Snowsports at university level: The new university program SNOWSPORTS
Professional snow sports education meets higher education: SNOWSPORTS combines intensive practical training in an alpine environment with sports science, pedagogy, leadership, management and tourism. This part-time university program is designed for people who want to build a professional career in snow sports, take on responsibility and actively shape the future of the industry.
What is the SNOWSPORTS university program?
SNOWSPORTS is a part-time university program offered by the German University of Health and Sport (DHGS) that combines academic continuing education with professional snow sports education.
The program comprises two semesters, nine modules, 1,500 hours of study and a total of 60 ECTS credits at Master's level. Digital and academic learning phases are combined with intensive practical training in an alpine environment.
Upon successful completion, participants receive the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) SNOWSPORTS. In addition, the program offers the opportunity to obtain the Landesskilehrer qualification (Level 3 ski instructor) in Austria.
The Snowsports Academy contributes its extensive experience and expertise in practical snow sports education, while the university program itself is offered and delivered by DHGS.
Why snow sports at a university level?
The demands of professional snow sports have changed. Excellent skiing or snowboarding skills and the ability to teach movement and technique remain essential. However, those who want to pursue a long-term professional career in snow sports increasingly need additional skills and expertise.
Ski schools manage international teams, destinations develop new tourism products, and coaches and instructors increasingly apply scientific and data-based approaches. At the same time, demands relating to safety and quality are rising, while digitalization and internationalization continue to transform alpine tourism.
Snow sports professionals therefore need to do more than ski and teach. They must also be able to analyze, lead, organize and drive development.
This is exactly where SNOWSPORTS comes in.
Ski instructor education meets sports science, leadership and management
The SNOWSPORTS university program combines practical and theoretical education with business and management.
SNOWSPORTS deliberately goes beyond traditional ski instructor education. Its nine modules combine professional snow sports education with sports science, pedagogy, safety, leadership, management and tourism.
Students explore topics including performance psychology, training and sports medicine, alpine skiing, snow and avalanche science, snowboarding and alternative snow sports, as well as pedagogy and leadership. The program also covers business and tourism-related topics and the systematic development of professional competencies.
Snow sports are therefore considered from more than just a technical perspective.
Students learn how athletic performance is developed, how people learn, how risks are assessed, and how teams and organizations can be successfully managed.
Learn theory – and apply it directly in the snow
A key element of SNOWSPORTS is the close integration of academic education and practical application. The part-time program combines digital learning and self-study with five in-person training phases in an alpine environment. This allows students to apply theoretical knowledge directly in practice and reflect on their experiences.
During practical snow sports training, existing skills are systematically developed and deepened through academic and scientific perspectives. Skiing technique, methodology and didactics are combined with insights from movement science and biomechanics. This enables students to place practical experience in a scientific context, analyze movement patterns and develop targeted solutions for training and instruction.
Safety and responsibility in alpine environments are also closely linked to practical application. Topics such as topography, snow and avalanche science, risk management and group leadership are reinforced through practical training in areas such as orientation, snowpack analysis and avalanche transceiver use.
Practical training on the snow remains an essential part of the university program.
University degree, Landesskilehrer (level 3) and path to a Master's degree
Upon successful completion, participants receive the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) SNOWSPORTS with 60 ECTS credits at Master's level. In addition, the program offers the opportunity to obtain the Landesskilehrer qualification (Level 3) in Austria.
The Diploma of Advanced Studies can also serve as a step towards further academic study. The 60 ECTS credits earned through the university program can be credited towards the Master's program in Applied Sports Science at DHGS, provided the relevant admission requirements are met.
SNOWSPORTS can therefore be completed as a stand-alone, part-time university continuing education program or serve as a building block towards a further academic degree.
Who is the SNOWSPORTS university program suitable for?
SNOWSPORTS is designed for people who want to pursue a long-term professional career in snow sports and expand their practical expertise with academic and professional competencies.
This includes ski instructors, snow sports instructors, coaches and competitive athletes. The program is also designed for professionals working in ski schools, cable car companies, tourism destinations, tourism businesses or sports organizations who want to further develop their professional and technical expertise.
The university program may also provide a pathway into the professional snow sports industry for suitable career changers with relevant practical sports experience.
Rethinking snow sports
Snow sports education does not end with passing an exam. Anyone who wants to work professionally in this field over the long term must be prepared to continuously develop – professionally, athletically and personally.
SNOWSPORTS provides a framework for doing exactly that: deepening existing competencies, gaining new perspectives and further developing professional practice.
The goal therefore goes beyond earning another qualification: to educate professionals who take responsibility, contribute to the development of professional snow sports and actively shape its future.
SNOWSPORTS university program at a glance
Diploma | Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) SNOWSPORTS |
Scope | 60 ECTS credits / 1,500 working hours |
Length of time | 2 semesters |
Study format | Part-time / Blended Learning |
Construction | 9 modules |
Practice | 5 in-person sessions in an alpine environment |
Key areas | Snow sports, sports science, education, leadership, safety, management & tourism |
Additional qualification | Opportunity to qualify as a state ski instructor in Austria |
Further path | Credit for the 60 ECTS credits towards the Master's program in Applied Sports Science at DHGS, provided the corresponding admission requirements are met. |
Language | German or English |
Frequently asked questions about the SNOWSPORTS university program
What is SNOW SPORTS?
SNOWSPORTS is a part-time university program offered by the German University for Health and Sport (DHGS) that combines academic continuing education with professional snow sports practice. The program comprises two semesters and 60 ECTS credits.
What qualification will I receive?
Upon successful completion, participants receive the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) SNOWSPORTS with 60 ECTS credits at Master's level.
Can I become a Landesskilehrer (level 3) with SNOWSPORTS?
As part of the university program, there is the option to additionally obtain the qualification as a Landesskilehrer (level 3) in Austria. The necessary practical and theoretical training components are integrated into the program.
Can I use the 60 ECTS credits towards a Master's degree?
The 60 ECTS credits acquired in the university program can be credited towards the Master's program in Applied Sports Science at DHGS, provided the corresponding admission requirements are met.
How long does the university program last?
SNOWSPORTS lasts two semesters and comprises a total of 60 ECTS credits or 1,500 working hours.
Is SNOW SPORTS an online degree program?
No. SNOWSPORTS is structured as a blended learning program. Digital learning phases and self-study are combined with five in-person sessions and practical training in an alpine environment.
Do I need to already be a ski instructor?
No, the university program is not exclusively for already qualified ski instructors. The decisive factors are the specific formal and practical sporting qualifications. As part of the application process, it will be checked whether the requirements for participation are met.
Interested in the SNOWSPORTS university program?
Do you want to combine your experience and passion in snow sports with academic training and further your professional development?
All information about course content, dates, requirements, costs and application can be found on the Snowsports Academy website – SNOWSPORTS university program.
Further information about the university program and the university degree can be found directly at the German University for Health and Sport (DHGS).
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