One should be a ski instructor...

The training path leads from ski instructor trainee to state ski instructor and diploma or state ski teacher, all the way to ski guide. The crowning achievement. Even during the trainee course, the pedagogically correct handling of children as well as alpine safety play a significant role alongside the technical ski training. So far, so good. Not everyone can become a ski instructor.

But what about the image of ski instructors? Do they still carry the image of heartthrobs? Uli Strauß has to laugh a little at that. "Well, the party scene has completely vanished from our area in Seefeld. The myth that après-ski is part of our job has not been the case for a long time. Maybe that was true 30 or 40 years ago," admits the long-time ski instructor. "Today, guests have very different expectations; their stay is significantly shorter, and they want to make the most of their precious vacation time.

Parents enjoy their time on the slopes while the children are well taken care of in ski classes, learning to ski in a fun group setting. After the ski classes, guests today prefer to go snowshoeing or enjoy the wellness offerings at the hotel. The idea that the whole group used to go out for après-ski every day is no longer true," says Uli. But he also remembers other times when it was common to go out and celebrate in a group after ski lessons.

"In the past, we knew our guests well, as many returned every year. We were often out and about with the whole group and had quite a few rounds. And yes, of course, there were times when we had one or two friendships," Uli chuckles and adds: "Of course, that was before we got married. There was always flirting happening, that’s part of our job. I can remember a few romances that are still married today, where my colleagues moved to Germany or Holland for love."

In 2017, Ulrich Strauß founded the Alpinpower Ski School with his brother and two business partners. The stories he can tell from his life are numerous. Much more lasting for Uli are the many friendships that have developed over the years. "We spent weeks with Jordanians in Seefeld and other ski areas, taught their children how to ski, and were then invited to Jordan. We still have good contact with some of our guests today. It is indeed nice when a few ski lessons result in such long-term friendships."

When it comes to the selection of his ski instructors at the Alpinpower Ski School, Uli Strauß pays special attention to who can best apply their strengths with which students. "This is the secret of our success; we deploy ski instructors in areas where they excel. Moreover, we have learned from past mistakes, pay our ski instructors well, and treat them as equals. That is our style, and I believe the success proves us right," Uli is convinced.

The ski school operation is no longer a pure male domain, nor does age play a role. From a 17-year-old student to the young-at-heart and active retirees: ski instructors need not only their skiing qualifications but also a good ability to motivate and good people skills. "In addition to our 15 to 20 full-time ski instructors, we also employ many students."

And what does a ski school director do in the summer? "I have been working in various roles at the golf course during the summer months for over 30 years. As the head of the ski school, however, the work actually begins in the summer with various preparations such as pricing and brochure creation. And in winter, every day starts with the excitement of whether all teachers are present and whether all booked courses and hours can take place. It is even more wonderful when everything runs smoothly and our guests can enjoy a great day of skiing," Uli is already looking forward to this winter. The booking situation looks good, and hopefully nothing stands in the way of a successful winter. Whether as many love stories will unfold as in the past remains to be seen. Perhaps the myth of the ski instructor as a heartbreaker will experience a renaissance again someday.

All information on skiing in the Seefeld region can be found here.