Available dates
Dec 9th
Dec 16th
Feb 24th
Mar 3rd
Mar 10th
Mar 17th
Mar 24th: exam prep week
Mar 31st
Apr 7th
Apr 14th
About the Course
Since 2007 the Academy has been training ski instructors in Verbier and across the world and helping them improve their technical skiing and teaching and attain higher level qualifications. In 2012 we formalised this training and created our hugely successful L3 and L4 training programs. Over the years we’ve had excellent results not only in developing instructors and passing exams but also in helping expert skiers take their skiing to new levels.
The program is designed for skiers who have already gained their L2 instructor qualifications, or have skiing skills above this.
The program offers skiers training for their Level 3 or 4 exams the perfect amount of intense training interspersed with periods to work, practice and engrain good habits.
The Level 3/4 programme compared with Level 2 course is a huge step up and a specifically developed program is made looking at your technical skiing with the mentality of performance and athletic skiing. The preparation for the teaching module of Level 3/4 is developed between how you are coached by the Academy pro team and also shadowing the Academy pro team coaching other high end recreational skiers including the gap course. Off Piste Mountain Safety training will be covered over specific days of your course taking into account weather and snow conditions.
Key Info & Cost
December to April
Training Mon-Fri
5hrs on snow training each day
Video Analysis daily
CHF600 per week
Possibility to book single weeks
Lift pass, travel, accommodation, food and insurance not included
Course Content
Technical Skiing: In preparation for the Level 3 or Level 4 technical course, training will cover: Piste Performance, Powder, Variables, Steep Terrain, Moguls and Freestyle. Each week we will train 25hrs on snow with regular video analysis sessions to help continue development in all areas. The weeks will be strategically chosen to maximise training, avoid fatigue and train during the quieter times when the mountain is much calmer and more conducive to productive training instead of queuing and avoiding people on the slopes.
Teacher Training: Those wishing to improve their teaching skills will be able to be observe and develop their own teaching skills whilst shadowing high end academy courses such as the gap course, Supergroup course and 5 day academy’s. These weeks will be available in addition to the 6 weeks more technically focussed training during the course itself for those who want it.
Off-Piste Mountain Safety Training: The Off Piste Mountain Safety course is an excellent element of the Level 3 that allows you when you complete the Level 3 to teach skiers in off-piste environments (marked and open itineraries). For this exam you’ll need to learn about avalanche awareness, how to effectively use rescue equipment and deal with a rescue scenario, map reading, touring and competent skiing off piste. Continuous training and awareness building will be undertaken during the course whenever appropriate and weather conditions suit.
Why train with us?
Verbier
Verbier has some of the best terrain available for higher level ski training. Steep pistes, exceptional off-piste, endless bumps and fast lifts make the resort ideal for training toward your higher level ski instructor qualifications.
In addition to the on-snow qualities of Verbier, it’s also a phenomenal resort for all things non-skiing. Whether you want to work on your 2nd language, get fit, take up yoga or just enjoy the Apres and night life Verbier is a resort that has it all.
Years of experience
We’ve been running the higher level training courses since 2007! Over this time we’ve meticulously improved the programme and schedule.
This has allowed us to create a training schedule that maximises your potential with strategic break periods for practice, rest and time to work during the busy peak season.
Every aspect of the course has been tried and tested. Year on year our students achieve excellent results and pass their exams.
Experts in Video analysis
The Academy pride itself in our video analysis skills. We introduced video and video analysis into the instructor training and recreational skier areas back when we were filming on VHS!
Video analysis will take place daily during the days skiing. This footage will be analysed either on the hill or later that day depending on what’s most beneficial. A full analysis will take place on your skiing and any biomechanical issues you have. On certain weeks you’ll be provided a written debrief with aims, focuses and areas to target for development.
Work & Opportunities
Our Level 3 & 4 training program is not only the highest form of technical training but also an in road to possible employment with the Warren Smith Ski Academy in the future. We are one of the only ski instruction companies in the world that operate internationally in Switzerland, Italy, UK, Japan and Canada and can boast a 10 month a year coaching program.
50% of our current team came through the program and we look forward to meeting future employees of the Academy Pro Team on this years Verbier course!
Our Trainers
Our trainers have a huge wealth and depth of knowledge with a background in IASI, BASI, CSIA and the Swiss system. They have different teaching and skiing styles that complement each other beautifully and help trainees get the most from each and develop as super skilful, playful, rounded skiers.
All the trainers have the highest level ski instructor qualifications and a wealth of teaching experience to get the best out of you. Numerous are examiners and assessors.
Rounded skilful skiing
We firmly believe in developing good rounded skiers that are skilful across the board in all types of skiing and have excellent foundations that allow for freedom and flare to skilfully ski anywhere and anything!
Our programme isn’t organisation specific and will suit people training for a multitude of systems be it IASI, BASI, CSIA, Swiss or someone else!
Instructors who train through us become skiers that are not only technically great but also fun and exciting to watch and can ski everywhere with skill.
Any Questions? Need Advice!
Have any questions or would like to chat things over? Feel free to give Nick a call to discuss things anytime on +41 79 578 5591 or drop him email at nickgolden@warrensmith-skiacademy.com. On top of being one the coaches on the course Nick is the instructor course coordinator and manager so will be able to answer any questions you have!
