Snow Action catches up with Geri Tumbasz from Cold Candy Snowschool and Academy
For many young school leavers, a gap year has traditionally meant backpacking through Europe or finding casual work overseas. But what if your year abroad could leave you with an internationally recognised qualification, lifelong friendships and a career that could take you from Austria to Japan, Canada or New Zealand?
That’s the philosophy behind Cold Candy Snowschool & Academy, an Austrian-based ski instructor training academy that believes a gap year should be about far more than simply passing an exam.
“After more than 25 years in the ski industry and having trained well over a thousand ski instructors, we wanted to create something that genuinely put quality before quantity,” says the Cold Candy team.
“Too many instructor courses have become about passing exams. At Cold Candy, our focus is on creating exceptional skiers, confident instructors and professionals who are ready for a career in the mountains.”
More Than a Qualification
While students graduate with an internationally respected Austrian ski instructor qualification, the experience extends well beyond skiing. Living and working overseas teaches independence, resilience and confidence in ways few classrooms can.
“Students learn responsibility, teamwork, communication, leadership and how to work with people of all ages and nationalities,” the team explains.
“Many arrive for one winter and end up discovering a career and lifestyle they never imagined. Even for those who eventually return to university or another profession, the experience stays with them for life.“
The program attracts confident intermediate to advanced skiers from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are recent school leavers, while others are university graduates or professionals looking for a complete lifestyle change.
“Anyone with a strong work ethic, a passion for skiing and a willingness to learn will thrive on our program.”
Small Groups, Big Progress
One of Cold Candy’s biggest points of difference is its coaching philosophy. Rather than teaching students to simply memorise techniques for an assessment, coaches focus on developing technical understanding and building confident, adaptable instructors.
Groups are deliberately limited to just eight participants per coach, allowing for daily personalised feedback, movement analysis and video review.
“We use drills where they have purpose, but we also encourage students to think for themselves, ask questions and develop their own coaching style rather than simply copying someone else,” they say. “Our goal isn’t simply to help people pass an exam. It’s to help them become the best skiers they can be.”
Why Austria?
Austria has long been recognised as one of the world’s leading destinations for ski instruction, and its qualifications are respected throughout the global ski industry. Cold Candy believes this gives graduates a significant advantage when applying for jobs around the world.
“The Austrian qualification is recognised internationally and places a huge emphasis on technical skiing, teaching methodology and professional standards,” they explain.
“Graduates are highly sought after not only in Austria but also across Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Canada and many other ski destinations.”
Life in the Alps
A typical day begins on snow, where students focus on improving their own skiing while developing teaching techniques, communication skills and movement analysis. Regular video sessions help students clearly see their progress, while off-snow workshops prepare them for both the practical and theoretical components of the qualification.
But the learning doesn’t stop when the lifts close. Students can take optional German lessons, relax in the hotel’s wellness facilities or join organised social activities including tobogganing, sightseeing, ski touring and evenings exploring the local villages.
“We believe the friendships, memories and experiences outside of skiing are just as important as the technical training itself,” the team says. “It’s the perfect introduction to life in the Alps.”
Confidence That Lasts a Lifetime
Perhaps the biggest transformation isn’t measured by skiing ability at all. “The biggest transformation we see isn’t always in skiing, it’s in confidence,” says the Cold Candy team.
“Students become better communicators, stronger leaders and more resilient individuals. They learn how to perform under pressure, solve problems, work within a team and take responsibility for others.”
Living overseas and adapting to a new culture develops maturity that employers value across every industry. “Many students arrive unsure of themselves and leave with the confidence to work anywhere in the world.”
From Course to Career
Cold Candy’s support continues after graduation. Through partnerships with ski schools across Austria and internationally, graduates receive assistance finding employment, including introductions, interviews, accommodation guidance and support navigating work permits where required.
“Our aim is not simply to qualify instructors,” they explain. “We want to help them build successful careers in the mountains.”
With employment opportunities available in destinations including Austria, Japan, Canada, Switzerland and the United States, many graduates find themselves returning season after season.
A Worthwhile Investment
For parents weighing up the value of a gap year, Cold Candy believes the return goes far beyond the slopes. “This is much more than a ski course,” they say.
“Your son or daughter will develop confidence, independence, resilience and professional skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives while gaining an internationally respected qualification and real employment opportunities.”
“Watching someone leave with more confidence, lifelong friendships, a recognised qualification and a career opportunity is exactly why you should become part of the Cold Candy community.”
For young Australians dreaming of spending a winter in the mountains, a ski instructor gap year could become much more than an unforgettable adventure. It could be the first step towards a global career on snow.
For more information or to apply, visit: cold-candy.com/anwarter-courses-austria-level-1-2
Words and Images: Cold Candy Snowschool Academy
