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Piste To Profession

The Utilmate Gap Season Programme. A gap year ski season is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offering you a real mountain programme with a chance to start your journey of becoming a qualified ski instructor, and enjoy a lifetime experience you’ll never forget!

THE ULTIMATE WINTER SKI GAP SEASON

Since 2008, we have offered our exclusive Piste to Profession programme, which combines a multitude of ski industry disciplines, a unique snowsports experience, and sought-after development opportunities, designed to challenge you both on and off the slopes.

Choosing Powder Byrne provides you with added peace of mind. Piste to Profession individuals 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 CV. The qualifications and activities will vary according to each programme.

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Apply for next Winter Season

Secure your place on the full 9-week programme starting in December.

Individuals will be living throughout the programme in self-catered shared accommodation in Grindelwald-Wengen and travelling to different resorts across Switzerland during the programme for an action-packed snowsports adventure.

The programme dates are subject to change, and the exact dates are confirmed before the start. The Piste to Profession programme is operated under the Powder Byrne brand, which is used under license from Powder Byrne AG.

Do I have what it takes to join Piste To Profession?

Our renowned programme is designed to challenge young adults to gain unique experiences and qualifications to further themselves and their careers. We make clear that this is an intensive course, packed full of adventure and we expect a high level of commitment to successfully pass.

All applicants will be required to attend an interview with the programme leaders to confirm their suitability. If you believe you have some of the following attributes, then get in touch.

  • Good mental ethics
  • Commitment to training and bettering your skills
  • Willingness to gain personal and professional skills
  • Good listening and hard work are required to get through exams and qualifications
  • At least 8 weeks of ski experience
  • Good ability to live and train in a close social environment
  • Good ability to communicate, provide feedback and problem-solve
Programme Features & Modules
World Class Ski Instructor Coaching

Our comprehensive ski instruction and coaching programme is designed to prepare you for ski examinations with confidence and skill. Led by experienced instructors, our curriculum covers a wide range of techniques, from mastering the basics to advanced manoeuvres. Through attention and feedback, we focus on refining skiing proficiency, building strength and agility, and instilling an understanding of the FIS rules and safety protocols on the slopes.

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Ski Instructor Qualifications

Our programme offers you the unique opportunity to obtain highly regarded ski instruction qualifications, starting with the prestigious Swiss Kids Instructor certification (ZA Kids). Through comprehensive training and hands-on experience, participants will develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become proficient ski instructors, capable of teaching safely and engagingly.

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Unique Ski School Shadowing Experience

Our programme offers you the opportunity to experience life with an actioned packed and world-renowned Ski School. Shadowing alongside professional instructors and feeling part of the team is a special experience that gives you the confidence to put your qualifications into practice.

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Multi-discipline Snowsports Experiences

We expect everyone on the programme to be a confident black run skier however, we believe having experience in multiple snowsports disciplines makes the best mountaineers. We offer modules from snowboarding, and langlauf to telemarking to give you a wide range of unique learning experiences to better yourself.

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Off-Piste / All-Mountain Training

A skilled skier may stick to the groomed pistes, but a truly exceptional skier embraces the freedom of the mountain in all its forms. Our programme offers off-piste and all-mountain skiing experiences, allowing you to explore the exhilarating world beyond the marked trails. From pristine powder fields to challenging mogul runs, these modules provide invaluable experience skiing in diverse and dynamic conditions.

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First Aid & SOS Training

On our programme, you must pass the First Aid qualification and are offered SOS shadowing experiences throughout. Our goal is to foster a sense of stewardship and respect for the natural world while empowering you with the skills needed to enjoy the mountain environment safely and responsibly.

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Other Resort Experiences

While our programme does focus on ski instruction and mountain safety, we know the importance of downtime and socialising during your gap season. You’ll find a huge range of activities throughout the course and vibrant social spots to unwind and connect with fellow participants. Whether you’re mingling with ski instructors at Après Ski gatherings or joining the Powder Byrne teams in other resorts during peak weeks, your gap season promises to be unlike any other.

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I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Piste to Profession programme and being part of Powder Byrne. I cannot stress enough how incredible I have found the whole experience, it has honestly been the best two months of my life and I would really like to thank the Powder Byrne staff for organising such an amazing course.

I especially enjoyed my time in Andermatt with the Powder Byrne team, and I have applied to Arosa this Easter and very much hope to be successful in getting a place there. I really look forward to continuing my Powder Byrne relationship and very much hope to work again with Powder Byrne in the future.

"P2P was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. Being immersed in a new culturemeant that I matured pretty rapidly, but I found this to be so rewarding and made some great new friends along the way. My highlight (apart from skiing pretty much every day) has to be seeing the World Cup Downhill race on the Lauberhorn. Standing at the top of the Hundschopf and watching superstars in the ski racing world throw themselves off the drop was truly amazing. Being with the Powder Byrne team over New Year and February HT was also another highlight."

“I had an unbelievable experience on P2P. Mela transformed our skiing and after passing our instructor exams we had the amazing (and rather character-building) opportunity to lead lessons with the Ski School. As well as the teaching we spent some incredible days off- piste skiing in hip-deep powder, learning to snowboard with limited success, and even being taught the basics of freestyle skiing in the park. The Eiger adventure and going to Flims and working with the rest of the Powder Byrne team during a peak week were particular highlights, and I think I speak for all of us in saying the whole experience was one we will never forget.”

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