Become a ski instructor in Saas Fee

Join us for an unforgettable adventure in Saas Fee. The glacier village of Saas Fee, fringed by 13 four-thousand-meter peaks, has the descriptive nickname “The Pearl of the Alps” among winter sports enthusiasts in Saas-Fee.

Together with Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell, the resort forms a ski region that is very snow-sure during the winter months. The slopes are located at an altitude of up to 3,600 meters. A large part of the slopes in the glacier ski area can even be used all year round.

All the more reason for us to be proud to present a unique winter season experience in Saas Fee, where you combine work and play throughout the season on our English spoken level 1 and 2 ski instructor training program in Saas Fee.

This experience is also offered for snowboarders: Season with level 1 and 2 snowboard instructor course in Saas Fee

A WINTER IN SAAS FEE

From the beginning of December and onwards, you will participate in our level 1 and 2 ski instructor internship which is completely in English. The program is run by our top professional trainers and designed to prepare you for work as an instructor in a ski school in Switzerland.

We’ve got your season covered with a full season lift pass, accommodation for 5 months, an internationally recognized level 1 and level 2 exam, 150 hours of training from top-professional instructors, shadow and work opportunities with possible employment at Ski Zenit in Saas Fee.

Before Christmas you will train towards your level 1 and finalize your exam, so you can shadow and/or work in the busy Christmas and New Year holiday period. In January, we will continue the training towards level 2 until the high season kicks in from mid-February until the beginning of March, and again at Easter. Your training and experience will prepare you for the level 2 exam in March.

In short, we got your season covered, with many hours of instructor training, a season lift ticket, work opportunities, and paid accommodation, so you can shred until the end of April!

THE INSTRUCTOR LIFE

For good reason, Switzerland is one of the most desired ski destinations for both new and experienced ski instructors. Experienced skiers can try their luck on the FIS World Cup slope, on which numerous ski idols have already skied. For freeskiers, the winter sports area of Saas-Fee also offers plenty of exciting opportunities in the fun park with a large half-pipe and lots of kickers and rails. Saas Fee is internationally renowned, receiving guests from all over the world and you can feel that in daily life in the village with its international vibe.

As Switzerland is highly sought after and receives a significant amount of wealthy clients it’s one of the best places to learn from experienced instructors and kick start your ski instructor career. As a newly certified instructor, you typically receive between 20-27 CHF an hour, which is significantly higher than elsewhere. If you plan to make a career out of skiing this is the place to be!

During the season, you will be accommodated with fellow Snowminders. Instructors tend to hang out throughout the season and typically meet up at a few local spots in the resort whereby they explore the resort together on their days off.  

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM SNOWMINDS?

We’ve created a holistic winter experience from December to April, where you will become a certified ski instructor with the ability to work in Saas Fee. 

With this course package, you can look forward to the following benefits:

• A full winter in Saas Fee
• Shared season accommodation in Saas Fee from December to the end of April 2023
• Snowminds Teamleader during the entire season
• Season lift pass for the Saas Fee ski resort
• 150 intensive hours level 1+2 training program including video analysis and evening sessions
• Level 1+2 BASI exams including all fees, materials, and membership*
• Shadow and work opportunities
• Potential employment with ski school Ski Zenit during the season**
• Ski school orientation, preparing you for life as a certified ski instructor
• Social team events during the season
• Pro-deals at Snowminds Store
• Pre-season fitness program
• Online kick-off event prior to departure with group team building etc.
• Preparation guidance and tips regarding packing, insurance, visa, etc., before, during, and after the season
• Travel protection with Snowminds Money Back Guarantee

What is not included?

• Transportation to/from Saas Fee, Switzerland***
• Cancellation insurance, travel insurance, potential local taxes/registration/visa  fees
• All meals,  and anything else not mentioned above

As a Snowminds trademark, we take care of all the practicalities and coordinate with our professional partners in Switzerland to provide you with a life-long experience!

*First Aid certification is not included, however, we are happy to arrange a first aid course for you if are not already certified 

** Employment depends on successfully passing your exams, performance during training, language skills and based on business levels and demands from ski school. 

*** We are happy to assist with recommendations for booking airline tickets and airport transfers to your final destination. Please reach out to us ANYTIME if you are interested. 

Season Planning

Our Saas Fee level 1 and 2 instructor course is perfectly designed for those looking to take a gap year, a career break/change as well as those wanting professional training to improve their skiing and take it to the next level in some of the best and most varied terrains in the Alps.

• 01.12.2021 – Arrival, moving in, team building, etc.
• 03. – 13.12.2021 – Level 1 on and off snow training
• 14. – 18.12.2021 – BASI Level 1 Exam
• 20.12 – 02.1 2022 – Potential work/shadowing opportunities
• 03.01.-12.02.2022 – Training level 2 with day offs for free skiing
• 14. – 27.02.2022 – Possible work at Ski Zenit during High Season
• 28.2 – 04.03.2022 – Level 2 Half day training
• 05. – 06.03.2022 – Days off
• 07. – 18.03.2022 – BASI level 2 exam
• 19.03 – 03.04.2022 – Days off
• 04. – 17.04.2022 – Potential work opportunities
• 18. – 29.04.2022 – Days off
• 30.4.2022 – Move out of accommodation

The program is approximate based on last season and can be subject to changes. Please note that the Level 1 and 2 training programs consist of on-slope days, off-slope days, and off days. The exact planning is made in accordance with the weather conditions and ski school work schedules/buisness levels.

WHO CAN APPLY ?

At Snowminds we pride ourselves in selecting the right people for our team of ski- and snowboard instructors. We are renowned amongst the ski schools for educating competent, energetic and top motivated instructors.  The most important thing for you is to be positive, outgoing, adventurous, and ready to work hard to get the memory of a lifetime as a part of the Snowminds team.

What we expect from you:

• You feel comfortable skiing* on red slopes
• You are positive, outgoing, and adventurous
• You are serious, responsible, and top motivated
• You enjoy teaching and love being challenged  
• You speak English at a conversational level
• You are 18 years or above
• Eligible to enter and stay in Switzerland for duration of season

When you have sent your application, we will give you a call to discuss your course choice and hear more about why you want to become an instructor. You will then be invited to an interview where we will evaluate your candidacy. This also give you the opportunity to get more information about our courses and the experience as a ski instructor in Switzerland. After the interview, we will call you and let you know whether or not we can offer you a spot on our team.

We receive a lot of applications for our courses and the spots fill up quickly. Therefore we have a “first come, first serve” principle with an application deadline each month. This means that the earlier you apply, the greater your chances are of joining the team and getting a spot at your dream destination.

Further information about course dates and prices can be found below, where you can also hit the button to apply now.