by Laerke Christensen, reporter 

 

Snowminds is a Copenhagen-based company that specializes in ski-related gap year, career break or “try-something-new” experiences.

 

Despite Denmark being the fourth flattest country in the world participant numbers on Snowminds’ courses have been steadily rising since the company sent their first batch in 2012.

 

Participants on Snowminds courses receive training from Austrian instructors before enrolling in the Salzburger Berufskilehrer und Snowboardlehrer Verband (SBSSV) official instructor courses, which set the world standard for instructor training.

 

The company aims to put out fully trained ski instructors who can then go and work at their destinations – but they also to provide experiences that help their participants learn and grow. Team leader Charlotte Pedersen said:

 

“For many people it is the first time being abroad, living away from the place that they know where they come from.”

 

“In general you will be a whole other person when you come home because you got so much more out of it than just a certificate.”

 

While some might argue that sending young people off on a four month ski holiday without supervision can only end in Apres ski and hangovers, the adults involved argue that young people can actually learn life skills.

 

Guggi Pressl is the chief instructor at Skischule Oberschneider in Kaprun, one of Snowminds oldest partner destinations. She says being a ski instructor teaches young people social responsibility and a sense of togetherness:

 

“To be an instructor and to do the job brings you to work together with other people and the community and the social life, that you look after each other.”

 

Snowminds offer 5, 3 and 2 week courses in Austria, Canada and Japan from November to January. Read more on their website www.snowminds.dk