Hannah’s season as a ski instructor in Austria was worth the wait. Read about her season 5 years in the making here.
The cold, fresh wind blowing in through the balcony door of my hotel room in Kaprun, Austria, reminds me in a way that I have made it. 5 years of waiting and a childhood of wondering if I could somehow make skiing a day-to-day job, and I am finally here. My body aches from the week of training we’ve already had, and the idea of a day filled with short turns training is tiring to think about, but it’s a reminder of my dreamy reality. I get up, go to breakfast, put on my ski gear, and spend the day skiing in one of the most beautiful places on earth, high up among the mountains, nearly reaching the sky. It’s quite hard to wrap my head around, considering how long it’s taken to get here.
In the final stages of finishing school in 2020, I applied to Snowminds with the intention of pursuing my dreams of independence and skiing combined. Instead, I was met with the COVID-19 pandemic and a firm no-fly rule, which promptly ended those dreams.
So instead of wallowing for too much longer (because believe me, I wallowed), I worked in restaurants, cafés, kitchens and eventually at University for 4 years. Living in Edinburgh became the dream at the time, and I finally got to live that dream. But in the back of my mind was the constant reminder of my 17-year-old self, yearning for the ski lifestyle on the slopes, in the mountains and having the chance to do the dream job of ski instructing every day.
But maybe I was setting my expectations too high?
Although that was how I remembered it growing up and learning at the later age of 12, skiing became my favourite activity. From holidays around Christmas in Schladming and Sölden to the one-off family trips to Zermatt and skiing in the shadow of the Matterhorn, I knew this was something that I was meant to pursue.
I learned to get over the out-of-place feeling of beginning skiing as a teenager and not feeling ashamed of it. I learned that skiing wasn’t just a sport but an activity that binds people together and truly inspires confidence in all who choose to do it. I learned to trust my instincts, find my courage in the midst of my fear of falling and steep slopes, and instead embrace the incline and welcome the adrenaline it gave. I learned that it brought me closer to my family and the part of me that loved the people and culture of the ski resort towns that welcome visitors each year.
Skiing played a role in my choosing to study Geography as my degree since being surrounded by so many mountains and learning their formations helped me see beyond the peaks and what the landscape means to people.
Now I see a culture founded on a mountainside, built on the skills and knowledge of people who were at one with nature and who endeavoured to find a way to move through it, but to remain surrounded by its effortless jagged ridges, snowcapped peaks and tree-lined sides.
So, I finished University and knew there was only one way forward. To reapply.
In January of 2025, I applied to Snowminds once again and was gladly accepted to the 2025/2026 season in Austria.
In the depths of writing my dissertation, the thought of what came next in the winter season kept me going. However, as soon as my graduation rolled around and I began telling people what I was planning on doing next, I was met with a mixed set of responses. Some told me they were beyond excited for me and couldn’t wait to see where I ended up; others wondered if I was ever going to find a more ‘serious’ career.
I decided a long time ago, after watching the other people in my life, that I would refuse to do a job that didn’t make me happy. And what better job than one involving an activity in the mountains that held some of my fondest childhood memories? Although now, I could have the chance to give others those fond memories too.
So here I am.
One week into my three-week Austrian Anwärter Ski Instructor course, and my legs hurt.
Of course, I expected them to, so I only say it as a way to remind myself that the hard-earned muscle pain is a true sign that I am here.
That after 5 years, I have the privilege of being tired after an entire day of ski training in one of the most beautiful mountain regions on earth, on white snow and can come back to a hotel for a warm meal with a balcony view of the mountains and a soft bed to lie in at the end of the day. I am also lucky to be surrounded by the loveliest collection of instructors, team leaders and fellow instructors-to-be that make each day an adventure I could only dream of.
One week in and I am loving every second, even the muscle pain. And I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Ready for a winter just like Hannah?
If you’re thinking about doing something different this year, why not make it epic? Apply now to become a ski instructor with Snowminds. Spots for the winter are filling fast – don’t miss out!
If you have any questions, feel free to call us at
UK +44 203 996 0913
AU: +61 261 885 653