Train & Work in Verbier

It’s the mecca of Freeride. The absolute pinnacle when it comes to big mountain skiing. There is a good reason Verbier has hosted the final of the Freeride World Tour for more than the past decade! It combines some of the best skiing in the world, with a lively village and great nightlife. It’s an international vibe and it is not uncommon to run into a pro skier or two throughout the day. The fact that so many pro skiers choose Verbier as their home base, speaks for itself!

On our season-long program, you can combine training and work opportunities throughout the entire season on our English spoken level 3 ski instructor training program in Verbier. You will have direct access to 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 terrains in the world.

A winter in the 4 Vallées

The train and work program is designed for level 2 candidates in any system to prepare you for attempting the level 3 exam in the future. The training is run in low season weeks to maximize the quieter periods in the resort. In the high season weeks, you will have work opportunities with possible employment at a local ski school in Verbier. 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 arranged accommodation for the entire winter, with the first month paid, 170 hours of level 3 focused training and much more in Verbier. With comfort in our highly experienced trainers, 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. As an already 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 a group of fellow Snowminders in a shared house with kitchen facilities in either Verbier or Le Châble which is only one gondola ride away. These resorts are some of the busiest villages in Switzerland with a great international 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 Verbier and other resorts. The group will consist of up to 9 people.

Benefits of the level 3 ski training course package:

• A full winter season in Verbier
• 5 months shared accommodation in the village of Verbier or Le Chable with first month paid*
• Arranged season lift pass for Verbier and 4 Valleys**
• Snowminds Team Leader during the entire season
• 170 hours of level 3 focused training during the entire season
• Preparing a plan for attempting the level 3 exam
• Working opportunities with possible employment at a local ski school during the season***
• Ski School orientation, preparing yourself for working at a new ski school and Verbier ski resort
• On slope tuition, mentor sessions, ski tuning sessions, individual goal setting & action plan
• Freestyle coaching and introduction to touring
• Possible training towards 2nd discipline (Snowboard, Telemark)
• Avalanche safety training
• Pre-season fitness program
• Pro-deals at resort-based partner shop and Snowminds Store
• Social team events during the season in Verbier
• Kick-off event in September 2022 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 Verbier, Switzerland****
• Cancellation insurance, travel insurance, and potential visa fees
• Any permit fees, health insurance or tourist tax
• 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!

*Snowminds offers arranged accommodation for the entire season, allowing you to avoid the hassle of finding it on your own and giving you the opportunity to live together with other Snowminders. The first month is included in the course package, and in most cases, you will be asked to pay the rent for the rest of the season before departure. The price for accommodation typically ranges between 800-1200 CHF per month. If you are interested in booking your own accommodation for the entire winter season, please contact us for a discounted course price.

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

***Employment depends on performance during training, language skills and is based on business levels and demands from ski school.

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

*****Most work permits in Switzerland require you to also pay for mandatory Swiss health insurance which must be paid in addition to the registration fee to be eligible to work. This varies depending on the canton, but is typically around 250 CHF a month for a full work permit. Sometimes there are options to pay a daily rate for days worked instead. If you are not on a work permit, and not working, then Switzerland requires you to pay a daily tourist tax instead. This is typically around 2.50 CHF a day, depending on your accommodation set up. If you are interested in reading more about work in Switzerland as a foreigner, we refer to the official Swiss government website.

Season planning

Our level 3 instructor training program in Verbier 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.

Your weekly schedule can vary a lot. Usually you’ll train for a 1-2 days a week during the more quiet periods of the season. For the rest of the days you can train for yourself or get some rest. After skiing activities include theory lessons, fitness sessions or game nights. During peak weeks you can expect to get work opportunities at a local ski school in Verbier while the 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. Sounds like you? Then train for your level 3 and spend a season in Verbier!

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 is a big advantage in Verbier
• You are 18 years or above
• Eligible to enter and stay in Switzerland for the duration of the 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.