Become a ski instructor in Saas Fee

If there is one place that is recognized for its magical mountains and skiing culture, it’s Switzerland. It’s no coincidence that skiers from all over the world have this unique Alpine country on the top of their bucket list, so 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.

We are really excited to launch this new 8 week level 1+2 IASI course this October, where you combine an intensive training program with shadowing opportunities in race camps on the Saas-Fee glacier before the winter even starts.

This experience is also offered for snowboarders. Check out this webpage for further information.

Pre-Season in Saas Fee

From the beginning of October and onwards, you will participate in our 8 weeks, fully English, IASI level 1+2 ski instructor course, which is designed to prepare you for work as an instructor in a ski school in Switzerland or elsewhere in the world. After completing your exams, shadowing will be possible through Ski Zenit race camps and also there would be work opportunities/ contacts as well as CV writing workshops. This is helpful to have, to give more work opportunities in the future.

As a part of the course, you will receive a lift pass, accommodation for 2 months, 195 hours of training, an outdoor first aid course, a pre-course fitness program, freestyle and mountain safety intro workshops, video analysis, and much more. In short; with comfort in our highly experienced trainers from Sommet et Neige and Ski Zenit, we guarantee that this will be your life’s most developing ski experience packed with high fives and fun!

Once you have finished and passed the program, you can call yourself an official Level 2 IASI ski instructor after only 2 months. Basic language skills in French, German and/or Dutch will be very helpful to give more work opportunities in the future.

THE INSTRUCTOR LIFE

Former Snowminders say it’s the best snow they’ve ever experienced compared to other areas due to the altitude! What is outstanding for our instructors was the genuine charm of the village, its relaxed but fun apres ski and its breathtaking mountain scenery. That’s what makes Saas-Fee a genuine all-round winter wonderland. Here in Saas Fee, experienced skiers can try their luck on the FIS World Cup slope, on which numerous ski champions also train on at this time a year. For freeskiers, the winter sports area of Saas Fee also offers plenty of exciting opportunities in the fun park with one of the largest half pipes on a glacier in Europe with lots of kickers and rails.

Enjoy a cozy fondue evening with your ski school team or experience the sunrise at 3,500 m above sea level, including early morning skiing with the whole bunch! These and many more winter experiences are waiting for you!

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM SNOWMINDS?

We’ve created a holistic experience from the beginning of October to the end of November, where you will become a level 1+2 certified ski instructor with the opportunity to work in Switzerland.

Benefits of the ski level 1+2 IASI course package:

Finishing your level 1+2 already before the season start
2 months shared accommodation in a chalet in Saas Fee (October 1st to November 27th, 2022)
Snowminds Team Leader during the course
Saas Fee lift pass for the duration of the course
Approx. 195 hours of ski training
Shadowing opportunities with race camps from Ski Zenit
Outdoor First Aid course
Level 1 and 2 IASI exams including all fees
1-year IASI membership
Freestyle and Mountain Safety training
Pre-course and throughout the course fitness program
Opportunity to interview and potentially work for partner ski schools after the course
CV and careers advice workshops
Pro-deals at resort-based partner shop and Snowminds Store
Ski school orientation, preparing you for life as a certified ski instructor
Social team events during the course
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

What is not included?

Transportation to/from Saas Fee, Switzerland**
Cancellation insurance, travel insurance, potential tourist tax and 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 that we are known for!

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

TRAVEL ITINERARY

Our Saas Fee level 1 and 2 8 week instructor course is perfectly designed for those looking for getting their level 1 and 2 certifications before the season actually starts and for those wanting professional training to improve their skiing and take it to the next level. You’ll get the chance to spend these 8 weeks in Saas Fee, one of the best and most varied terrains in the Alps. If you are not an EU passport holder or eligible to stay in Switzerland for long stays, this is the perfect course for you, keeping your stay under 90 days and still getting the full instructor experience!

Ski Level 1&2 IASI:

03.10. – 07.10.2022: Training including introduction, video analysis, and fitness session
10.10. – 14.10.2022: Training, fitness program, Teaching methodology & ski tuning workshop
17.10. – 21.10.2022: Continuation of weeks 1 & 2
24.10. – 29.10.2022: Level 1 IASI Exam Ski
31.10. – 06.11.2022: Training including Mountain Safety, Freestyle workshop, first aid course, and Ski tuning workshop
07.11. – 12.11.2022: Training including personal performance training, ski fitness
14.11. – 19.11.2022: Training including personal performance training with video analysis and ski fitness
22.11 – 27.11.2022: Level 2 IASI Exam Ski

*The Travel Itinerary 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 during those weeks.

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 the course

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.

Key Details About the Course

ACCOMMODATION

Located on the outskirts of Saas Fee, Chalet Viktoria is within a 10-minute walk of the village center, the local cable car station and a bus terminal. Chalet Viktoria has 4 balconies with garden and mountain views, 9 bedrooms and bathrooms, a large living room with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and an open fireplace.

The kitchen is very much like a small industrial kitchen and fine for cooking. The dining area next to the kitchen most of all reminds of a small hotel restaurant you can imagine from a hotel in a ski resort.

Be aware that Saas Fee is a traffic-free village. There are enough parking spaces available at the entrance to Saas Fee which however needs to be paid for.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AFTERWARDS

During the 2 months you can find out for yourself how it will go on for you after the course. Your trainer will help you to find out your strengths, what kind of instructor you want to be (for example Kids Camps or private lessons) and where you would like to teach.

Since the course takes place in cooperation with two major Swiss ski schools, you have plenty of options afterwards. Whether you want to work in Saas Fee, Nendaz or Verbier for the rest of the season, we can help you with that and also help you to organize accommodation.

However, a job can never be guaranteed by us and depends on your own motivation and appearance to the ski school.

As a newly certified instructor, you typically receive between 17-25 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. In addition to this there are often opportunities for bonuses, for example a guest may wish to extend their lesson with you as an instructor. However, remember, Switzerland can be expensive which is why we still recommend you to bring pocket money to have the freedom to fully enjoy your stay.

You can often expect a more high-end clientele in Switzerland which leads to higher expectations from your ski school. The amount of work and your payment therefore highly depends on your motivation, appearance and attitude and how you interact with your guests.

People and language skills can be more valued than your level of certification. As such, we highly recommend and want to encourage you to take our German and/ or French language course.