Ski instructor level 1+2 Education in Austria with Snowsports Academy
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The ski instructor level 1+2 education in Austria is the first step towards becoming a ski instructor and also the first official qualification level in the Austrian ski teaching system. The 10-day course provides the technical and methodological foundations for working in a ski school and follows the Austrian ski curriculum. Upon successful completion, the training qualifies participants to work as ski instructors in accordance with the relevant state laws. Internationally, the ski instructor training in Austria enjoys a high reputation and forms the basis for further training levels.
Objectives of ski instructor level 1+2 education in Austria
The goals of the ski instructor level 1+2 program in Austria are to provide high-quality instruction for beginners and intermediate skiers of all ages (children and adults). Upon completion of the education program, each participant should be able to navigate a ski school environment, feel comfortable teaching, and deliver high-quality, well-structured, and planned lessons. Furthermore, the level 1+2 course serves as optimal preparation for the ski instructor level 3 education program.
What will I learn in the ski instructor level 1+2 course?
The ski instructor course in Austria imparts both theoretical and practical skills necessary for working as a ski instructor. The education is divided into a theoretical and a practical component. The theoretical component focuses on conveying the methodological, didactic, and biomechanical fundamentals of skiing. The practical component involves intensive training of individual skiing skills and practice teaching the basic techniques of skiing. After the
Theory sessions take place in the afternoon, following the daily practical session on the snow.
Theoretical content:
Kinesiology
Teaching methodology
Children's lessons
Materials science
Snow and avalanche science
Safety and hazard awareness
English
Vocational studies
tourism
First aid
Practical content:
introduction
shot
plow
Plough turning
Edge
Slide
Plough taxes
Children's lessons
Improvement of one's own skills
What are the requirements for participating in the ski instructor level 1+2 course?
To participate in the ski instructor level 1+2 course, you must be able to ski blue, red, and black slopes safely with parallel skiing at a "normal" speed. You must also be at least 16 years old or turn 16 in the same calendar year as the course (e.g., course in July, 16th birthday in November). No entrance exam or similar test is required.
Which exams must be taken?
The exams are conducted according to the Austrian ski curriculum and comply with Austrian legal requirements. The exams consist of three parts:
1. Theoretical examination,
2. Practical exam,
3rd teaching appearance
Theoretical exam:
The theoretical exam comprises various subjects that are covered together throughout the course. These include: movement theory, teaching methodology, teaching children, materials science, snow and avalanche science, safety and hazard awareness, and English.
Practical exam:
The practical exam takes place on the last day of the course. Participants demonstrate the techniques of the Austrian ski curriculum in various runs. This is divided into "instructional skiing" and "individual skiing skills."
Driving lessons: Plow turning and plow steering
Intrinsic ability: Long radii and short radii
Teaching appearance:
The third section is the so-called "teaching presentation", in which each participant gives a lesson of approximately 20 minutes on a previously assigned topic.
What will I receive after completing the training?
The examinations for ski or snowboard instructors are conducted by the Vienna Ski and Snowboard Instructor Association in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna State Law. Upon successful completion of the examination, participants receive a certificate from the Vienna Ski and Snowboard Instructor Association, which is recognized throughout Austria. Ski instructor education in Austria also enjoys international recognition.
Who are the instructors?
Instruction is provided by the instructors of the Snowsports Academy. All of them hold at least the qualification of "State-certified Ski Instructor." All team members have many years of teaching experience or even run their own snow sports schools. With their knowledge and experience, they prepare participants perfectly for a career as a ski instructor.
Career as a ski instructor in Austria
Upon successful completion of the introductory course, diverse career opportunities open up in the ski school sector. Many graduates gain practical experience in ski schools immediately after the course, taking on teaching and supervision duties. Ski instructors have the opportunity to work seasonally in different regions and further develop their expertise through experience and advanced training, such as the state-certified instructor qualification. The training is offered in Austria as well as at selected international locations, making seasonal assignments and international experience possible, depending on individual goals and availability.
Further training: What will I learn in the state ski instructor training?
You can find more information at the following links:
The Austrian ski teaching system with all education levels is explained in detail in the article "The education to become an Austrian ski instructor" .
Are you still looking for a job in winter sports? Then take a look at our free job platform Snowsports Connect – there you'll find current job offers from Austria and many other countries: https://www.snowsportsconnect.com/de/fur-lehrer
Frequently asked questions about ski instructor candidate education in Austria
How does one become a ski instructor in Austria?
The ski instructor candidate training in Austria is the first step towards becoming a ski instructor. It consists of a 10-day course that teaches the technical and methodological fundamentals and concludes with a theoretical and practical exam. Upon successful completion, one is authorized to teach at a ski school.
How long does the ski instructor level 1+2 training take?
The ski instructor level 1+2 training lasts 10 days. During this time, both theoretical content and practical sessions on the snow are taught.
How much does ski instructor training cost?
The cost of ski instructor level 1+2 in Austria varies depending on the chosen package. The course fee alone is around €900 . Complete packages including accommodation, half-board, and lift tickets typically range between €1,600 and €2,200 .
The exact costs depend on the specific course location, date and scope of services.
At what age can you become a ski instructor?
The general requirement for participation in the ski instructor level 1+2 course is being at least 16 years old or turning 16 in the same calendar year as the training. Additionally, the ability to ski parallel on all slopes safely is expected.
Where does ski instructor education take place in Austria?
Ski instructor level 1+2 training in Austria takes place in renowned ski resorts such as Kitzsteinhorn (Zell am See – Kaprun) , Ischgl , Stuhleck , Bad Gastein , and Kitzbühel . These locations offer optimal training conditions for practical instruction on snow.
Furthermore, the Snowsports Academy organizes training programs at international locations such as Kalavrita (Greece) , Gudauri (Georgia) , and in indoor snow centers in the Netherlands , Dubai , Egypt , and China . This enables year-round training opportunities and international deployment options.
Is ski instructor education in Austria internationally recognized?
Yes. Austrian ski instructor education enjoys a high international reputation, and the candidate qualification is accepted in many countries as a qualified basic training for working as a ski instructor. Further FAQs: https://www.snowsports.at/faqs
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