Level 3 Mountain Safety - BASI

About BASI Level 3 Mountain Safety

Train to lead groups safely in off-piste terrain within ski area boundaries. The BASI Level 3 Mountain Safety module is a five-day course (including one online pre-course module) that assesses your ability to manage groups beyond the piste — from route selection and avalanche awareness to emergency response and navigation. Delivered in Gudauri's serious mountain environment, this course prepares you for the real conditions you'll face as a professional instructor operating in alpine terrain.

This module is an essential step in the BASI Level 3 pathway and focuses on safe group leadership, mountain awareness, and the technical skills needed to operate responsibly off-piste. All trainers are qualified Mountain Guides or hold specific mountain leadership certifications.

What You'll Learn

Practical Skills

• Equipment selection for off-piste travel
• Route choice and group leadership
• Use of skins or snowshoes
• Off-piste technique
• Emergency procedures and group management
• Avalanche risk assessment and transceiver use
• Navigation in mountain terrain

Theory Sessions

• Snowpack and avalanche awareness
• Navigation and mountain weather
• Hypothermia and emergency planning
• Leadership roles and responsibilities

Assessment

Full attendance across all five days is required. Assessment covers:

• Avalanche and mountain awareness
• Transceiver search
• Group leadership in the field
• Map reading and navigation
• Personal off-piste performance and fitness
• Skinning or snowshoeing
• A written paper

In some cases, formal assessment may take place over two final days with a different Trainer.

Entry Requirements

• Hold the BASI Level 2 qualification

The full equipment list is included in your pre-course information. Lift pass not included. This course covers serious terrain — leading off-piste is a high-responsibility role, and this training is designed to ensure you are fully prepared.