Grab a season as an instructor in Austria
Austria is the country where it all began. The country that opened the worlds first ski school – the country with the best and biggest aprésski environment – and the country with the most ski areas. No matter where you go as an experienced ski instructor in austria for a season, it will guaranteed be an experience you will never forget.
Here in Snowminds it was also in Austria that it all started back in 2012 and our founders Christoffer and Ottar has worked and skied in Austria for more than 15 years! We know the country, the destinations and the people inside and out and therefore we know exactly what it takes for your season in Austria to live up to your expectations. So if you are already a qualified ski or snowboard instructor, then we are here to arrange a season for you as an experienced ski instructor in austria!
"I got my qualification in Austria when I was 17 and I never got tired of going back. It has become more than a ski destination, it has become my second home. "
- Thijs, Snowminds course manager in Austria
A season in Austria
For a lot of skiers and snowboarders Austria is the most iconic snow sports country and if you look outside Europe etc our partners in Canada, even they dream about one day getting to experience the ski culture here. We don’t blame them, with good snow, high mountains, wiener-schnitzels and aprésski it is guaranteed to get an experience for life.
Working as a ski or snowboard instructor in Austria, you will quickly figure out that the peak season typically lies at Christmas, New years, February and Easter. Therefor we have the opportunity to give you a season that fits your needs, either in a full season or in a shorter period. You can also choose to further qualify yourself during the season by for example joining our Landes course(Level 2 in Austria) in November or April. The opportunities are endless and our experienced staff will help you tailor make you trip, so you get the best possible winter season with Snowminds in Austria.
What’s included?
This experience is for you who already hold a qualification as a ski or snowboard instructor and ideally has teaching experience. No matter what qualification you hold we will arrange your winter season and help you with finding a job in an Austrian ski school, accommodation, lift pass, uniform and everything else you need. We can also help you order transport to Austria, arrange further education during the winter or advise you in the opportunities to travel around after your season.
This experience includes:
- A winter season as an instructor with a JOB GUARANTEE at a local Austrian ski school.
- Arranged accommodation, lift pass and uniform during the season*
- A salary on approx. 10-12 euro an hour + possible bonus depending on qualification
- A work insurance and a minimum of 1 day off a week*
- Help choosing insurances and other practical formalities
- Kick-off event in London or online before departure
- An opportunity to purchase equipment with a large discount from some of the best brands.
- One year free membership in the Snowminds Social Club.
- A unique community with friends for life
- A complete experience where everything is arranged for you
- A passionate team that supports you ALL THE WAY!
Furthermore, we can help you with:
- Transport to and from Austria
- Participation in our courses in Austria, like our Landes Camp
- Our 10 week online German Course.
What is not included?
- Transport to and from Austria
- Cancellation insurance and travel insurance
- Possible expenses for accommodation, lift pass and uniform during the season
- Anything else not mentioned above
*Final employment terms will be determined and send by the ski school. Further payment for accommodation, lift pass etc can be expected as a part of your salary.
Recommendation: Check out our 5 Star Facebook reviews and learn more about Snowminds from our ski and snowboard instructors!
WHO CAN APPLY?
Here at Snowminds, we take pride in choosing the right people to become part of our team of experienced ski and snowboard instructors. We are renowned amongst the ski schools for educating and recruiting competent, energetic and top motivated ski- and snowboard instructors.
What we expect from you:
- You have completed a course with Snowminds previously or have minimum a level 1 instructor certification (i.e. CSIA, NZSIA, Anwärter or similar)
- Minimum one season of teaching experience*
- 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 (and preferably German) at a conversational level**
- Hold an EU passport or able to apply for a working holiday visa
When you have submitted your application we will invite you to an interview, here we will advise you about your opportunities and evaluate whether or not we can offer you a spot on the team. Should you be among the lucky ones, the next step will be a personal job interview with our partner ski school.
There is great interest in this experience and therefore available positions fill-up quickly. Therefore, we operate on a “first come – first served” principle, where we have an application deadline every month. This means the earlier you apply, the greater your chances are to join the team and get a job at your dream destination.
