EDUCATION TO BECOME A LANDESSKILEHRER (LEVEL 3)
Ski instructor education in Austria is a legally regulated vocational education for professional ski instruction.
The education is divided into several stages and lasts – depending on the qualification goal – from 10 days (Anwärter - level 1+2) to 37 days (Landeslehrer - level 3).
The education is conducted by the Vienna Ski and Snowboard Instructor Association (Snowsports Academy). Upon successful completion, participants receive a recognized professional certificate that qualifies them to work as ski instructors in Austrian ski schools and many other countries.
After completing the Landeslehrer (level 3) qualification, it is also possible to enroll in further courses (e.g. diploma/state certified ski instructor).
LANDESSKILEHRER 1
(LEVEL 3 Part 1)
Course duration: 10 days
The Landesskilehrer 1 education (Level 3 – Part 1) is designed to prepare participants for the Landesskilehrer examination (Level 3). The main focus is on improving personal skiing performance on groomed slopes, in off-piste terrain, and in giant slalom technique.
LANDESSKILEHRER 2
(LEVEL 3 Part 2)
Course duration: 10 days
The Landesskilehrer 2 education (Level 3 – Part 2) is designed to prepare participants for the official Landesskilehrer examination. The main focus is on practical and teaching methodology skills, preparation for the giant slalom examination, and further development of personal skiing performance in off-piste terrain.
Future Landesskilehrer also acquire the theoretical knowledge required to understand the demands of modern skiing and professional ski instruction.
Course duration: 7 days
The objective of the Alpine Course within the Landeslehrer (Level 3) education programme is to provide participants with the theoretical and practical alpine knowledge required to safely guide and accompany guests on ski routes and off-piste terrain in lift-accessed areas as part of ski and snowboard school operations.
Alpine course
Snowsports Academy is the only ski and snowboard instructors association in Austria that offers education programmes and examinations in both German and English.
LANGUAGE
REQUIREMENTS
The following prerequisites are generally important for participation in ski instructor education:
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Participants must turn 16 within the calendar year of the course.
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Safe skiing on all slopes and snow conditions (parallel turns, controlled skiing style).
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A good command of either German or English is recommended.
COSTS OF SKI INSTRUCTOR EDUCATION
How much does the ski instructor education cost?
The cost of ski instructor education depends on the respective education level and the chosen package.
The course price for the 10-day ski instructor education course is approximately €900.
The following course fee applies to the advanced education levels (10 days each, course only):
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Landesskilehrer 1 (level 3 part 1): approximately €900
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Landesskilehrer 2 (level 3 part 2): approximately €950
In addition, package deals are available that include course and exam fees, as well as lift tickets and accommodation. These start at around €1,600, depending on the type of accommodation, season, and region.
What is included in the price of the ski instructor education?
Depending on the chosen package, the following services are included, among others:
- Education and instruction with state-certified ski instructors or mountain guides (Level 4)
- Officially recognized Austrian ski instructor certificate
- Access to the e-learning platform
- Theory units and video analyses
- Lift pass for the duration of the education
- Accommodation and seminar rooms at the training center (for package deals)
- International Community
- Partner discounts at Bründl Sports
- Personal support from the Snowsports Academy team
All current courses and dates for ski instructor education can be found in the course program:
FAQs
How long does the education last?
The basic education (Anwärter course) lasts 10 days. The full Landeslehrer (level 3) qualification consists of several modules and comprises a total of 37 days of education.
What language skills do I need?
The education and examination are offered in German or English; good knowledge of at least one language is recommended, especially for examination and teaching situations.
Is the qualification recognised throughout Austria?
Austria is divided into several federal states, each with its own ski school legislation, which may vary in its interpretation and application. Despite these differences, an agreement exists between the state associations that ensures the automatic recognition of Austrian German-language qualifications across all federal states.
As a result, the German-language education and examinations offered by the Vienna Ski and Snowboard Instructors Association – Snowsports Academy – are recognised throughout all Austrian federal states.
Examinations in English
The Vienna Ski and Snowboard Instructors Association (Snowsports Academy) is the only association in Austria that offers education programmes and examinations in both German and English.
Please note that some Austrian federal states require snow sports instructors to have sufficient German language skills. In these regions, employment is only possible after successfully completing the examination in German.
Therefore, if you intend to work in Austria, we strongly recommend completing the examination in German.