Why Lofer Might Become Your Dream Destination
Perhaps this is the first time you’ve come across the Austrian gem, Lofer. To help you get a better understanding, we’ve teamed up with Ida, who once felt the same way. Ida, 25, has spent the last six winters working as a ski instructor at the renowned Skischule Herbst in Lofer. Who better to tell you about this hidden treasure and what a season as a ski instructor in Lofer can offer?
When I first headed to Lofer during my gap year, it wasn’t exactly a conscious choice. After applying to be a ski instructor, I was matched with Lofer based on my preferences. Initially, it wasn’t love at first sight—I was quite skeptical. Lofer is a small town, a family destination, with few young holiday-goers and a smaller ski area. But, as I returned year after year for six winters, my initial impression was completely overturned. Not only were many of my assumptions about Lofer wrong, but I also didn’t know what truly mattered when choosing the best place for a ski season. Here are all the reasons why Lofer has become my—along with many other ski instructors’—dream destination and second home.
Few but Great Slopes
As mentioned, Lofer is a smaller ski area, but that comes with its perks. First, it means that both on and off the clock, you’ll always run into friends and colleagues on the slopes. It creates an amazing vibe on the mountain, where everyone greets each other from the lift or as they ski by. You’ll also always have someone nearby in case you need help during a tricky situation at work, which is a huge plus.
Second, Lofer’s slopes are top-notch. We have runs for all levels of skiers in great quality. That’s why Lofer is a destination for several national teams that train here every year, and it has a strong local ski club community. The smaller size also means you get to know the mountain staff really well, and trust me, it’s great to have a good relationship with the lift operators and staff at the restaurants and bars. You’ll definitely need their help at some point!
And here’s a fun fact: Lofer actually has some amazing off-piste opportunities, many accessible from the lifts without long hikes. It’s awesome, and you can definitely challenge yourself with big drops and tree runs!
Perfect-Sized Ski School
Lofer is a family destination, which might sound boring if you’re young and want a lively season. But it’s actually perfect. Families mean lots of people wanting ski lessons. Herbst is a relatively large ski school, despite the area’s size. In my opinion, with around 20-30 permanent instructors and up to 60-70 during peak season, the size is just right. Everyone knows everyone, providing a sense of security at work, while still offering plenty of opportunities to meet new people throughout the season, so it never gets dull.
Additionally, the size of the ski school means our bosses know us personally. The Herbst family, who owns the ski school, puts a lot of effort into getting to know each of their employees. They are incredibly kind and caring, and you can always rely on their support, whether it’s work-related or if you’re feeling homesick.
They truly mean it when they say we’re one big ski family at Herbst. This is evident in many ways, like the birthday greetings you’ll receive even years after your season ends. They’re always there for you, even in tough times. One year, an instructor got sick during the holidays, and Georg, one of the school’s owners, spent Christmas Eve at the hospital with her so she wouldn’t be alone.
Great Conditions
Before my first season, I hadn’t really thought about the basic conditions like accommodation, pay, and working hours—but Lofer truly delivers in these areas. After hearing from friends who’ve worked as instructors around the world, I’ve yet to meet anyone who has it as good as we do! It doesn’t mean we live in luxury or make tons of money—that’s just not the reality of being a ski instructor. But it does mean you don’t have to worry about overworking, paying rent, or having decent living conditions. When these basics are sorted, it’s easier to focus on enjoying your season!
Experiences, Traditions, and Trips
Many of the things I’ve mentioned make Lofer’s instructors return year after year. I’m just one of many who’ve worked multiple seasons in Lofer, and I think that speaks volumes about how great it is. It also means there are long-standing traditions, and as a newcomer, you won’t be starting from scratch.
Just to name a few: there are themed days like “Super Sunday,” “Turbo Tuesday,” and “Touring Thursday.” We also have our weekly ski show, which is often the highlight of the week. Then there are various traditions for Carnival, Valentine’s Day, and plenty of both serious and fun ski races. The sense of community in Lofer is incredible, not just among instructors, who mainly come from Denmark and the Netherlands, but also between the instructors and the locals. Many of us end up becoming good friends with the locals, which certainly has its advantages.
Lofer is also a great base for trips. There are buses to many awesome places, and the ski school is usually happy to lend you their minibus for trips. I’ve been to the Hahnenkammrennen in Kitzbühel, shopping in Salzburg, and on ski trips to Zell am See, Kitzsteinhorn, and Saalbach—all within about an hour’s drive. So, you’re never far from those you trained with.
A Place for Everyone
As you’ve probably gathered, Lofer holds a special place in my heart, and I know it will for you too if you choose to spend your season here. In Lofer, you’ll have the opportunity to build your “second home” abroad. It just requires a bit of effort, but I guarantee it will be worth it. Whether you’re here to party without serious skiing ambitions, just want to learn to do a backflip, want to work with kids, or are the ambitious skier eager to improve, Lofer has a place for you. There’s a tradition of further training and advancing beyond the Anwärter qualification, which I’ve done myself.
I could go on forever about everything that makes Lofer the best place for a season, but maybe you should experience it for yourself. I look forward to meeting those who end up in Lofer for a season—over a beer, a game of nails, and other fantastic experiences. And don’t be surprised if I’m there for a few weeks again this winter!
Ciao dabei! <3
Lofer has undoubtedly captured a huge place in Ida’s heart. From the tight-knit community and personal connections with colleagues and locals to the incredible slopes and unique experiences, Lofer has it all. It’s a place where you can improve your skills, create unforgettable memories, and become part of an international ski family. If you want to join Ida and the Herbst ski school family, now is your chance to start a new winter tradition as a ski instructor in Lofer. We’ll help you get your instructor certification and ensure you have an amazing experience in the heart of the Alps. All you have to do is sign up here, and together, we’ll make your ski season dreams come true!