Why ski lessons with us are about more than skiing in a group

Learning to ski is not simply about covering as many kilometres on the slopes as possible. A good ski lesson is about having an instructor who watches their group, understands where each person is in their development, explains and corrects, and changes an exercise when it does not work for everyone. That takes experience. And, above all, it takes people who are willing to share that experience.

10 years of WE ARE FAMILY

Ten years ago, our ski school entered a new chapter with fresh energy and new ideas. It was during this new beginning that our motto WE ARE FAMILY was born. Since then, we have tried many things and constantly asked ourselves what we could do better. What do our guests need? What really works in everyday ski school life? And how can we work well together as a team?
Our look changed at the same time. Since that new beginning, you have seen us on the slopes in our blue ski jackets and red trousers. We are now entering our 10th season with WE ARE FAMILY.
The team has changed, new colleagues have joined us and many things are different from ten years ago. But the basic idea has remained the same: we want to support each other as a team, learn from one another and make every day on the mountain a good one for our guests.
 

Experience is something worth passing on

When new ski instructors join us, they bring different experiences and skills with them. Some are at the beginning of their training, while others already have many years of teaching experience. Being a good skier is one thing. Becoming a good ski instructor requires training — and, above all, people you can learn from. That is why having a strong and well-trained core team is particularly important to us. Our experienced instructors share their knowledge, support colleagues who are still developing their skills and are always available for questions and discussion in everyday ski school life.
This means learning does not only happen during courses or exams. It happens naturally through working together every day.

Our team today
Our team brings together different levels of training and experience:

• 3 state-certified ski instructors and mountain guides
• 1 mountain guide aspirant in training
• 3 state-certified ski or snowboard instructors in training
• 15 qualified regional ski and snowboard instructors
• 20 regional ski instructors in training

Alongside them are colleagues who have been teaching with us for many years and know our ski school and the way we work very well. We believe that experience and new ideas belong together. Both are an important part of a strong team.
 

Not a completely new team every year

This is also why we do not bring in a huge number of new instructors every season. For the coming winter, we have only a few new ski instructors joining the team. Many of our colleagues have already been part of the ski school for several years.
That makes a difference in everyday life. You know the routines, understand how your colleagues work, can support each other and do not have to start from scratch every winter. At the same time, new colleagues can quickly become part of the team and benefit from the experience of those who have been here longer.
 

Training together twice a week

Even after many years of teaching, there is always something new to learn. That is why we train together twice a week during the season. Sharing ideas and experiences is important to us. We ski together, talk about what we have experienced and take something new into the next day of teaching. For our younger instructors in particular, regular exchange with experienced colleagues is a valuable opportunity to develop their skills.
 

Group lessons – with time for the individual

Group lessons have an obvious advantage: you learn together while sharing the experience with other skiers. But for that to work well, groups cannot be too large. With us, there are a maximum of 10 participants in children's and adult groups. Even during the busiest periods, our children's groups average around 7–8 participants. This gives the instructor the opportunity to keep an eye on the whole group while still paying attention to individual children.

For our guests, that means: less waiting, more attention and more time on skis. And ultimately, that is what it is all about.
 

With our youngest skiers, less is more

With our youngest children, we pay even more attention to group size. Our Bambini groups have a maximum of 4 children. Every child is different. Some are immediately excited and cannot wait to get moving. Others need a little more time before they feel comfortable on skis. Especially during those first experiences in the snow, we do not want to put too much pressure on them. They should be able to explore. Sometimes they need a little break. And every child should be able to find their own pace.
 

You can feel a good team as a guest, too

Much of what happens behind the scenes in a ski school is not visible to our guests. When colleagues have worked together for years, when routines run smoothly and everyone knows they can rely on one another, it brings a certain sense of calm to everyday life. And our guests feel that, too. Parents can leave their children in the course with confidence. Children quickly know who is there for them. And adults have an instructor who can respond to their individual needs. These are not necessarily the things you notice at first glance. But very often, they are exactly the things that make a good day on the mountain.
 

That is what WE ARE FAMILY means to us
 

We do not want to simply have as many instructors or as many participants as possible. What matters more to us is having a well-trained team, passing on experience and continuing to support each other, even after many years of working together. Experienced instructors are part of that just as much as colleagues who are only beginning their training. And, of course, the right conditions in our courses matter too: manageable group sizes, short distances and enough time for each individual. Maybe that is what WE ARE FAMILY means to us. Not that everyone is the same. But that different people come together, learn from one another and know they can rely on each other. That has been the idea behind our team for ten years. And it is the idea we are taking with us into the next season.

We look forward to welcoming our returning guests, meeting new faces and sharing many more days on the Wildkogel.

Skischule Neukirchen – WE ARE FAMILY.