Train & Work in Nendaz

If there is one place that is recognized for its magical mountains and skiing culture, it would be Switzerland. It’s no coincidence that skiers from all over the world have this unique Alp country on the top of their bucket list and now you have the chance to make this your winter-wonderland on a full season in Nendaz!

We are proud to present a unique winter season, where you combine work and play throughout the entire season on our English spoken level 3 ski instructor training program in Haute-Nendaz. You will live in Nendaz, which lays right in the heart of the world-renowned 4 Vallées ski resort, one of Switzerland’s biggest ski resorts offering some of the best and most varied terrain in the world.

A WINTER IN LES 4 VALLÉES

The train and work programme is designed for level 2 candidates in any system to train towards their level 3 exams and ISIA stamp modules. The training is run in low season weeks to maximise the quieter periods in the resort. In the high season weeks, you will work with European Snowsport Ski school in Nendaz, however, there may also be opportunities to work with other partner schools in Verbier, Zermatt or elsewhere. You will be given a working contract for the season with an hourly wage of approximately 20chf per hour. Working hours for the season range from 40 – 100 hours depending on business level, snow and weather conditions and your personal performance.

As a part of the course, you will receive a full season lift pass, arranged accommodation for the entire winter and around 180 hours of training and much more. With comfort in our highly experienced trainers from Sommet et Neige, we guarantee that this will be your life’s most developing ski experience packed with high fives and fun!

Since the training will mostly be during the more quiet period, you can expect job opportunities during Christmas and/or New Year’s, the February half term and Easter holidays. Basic language skills in French, German and/or Dutch will be very helpful to give more opportunity for work during the high seasons.

The instructor life

For good reason, Switzerland is one of the most desired ski destinations for both new and experienced ski instructors. The Swiss Alps offer some of the best skiing in the world, both on the slope, and off-piste. This is specifically evident in the 4 Vallées ski resort, which is known for its amazing off-piste terrain. It is not a coincidence that it has hosted the Freeride World Tour finals for years! 

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 certified instructor with some work experience, 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 can choose to be accommodated with fellow Snowminders in shared 6-person apartments with kitchen facilities in the village of Nendaz. Nendaz is a lively ski village with a great ski instructor community. The instructors typically meet up at a few local spots in the resort and on days off there are often a few of them exploring the resort together. 

What do you get from Snowminds?

We’ve created a holistic winter experience from December to April, where you will train towards your level 3 certificate with the opportunity to work in Nendaz and other resorts.

Benefits of the level 3 ski training course package:

• A full winter season in Nendaz
• 5 months shared accommodation in the village of Nendaz *
• Arranged season lift pass for the 4 Valleys **
• Snowminds Team Leader during the entire season
• Approx. 180 hours of ski training
• Employment at a local ski school with work in e.g. Nendaz, Verbier and Zermatt during the season
• Technical and theoretical training towards ISIA stamp modules
• Pre-season fitness program
• Freestyle coaching, introduction to touring, and ski tuning clinics
• Opportunity for introduction to either snowboarding or telemark
• Avalanche safety training
• Pro-deals at resort-based partner shop and Snowminds Store
• Social team events during the season in Nendaz
• Kick-off event in September 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 Nendaz, Switzerland***
• Cancellation & travel insurance and any permit fees, health insurance or tourist tax
• Level 3 ski instructor exam and optional First Aid course**** (from 120chf)
• 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 organise seasonal accommodation in Nendaz close to the lift, which you share with 5 other instructors. If you want to arrange accommodation yourself, please contact us and we’ll adjust the price.

** There is a 300 CHF surcharge on the lift ticket for people that are 24 years or older (for people born in 1999 and older) and/ or a 300 CHF surcharge for people signed up later than November 20th 2023. 

***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 Nendaz level 3 instructor training program 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 the 4 Vallées, some of the best and most varied terrain in the Alps. 

Below is an example of how the season could look like:

December

• Resort orientation
• Early season getting ski legs back 
• Fitness sessions 
• Teaching prep/ skier analysis sessions
• Ski performance training
• Video analysis

Christmas & New Year’s 

• Work in Verbier or Zermatt (including 2-3 days orientation training)

January – Mid February

• Personal performance training with video analysis
• Ski fitness & stretch sessions
• CV workshop and careers advice
• Intro to mountain safety workshop
• Intro to freestyle workshop
• Teaching practice and progressions

Mid February – End of February

• Work in Verbier or Zermatt

March 

• Personal performance training with video analysis
• Ski fitness & stretch sessions
• Ski tuning workshop

End of March – Early April 

• Work in Verbier or Zermatt

The training will be held in Nendaz. Work opportunities will be at partner ski schools ES in either Verbier or Zermatt. While there, you will receive a package with the following included; 400 chf per week, lift pass and shared accommodation. 

*The working schedule depends on business levels, weather and snow conditions.

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 have obtained your level 2 or higher qualification in any organisation
• You are positive, outgoing, and adventurous
• You are serious, responsible, and top motivated
• You enjoy teaching and love being challenged
• You are driven to become a higher qualified instructor
• You speak English at a conversational level
• French speaking a big advantage in Nendaz
• 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 your motivation and skiing background. 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.