Ski Instructor Level 3 Part 1 Education in Austria
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 24
The Ski Instructor Leve 3 part 1 education in Austria is the next level of education after the initial instructor education in the Austrian ski teaching system. The focus is on further developing technical skills, refining teaching competencies, and expanding theoretical knowledge.
The aim of the ski instructor level 3 part 1 education
The Ski Instructor Level 3 part 1 education qualifies participants to teach advanced skiers of all ages. Intensive work is done on the skiing technique necessary for tackling off-piste and mogul runs. As preparation for the ski instructor level 3 part 2, the fundamentals of giant slalom racing are also taught.
The focus is on:
learning new techniques
technically precise and sportily clean skiing
secure demonstration capability
in-depth movement analysis
Structured lesson planning for advanced target groups
Methodological variability in sports instruction
After successfully completing the state ski instructor level 1 training, graduates are able to take on extended responsibility in ski school operations and independently conduct high-quality, structured lessons.
Contents of the ski instructor level 3 part 1 education
The ski instructor level 3 part 1 education in Austria is divided into a theoretical and a practical part.
In theory, the focus is on deepening the methodological and biomechanical fundamentals of skiing. In practice, the individual's sport-specific skills are intensively developed.
The key is the varied application of the techniques of the Austrian ski curriculum – both on the slopes and off-piste.
The practical sessions take place daily on the snow, the theory sessions follow in the afternoon.
Theoretical content:
Kinesiology
Teaching methodology
Snow and avalanche science
Freestyle
Pole training
English
communication
Practical content:
Parallel ski steering for long radii
Parallel ski steering for short radii
Off-road driving
Change of rhythm
moguls
Giant slalom
Improvement of one's own skills
Requirements for participation
The following are generally required for admission to the state ski instructor level 1 training:
Successfully completed level 2 education
Proof of relevant teaching experience in ski school operations
Very good basic technical skills
Since the education is conducted at a high level of athletic ability, a solid foundation of personal skill is a prerequisite.
Which exams must be taken?
The exams consist of two parts:
1. Theoretical Examination
2. Practical exam
Theoretical exam:
The theoretical exam consists of various subjects that are covered together during the course. These include:
Kinesiology
Teaching methodology
Snow and avalanche science
Freestyle
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."
School skiing: Plough steering or parallel ski steering, long radii and changes of rhythm.
Personal skills required: Giant slalom*, mogul skiing and a free off-piste run.
* The examination criterion is not a time limit, but the technical execution of the skiing technique.
What will I receive after completing the training?
The ski and snowboard instructor examinations 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. Successful completion of LS1 (level 3 part 1) qualifies participants for LS2 (level 3 part 2) and the Alpine Course.
Who are the instructors?
You will be taught by instructors from the Snowsports Academy. All of them hold at least the qualification of "State-certifed 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 or snowboard instructor.
Career prospects after completing the ski instructor level 3 part 1 training
Successful completion significantly expands the possibilities for use in ski school operations:
Lessons for advanced and athletic groups
Taking on more demanding teaching tasks
Expanded areas of responsibility
Admission to the next training level ( Ski Instructor level 3 part 2)
Further development up to certified ski instructor
The ski instructor level 3 part 1 education in Austria thus forms a central basis for further professional development in alpine ski teaching.
Advanced training: What will I learn in the LS2 (level 3 part 2) course? What will I learn in the alpine course?
You can find more information at the following links:
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 the Ski Instructor Level 3 part 1 Training
How long does the ski instructor leve 3 part 1 training take in Austria?
The ski instructor level 3 part 1 in Austria lasts 10 days. During this time, daily practical and theoretical sessions are conducted.
What are the requirements for the ski instructor level 3 part 1 training?
Prerequisites for participation include successful completion of the instructor education course and documented teaching experience in a ski school setting. Furthermore, a solid and consistent level of skiing ability is expected.
What exams must be taken to become a ski instructor (Level 3 part 1)?
The ski instructor level 3 part 1 exam consists of a theoretical and a practical exam. Both specialist knowledge and the technical quality of the demonstration in teaching skiing and in personal skiing skills are assessed.
What is the difference between ski instructor level 3 part 1 and ski instructor level 3 part 2?
The Ski Instructor Level 3 part 1 is the first level in the state ski instructor education program, following the candidate level. Ski Instructor Level 3 part 2 builds upon this and prepares participants for the state ski instructor examination administered by a commission. This level further develops technique, giant slalom, off-piste skiing, and ski schooling skills.
Does the Ski Instructor level 3 part 1 qualification entitle you to participate in the Ski Instructor level 3 part 2 course?
Yes. Successful completion of the ski instructor level 3 part 1 training is a prerequisite for participation in the ski instructor level 3 part 2 education as well as in further training modules such as the alpine course.
Is the ski instructor level 3 part 1 certificate recognized throughout Austria?
Yes. The examination is conducted according to the respective state laws. The certificate issued is recognized throughout Austria.
Further FAQs: https://www.snowsports.at/faqs
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