Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor Course in Europe
Live, train, and teach in Austria, Switzerland or Andorra with the BASI Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor Course.
- Official BASI Level 1 & 2 Certification included
- Guaranteed job placement after your training
- Full season experience with accommodation and support from start to finish
What You Get with the Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor Course in Europe
What You Get with the BASI Ski Instructor Course
BASI Certification in Europe’s Top Ski Destinations
Graduate with the official British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) Level 1 & 2 certifications – recognized worldwide. This qualification opens doors to teaching in Europe and beyond
Training and Level 1 Exam
Begin your season with intensive on-snow coaching from BASI-certified trainers. You’ll develop your technique and take the BASI Level 1 exam.
Full Season Support
Snowminds organizes your job placement, accommodation and on-site team leader support – so you can focus on skiing, teaching and enjoying your season.
How the BASI Instructor Course Works
From sign-up to your first lesson – here’s what the journey looks like.
Submit your application and join our kick-off event to meet the team and fellow instructors. We guide you through visa and travel preparations before departure.
Begin your season with intensive on-snow coaching from BASI-certified trainers. You’ll develop your technique and take the BASI Level 1 exam.
After passing Level 1, start teaching as a paid instructor while training for your Level 2 certification under the guidance of Snowminds coaches.
Finish your Level 2 exam and celebrate a season full of teaching, travel and lifetime memories in the Alps or Pyrenees.
destinations with Level 1 and 2 ski instructor courses in Europe
Ski intructor in Switzerland
Get your ski instructor certification in the beautiful Swiss Alps
Ski intructor in Andorra
Train to become a ski instructor in the heart of the Pyrenees
Ski intructor in Austria
Get your ski instructing certification in the birthplace of skiing
Life as a Ski Instructor in the Alps
Check out our 5 Star reviews on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook and learn more about Snowminds from our ski and snowboard instructors!
What our instructors say
Being able to pass on my joy of skiing to others is the absolute best part of being an instructor. Children's ability to learn is inspiring and they are my absolute favorite lessons!
If you ever wish to become a ski instructor, snowminds makes the journey a lot more easy and smooth for you. They have a lot of different options regarding both courses and countries, so you can chose what ever you’d like and be supported by snowminds the whole journey.
Amazing company/ friends! they will guide you through everything so good that you don’t have to worry too much. Amazing experience quickest weeks of my life!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 ski- and snowboard instructors. You definitely do not need to be an expert to become a ski instructor in Europe, and we encourage everyone with this dream to apply. 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? Take the ski instructor course in Europe
What we expect from you:
- You have skied or snowboarded a minimum of 3-4 weeks
- You are positive, outgoing and adventurous
- You are serious, responsible and top motivated
- You are good with kids, teens, and adults
- You enjoy teaching and love being challenged
- You speak English at a conversational level
- You are 18 years or above
- You are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa*
When you have sent your application, we will begin our recruitment process with you. Our team of instructors will first give you a call to hear if you have any questions, and then invite you for an online interview.
During the interview, we will evaluate your candidacy while you have the opportunity to get more information about our courses and the experience as an instructor in Europe
After the interview, we will call you and let you know whether or not we can offer you a spot on our team with a job placement for the winter season.
We have a big interest in 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 send in your application, the greater your chances are of joining the team and getting your dream destination.
*Eligibility for Working Holiday visa depends on different factors such as which passport you hold and your age. Ask us if you are unsure.
Paid job placement
The Snowminds job placement and how it works
The job placement means that you have security in traveling to Europe with a job as an instructor already arranged in a local snow school. You will already know at which destination you will spend your season at, before departure.
The job placement is naturally conditional on passing your ski or snowboard certification, which 99% of our students successfully pass. Even in the situation you do not pass, we still do everything we can to ensure you a job in the resort.
That way you enjoy your season like everyone else and then retake your certification when ready. We are proud to say we have always been able to find a job for 100% of our instructors after graduation from our training course.
Accommodation
The first three weeks of accommodation during the course are included at most European destinations.
After the training period, we help arrange season housing — often in shared apartments or staff accommodation with other Snowminds instructors.
The standard varies between resorts: some offer cozy dorm-style housing, while others have shared apartments or hostels.
It’s rarely luxurious, but it’s always practical and social. Keep an open mind — your housemates will likely become your winter family!
Salary expectations
Your salary depends on your destination, certification level, and ski school.
For example, Level 1 instructors in Spain typically earn around €16-18 per hour, while salary levels in Austria and Switzerland vary depending on experience, language skills, and the number of weekly teaching hours.
You’ll be employed directly by the ski school — not by Snowminds — and therefore your final pay and conditions are set by your employer.
Transport
Transport to Your Destination
Transport arrangements differ by country.
Flights are not always included in the European packages, so please check your specific course page for details.
If flights are not included, you are responsible for your travel to and from the destination.
Before the season starts, we’ll help coordinate arrival details and make sure you meet the other Snowminds instructors on your course.
Can I Visit Other Resorts?
Yes — most instructors travel to nearby resorts during quieter periods of the season.
In some cases, your ski school can help you get discounted lift passes for partner areas or organize group trips.
Distances in the Alps can be long, but many instructors arrange road trips or weekend visits with their new friends during the season.
Return Travel
If your course package includes a return flight, we’ll help arrange the return date based on your plans.
If not, you can easily book your own return travel.
When the season ends, many instructors choose to continue traveling or visit friends they’ve met through Snowminds — so your plans can stay flexible.
Language
All European courses are taught and examined in English, though in destinations like Spain, basic Spanish is helpful for working with local guests.
In Austria and Switzerland, being able to speak German or French can also increase your chances of getting extra teaching hours and better positions at the ski school.
Work permit
If you’re an EU or EEA citizen, you can generally work freely across European destinations.
If you’re from outside the EU, you may need a work visa or seasonal permit, depending on your nationality and destination.
Snowminds will guide you through the process and provide the necessary support documents from your ski school.
Ready to Start Your Instructor Journey?
Join our BASI Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor Course in Austria, Switzerland or Andorra and turn your love of skiing into a career. Snowminds will guide you from application to certification – and beyond.