I’m Anne Flöter – digital nomad, passionate skier, and, since last year, also a certified ski instructor. What’s so special about it? Unlike most, I didn’t complete my education in the Austrian Alps but in the Parnassos Mountains of Greece. Surrounded by ancient villages and breathtaking mountain landscapes, I embarked on an extraordinary journey. Join me as I share insights into valuable learning experiences, unexpected challenges, cozy evenings with Ouzo, encounters with mountain goats, and a whole lot of fun on the slopes in this unique destination.
From February 14–25, 2025, the Snowsports Academy will host another education in Parnassos. Find more information on our website: https://booking.snowsports.at/de/snowsports-academy/courses-held-in-english/.
"Is there even any snow?"
That’s the reaction I got from nearly everyone when I told them about my plans to start my ski instructor training in Greece. Yes, Greece isn’t just about turquoise waters; you can also glide down snowy slopes. This is possible in Central Greece, in the Parnassos Mountains. There you’ll find a small ski resort at an elevation of 1,850 to 2,250 meters, not far from the city of Delphi, which was considered the literal "navel of the world" for nearly 1,000 years in antiquity.
We stayed in Arachova, a picturesque village where the houses seem to tumble down a 63%-steep slope like an avalanche that has come to a halt. Stone houses, small cafés, cozy taverns, and ski shops line the narrow streets that wind through the town.
First Impressions of the Ski Instructor Education in Greece
On the evening of our arrival, the participants sat somewhat reserved around a large table in the hotel restaurant, which had been reserved just for us. None of us had met before. However, this initial shyness disappeared as quickly as a snowflake in the wind.
“We will be one big snow sports family for the next 10 days,” announced Stefan Wallner during the introductory session. He, along with Lukas Gruber, was our instructor. Snowboarders and skiers exchanged skeptical glances. Yet, Stefan and Lukas quickly created an amazing atmosphere with their personal and enthusiastic approach.
We got to know each other better in no time, and each day it felt less like being among other ski instructor trainees and more like heading to the slopes early in the morning with friends. While Greek music played on the car radio, we happily discussed equipment, skiing errors, and training methods. On the chairlift, we philosophized about life and imagined where we might work as ski instructors in the future. I found this incredibly inspiring—not only for skiing but also for the learning process itself: reflecting, giving feedback, and exchanging ideas with others.
The First Day on the Slopes
What’s on the agenda today? After a short ride in the gondola (called "Aphrodite," by the way), we stood at 2,250 meters, with a strong wind whipping around us. It was time for the group warm-up. On a day like this, as a guest, I might have stayed in bed longer.
But thanks to Stefan and Lukas's playful and professional approach, we quickly warmed up, almost forgetting the wind pushing us around. Lesson number one: being professional while having fun gives your guests a positive experience. Check! And this was only the beginning of all the things we learned in such a short time—about technique, exercises, safety, snow conditions, and much more.
Still day one. I had to re-learn how to patiently ski in a snowplow. It sounds simple—after all, every skier can do it, right? True. But when you haven’t done it for what feels like a hundred years and need to demonstrate it so cleanly that others can learn from it, that’s another challenge entirely. Suddenly, you think about every single movement.
This process forced me to ski more consciously. At first, this was both a joy and a frustration, as I began to notice my own mistakes and feel annoyed by them. My flow was gone. I was skiing with my mind, not my instincts. Is my upper body properly aligned with the slope? Why are my arms moving so awkwardly? It felt like asking a centipede how it coordinates all its legs—inevitably, it would trip as soon as it started overthinking.
I talked about this with my wonderful roommate, Tania from Thessaloniki. She had a similar experience, and we agreed: all the input and exercises helped us become more aware of our movements. We now knew how to improve. Eventually, like the little centipede, we’d regain a smooth, natural flow. And we’d be better skiers—and hopefully even better instructors. That’s what it’s all about!
Spoiler: One of the key goals of being a great ski instructor is to help guests gain an understanding of skiing fundamentals so they can continue to benefit even after the lesson is over.
Final Exam Nerves and Celebration
The days flew by. We trained, studied theory, enjoyed great food, and spent cozy evenings sipping Ouzo and Tsipouro by the fireplace. Suddenly, it was the last evening, and we gathered to hear the results. The practical exams were done, the teaching demonstrations completed, and the theory tests written. Stefan and Lukas stood before us with serious expressions and sheets of paper in hand.
One by one, participants received their results and certificates. When my name was called, Lukas looked at me with a poker face. Then, a smile broke through. Yes! I passed and held my certificate in my hands. I was thrilled, but there was still some tension. What about everyone else?
Finally, Stefan addressed the group, still poker-faced. He said, "I’ve never seen anything like this in 20 years." Everyone held their breath. He continued, “Never before has every single participant in a course passed the exam!” How amazing is that?
Relieved and happy, we celebrated in one of the cozy taverns in the village. Jámas!
The day after the training ended, I went for a hike. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn’t gliding down a mountain but simply walking. No edge control, just rolling my feet naturally. With only my backpack for company and a herd of mountain goats watching me critically, I climbed a steep, narrow trail.
Reflecting on the training, I thought: would I do it all again? Absolutely! Would I come back? Definitely—if only for the new friends and a good Tsipouro. And Level 3? Most likely... maybe in Argentina!
Author: Anne Flöter
More Info about the Ski Instructor Training in Greece:
Ski Instructor Course:https://booking.snowsports.at/de/snowsports-academy/courses-held-in-english/ski-instructor-level-1-2-parnassos-greece-488/
Comentarios