FAQs
You'll probably have lots of burning questions about Basecamp, whether it's wondering what accommodation you'll be staying in to the salary of a ski instructor. We've tried to answer all possible questions you may have about this experience, so take a look below. If we haven't managed to satisfy your concerns, then don't hesitate to get in contact with us for more help.
The 2-in-1 instructor course will be great for you if you’re dynamic and confident in all pisted conditions and have skied for at least 10 weeks prior to taking our course.
Yes, but you will need to discuss your arrangements with SIA Austria and a tailor made booster Clinic will be suggested to bring you to the minimum level as listed above. Complete beginners need a minimum of 2 extra weeks on snow before joining the standard courses found on our web page. Weak, Blue piste skiers may need as little as one week to bring them to the desired level. This option is currently only available for pre-season courses that start in October or November.
If you’re a strong skier and you have a good feel for sliding on the snow, you’re in a great position to pick up snowboarding quickly. We’ll add an extra week or two onto your course, or combine your course with our specialist beginner clinic, to teach you the basics of snowboarding, allowing you to take the full dual course.
If you’re a strong snowboarder, you probably have a good chance of picking up skiing quickly. But we should warn you – it’s a more difficult skill to learn. We have a specialist beginner ski clinic that you can take to get your ski skills up to scratch – this will allow you to take the dual course. If you’re a strong snowboarder with the ability to do basic freestyling, turn heel and toe side, and demonstrate edging ability on a red piste, we think you’ll be fine on the dual course with a bit of extra learning.
If you are really unsure about your standard we would suggest adding at least a one week booster Clinic before you start your main course. Speak with an SIA trainer and explain your concerns and should you have any video of yourself skiing you may wish to forward this to us. Confidence and physiological factors play a great part in skiing and boarding so the right frame of mind is essential for your improvement. Speed is relevant and as you improve you will have the balance and agility to respond quicker, but a basic level as listed above is necessary.
Snowboarding and skiing are both mentally and physically tiring, so it’s important to be in the right state of mind and body before taking this course. Because you’ll be outdoors in a cold, windy, and wet environment a lot of the time, you’ll need to be able to copy with this mentally and physically.
As skiing and snowboarding are challenging physical activities that require existing strength and cardiovascular fitness, you should be at an adequate fitness level. In particular, having a good cardio base and strong legs are a great starting point, so this course is great for you if you’re an active participant in fitness and/or sports in your personal life. You’ll actually improve your fitness and strength on this course because it will push you to your limits, but we strongly recommend that you only take it if you’re already somewhat athletic. If you have a pre-existing condition like asthma or diabetes, let us know so we can give you all the support you need.
When it comes to your mentality, being open to learning and constructive criticism is essential. Our courses are intensive and you’ll be learning a lot in a short space of time. We also welcome people who thrive in social environments, because you’ll be living with your coursemates and spending a lot of time on the slopes with them too. Social butterflies welcome! We love participants who work well in team environments because this course will require a lot of teamwork.
See section on Qualifications for details.
