Snowsports GmbH

What Snowsports GmbH does

Snowsports GmbH operates the Snowsports Academy, the Wiener Skilehrer und Snowboardlehrer Verband — the official ski and snowboard instructor training association of Vienna, recognized under Viennese state law since 1968 and a member of the Austrian Ski School Association (ÖSSV). The company delivers a multi-tier Austrian instructor certification pathway spanning Anwärter, Landesskilehrer 1 and 2, Alpinkurs, and equivalent snowboard levels, with state-recognized credentials that enable graduates to teach in Austrian ski schools and in over 40 countries internationally. Each tier runs 7–10 days of combined theory and practical training, delivered through a network of more than 100 state-certified instructors at premium Austrian resorts (Kitzsteinhorn, Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Bad Gastein, Stuhleck) and at international venues in Italy, Greece, Argentina, UAE, Georgia, Netherlands, and China.

The product portfolio extends beyond certification courses into digital learning tools (Snowsports Academy PRO App on iOS and Android, E-Learning platform, LearnHow2Ski, LearnHow2Snowboard, Online Coach), a free two-sided job marketplace (Snowsports Connect), an annual bilingual Insight Snowsports Magazine, and a mobile Rollskipiste (SkiMachine) using a ProSnow® ski-carpet conveyor belt that the company positions as the only mobile ski simulator of its kind in Germany and Austria, used for trade shows and brand activations such as BOSS OPEN 2026. Technology credentials include TÜV Austria ISO 21001:2018 certification for instructor training, ISO 9001:2015 for events and marketing, QR-verified certificates, and a proprietary booking platform (booking.snowsports.at).

The business model combines one-time course fees (€900–€2,200 depending on course level and package inclusions), recurring membership fees for the post-graduation instructor ID card, B2B Rollskipiste event rental priced on request, and an affiliate-style referral channel through Snowsports Connect. Customer concentration is low: the firm trains 3,000+ participants annually across 40+ nationalities, with a single high-volume course at Kitzsteinhorn in October 2024 alone hosting more than 90 participants from seven countries. GTM is event- and cohort-driven, with marketing executed through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, an active blog, the Insight Snowsports Magazine, and on-site presence at ski-industry events such as ISPO Munich and the SPE Balkan Ski Congress.

Name

Snowsports GmbH

Legal name

Snowsports GmbH

Website

https://snowsports.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Snowsports GmbH operates the Snowsports Academy, the official Austrian ski and snowboard instructor certification body of Vienna, training 3,000+ participants annually across Austrian resorts and 12+ international venues through tiered certification courses, digital learning platforms, a job marketplace, and a mobile ski simulator for events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Winter Sports Education and Instructor Certification

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Ski & Snowboard Schools (Instruction & Coaching) (THAAAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Winter Sports & Snow Training Schools (Ski, Snowboard, Ice Sports) (MPAKAJAI), Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing) (THAAALAF)

Keywords

• Ski instructor training
• Snowboard instructor certification
• Winter sports education
• Alpine instructor certification
• Ski school training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Wien

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Training course fees: Primary revenue stream from multi-day instructor training courses. Packages include course fee, examination fee, certificate fee, e-learning access, video study, and theory sessions. Optional add-ons: hotel accommodation, lift tickets, accident insurance, travel and cancellation insurance.
2. Membership fees: Snowsports Academy membership is required to receive a ski or snowboard instructor ID card after completing training.
3. Rollskipiste event rental: The mobile roll-ski slope is rented out for events, trade shows, and sporting events. Pricing is on request and depends on number of days and required personnel.
4. Snowsports Connect job platform: Free job platform connecting snow sports teachers with ski schools. The platform supports career placement for graduates of the training programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Snowsports GmbH (Snowsports Academy) delivers tiered Austrian ski and snowboard instructor certification courses ranging from the 10-day Anwärter course through Landesskilehrer 1 and Landesskilehrer 2, with optional Alpinkurs modules. Training is conducted at premium Austrian ski resorts (Kitzsteinhorn, Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Bad Gastein, Stuhleck) and international locations, supported by a digital E-Learning platform, the Snowsports Academy PRO app, and the Snowsports Connect job placement platform. The company also rents out its proprietary mobile Rollskipiste (SkiMachine) for events, trade shows, and brand activations.

