Welcome to the INTERSKI SLOVAKIA website!
"We are creating the system and format for snow sports education in Slovakia in compliance with international rules and the Sports Act. This is happening for the first time since the establishment of Slovakia."
THE FUTURE OF SNOWSPORTS EDUCATION IN SLOVAKIA: ENDING THE VACUUM AND ENSURING CERTAINTY
Slovak skiing is undergoing a fundamental transformation. After more than 30 years of a professional vacuum—where many enthusiasts seeking quality education became "victims" of the system—Interski Slovakia arrives. Our goal is to stabilize this environment, bring order to the system, and provide all interested parties the opportunity to pursue snowsports at a legal and internationally recognized level.
OUR POSITION: THE AUTHORITY OF INTERSKI INTERNATIONAL
The highest global authority for education regulations and methodological standards for instructors and coaches is Interski International. In Slovakia, the exclusive holder of this mandate is Interski Slovakia.
Legal Guarantee: According to the Sports Act (§ 83 – § 85a), the education of sports professionals must comply with the rules of an international organization. For snowsports, this organization is exclusively Interski International.
Exclusive Entry into the IS Sports Register: Interski Slovakia is the only authority with the competence to confirm professional qualifications for the registration of instructors and coaches in the state register.
Board of Lecturers: In accordance with the rules, lecturers are appointed exclusively by the national member of Interski. Education delivered by entities that do not hold this mandate does not meet statutory or international requirements.
Definition of ZSL Competencies: The Slovak Ski Association (ZSL) is a national member of the FIS federation. By the nature of this membership, however, ZSL does not have the authority to educate snowsports instructors. Despite the absence of this mandate, ZSL continues this activity, thereby exposing graduates to the risk of having invalid professional qualifications.
OUR SYSTEM OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND INSTITUTES (SAS)
We implement a comprehensive Interski system through four specialised national institutes integrated within the Snowsports Academy Slovakia (SAS) education framework. These institutes are the recommended professional branches of the national member, Interski Slovakia, and are currently undergoing the process of integration into international structures:
National Institute of Snowsports Instructors - SAPUL : Guarantor of education for professional teachers (ISIA member).
National Institute of Snowsports Coaches: Professional branch for club and performance environments (aligned with IVSI standards).
National Institute of Academic Education, Science, and Research: Methodological pillar connecting science with practice (aligned with IAESS standards).
National Institute of Safety: Implementation of risk analysis and prevention into methodology (aligned with ISSS standards).
Key Difference: While the Interski family determines how to teach, the FIS federation determines exclusively the rules of how to race. FIS is not the creator of educational methodology for pedagogical professionals; it serves as a partner for the area of sports competition.
OUR REPRESENTATION AND EXCLUSIVITY: VAIL 2027
REPRESENTATION IN TECHNICAL SKIING AND PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD FORUM IS THE EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGE OF THE INTERSKI FAMILY.
Slovak Demo Team: Interski Slovakia is the sole guarantor of the national Demo Team. We reflect on past communication deficiencies and are opening a dialogue for talents who wish to represent Slovakia under this single legitimate banner.
Vail 2027 Congress (USA): Interski Slovakia is the only guarantor of the opportunity to participate in this world congress. No other entity in Slovakia can facilitate this participation.
OUR OUTREACH: WORKING ON A SOLUTION FOR US AND FOR YOU
We are aware that many instructors operate within the structures of the Slovak Ski Association (ZSL). Even though ZSL does not have the international mandate for this education, you obtained your qualifications there in good faith.
Our priority is that you are not disadvantaged. We are intensively seeking a path to align your existing experience with the Sports Act and international Interski standards.
Position on the current situation: In order to create a systemic and comprehensive solution, active cooperation from ZSL officials is essential. However, the truth remains that even patience has its limits. We regret that we have repeatedly encountered a lack of willingness from ZSL to communicate or resolve this situation for the benefit of the membership base. While our offer for constructive dialogue with ZSL leadership remains open for now, we are shifting our full focus and energy toward providing direct solutions for us and for you.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Are you interested in information regarding the legalization of your education or representation? A communication channel dedicated to you will be created in the near future. Do not let the vacuum of the past hold back your future.
In conclusion: Interski Slovakia is the only authority in Slovakia that connects national legislation with global methodological standards. We bring you professional certainty and open doors to the world.
SYSTEM OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE, CERTIFICATES, AND ATTESTATIONS IN SLOVAKIA AND INTERNATIONALLY
For a deeper understanding of the structure, we provide the following definitions of key terms and institutes:
National Professional Educational Institutes
INTERSKI SLOVAKIA – Snowsports Academy Slovakia (SAS)
National Institute of Snowsports Instructors and Ski Schools – Education and certification of professional teachers in the field of basic training.
National Institute of Snowsports Coaches – Oversees professionals in the field of performance and elite training in racing and club environments.
National Institute of Academic Education, Science, and Research in Snowsports – Connects the academic community, science, and research, and methodologically develops professional standards.
National Institute of Snowsports Safety and Nature Protection – Focused on safety, snowsports protection, avalanche prevention, and the environment.
