Quality standards of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) as amended in accordance with the decision of the ISIA Assembly of Delegates in Vail of 07. April 2025:
Quality standards for the ISIA blue Level, ISIA brand and ISIA card
Contents
- Preamble
- ISIA blue Level
2.1. Technology
2.2. Safety on and off the slopes
2.3. Methodology/Didactics
2.4. First aid
2.5. Environment and Nature - ISIA Brand
3.1. Technology
3.2. Safety on and off the slopes
3.3. Methodology/Didactics
3.4. First aid
3.5. Tourism, marketing, communication, basic rights
3.6. Environment and Nature
3.7. History and Culture - ISIA Card
4.1. ISIA Technique Test
4.2.2. ISIA Safety Test
4.3. Foreign language
- Training duration
- Training
- Control
- Legitimation
- Basics
- Entry into force
Annex I:
- ISIA requirements levels
Annex II:
- ISIA Technique Test
1. Preamble
(1) This Regulations, with the ISIA Quality Standard, regulate the requirements for the award of the
– ISIA blue Level
– ISIA Brand
– ISIA Card.
(2) With the ISIA quality standard, ISIA intends to support the training of snow sports instructors and to promote quality and safety worldwide.
(3) The ISIA quality standard is based on the objectives of the Copenhagen Process (European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training [ECVET], Annex I) and specifically on ISIA requirements levels 1 – 3.
(4) The ISIA quality standard does not claim to the mutual recognition of the respective national vocational training by the state authorities.
(5) Candidates who have started their national training as snow sports instructors in their country and meet the appropriate quality standards are entitled to qualify as prospective snow sports instructors. You have the skills to teach up to parallel ski guidance. They shall teach under the supervision of a fully trained snow sports instructor (ISIA brand and/or ISIA Card) and in an official snow sports school or in accordance with local and/or national regulations.
(6) Candidates who have completed the national snow sports instructor training in their country and have met the corresponding quality standards and can work in their country of origin as professional snow sports instructors with a commercial interest have the right to obtain the ISIA trade mark or the ISIA Card. Only candidates with the highest national snow sports instructor qualification have the right to obtain the ISIA Card.
(7) The control of the conditions is subject to the ISIA.
2. Quality standard ISIA blue Level
2.1. Technology
The candidate must be able to teach all guest categories (children to seniors) in group and individual lessons. He/she will be able to master the technical forms from the entry-level area (full beginners) to the parallel basic swing and to demonstrate and explain them on light and medium terrain (blue and red slopes).
ISIA Training Level 2
2.2. Safety on the slopes
The candidate must be able to correctly assess hazards in winter and in the mountains (weather and terrain), respond appropriately, behave correctly and take immediate action in the event of an accident. The candidate is familiar with the FIS rules and can apply them.
ISIA Training Level 1
2.3. Methodology/Didactics
The candidate understands the teaching and relevant factors of teaching and training and is able to apply and implement it in theory and practice.
ISIA Training Level 2
2.4. First aid
The candidate knows the principles of first aid in the event of a snow sports accident, can apply it and knows the emergency measures in terms of safety and alarm.
ISIA Training Level 2
2.5. Environment and Nature
The candidate knows the rules regarding nature and environmental protection and is sensitive to both.
ISIA Training Level 1
3. Quality Standard ISIA Brand
3.1. Technology
The candidate must be able to teach all guest categories (children to seniors) in the group as well as in private lessons. He masters the technical shapes up to the stage of the skills and can drive and explain them functionally in difficult terrain. He can teach in several disciplines.
ISIA requirement level 2
3.2. Safety on and off the slopes
The candidate must be able to correctly assess winter and mountain hazards (weather, avalanches, terrain), behave accordingly and initiate the immediate measures in the event of an accident. The candidate knows the FIS rules and can implement them.
ISIA requirement level 2
3.3. Methodology/Didactics
The candidate masters the teaching and learning-relevant factors for teaching and training and can apply and implement them in theory and practice.
ISIA requirement level 3
3.4. First aid
The candidate knows the principles for first aid in snow sports accidents, he can use them and knows the immediate measures regarding safety and alarm.
