Ski instructor: most definitely a dream job! Have you always wanted to know what you actually have to do to become a ski instructor? Well, we have the answers:
As is customary in many other professions, the first step is to do an apprenticeship or gain a qualification. With snowsports in Austria this is no different and the laws of each province (Bundesland) regulate and divide the qualifications into several course modules which build on each other. The first step on the ladder is the so-called ‘Anwärter’ course (level 1+2). After the 10-day course the candidate will gain extensive theoretical background knowledge and have the necessary practical skills to teach successfully in a ski or snowboard school.
On the "Anwärter course", the main focus is on beginner and children's lessons, but also the improvement of personal skiing and communication skills. After having successfully completed the first course, the candidate is allowed to teach at a ski school. The prerequisites to attending the Anwärter course are: a minimum age of 16 and the ability to safely ski or snowboard on all pistes. After having passed the Anwärter course, the training to become a ‘Landesskilehrer’ (level 3) starts, and after that is passed then you can do the next step towards ‘full cert’ and qualify to become state-certified (Staatlich geprüfter) ski instructor (level 4).
The core training structure to becoming a ‘Landeslehrer’ (level 3):
Ski Anwärter - Level 1 & 2: 10 days
Alpine Course: 7 days
Training as a level 3 ‘Landeslehrer’ instructor
The main focus on the level 3 ski instructor course is skiing with and instructing advanced skiers, from parallel skiing to carving and everything in between. In addition, the standards of skiing and guiding off-piste are at the centre of focus during the training. We also work intensively on the participants' individual skills on and off the slopes, which makes the training to becoming level 3 instructor very popular with all participants.
Training as a state-certified (Staatlich geprüften) ski instructor The training to become a ‘Staatlicher’ is organised and provided by the Austrian ski instructors association (ÖSSV) together with the ‘Bundessportakademie‘, based in Innsbruck. The whole course is divided into two semesters (theoretical and practical parts). An integral part of the training is the ‘CTT test’ (GS race) and comprehensive alpine, off-piste training. If you want to complete the training to become a ‘Staatlich geprüfter’ ski instructor, you must have exceptional skiing skills and you must be able to apply them across the entire mountain in varying situations, conditions and terrain. Accordingly, the final exam consists of a timed giant slalom, several off-piste runs, moguls and technical demonstrations – which, the ski instructor community are called "Schulefahren", or simply ‘demos’. The Staatlicher ski instructor exams are widely regarded as being particularly tough and the qualification has a very high reputation around the world. Many who have completed this qualification either start their own ski schools, work as head instructors in ski schools or become trainers and examiners for those training level 1 through 4.
Training as a ski guide ‘Skiführer’ As a top level "Staatlich geprüfter ski instructor", it is possible to train as a ski guide or ‘Skiführer’. This training is unique in Europe and deals with the “alpine” aspects of skiing. After completing the training, you are entitled to lead ski tours, or even lead “heli-skiing” tours for example.
Summary and Outlook
Were we able to arouse your interest enough to come and train and kick off your ski instructor career? Then start now with the "Anwärter" course. The Snowsports Academy offers several opportunities a year for you to get involved. Check out which dates fit your calendar, we even have some dates around Easter and during the summer holidays.
You can find more information by following this link:
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