International Structure and Partners
Interski International: Global umbrella organization covering three professional pillars (ISIA, IVSI, IAESS). It coordinates the development of methodology, sets international standards and educational rules, and organizes world congresses.
IAESS (International Association of Education and Science in Snowsports): Professional international organization for academic instructors and lecturers. It connects pedagogical practice with scientific research and didactics.
ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association): Professional international organization for instructors operating in commercial ski schools. It focuses on a high degree of certification for professional teaching of the public.
IVSI (International Federation of Snowsport Instructors): Professional international organization operating in club and volunteer environments. It unites lecturers and instructors defined as "coaches" under the Sports Act.
ISSS (International Society for Snowsports Safety): International scientific society focused on snowsports safety (injury epidemiology, fall biomechanics, equipment safety). It cooperates closely with Interski to implement risk analysis into safety standards.
FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski): International Ski Federation. It unites athletes and technical delegates. It is the highest body for organizing competitive skiing and sets rules for disciplines. In the educational hierarchy, it serves as a partner for sports training and safety in competitive environments.
🌐 Fundamental Principles: How the International Snow Sports Scene Works
Even today in Slovakia, many people, including experts, do not realize that the global sports scene divides skiing and snowboarding (snow sports) into two separate international organizations.
This model is specific to snow sports. While most sports have both education and competition under one roof, skiing and snowboarding strictly divide this responsibility:
🟢 1. INTERSKI INTERNATIONAL www.interski.org – The Global Authority for Education
INTERSKI INTERNATIONAL is an international umbrella organization that represents the highest global authority for the professional development of snow sports.
Its main focus:
Education and Methodology: It sets the rules and standards for the training of instructors and teachers of skiing and snowboarding.
Research and Development: It focuses on science, research, safety, operation, and the systematic development of snow sports.
Slovak Representative: The Slovak Republic is represented in this organization by our organization, INTERSKI SLOVAKIA, which successfully obtained membership after fulfilling international criteria.
INTERSKI INTERNATIONAL and its member organizations have clear rules that focus on comprehensive training, coaching systems, and methodology, which form the integral foundation for the development of high-performance and elite sport.
🔴 2. FIS www.fis-ski.com – The Global Authority for Competition
Unlike INTERSKI, the FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) is an organization that exclusively covers only competitive skiing and snowboarding.
Key Difference:
The FIS focuses only on races, competitions, and rules of competition.
The FIS has no mandate or rules for the training of coaches or sports instructors (ski teachers) and does not possess any educational commissions.
Slovak Representative: The FIS member representing Slovakia is the Slovak Skiing Association (Zväz Slovenského lyžovania – ZSL).
📊 Transparent System and National Representation
Our graphic clearly illustrates the fundamental separation between two global entities:
🟢 INTERSKI Community = EDUCATION: This is the worldwide authority for the methodology and training of ski and snowboard instructors. SNOWSPORTS ACADEMY SLOVAKIA (SAS) is the home of the Slovak National Representation in Technical Skiing and Education.
🔴 FIS Community = COMPETITION: This is the authority for racing and competitive sport. The National FIS Team Ski & Snowboard Team Slovakia is exclusively responsible for representing competitive athletes under the FIS banner.
Disclaimer: The brand Snowsports Education Slovakia was created by the national sports association (ZSL). However, it has no justification or international coverage for education and representation in technical skiing within the Interski community, nor is it supported by the Slovak Sports Act.
THESE TWO ENTITIES ARE NOT EQUAL. The mandate for educational standards belongs exclusively to Interski.
We are here to eliminate the confusion caused by those who wrongfully claim the right to provide education under the FIS banner. If you are seeking internationally recognized instructor qualification, you are looking for INTERSKI and SAS.
The new transparent system is here. Choose the right path.
🚀 INTERSKI SLOVAKIA: Unity for the First Time
INTERSKI SLOVAKIA is the organization that serves as the full member of the international organization for the education of snow sports instructors—coaches and ski teachers—for Slovakia. It is duly registered in the Slovak Sports Portal and fulfills all legal conditions under the seventh chapter of the Sports Act, § 83 - § 85, for the education of sports coaches and instructors.
INTERSKI SLOVAKIA, as the first organization with international participation, has created a common platform in Slovakia where all key forces of snow sports meet—from elite athletes and scientists, through academics and technologists, to those who build and operate slopes, protect nature, and ensure safety. In the unity of these segments, an entirely new vision emerges—a sustainable, professional, and internationally respected system for future generations.
We have brought all sectors of snow sports to one table—performance, education, science, nature protection, and infrastructure.
Snowsports Academy Slovakia – The Future in Motion
For the first time since Slovakia gained independence, a nationwide platform, the Academy of Snow Sports of Slovakia – "Snowsports Academy Slovakia", has been established, which:
does not view sport merely as performance, but as a vital part of the country, its culture, education, safety, tourism, and—most importantly—the future of regions designated for snow sports activities;
is responsible for the Slovak Representation in Technical Skiing.
