Are snowboard instructors also ski instructors, and vice versa?
Published on 09/02/2024 - Written by Elsa
It's easy to recognise them on the slopes: ESF instructors wear the famous red jackets and guide young learners as they discover winter sports. But who are the instructors behind the scenes? What qualifications do they have? Can they teach more than one discipline? We'll answer all your questions!
What does an instructor do?
We'll start by taking a look at the job of the ski instructor, its day-to-day tasks and commitments. First of all, the instructor's job is to help students learn the sport, whether it's skiing, snowboarding or any other discipline. Armed with his knowledge and experience, he will be able to guide and advise them so that they can progress at their own pace and discover the pleasures of winter sports.
As part of your skiing or snowboarding lessons, your instructor will also be able to take you to discover the most beautiful spots in the resort. If we take Les Menuires as an example, the whole of the 3 Vallées ski area is open to you, for an unlimited playground.
As part of your skiing or snowboarding lessons, your instructor will also be able to take you to discover the most beautiful spots in the resort. If we take Les Menuires as an example, the whole of the 3 Vallées ski area is open to you, for an unlimited playground.
live your passion in red with esf!Prepare for your instructor tests in Les MenuiresInstructor: specific training
While being a ski instructor is the ideal career for many sportspeople, who enjoy working in such a spectacular setting as the mountains, it does require a complex training programme.
To be able to teach under the ESF's colours, you need to follow a training programme that takes place over several seasons. There are several stages, starting with a slalom test, which will determine whether or not you have a place in the course. This is followed by around 15 weeks of training, spread over several years.
To be able to teach under the ESF's colours, you need to follow a training programme that takes place over several seasons. There are several stages, starting with a slalom test, which will determine whether or not you have a place in the course. This is followed by around 15 weeks of training, spread over several years.
Between courses and teaching, everything is done to ensure that the instructors can master the disciplines while guaranteeing the safety of the young students they will be training.
Versatile instructors
Have you ever taken lessons from the same instructor for both skiing and snowboarding ? It's perfectly normal! In winter sports, snowboarding is considered to be an activity derived from skiing. For this reason, a ski instructor can also be a snowboard instructor, and vice versa.
As versatile and multi-talented as they are, your instructors will be able to meet all your expectations. Each instructor has his or her own preferences and area of expertise. Those who are passionate about the various disciplines will be delighted to help you learn.
Do you love winter sports?Become an instructor with the ESF Academy!