From skiing and sirtaki: My ski instructor training in Greece

I'm Anne – a digital nomad, passionate skier, and, since last year, a ski instructor. What's so special about it? Unlike most, I didn't complete my training in the Austrian Alps, but on Mount Parnassus in Greece. Surrounded by ancient villages and breathtaking mountain landscapes, I experienced an extraordinary journey. I'd love to take you along on my valuable learning experiences, unexpected challenges, convivial evenings with ouzo, encounters with mountain goats, and lots of fun on the slopes in this unique country.

Another Snowsports Academy training course will take place in Parnassos from February 14th to 25th, 2025. You can find more information on our website: https://booking.snowsports.at/de/snowsports-academy/courses-held-in-english/

Anne bei der Skilehrerausbildung in Griechenland.

Skiing and Sirtaki: My ski instructor training in Parnassos

"Is there even any snow there?" It seems like everyone I tell about my plans to train as a ski instructor in Greece has roughly the same reaction. Yes, in Greece you can not only swim in turquoise waters, but also glide down white slopes. This is also true in the mountains of Central Greece, on Mount Parnassus. There you'll find a small ski resort at an altitude between 1,850 and 2,250 meters. It's located not far from the city of Delphi, which, after all, was the literal center of the world for almost 1,000 years in antiquity.

We spent the night in Arachova, a picturesque village whose houses seemed to have come to a standstill like an avalanche on a slope that felt like a 63% incline. Stone houses, small cafes, cozy taverns, and ski shops lined the narrow streets that wound through the village.

On the evening of our arrival, we participants sat a little tentatively at the large table in the hotel restaurant, which had been reserved especially for us. None of us knew each other beforehand. But this shyness vanished like a fresh snowflake in the wind. “We will be one big snow sport family for the next 10 days,” announced Stefan Wallner during the subsequent introductory session. He and Lukas Gruber were our instructors. Snowboarders and skiers looked around somewhat incredulously. But the two of them managed to create a fantastic atmosphere in no time with their personal approach. We all got to know each other better quickly, and with each passing day, it felt more and more like heading out to the slopes early in the morning with friends, instead of “just” with other snow sports instructor trainees. While Greek music played on the car radio, we cheerfully discussed equipment, skiing mistakes, and training methods. On the chairlift, we philosophized about life and considered where we might work as snow sports instructors. And I thought that was truly wonderful. For the mindset while skiing, but also for learning itself. Together through reflection, feedback and exchange.

Stefan und Lukas haben sichtlich Spaß bei der Ausbildung in den griechischen Bergen.

The first day on the slopes

What exactly is on the agenda today? After a short gondola ride (which, by the way, is called "Aphrodite"), we're standing at 2,250 meters. A brisk breeze is whipping around our ears. It's time to warm up together. As a guest, I probably would have stayed in bed longer in this weather...

Thanks to Stefan and Lukas' playful approach, we all warmed up very quickly and almost forgot about the wind that occasionally tossed us around… Aha! We've already learned the first thing: Professionalism combined with a lot of fun makes guests feel good. Check! And that was just the beginning of so many things we were able to learn in such a short time. About skiing technique, various exercises, safety, snow, and so much more.

Still the first day. I have to relearn how to ski patiently in the good old snowplow position. Sounds easier than it is – after all, anyone who skis can do it… True! But when you haven't done it in what feels like a hundred years and have to demonstrate it so clearly so others can learn, it's a whole different ball game. You suddenly think about every single movement.

But this is precisely why I'm starting to ski much more consciously. In the first few days, this leads to both joy and frustration: noticing my own mistakes and getting annoyed about them. The flow is gone. I'm skiing purely in my head, no longer by feel. Is my upper body positioned correctly relative to the slope? Why am I flailing my arms around so awkwardly? It feels a bit like asking a centipede how it coordinates all its little legs. It would definitely stumble as soon as it started thinking about it.

I'm talking to my wonderful roommate Tania (from Thessaloniki) about it. Her experience here is similar, and we agree: all the input and exercises have helped us become more aware of our movement patterns. We now know how we can improve. And in the end, like the little centipede, we'll get everything back into a fluid flow. As better skiers and hopefully as even better teachers. And that's what matters!

Spoiler alert: This is also one of the goals a good snow sports instructor should have: namely, to create an awareness in the client of the subject matter so that they can benefit from it independently even after the lesson.

Exam jitters and tears of joy: The crowning achievement of my ski instructor training in Greece

The days fly by. We train, learn theory, eat good food, and enjoy cozy evenings with ouzo and tsipouro by the fireplace. And suddenly, on the last evening, we're all sitting together to find out the results. The practical exams have been completed, the teaching demonstrations completed, and the theory exams written. Stefan and Lukas stand before us with sheets of A4 paper and relatively serious expressions. One participant after another receives their results. And: the certificate! I'm a little nervous. Did I pass? My name is called – Lukas looks at me with his poker face. And then a smile flickers across his face. Yes! I passed and hold the certificate in my hands. I'm briefly happy, but the tension hasn't quite gone away. What about the others?

One more to go. Stefan (also with a poker face) looks around the room. He says that he's "never experienced anything like this in 20 years." Wow! That's quite a statement... Stefan takes a deep breath: "Never before have absolutely all participants in a course passed the exam!" How amazing is that?! Happy, relieved, and with a great feeling, we stroll into one of the cozy tavernas in the village to celebrate our success. Cheers!

The day after my training ended, I went for a short hike. For the first time in what felt like forever, I walked normally instead of letting my skis glide down the mountain. No pressure on the edges, just a light, rolling glide. Recalling familiar movements, so to speak. Just my backpack and me. Under the watchful eyes of a herd of mountain goats, I climbed the narrow, steep path. I reflected on my time during the training. Would I do it all again? Absolutely! Would I come back again? Definitely! Even if it was just for my newfound friends and a good tsipouro! And Level 3? Very likely… maybe in female agents!

Author: Anne Flöter

More information about international training programs in English:

• Ski instructor trainees: https://booking.snowsports.at/de/snowsports-academy/courses-held-in-english/

• Snowboard instructor trainees: https://booking.snowsports.at/de/snowsports-academy/courses-held-in-english/