Professional Ski Instructors
Association of Japan

Professional Ski Instructors
Association of Japan

The meaning of an SIA
Certified School

The Japan Professional Ski Instructors Association (SIA) has a long history in professional snow sports instruction in Japan, and has been integral to the development of the different snow sports disciplines in the country.
Only at SIA Certified Schools, located at ski resorts across Japan, will you find the professional instruction provided by SIA member instructors.

The role of
SIA Certified Schools

SIA Certified Schools not only provide professional instruction in skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross-country skiing and adaptive skiing, but also draw on the unique characteristics of their region, and of their host ski resort. SIA certified instructors provide high-quality, safe and fun lessons focused on improving the skills of guests at all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Also, as Japan’s winter resorts become more internationalized, SIA certified schools and instructors also provide quality, multi-lingual instruction for guests from around the world. The number of international guests is expected to continue to grow, and SIA is dedicated to creating a safe environment for instruction, and to continue to respond to evolving international needs.

Certification process

SIA certified schools undergo a rigorous annual certification review. This covers a wide range of items, including the school’s management, its cooperative relationships with the ski resort and the local community, and the makeup of the instruction staff. Schools are also required take part in annual training sessions that bring together the heads of schools from around the country. Only those schools that meet these standards will maintain their SIA certification status and be able to continue to provide professional-quality instruction.