Level 3/4 ski Instructor course in Verbier

Work and train as a ski instructor in Verbier

Take your ski career to the next level with over 150 hours of training for your Level 3 or 4 in Verbier. As the long-time host of the Freeride World Tour finals, Verbier has earned its reputation as one of the most exciting ski destinations in the world.

Through our season-long program, you’ll work and train in the heart of the iconic 4 Vallées, one of Switzerland’s largest and most diverse ski areas. Over the course of the season, you’ll receive comprehensive Level 3/4 training across 25 dedicated days, on and off-piste. Training sessions are led by experienced trainers and take place in small groups of no more than six participants, ensuring focused feedback and real progress. This is your chance to reach the next level, build a global network of friends, and make unforgettable memories. Whether you’re aiming to pass your Level 3 or already looking toward your Level 4, this program is designed to elevate your skills and open doors for the future.

Join us in Verbier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you’ll grow as a skier, work with fellow enthusiasts, and embrace the ultimate mountain lifestyle.

Meet the trainers

The Ski School Apex Verbier is a team of passionate ski instructors, with over 40 years of experience ski teaching in Verbier and the surrounding 4 Valleys area. You will be taught by Pete, Stan and Nick, who all began their careers with their own instructor training courses, and have spent many, many winters in Switzerland. They look forward to passing their experience on to you!

Pete has lived and worked in the ski industry in Verbier since 2011. Since 2015 he has run instructor training programs with a high success rate. Pete has since 2024 obtained his Swiss Snowsports Brevet Federal (Swiss Federal certificate), making him a highly certified and talented trainer.

Pete’s Qualifications:

• Swiss Snowsports Brevet Federal
• IASI level 4
• BASI level 3
• PSIE  Licensed professional trainer
• Technical director SSBS

Stan has been dedicated to the ski coaching industry for more than 30 years. From his first 5 years of passing all his PSIA certifications to his work as Head Development Team Coach at the Mission Ridge Ski Training Academy, as well as spending over 12 years on the Technical Team PSIA-NW. Stan has been in Switzerland since season 2010/11, and is looking forward to welcoming you to Verbier and helping you achieve your goals.

Stan’s Qualifications:

• Swiss Snowsports Brevet Federal
• PSIA Level 3 Alpine (with Children’s, Freestyle, Aging Skiers Accreditations)
• PSIA Telemark Level 2
• PSIA Snowboard Level 1
• Formerly Held: USSA Level 2 Coach – PSIA NW, Divisional Clinic Leader – PSIA NW, Examiner – PSIA NW Tech Team Member (ret.)

Nick began his journey as a ski instructor in 2015 when he did a gap year program where he was coached by Pete and Stan, completing both a level 1 and 2 that winter. From there he quickly completed the full NZSIA certification. Since 2019 he has been training level 1, 2 and 3 ski instructors towards their exams.

Nick’s Qualifications:

• NZSIA Full Certification
• IASI Level 3
• PSIE Licensed professional trainer
• SSBS Ski School Director

What do you get from Snowminds?

We’ve crafted a full winter experience from December to April that gives you the tools to train for your Level 3 or 4 certificate and work in Verbier or other Swiss resorts.

What is included in the Level 3/4 ski instructor course in Verbier:

• A full winter season in Verbier
• Season lift pass for Verbier and the 4 Vallées*
• 150 hours of level 3/4 focused training (20 days on slopes, 5 days off-piste)
• Small training groups with maximum 6 students
• Individual development plan for the Level 3 / 4 exam
• Possible job opportunities at a local ski school**
• CV feedback and ski school application guidance
• Orientation to prepare for working in Verbier
• On-slope tuition, ski tuning sessions, and goal-setting
• Pre-season fitness program

What you always get when traveling with Snowminds:

• Access to pro-deals at local shops and Snowminds Store
• Social events throughout the season
• Kick-off team-building event in September
• Support with packing, insurance, and visa preparation
• A strong community with fellow Snowminders
• 24-hour emergency phone during the course and season
• Invitation to Snowminds Reunion Party after your season ends
• A dedicated team to support you before, during, and after the winter season
• Snowminds Team Leader to support you during the course

What’s Not Included?

• Transportation to and from Verbier***
• Travel and cancellation insurance, visa fees
• Health insurance and tourist tax (as required)****
• Meals, accommodation***** and any items not specifically listed above

* A 300 CHF surcharge applies if you’re over 24 or sign up after November 20th.

** Employment is based on your performance, language abilities, and the ski school’s staffing needs.

*** We’re happy to assist with booking flights and airport transfers – just reach out.

**** Most work permits in Switzerland require mandatory health insurance (about 250 CHF/month). Non-workers may be charged a daily tourist tax (about 2.50 CHF/day). If you are interested in reading more about work in Switzerland as a foreigner, we refer to the official Swiss government website for official guidelines.

***** We are happy to assist with arranging seasonal accommodation, where you can live together with other Snowminds instructors. Let us know if you are interested! 

Who can apply?

At Snowminds, we carefully select the best candidates to join our instructor team. We’re known by ski schools for developing skilled, enthusiastic, and reliable instructors. If you’re positive, outgoing, and ready to work hard, we’d love to hear from you!

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 speak English at a conversational level (French skills are an advantage)
• You are 18 years or above
• You are eligible to enter and stay in Switzerland for the duration of the season

Once you submit your application, we’ll call you to learn about your background, motivation, and course preferences. You’ll then be invited for an interview where we assess your fit for the team and answer any questions you have. After the interview, we’ll call you with our decision. Due to high demand, we recommend applying early, due to that we operate on a “first come, first served” basis, with monthly application deadlines.

Further information about course dates and prices can be found below, where you can also hit the button to apply now.

Key Details about the course: