Season in Switzerland for experienced instructors

Switzerland attracts a high-end clientele, which means higher expectations from your ski school. To maximize your hours, we recommend demonstrating motivation, especially during peak periods like Christmas & New Year, February, and in some resorts, Easter. Your workload will often depend on your language, social, and people skills.

During quieter periods, you’ll have more free time to improve your skiing through advanced training with your school or explore nearby resorts with friends. Most ski schools offer at least two free days per week, with some providing three to four.

Make the most of the season by staying proactive and engaged – both on and off the slopes!

Your wage as a Level 1 instructor typically ranges from 20-25 CHF per hour, with potential bonuses from tips and extra private lessons. Many ski schools have returning guests who may request you again if they enjoyed their first lesson.

Let’s be clear – you won’t get rich as a ski instructor. We strongly recommend bringing at least 2,000 CHF in savings to fully enjoy the season. Earnings and spending vary greatly depending on personal habits and budgets.

There may also be opportunities for extra work in the resort, such as in ski shops, guest services, or other mountain-related jobs.

Your start date should be confirmed directly with your ski school, including when they expect you to arrive at the resort. Your employment officially begins on your first working day, which is usually when your first guests arrive – there is no work before that.

Ski schools generally expect instructors to stay for the entire season, typically until mid-April or Easter, though exact dates vary. In some cases, alternative arrangements may be possible, but these must be discussed and approved in advance with the ski school. When accepting this position, you are committing to a team that relies on you, and the ski school has chosen you over many other candidates. As a Snowminds instructor, you are expected to be professional and dedicated throughout the season.

Many Swiss ski schools prefer instructors with basic French or German skills – in fact, language ability can be more valuable than certification! Some resorts even offer higher wages for each additional language you speak.

The more you practice before departure, the better your integration and overall experience. We recommend Duolingo for practice, but ideally, taking a language course will give you a stronger foundation.

With over 75 combined seasons of experience, our team knows firsthand what it’s like to start working in a new language. While it may feel overwhelming at first, you’ll pick it up with practice. Our Snowlingo courses focus specifically on the vocabulary you need as a ski or snowboard instructor – check out our website for more details!

• French language course
• German language course

Wherever you go, we ensure that your accommodation is arranged, creating a great community atmosphere with your fellow instructors. Many Swiss ski schools don’t include housing in their contracts, as they often employ local staff. Therefore, we work closely with them to secure good, suitable housing for you. Whether you stay in a shared chalet, house, or apartment building, you’ll be living with other Snowminds instructors, making for an unforgettable season. While living conditions vary by resort, expect a dorm-style setup – cozy and full of character!

It’s important to keep an open mind, as your accommodation won’t be like a ski holiday chalet. This is seasonal housing, which means it’s more about functionality and community than luxury. However, this setup is part of the ski season charm – a unique, once-in-a-lifetime way to live. By the end of the season, your accommodation will feel like home, and your roommates will have become family. Saying goodbye will likely be one of the hardest parts of the experience!

Rental Contract & Security Deposit

Since housing isn’t part of your work contract, rent is paid separately. You will typically sign a rental contract before arrival and prepay your rent for the season to secure your place.

The accommodation expenses could look like this:

• Security deposit: 300-600 CHF (refundable if the accommodation is left clean and undamaged).
• Monthly rent: 700-1200 CHF, depending on the resort.

Seasonal rentals in Switzerland can be expensive, but we work hard each year to find the best and most affordable housing options for our instructors.

All accommodation details – including the address, house rules, and landlord contact information – will be provided in your rental contract. Rent is typically paid in full 30 days before departure, covering a 4-6 month period.