Ski instructor course in Saas Fee with Swiss Ski School Saas Fee
Embark on a ski instructor course in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, and train in one of the Alps’ most snow-sure and scenic resorts. Surrounded by towering 4,000m peaks and glacier terrain, Saas-Fee offers a unique high-altitude experience with excellent conditions throughout the season. Known for its car-free village charm and breathtaking alpine views, Saas-Fee blends traditional Swiss atmosphere with world-class skiing – an ideal environment to kickstart your journey as a ski instructor.
We’re proud to offer a 3-week Level 1 ski instructor course in partnership with the renowned Schweizer Skischule Saas-Fee (the local Swiss ski school!). As part of your ski instructor course in Saas-Fee, you’ll train with experienced professionals to earn the Swiss Kids Instructor Level 1 certification (delivered in German). Once certified, you’ll jump in the iconic red uniform, ready to bring your passion for skiing to the next generation. Los geht’s!
We also offer a similar course with ESS in Verbier, where the course is in French! Check out the level 1 in Verbier here!
The ski instructor course and season in Saas-Fee
Starting in start December, you’ll begin your 3-week ski instructor course in Saas-Fee – a comprehensive training program designed to prepare you for life as an instructor with the local Schweizer Skischule Saas-Fee. The course is delivered in German, ensuring clear instruction while immersing you in a German-speaking resort environment.
Together with a group of other motivated Snowminders, you will arrive at the end of November, settle into your seasonal accommodation, get your season lift pass, and begin training to pass your Level 1 certification before Christmas. This enables you to shadow and/or work during the bustling Christmas and New Year holiday periods. The course presents a unique opportunity to gain the Swiss Kids Instructor Level 1 ski instructor certification and to significantly enhance your German language skills while working in a Swiss ski school during a full season in Saas-Fee.
In short, we have your season in the legendary glacier-resort sorted, offering everything from training, shadowing, and work. You will have the chance to join the unique Swiss Ski School Saas Fee community and explore every part of the resort until the season’s end in April/May!
Life as a ski instructor in Saas-Fee
Embarking on a ski instructor course in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, is more than just a step into the professional world of skiing – it’s a season filled with growth, connection, and unforgettable alpine moments. Set against the stunning backdrop of glacial peaks and towering mountains, Saas-Fee offers a unique blend of traditional Swiss charm and reliable snow conditions, making it an inspiring setting to work, play, and learn.
The Schweizer Skischule Saas-Fee will be your professional base throughout the season. Known for its high standards and strong team spirit, the ski school provides a supportive and welcoming environment where new instructors are encouraged to develop both personally and professionally. While the training is focused and rewarding, there’s always time to relax, enjoy the village vibe, and build lifelong friendships with fellow Snowminders and colleagues.
By the time spring arrives, you’ll have completed your ski instructor course in Saas-Fee, earned your Swiss Kids Instructor Level 1 certification, and gained experience that will open doors for future seasons around the world. More than that, you’ll leave with memories of powder-filled mornings, cozy evenings, and a real sense of belonging in the mountains. A season in Saas-Fee is about embracing the full alpine lifestyle – building skills, discovering new perspectives, and carving out your future on and off the slopes.
We also run a level 1 + 2 course in Saas-Fee that’s focused on leveling up your certifications and taking your skiing to the next level. Check the training focused level 1 + 2 course out here!
Pictures from the destination
What is included in the ski instructor course in Saas-Fee?
In summary, we’ve got your epic season in the iconic glacier-resort planned out, encompassing comprehensive training, shadowing, and work opportunities. Here is the details for what we have included for you:
- A 3-week ski instructor course in Saas-Fee including a job as a ski instructor with Swiss Ski School Saas Fee
- 5 months of shared accommodation organized with the first month included*
- Season lift pass Saas-Fee ski resort, which is also valid in over a 100 other ski areas around Switzerland
- 10 days of German ski training as preparation for the Swiss Snowsports Kids Instructor course (Level 1)
- 5 days on the German-spoken Swiss Snowsports Kids Instructor course including all fees, materials, and membership
- A ski instructor job at the local Swiss ski school, Schweizer Skischule Saas-Fee**
- Ski school orientation, preparing you for the life as a ski instructor
- Snowminds Team leader and social events during the course and season
- Pro-deals at Snowminds Store
- Pre-season fitness program
- Kick-off event prior to departure with team building etc.
