Get qualified as a ski instructor in time for the ski season!
International Academy has added to its selection of ski instructor courses, ideal for those looking for a gap year on the slopes. There are new courses starting this October in the Austrian resort of Zell am See/Kaprun which are designed to quickly equip keen skiers with the skills needed to gain employment for the European ski season. The course leads budding ski instructors towards the official Austrian ‘Skilehrer Anwärter’ qualification, accepted worldwide.
Who? The courses are perfect for those looking to maximise time in the mountains on their gap years. Any skiers able to do parallel turns comfortably on red runs are able to enrol and be transformed over the 5 weeks of the course.
The instructors are from the Ski Dome ski school in Kaprun, the largest in the resort, Tom Kraus, manager of the ski school had the following to say: “We work closely with International Academy to provide a very professional friendly and engaging atmosphere and our joint inside knowledge of the ski instructor line of business really helps. All students will be expected to make huge strides in their skiing skills. They will learn the basics of teaching in German language which is essential for teaching in German speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. Being convinced of the quality of the students who pass the exams, it is easy for me to offer guaranteed work in the season following the International Academy course.”
When? The course beginning on 12th October finishes in November ensuring that attendees are able to make the most of the coming ski season. A later course begins on the 5th January 2014 and finishes in time for the half term break meaning there is plenty of the ski season to come.
Where? Of course the slopes are yet to open in October so the course is run on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier at Kaprun, ensuring snow. JUFA Kaprun at the Zell am See – Kaprun Tauern Spa is one of the accommodation options featuring a ‘water world’ and state of the art sauna and massage area. The second accommodation on offer is Apartment Nicolussi in Kaprun, a homely apartment with kitchen facilities, although food is included at both accommodations*.
The resort itself is picturesque with a lake side position and the highest slopes in Austria at well over 3,000m. As well as the large glacier skiing for those attending in January there are three snowparks including one with a super pipe well as events including the ‘ice camp’ and ‘ice bar’.
What? The course itself lasts five weeks and instructors, fluent in English, teach attendees the key facets of ski instructing. After the equipment is allocated and a welcome meeting has run it is time to hit the slopes and start training. The first two weeks have 5 days training with 2 days off whilst the final 3 weeks have 6 days of training. Exams come in the final week in order to gain that crucial Austrian Anwarter qualification. The training goes beyond the pistes with sessions utilising video analysis as well as sessions on ski servicing and first aid with the mountain patrol team.
Also running as part of the course is basic German language tuition, no prior knowledge of German is required and the language course adds to the employability of prospective ski instructors. The exam is in German with the intensive course providing language skills to work in a German speaking resort.
Why? Of course the training is only the start of the season for most and employment for the rest of the season is high on the agenda. Upon completion participants are awarded with a certificate, given their ski instructor ID card and ski instructor insurance. International Academy is then on hand to help find employment for the remaining season in Austria. There are 5 spaces available for those who undertake the October course to work in Austrian resorts including St Anton and Mayrhofen.
How? Call International Academy on 02380 206 977 or visit www.international-academy.com Prices start at £3,995 based on attendance on the October course. The price includes accommodation and
lift pass with breakfast/evening meals on 6 days a week and lunches provided on training days.
kevan@heavenpublicity.co.uk
Heaven Publicity Ltd
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International Academy was one of the first companies based in the UK to offer ski and snowboard instructor training courses, and the first in the Canadian Rockies. Over 15 years on, International Academy continues to offer high quality instructor programmes in selected world class ski resorts. The courses provide the opportunity to: Develop skiing skills, knowledge and technique. Become an effective teacher and share expertise with others. Gain an insight into customer service and how ski schools function. Achieve an internationally recognised ski or snowboard instructor qualification. International Academy is part of Harris Holidays Ltd, which offers the support and backing for students of a robust operator to travel with.
*Apartment Nicolussi in Kaprun, is only used for the January course.
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