Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses in Austria

Austria is home to Ski Instructor Academy and it's where the majority of our core courses take place. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier and its neighboring resort, Kaprun, make the perfect location for instructor training: pistes up to 3,000m, ideal terrain, long seasons, and one of Austria's largest ski areas right on the doorstep.

We offer three levels of instructor qualification in Austria: the Anwärter, covering Levels 1 and 2, is your entry point into the Austrian instructor system; Landes 1 takes you into Level 3 Part 1; and Landes 2 completes Level 3.

Kaprun is where our core training team resides, making this the place to train and develop your skills, whatever level you're aspiring to!

Instructor courses in Austria

How the courses work in Austria

SIA works with the WSSV – the Vienna Ski and Snowboard Association – who run the final assessments for all our Austrian instructor qualifications. Your on-snow training is delivered by our team of highly qualified trainers, employed by our sister skischool Snowsports Kaprun.

The Anwärter is the entry point – Level 1 and 2 of the Austrian instructor system and the most popular course SIA runs. Landes 1 and Landes 2 take you through Level 3 Part 1 and Part 2.

On qualifying courses, the Job Guarantee means you finish training and go straight into a paid position with one of our partner ski schools across Austria.

Job placements in Austria

On completion of qualifying courses, SIA places instructors across a range of Austrian resorts. Specific placement depends on availability and your qualification level – the team will talk you through your options before the season starts.

We currently partner with skischool in these areas:

  • St Anton
  • Kitzbühel
  • Sölden
  • Ischgl
  • Saalbach Hinterglemm
  • Zell am See
  • Kaprun
  • Alpbach
  • Badkleinkirchheim
  • Wurzeralm

Visa requirements for Austria

EU/EEA passport holders can work in Austria without a visa – the Job Guarantee is straightforward to take up.

UK passport holders can work in Austria via a sponsored work permit. If a ski school offers you a position, they apply for the work permit on your behalf – usually within 3 months of your employment start date. You will also need to make an appointment at a UK Austrian Embassy or VFS Visa Service, before or after your course, and bring your work permit, qualification and work contract. Contact us for the full details on how this works in practice.

For participants applying from countries with WHV arrangements with Austria. The application process is straightforward and arranged with an Austrian embassy in your home country.