- Guidance to packing, insurance, visa, etc., before, during, and after the season
- Invitation to Snowminds Reunion after the winter season
- 24 hour emergency phone during the course and season
- Travel protection with Snowminds Money Back Guarantee
What is not included?
- Transportation to and from Saas-Fee, Switzerland***
- Housing deposit and rent for the full seasonal accommodation (paid 1 month before departure)*
- Cancellation insurance, travel insurance, potential visa fees, and local fees and taxes****
- Equipment, meals and anything else not mentioned above
*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.
**Employment at Swiss Ski School Saas Fee depends on successfully passing your interviews and exams, and your performance during training, professionalism, and German language skills.
*** We are happy to assist with recommendations for booking transport to Saas-Fee. Please reach out to us ANYTIME 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.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Our 3-week level 1 ski instructor course in Saas-Fee is perfectly designed for those looking to take a gap year, career break, or change in life, as well as those wanting the opportunity to develop as a ski instructor in Saas-Fee in the Swiss Alps.
Below is an outline of our ski instructor training program with Swiss Ski School Saas Fee in Saas-Fee, and how it typically could look:
- 21.11: Arrival in Saas-Fee
- 22.11: Orientation in Saas-Fee, meeting the ski school + welcome dinner
- 23.11 – 27.11: Training with Swiss Ski School Saas Fee (in German)
- 28.11 – 29.11: Days off
- 30.11 – 4.12: Training with Swiss Ski School Saas Fee (in German)
- 5.12 – 6.12: Days off
- 7.12 – 11.12: Swiss Snowsports Kids Instructor course in German
- 12.12 – 13.12: Introduction to Swiss Ski School Saas Fee
- 14.12 to end of April: Shadow, training or work opportunities at the ski school
The program is approximate and can be subject to changes. The exact planning is made in accordance with the weather conditions during those weeks.
Application requirements
At Snowminds, we take pride in recruiting individuals with the right blend of skills and spirit to join our team of ski and snowboard instructors. The key to joining our ranks is a positive attitude, an outgoing personality, a sense of adventure, and a readiness to put in extra effort. With these qualities, you’re set to create unforgettable memories as a part of the Snowminds family.
To apply for this program you should:
- Feel comfortable skiing parallel on red slopes
- Speak fluent English and have experience with German*
- Have a passion to work with kids and teens
- Be positive, responsible, and professional
- Enjoy teaching and love to be challenged
- Be 18 years or above
- Be eligible and prepared to enter and work in Switzerland from the end of November until the end of April
To secure your spot in our ski instructor course in Saas-Fee, please contact us or submit your application promptly. Subsequently, we will give you a call and schedule an interview to assess your suitability for the course, providing an opportunity for us to further cover the details about the Saas-Fee course and life as a ski instructor in Switzerland. Post-interview, we’ll communicate whether you’ve secured a position on our esteemed team.
Given the popularity of our ski instructor course in Saas-Fee, we adopt a “first come, first serve” approach with periodic application deadlines each month. Hence, the sooner you apply, the higher your odds of joining our team and marking Saas-Fee as your dream destination.
*To improve your German language skills before the course we highly recommend our online, tailor-made German course, which prepares you step-by-step for a season as a ski instructor in the Swiss Alps no matter which level you are currently at.
"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!"
- Miriam, Snowminds Instructor
Key Details About the Course
JOB EXPECTATIONS
As your prospective employer, the ski school, not Snowminds, independently sets your work schedule, compensation, and other employment conditions. Consequently, your employment relationship is direct with the ski school, and we can’t guarantee specific conditions such as a minimum number of work hours. However, should you have any queries or concerns, we are always available to provide assistance.
As a fresh ski instructor, your primary responsibilities will involve supervising large groups of children, at times up to ten. This role can be challenging, requiring specific skills that you will acquire during your training. Working in this setting equips you with unique skills, such as class and time management as well as problem-solving.
Swiss Ski School Saas Fee anticipates that you bring a foundational knowledge of German to the course. We highly recommend our Snowminds online German course prior to departure.
