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 CVs. The qualifications and activities will vary according to each programme.

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 ethic
Commitment to training and bettering your skills
Willingness to gain personal and professional skills
Good listening and hard work 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, feedback and problem-solve

Testimonials

“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.”

"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."