ISIA requirement level 2
3.5. Tourism, marketing, communication, basic rights
The candidate understands the importance of quality in tourism. He knows the most important principles in marketing and can adapt his communication in a situation-appropriate manner.
He knows the fundamental rights and obligations of a commercial tour guide and can derive and apply further from the legal templates.
ISIA requirement level 2
3.6. Environment and Nature
The candidate knows the rules in dealing with the environment and nature and can handle them considerately.
ISIA requirement level 2
3.7. History and Culture
The candidate knows the national snow sports history as well as national and international snow sports instructor organizations and their tasks.
ISIA requirement level 2
4. ISIA Card
The ISIA Card is the highest snow sports instructor award given by the ISIA. In order to achieve these, the quality standard objectives of Chapter 2 (ISIA Brand) must be developed in depth and, in addition, the ISIA test technology and ISIA safety test must be successfully completed.
4.1. ISIA Technique Test
The candidate is technically, methodologically and polysportively trained. He can competently teach the technical forms up to the highest level (advants). In addition, the race test is passed with standardized, measurable specifications in the main discipline.
ISIA requirement level 3
4.2.2. ISIA Safety Test
The candidate can independently plan and carry out tours with guests off-piste (no glacier and rock tours). He knows the necessary equipment (compass, altitude meters, geographical maps, avalanche-spilled devices, probing rods, etc.) and methods to analyze the avalanche situation, and can draw the necessary conclusions. He can read, understand and interpret the avalanche bulletins and the weather forecasts. In the event of an accident, he can take the emergency measures, coordinate the rescue and provide first aid.
ISIA requirement level 3
4.3. Foreign language
The candidate may teach at least one foreign language.
ISIA requirement level 2
5. Training duration
Those who enter the training must already have a high level of technical skills in the snow sports disciplines. Based on the high standard of entry, a training period of at least 320 and for the ISIA Card in total of at least 450 hours must be calculated for the achievement of the ISIA mark.
2/3 of time are to take place on snow, 1/3 in the theory room.
10% of the training period can be completed in a vocational training internship.
6. Training
In order to maintain the status achieved, snow sports instructors must attend and pass the training courses of their national organisation. The visit to the training course must be registered and registered by the respective national association in the recognition card of the snow sports instructor.
Those who do not attend the training expire in the inactive state as a snow sports instructor and are not entitled to the ISIA brand or the ISIA Card. By revisiting a training course, he again becomes active.
The training has a duration of 1 day per year, or 2 days every 2 years, or 3 days every 3 years.
7. Control
ISIA reserves the right to attend, check and check whether the standards are adhered to education and training courses in the member associations.
Tests standardised by the ISIA (ISIA Technik Test) must be communicated publicly and accessible to all beneficiaries.
In the case of new applications for membership, the ISIA must be given the opportunity to attend the training for at least 3 years before the reception applications are treated. During this time, applicants can obtain the status of an observer in the ISIA.
The ISIA Office must be provided with information about the ISIA trademarks issued at all times.
The ISIA Office maintains a central register for the holders of the ISIA Card. The ISIA member associations can clarify information on the lawful possession of an ISIA Card. Conditions of data protection remain reserved.
The submission of the ISIA brand and ISIA Card is subject to a fee.
8. Legitimation
Snow sports instructors who have successfully completed the respective national training and examinations that meet the ISIA quality standard for the delivery of the ISIA brand or ISIA Card receive the ISIA brand or the ISIA Card and the badge of the ISIA through the respective member association. Only snow sports instructors with the highest national snow sports instructor qualification have the right to obtain the ISIA Card.
9. Basics
ISIA Statutes
Copenhagen Processes ECVET (European Credit System for Vocational and Education Training)
Awarding Regulations for ISIA Brand and ISIA Card
ISIA Requirements Levels 1–3
10. Entry into force
This ISIA quality standard on the ISIA brand and the ISIA Card are passed by the Assembly of Delegates of 22. May 2008 in force in Jesolo/Italy.
Adjustments to the ISIA quality standard come with the adoption by the Assembly of delegates of 19. June 2018 in force.