WORKING HOURS
As a newly-educated instructor, one is typically on the “bottom of the food chain” regarding work. In other words, the more experienced instructors get first preference, but the more you show your passion and desire to work hard, the better. We highly recommend making the most of the busier peak periods in the ski school by showing your supervisors you are motivated to teach as many lessons as you can.
The busiest periods during the peak season are Christmas & New Year, February, and in some resorts Easter. It is common that you are booked for hours according to your language skills, social skills, and people skills. There are always opportunities to shadow lessons before teaching your first which can be a great way to show your enthusiasm and motivation to your ski school.
LANGUAGES
Our ski school partner prefers ski instructor candidates that can speak some German prior to arrival, and knowing some basic German can greatly improve your local experience. Language skills may be more valuable as the level of certification and some resorts even offer an hourly wage increase for every additional language you speak!
The more you practice the language spoken in your destination country before departure the better. This will help your integration and in general provide you with a better experience. We recommend using Duolingo to practice and ideally, we recommend taking a language course.
Our team has jointly done more than 25 seasons across the world and we know better than anyone what it is like to start working with a new language for the first time. Whilst it may seem confusing at first, we know that it is more than possible to pick up with a bit of practice. Other than normal language courses, the Snowlingo courses specifically focus on what you actually need when working as a ski or snowboard instructor. On our website, you can read more about it. Snowminds online German course
SALARY
In terms of financial expectations, let’s be clear: You do not get rich as a ski instructor, but the salary doesn’t get much better than in Switzerland!
With the Swiss Snowsports Kids Instructor certification in your hands, you should expect to earn around 27 CHF an hour at Swiss Ski School Saas Fee. If you obtain a higher certification this will improve.
As the volume of work can fluctuate, we advise having at least 2000 CHF in reserve to fully enjoy your season. The earnings and expenditures of our instructors differ significantly due to their diverse spending habits and personal budgets.
Additionally, there are occasional chances to augment your work hours within the resort during the winter season. These opportunities may arise in various mountain departments, such as ski equipment shops, recreational activities, and guest services.
ACCOMMODATION
In Saas Fee, the first month of accommodation during the course is included. You can decide whether you want to have the accommodation arranged by Snowminds for the rest of the season.
Many ski schools in Switzerland do not include accommodation in the work contracts as they often work with a lot of local staff. Therefore, we work together with the ski schools to arrange good and fitting housing for you. You’ll be in shared accommodation with (mostly) other Snowminds Instructors in a fantastic community.
Housing contract
The rent won’t be deducted from your salary but paid separately. Since housing is secured for the full season a signed housing contract and full payment will be required before departure. Rent varies, but typically lies between 800-1200 Swiss francs a month.
Housing Deposit
A deposit should be paid to cover potential damages, missing items, cleaning, washing of bed linens, towels, and/or anything else that the landlord will have claims to after the lease. The remaining amount will be transferred back to you electronically after the season by Snowminds.
Working permit
To stay and work in Switzerland for the winter season you need to be an EU or EFTA citizen. (EFTA which consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it is part of the EFTA and thus grants freedom of movement to those from EU/EFTA countries.
Nevertheless, you have to get a work permit while in Switzerland, before you start working at a ski school. Your ski school and your team leader will help you and advise you on the most suitable permit, which varies depending on the amount of work per month.
Your ski school will help you with paying the relevant fees to the registration office.
Mandatory Swiss Health insurance / Tourist tax
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.
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 2.50-4.50 CHF a day, depending on your accommodation setup.
If you are interested in reading more about work in Switzerland as a foreigner, we refer to the official Swiss government website.
What our instructors say
Price
3-week ski instructor course in Saas-Fee with Swiss Ski School Saas Fee
from €5.395
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
End of November to end of AprilAlternative or supplementing experiences
Season with Level 1+2 ski instructor course in Saas-Fee
Become a certified instructor in "The Pearl of the Alps"
December - April
Job placement
Season and 3-week ski instructor course in Verbier
Get your Level 1 certification and work a winter with ESS Verbier!
November - April
Job placement
Online German Language Course
Improve and develop your German before departure
all year