Becoming A Ski Instructor: Austria's Requirements And Qualifications

Dreaming of becoming a ski instructor in Austria? You'll need dedication, motivation, and a qualification that's recognised by Austrian ski schools. This usually means gaining a Level 2 qualification, such as BASI, CSIA, or NZSIA. If you're aiming to work autonomously outside of a ski school, you'll likely need a higher qualification, like BASI Level 4 ISTD. While it's not mandatory, knowing a second language will make you a more attractive hire, as you won't be limited to teaching English-speaking guests. German and French are popular choices. Once qualified, you'll need to sort out your visa to work legally in Austria, unless you're an EU or Schengen-area citizen. There are plenty of courses to choose from, ranging from 5 to 17 weeks, that will help you gain the qualifications and skills you need to become an instructor.

Qualifications and courses

To become a ski instructor in Austria, you will need to complete a qualification course. The Anwärter course is the first step to becoming a qualified ski instructor. After passing the Anwärter course, you can progress to the next level, "Landesskilehrer" (level 3). This level focuses on instructing and skiing with advanced skiers, covering topics such as parallel skiing and carving. The training also emphasises off-piste skiing and individual skill development. Once you have completed this level, you can move towards obtaining a full certification to become a state-certified "Staatlich geprüfter" ski instructor (level 4).

There are various course options available to suit different preferences and needs. For instance, Snowminds offers a 5-week training course in Austria, which promises to refine your technique and prepare you for the Level 1 exam. This course includes a job guarantee for the winter season at a local ski school. Oyster Worldwide also provides a 4 or 6-week course in Kaprun, Zell am See, with a paid job guarantee at an Austrian resort. This course covers the Anwärter Level 1 and 2 qualifications, enabling you to teach beginner to intermediate skiers.

If you are seeking a more extended programme, SnowSkool offers a 17-week Level 2 Ski Instructor Course in Zell am See, Austria. Additionally, they provide courses in other countries, such as an 11-week Level 2 course in Cardrona, New Zealand, and a 13-week Level 2 course in Banff, Canada. It is worth noting that the Level 2 qualification is highly recognised worldwide.

Some ski schools in Austria, such as the one in Sankt Anton, have specific requirements for their instructors, including a higher level of German language proficiency and skiing ability. They may also have their own recruitment processes and additional training requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the specific requirements of the ski school you are interested in working for.

While English-only speakers can find work in popular Austrian resorts, learning a second language is highly advantageous and may increase your employment opportunities. Proficiency in a second language is mandatory for achieving Level 3 and above qualifications. Additionally, if you plan to work outside of ski schools, higher qualifications are typically required. For example, the BASI Level 4 ISTD qualification is recommended for working autonomously.

Language skills

While it is not essential to speak any language other than English to become a ski instructor in Austria, having a second language will make you a more attractive hire. This is because the more languages you know, the more guests you will be able to work with. If you only speak English, you will likely only be able to take on English-speaking guests.

German is the official language of Austria, and your Anwarter ski exams are conducted in German. However, many resorts in Austria frequently hire instructors who only speak English. If you are looking to work autonomously, outside of an Austrian ski school, then you will normally need higher qualifications. For example, BASI Level 4 ISTD is advised if you are qualifying under the BASI system.

There is a lot of competition for ski instructor jobs in Austria, so anything that makes you stand out to employers is a bonus. As well as language skills, you will need to be positive, outgoing, adventurous, and ready to work hard. You will also need to gain an internationally recognised qualification that will allow you to work in Austria, such as CSIA, BASI, or NZSIA Level 2.

Job opportunities

To become a ski instructor in Austria, you'll need to gain a qualification that will be recognised by Austrian ski schools. The first step is to complete an Anwärter course (level 1+2). This 10-day course will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to teach in a ski or snowboard school successfully.

After completing the 'Anwärter' course, you can choose to take your training further by pursuing a Level 2 ski instructor qualification recognised by Austrian ski schools. SnowSkool offers three Level 2 qualifications: BASI, CSIA, and NZSIA. These qualifications will enable you to work autonomously outside of an Austrian ski school. If you plan to work independently, a higher qualification such as the BASI Level 4 ISTD is recommended.

Additionally, consider learning a second language. While some Austrian resorts frequently hire instructors who only speak English, proficiency in another language will make you a more attractive candidate, especially in competitive resorts. With a second language, you can cater to a wider range of guests.

Several organisations, such as Oyster Worldwide and Snowminds, offer ski instructor training programmes in Austria. These programmes typically last 4 to 6 weeks and provide you with the necessary qualifications to teach skiing. Some programmes even offer job guarantees at Austrian resorts upon completion.

Once qualified, you'll need to sort out the legal requirements to work in Austria. If you're an EU or Schengen-area citizen, you can simply register as a resident and start working. For non-European citizens, obtaining a visa is necessary to work as an instructor. Research the specific visa requirements for your country of origin.

Finally, start applying for ski instructor positions at Austrian resorts. Some resorts may conduct interviews, which could be in person or over the phone. Having a qualification and a second language skill will increase your chances of securing a job.

Instructor community

The ski instructor community in Austria is a tight-knit group of individuals who share a passion for snow sports and teaching others. It is a community that is built on a foundation of camaraderie and support, with instructors often coming from diverse backgrounds and countries.

The community is known for its adventurous spirit, with many instructors choosing to work in Austria to pursue their love of skiing and exploring new places. The job provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people and form strong bonds with colleagues, creating a network of friends from around the world.

Instructors in Austria benefit from working in a unique environment, surrounded by picturesque mountain villages, stunning architecture, and a vibrant local culture that includes family-run restaurants and après-ski bars. This local atmosphere adds to the sense of community and creates a memorable work experience.

The ski instructor community in Austria is also highly skilled, with a focus on continuous improvement. Many instructors choose to further develop their language skills, refine their skiing and snowboarding techniques, and pursue higher qualifications to advance their careers. This dedication to growth and excellence is a key aspect of the community's culture.

Additionally, the community is supported by organizations like SnowSkool and Ski Instructor Academy Austria (SIA Austria), which offer comprehensive training programs, qualifications, and internships. These organizations provide resources and guidance to help instructors succeed and create unforgettable experiences.

The ski instructor community in Austria is, therefore, a dynamic and welcoming group that embraces diversity, fosters growth, and shares a passion for winter sports and teaching. It offers a unique blend of adventure, friendship, and professional development, creating a supportive environment for instructors to pursue their dreams.

Practicalities

The first step to becoming a ski instructor in Austria is to gain a qualification that will be recognised by Austrian ski schools. You will need to obtain at least a Level 2 ski instructor qualification. There are several options for achieving this:

• The Anwärter course (Level 1+2): This 10-day course provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills to teach in a ski or snowboard school. It focuses on beginner and children's lessons and improving personal skiing and communication skills.
• SnowSkool's Ski Instructor Internship Austria: They offer three Level 2 qualifications (BASI, CSIA, and NZSIA) that are valid in Austria.
• SIA Austria: They offer ski instructor courses that provide the necessary training and qualifications to work in ski schools worldwide.

After obtaining the required qualifications, it is beneficial to have proficiency in a second language, preferably German or French, as it makes you a more attractive hire for ski schools.

Once qualified, you will need to sort out the necessary paperwork, such as obtaining a visa to work in Austria unless you are an EU or Schengen-area citizen, which currently includes the UK.

Additionally, you may need to consider accommodation arrangements during your stay in Austria. Some ski instructor courses, like Snowminds, include arranged seasonal accommodation at the ski school during the season, but it may be at your own expense.

Frequently asked questions