Annex I
11. ISIA requirements for ISIA brand and ISIA Card
Copenhagen Process
Der ISIA-Qualifikationsstandard orientiert sich an den Zielen des Kopenhager-Prozesses, welcher ein Europäisches Kreditsystem der beruflichen Ausbildung und Schulung (European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training ECVET) zum Ziel hat.
Dieses Kreditsystem soll künftig helfen, die Berufsausbildungen gegenseitig einfacher einzustufen. Dies wird ausschließlich anhand von nachgewiesenen erreichten Qualifikationen respektive Kompetenzen gemacht, und nicht auf der Basis der Ausbildungsdauer. Die Formulierung der Lernziele basiert auf drei Anforderungsstufen.
Das ECVET ist noch nicht in Anwendung. Deshalb sind die unten genannten ISIA-Anforderungsstufen 1–3 für die Gewichtung der Kompetenzen maßgebend.
ISIA-Anforderungsstufe 1 (erinnern)
Der Kandidat kann sich an gelerntes erinnern und das Wissen wiedergeben. Er kann Handlungen nach Anleitung sicher ausführen.
ISIA-Anforderungsstufe 2 (verstehen und anwenden)
Der Kandidat kann gelerntes Wissen übertragen und praktisch anwenden. Er kann Handlungen, Handlungsfolgen und -abläufe ausführen.
ISIA-Anforderungsstufe 3 (Probleme umfassend bearbeiten)
Der Kandidat kann gelerntes Wissen weiterentwickeln, neue Lösungen finden und beurteilen. Er kann Handlungsabfolgen selbständig festlegen, sich aneignen und beherrschen.
Anhang II
12. ISIA Test Technik
In order to obtain the ISIA Card, every snow sports instructor must pass the ISIA technique test. The test is designed to prove the candidate’s technical skills at the highest level. The test can be repeated as desired. The races must be conducted under the FIS rules.
Der Test besteht aus einer standardisierten Renndisziplin, wo die Richtzeiten von genormten Richtzeitfahrern vorgelegt werden.
Die an verschiedenen Orten (Nationen) durchgeführten Tests müssen vergleichbar sein.
Die ISIA vergibt die Lizenzen, um die Tests durchzuführen, und ist dafür verantwortlich (Kontrolle), dass sie im Rahmen der vorgegebenen Richtlinien umgesetzt werden.
Die Resultate sind am Renntag bekannt zu geben.
Ausrüstung
Für die Teilnehmer besteht freie Materialwahl (Skis, Anzug u.a.).
Wiederholung des ISIA Technik Test
Der Kandidat kann diesen beliebig wiederholen.
Sicherheit und Verantwortung
Die Verantwortung für die Sicherheit des Rennens trägt der Veranstalter (Lizenznehmer). Die Sicherheitsmaßnahmen müssen den ortsüblichen Sicherheitsrichtlinien entsprechen.
Registration of Results
Only results of tests are registered with the ISIA, which have previously obtained the implementation rights from the ISIA.
Voraussetzungen für eine Lizenz
Antrag an ISIA vier Monate vor Durchführung
Öffentliche Ausschreibung drei Monate vor Testdurchführung, mit Angabe von Organisator, Ort, Datum, Zeitpunkt, Piste
- Bekanntgabe der Richtzeitfahrer mindestens 2 Personen sowie 1 Reserveperson
- Vorschlag für die Jury
- erwartete Teilnehmerzahl
- Startgebühr darf 100 Euro nicht überschreiten für mindestens zwei Start-möglichkeiten
- keine Beschränkung der Teilnehmerzahl.
Das Präsidium kann auf Antrag der technischen Kommission den ISIA-Test Technik ergänzen und den sich verändernden Bedürfnissen anpassen.
Wettkampfbeschreibung Ski
Form
Der ISIA Technik Test Ski besteht aus einem Riesenslalomlauf, der im Rahmen der FIS Regeln durchgeführt wird. Erfüllt der Kandidat die Bedingungen im Lauf nicht, hat er die Möglichkeit am gleichen Tag an einem zweiten Lauf teilzunehmen.
Race track
Length
The giant slalom should have a baseline length of 50 sec (+/- 10%).
Höhenunterschied
Der Höhenunterschied zwischen Start und Ziel soll zwischen 250–400 m liegen.
