested in teaching programs on behalf of the PSIC. PSIC Level 3 or recognized equivalency is a required prerequisite.

Purpose of the LPT program:

Gain confidence in delivering inspiring, accurate and relevant training to other teachers and trainers in a simple structure that makes your training effective and impactful.
Acquire essential knowledge and practical skills necessary for setting others up for success in their initial lessons at a snow school.

Duration:

The LPT program includes:

E-Learning component — approximately 45 minutes to complete at home, at your own pace prior to the on snow component (required)
On snow course — three days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (required)
Course consists of training and evaluation.

Program Summary:

View LPT Course Program Summary

LPT Courses

level 4 professional ski instructor certification

Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada's Level 4 Program! The Level 4 Professional Ski Instructor is the highest certification milestone in the PSIC's four level pathway. The learning outcomes of the Level 4 reflect an in depth knowledge of skiing and teaching science, and an expert level of skill application and lesson delivery up to and including on and off piste black terrain and bumps.

Purpose of the Level 4 program:

To hone your understanding and skills to prepare you as a future leader in the global skiing industry.
To provide a deeper understanding of the physics behind skiing, as well as the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of expert teaching.
To develop expert skiing skills to demonstrate versatility, adaptability, and creativity through a range of outcomes and situations.
To develop expert teaching skills to develop learning experiences for expert skiers in on and off piste terrain and bumps.

Duration:

The Level 4 Program includes four main components, as well as an e-learning module:

Online e-learning (approximately 2 hours)
On snow Start-up camp — 4 days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (required)
On snow Teaching Top-up camp — 3 days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (optional)
On snow Skiing Top-up camp — 3 days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (optional)
On snow Completion camp — 4 days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day (required)

The Level 4 journey will vary from person to person depending on various factors. Please see the detailed outline for more information.

Program Summary:

View Level 4 Detailed Program Summary

Level 4 Courses