Certified Ski instructors

Quality Matters: at Snow School Stuhleck, only certified ski instructors teach

Looking to learn skiing or snowboarding at Spital am Semmering? Then Snow School Stuhleck is the perfect place for you! Here, you’ll be taught exclusively by Austrian-certified ski and snowboard instructors. That means top-level instruction quality, safety on the slopes, and plenty of fun – true to our motto: “Learn from the best!”

Why an Austrian Ski Instructor Certification Matters

At Snow School Stuhleck, we place the highest value on education and quality. All our instructors hold an officially recognized Austrian ski or snowboard instructor qualification.

Training is conducted by the eight provincial ski instructor associations under the Austrian Ski School Association (ÖSSV) and the Federal Sports Academy (BSPA) Innsbruck.Only these official certifications entitle instructors to work in an Austrian ski school.Private or club-based training programs are not recognized for professional ski instruction in Austria.

The Austrian Ski Instructor Training System – World-Renowned Excellence

Austria is one of the world’s leading countries in winter sports, and its ski instructor education is known globally as one of the most respected and demanding.The system is structured in progressive stages, combining technique, pedagogy, and alpine safety.

1. Ski Instructor "Skilehrer Anwärter" – The First Step on the Path

The Anwärter Course (Ski Instructor Trainee) is the entry-level qualification and lasts 10 days. It provides the foundations of ski teaching and learning on the slopes:

• Teaching methods and didactics

• Technical fundamentals of skiing or snowboarding

• Safety, avalanche awareness, and first aid

• Working with children and groups

After completing the trainee course, you are authorized to work in an Austrian ski school – this is the minimum qualification required for all instructors at Snow School Stuhleck.

2. Landes Ski Instructor – The professional level

With experience as a "Skilehrer-Anwärter", instructors can move on to the Landes Ski Instructor Course, which deepens technical skills, movement analysis, and methodological expertise. This level is divided into three modules:

• Landes 1 Course (10 days)

• Landes 2 Course (10 days)

• Alpine Course (7 days)

Upon completion, Landes ski instructors are qualified to guide guests off-piste in near-terrain areas, always with the highest level of safety awareness.

3. Fully Certified Ski Instructor – The master level

The State-Certified Ski Instructor qualification represents the highest level of the Austrian instructor education system. It is conducted by the ÖSSV and the BSPA Innsbruck, following a preparatory phase and entrance exam. The program lasts about nine weeks and includes an advanced alpine module.

Main focus areas:

• Perfection of ski technique

• High-alpine safety

• Race training and performance skiing

• Advanced teaching and coaching methodology

• Sports science and movement analysis

Only those who pass all examinations earn the prestigious title “State-Certified Ski Instructor” – a qualification recognized and respected worldwide.

4. Ski Guide – The pinnacle of alpine expertise

Some state-certified instructors continue with the Ski Guide Training, one of Austria’s most challenging alpine qualifications. After a preparatory phase and entrance exam, the program consists of three one-week courses focusing on guiding in high-alpine and glaciated terrain.

Training topics include:

• Guiding groups safely in high-alpine environments

• Rope handling, belaying, rappelling, and rescue techniques

• Avalanche awareness, meteorology, and risk management

• Navigation, route planning, and emergency procedures

• Ascent techniques and freeride skiing

A state-certified Ski Guide is authorized to lead groups in alpine and high-alpine terrain – areas that demand the highest level of skill, knowledge, and responsibility. In Styria and five other Austrian provinces, holding both the State-Certified Ski Instructor and Ski Guide qualifications is also a prerequisite for founding a ski school.

Snow School Stuhleck: Quality through training and passion

At Snow School Stuhleck, every instructor holds an Austrian ski or snowboard instructor certification.Many of our team members also hold advanced qualifications as Landes Instructors, State-Certified Instructors, or Certified Ski Guides. That guarantees:

✅ Professional and competent instruction

✅ Well-structured and effective teaching methods

✅ Maximum safety on and off the slopes

✅ Legal compliance

✅ Fun, motivation, and visible progress for every guest

Conclusion: Learn from the Best at Stuhleck

Whether you’re a beginner, returning skier, or advanced enthusiast – at Snow School Stuhleck, you’ll learn from passionate professionals who combine expertise with enthusiasm. We stand for quality, safety, and the joy of winter sports.