THE ULTIMATE GAP YEAR SKI SEASON & SKI INSTRUCTION COURSES
A gap year ski season is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Since 2008, Powder Byrne has offered our students a real mountain ski programme with a chance to start your journey becoming a qualified ski instructor, and enjoy a lifetime experience you’ll never forget!
The exclusive, Piste to Profession programme combines a multitude of ski industry disciplines, a unique all-round snowsports experience, and sought-after development opportunities, designed to challenge students both on and off the slopes.
Choosing Powder Byrne provides students and parents with added peace of mind. Piste to Profession students should complete the programme with recognised ski instructor qualifications, first aid qualifications, new lifelong friends, incredible mountain memories, and snowsports experience, with an impressive set of skills to add to their CVs. The qualifications and activities will vary according to each programme.
Applications for Winter Season 2023-24 are now open.
Secure your place on the 4-week programme today.
The 4 week programme commences in December.
Secure your place on the full 9-week programme today.
Students will be living throughout the season in self-catered shared accommodation in Switzerland and may be required to travel to different resorts to complete certain elements of the course.
*Our dates are subject to change and the exact dates are confirmed prior to the start of the programme.
The Piste to Profession Programme is operated under the Powder Byrne brand which is used under license from Powder Byrne AG. *Taxes and surcharges may apply.
FULL SEASON PROGRAMME FEATURES & MODULES
Ski Instruction & Coaching
COMPREHENSIVE SKI INSTRUCTION AND COACHING TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SKI EXAMINATIONS
Ski Instructor Qualifications
A CHANCE TO GAIN RECOGNISED SKI INSTRUCTION QUALIFICATIONS | SWISS KIDS INTRUCTOR (ZA KIDS)


Ski School Experiences
UNIQUE SNOWSPORTS EXPERIENCE WITH SKI SCHOOL


Assessments & Training Feedback
REGULAR ASSESSMENTS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON TO AID PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


Health & Safety Training
HEALTH AND SAFETY & FIRST AID TRAINING


Ski Race Training
SKI RACE TRAINING AND WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE


Children Ski Development & Self-Training Courswork
CHILDRENS SKI DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE


Snowsports Experience
SNOWSPORTS EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE AND KNOWLEDGE


SOS Training
SOS & MOUNTAIN AWARENESS EXPERIENCE


Off-Piste / All-Mountain Training
OFF-PISTE AND ALL-MOUNTAIN TERRAIN SKI TRAINING


Multi-discipline
PREPARING YOU FOR FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS


Other Resort Experiences
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON


A season like no other
OTHER ACTIVITIES


THE PISTE TO PROFESSION PROGRAMME
The programme includes the following
- Airport transfers from Zurich Airport
- Modest and shared self-catered accommodation in close proximity to lifts and amenities
- Resort programme co-ordinator
- DBS Check for due diligence purposes
- Ski hire
- Ski pass
- Ski training, sessions and exam
- Specialist programme support
- Pre-travel assistance to arrange any additional details
- Special offers and arrangements for parents and friends visits through the season
Potential future training and employment opportunities
After successful completion of the programme, many of our students have wished to return to continue gaining further qualifications with us or have worked through Powder Byrne partners as ski instructors, subject to their requirements.
Applicant Requirements
We make clear to our students that this is an intensive course, packed full of experiences and we expect dedication and commitment from all who take part. Applicants will be required to show the following;
- Good mental ethic
- Commitment to training and exams
- Willingness to gain personal and develop professional skills
- Good time management and ability to self-study for required coursework
- At least 8 weeks ski experience
- Good ability to live and train in a close team environment
- Good ability to communicate, feedback, present, and problem solve
All applicants will be required to attend an interview with the programme managers to confirm their suitability for the programme.
ENQUIRE AND SCHEDULE A INTRODUCTORY CALL WITH A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM AT
+44 (0) 20 8246 5300
WE WILL THEN INVITE CANDIDATES TO AN INTERVIEW TO ASSESS THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE PROGRAMME
POSITIONS FOR THE PROGRAMME WILL THEN BE OFFERED TO APPLICANTS
ONCE A CLIENT, ALWAYS A CLIENT