Richtzeitfahrer (weniger als 60 FIS Punkte)
Als Richtzeitfahrer gelten Rennläufer (männlich), welche in der laufenden oder vorangegangenen Wintersaison weniger als 60 FIS Punkte ausweisen. Es starten mindestens 2 Richtzeitfahrer am Anfang und am Schluss des Rennens. Fällt ein Richtzeitfahrer aus, hat er den Lauf zu wiederholen. Die Richtzeitfahrer müssen im Renndress starten. Freie Materialwahl (Skis u.a.).
Calculation of the indicative time
The average of the 4 indicative time driver times (2 starting times and 2 closing times) gives the indicative time.
Zeitlimit (Qualifikationszeit)
Um den Test zu bestehen, dürfen die Kandidaten nicht mehr als 12.5 %, die Kandidatinnen 17.5 % auf die Richtzeit verlieren.
Rechenbeispiel
Richtzeitfahrer Anfang:
Fahrer A 51.45
Fahrer B 50.87
Richtzeitfahrer am Schluss:
Fahrer A 52.15
Fahrer B 52.25
Total of all 4 times 206.72
Indicative time:
Qualification time: Average of 206.72/4 = 51.68
Men 51.68 + 12.5% 58.14
Women 51.68 + 17.5% 60.72
Number of participants
A maximum of 80 participants per race (are more than 80 participants at a place of execution, so additional separate race tracks are to be organized).
The area of equipment, repetition, safety and responsibility as well as the registration is recorded under the general conditions of the ISIA Test technique.
This Regulations were approved by the Assembly of Delegates in Jesolo on 22.05.08 and in Vail 07. April 2025 supplements and enters into force from now on.
Suggestion: Competition description Snowboard
Form
The ISIA Technique Test Snowboard Test consists of a boardercross that must be carried out within the framework of the FIS rules.
Length
The Boardercross should have a base time of 40 sec (+/- 10%). It must contain at least the following elements: steep wall curves, rollers, jumps.
Start procedures
The starting order among the candidates will be decided by lot. Only single runs are run. The better time from the 2 runs is used.
Directional time driver
The indicative time drivers should be able to show a level of about 100 FIS points. The indicative time drivers A and B contest the Boardercross at the beginning and at the end of the race. The indicative time is calculated from the average of the better initial and the better closing time.
Time limit
The test is fulfilled when a man no longer loses the target time as 15%. A woman fulfills the test if she no longer loses the indicative time like 20%.
Time measurement
Time is stopped by an electronic timekeeping.
FIS Regulations
For all the points not described here, the FIS Regulations, Rules for the Nokia Snowboard FIS Worldcup, must be tightened.
Bibliography
FIS Regulations, Rules for the Nokia Snowboard FIS Worldcup, 2008
FIS Regulations, Rules of the FIS Points Snowboard, 2008
Suggestion: Competition description Nordic
Form
Single start; 1. Round classic, material change, 2. Round skating. The material change is part of the entire competition.
Distance
Total 8 km, a circuit in classic technology of 4 km each, a round in free technique of 4 km each. For the classic technique, a trace is drawn. For the free technique we roll the competition round.
Slope
The maximum height difference between the highest and lowest point of a competition round should not be greater than 65 m. A single climb should not be greater than 50 m, but it can be interrupted by a flat piece not more than 200 m long or a 10 m long descent. The whole difference in altitude per competition round should not be larger than 90 m and not less than 50 m.
Change zone
The input and output of the change zone is marked. After entering the change zone, the technology is free. The change zone contains interchangeable places for all candidates. These are at least 2.5 m long and 1.5 m wide. The material for the free technology must be deposited in the exchangeable location before the start. Skis must, sticks and shoes may be changed. The whole material change must be carried out at the exchange point without outside help.
Start procedures
Single start with 30 seconds interval. The starting order among the candidates will be decided by lot.
Directional time runner
The indicative time runner should run at a level of about 150 FIS points. Furthermore, he should not have reached this value like a year. The straightening time runner is a man. He runs before or after the candidates, depending on the conditions. The indicative time runner should run in the fastest conditions if possible.