ATTENTION. If you wish to become a qualified ski or snowboard instructor so you can work in Austria then read all about this on this page: Become a qualified instructor in Austria with Snowminds
*If you don’t have any teaching experience, please reach out to us and we will do our best to help you.
**Want to learn German before your winter season? We have a tailor-made German course which prepares you step-by-step for a season as ski or snowboard instructor in the Austrian Alps – no matter what you level you are at!
Work Hours
Work hours typically increase during peak holiday periods, such as European holiday weeks. The busiest times are usually December, February, the first week of March, and the Easter period. Expect to work more during these months, while January and March offer more free time for skiing and personal training.
In Austria, you’ll usually have one day off per week, typically on Saturdays. A typical workday starts around 9:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm, though this can vary depending on whether you’re teaching group lessons or private lessons. Some skischools pay hourly, while others offer a monthly salary. Details about pay and other specifics will be provided by your skischool.
Regarding financial expectations, let’s be clear: you won’t get rich as an instructor. We recommend having at least €1500 in savings to fully enjoy the season. Earnings and spending can vary greatly depending on personal habits and budgets.
Contract and season length
You will always be employed directly by the ski school, not by Snowminds. This means that your working agreement, including salary, working hours, and housing, is arranged between you and the ski school.
Typically, your ski school will provide you with a contract upon arrival at the resort (although this is not always the case). It is your responsibility to request the contract when you arrive, as different ski schools have their own procedures. Be sure to read the contract thoroughly and ask the school if anything is unclear.
Your employment and salary will begin on your first working day, which is usually when your first guests arrive, and you start teaching. There is no work before the guests arrive, so your employment starts typically in the days leading up to Christmas. Your wages will be calculated starting from this day.
If you arrive before Christmas, the ski school typically expects you to stay until the end of the season, which is usually after Easter. If you need to leave before Easter, make sure to let the ski school know at the beginning of the season, as they will need to find a replacement for the Easter week. If you arrive in early February, you will typically stay until early March, with limited possibility for extension, depending on the ski school.
By accepting this position, you are committing to a role where the ski school depends on you to fulfill your contract and work as agreed. You may also be asked to take on additional tasks, such as working in the shop or other duties. We strongly recommend being flexible and helping where needed. The ski school chose you over many others, and as a Snowminds instructor, we expect you to give your absolute best throughout your time at the ski school.
Language
Before you leave, focus on German! A season in Austria requires speaking German. Your training, your boss, your clients, and even the locals will all speak German!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To help you succeed, we’ve developed an online German course designed specifically for instructors. It includes 12 modules, a dictionary, video exercises, and a Snowminds Facebook group to practice with fellow Snowminders.
Most people take the course over 10 weeks, but you can go at your own pace. We recommend combining the course with Duolingo or a classroom German course. The better your German, the higher your chances of passing the exam and succeeding as an instructor in Austria!
Accommodation
Accommodation During the Season
No matter which resort you travel to, we ensure that your accommodation is arranged. Some ski schools include housing in the salary, while others do not. If housing is not included, you will often earn a bit more and vice versa.
In most cases, you will live with your colleagues in simple facilities. Do not expect luxury. You will often stay in older houses or apartments and share a room with others in a dorm-like setup that’s cozy. It may seem overwhelming to arrive at a cold, empty ski house, especially if it’s missing things you’re used to at home, but before you know it, it will feel like home. By the end of the season, you’ll likely leave with a lump in your throat and maybe a tear in your eye. The accommodation is available for the duration of your contract with the ski school. We are confident that your winter accommodation will quickly become your new home, and your colleagues will become your second family.
Accommodation During a Course
Depending on the course you are attending, you will either stay in ski school accommodation with dinner included 5 days a week, or you will stay in a hotel with half board. You can find specific details about what is included for your course on your travel profile. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us.
No matter what, you’ll be living and sharing rooms with new colleagues, allowing you to build strong bonds with them right from the start of your training.
Price
Season in Austria (For qualified instructors)
from €795
Full or half seasonOther popular experiences
Level 2 Ski Instructor course
Get to the next level with your Landes 1
November / March
Level 2 snowboard instructor course in Austria
Harder, stronger & faster!
April
Level 3 ski instructor course in Austria
Take your skiing to a higher level with the Landes 2!
November & March