Product overview

Snowsports Academy is a multi-product snow sports education ecosystem comprising instructor training programs (ski and snowboard, from Anwärter through state-certified levels), the mobile Rollskipiste ski simulator for events, digital learning platforms (LearnHow2Ski, LearnHow2Snowboard, Online Coach), a mobile companion app (Snowsports Academy PRO), a job portal (Snowsports Connect), and the Insight Snowsports Magazine publication. The core offering is the tiered instructor certification system governed by Austrian federal law and ÖSSV standards, with digital tools (app, e-learning, online platforms) used to support and extend the training programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Snowsports Academy PRO APP: Mobile application companion app for the training program
• Rollskipiste
• LearnHow2Ski
• LearnHow2Snowboard
• Snowsports Connect

Products and services

• Ski Instructor Training (Anwärter – Landesskilehrer 2) Multi-level ski instructor training program covering Anwärter (10 days), Landesskilehrer 1 (10 days), Landesskilehrer 2 (10 days), and Alpinkurs (7 days), culminating in a commission-based state examination. Provides Austrian state-recognized ski instructor certification for individuals aged 16+ seeking to work at ski schools in Austria and internationally.
• Snowboard Instructor Training (Anwärter – Landeslehrer) Multi-level snowboard instructor training program consisting of Snowboardlehrer Anwärter (10 days) and Snowboard Landeslehrer (10 days), with optional Alpinkurs and Snowboardführer certification for advanced alpine skills. Aimed at individuals aged 16+ seeking Austrian state-recognized snowboard instructor certification.
• Mobile Rollskipiste (SkiMachine) The only mobile roll-ski slope in Germany and Austria, featuring a ProSnow® ski carpet on a conveyor belt adjustable in speed and incline. Rented out for events, trade shows, shopping centers, and sporting events to bring skiing and snowboarding experiences to urban and non-mountainous locations. Includes transport, setup/breakdown, service, cleaning, trained staff and instructors, ski and boot rental, and optional outdoor canopy.
• Snowsports Academy PRO App Mobile companion app for Snowsports Academy training participants, available on iOS and Android, supporting participants from registration through to employment with networking, learning content, and career placement tools.
• LearnHow2Ski Online ski school platform enabling participants to understand, practice, and develop their skiing skills. Part of the digital learning ecosystem alongside LearnHow2Snowboard.
• LearnHow2Snowboard Online snowboard school platform for understanding, practicing, and progressing in snowboarding technique, complementary to LearnHow2Ski.
• Online Coach Digital coaching service providing personalized instruction and guidance for snow sports learners, accessible via the LearnHow2Ski platform.
• Snowsports Connect Free job platform connecting certified snow sports instructors (graduates of Snowsports Academy) with ski schools across Austria and internationally, supporting career placement.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,000+ participants trained annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ÖSSV (Österreichischer Skischulverband)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSnowsports Academy is a member and official training association of the Austrian Ski School Association. The ÖSSV is the national umbrella organization for ski schools in Austria, providing the framework for certification recognition across all Austrian federal states.
• WienSki (Landesverband für Schisport in Wien)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWienSki is the Vienna State Ski Association. Snowsports Academy serves as the official ski and snowboard instructor association of Vienna.
• Sportamt Wien (MA51)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Vienna Sports Office (MA51) is the municipal authority overseeing sports in Vienna. Snowsports Academy operates as the official training association under municipal sports legislation.
• Kitzsteinhorn (Zell am See-Kaprun)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary glacier ski resort location for training courses. Year-round training conditions at 2,000-3,000m altitude. Partner provides lift infrastructure and terrain for practical training.
• IschglmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining location for ski and snowboard instructor courses. Ischgl and Snowsports Academy partnered for BOSS OPEN 2026 bringing the roll-ski slope to Stuttgart. Premium partner of BOSS OPEN.
• Zell am See-KaprunmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSki resort region serving as a primary training location for ski and snowboard instructor programs.
• Bründl SportsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSki equipment rental partner at Kitzsteinhorn. Located at the mountain station (Alpincenter). Training participants receive discounted equipment rental and purchase options, as well as ski services.
• Ski Instructor Academy (SIA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreparation course partner. SIA offers pre-training courses that prepare participants for Snowsports Academy instructor courses in both theory and practice.
• Athletes EyewearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEyewear brand partner providing optical equipment for instructors and participants.
• UNIQA Österreich Versicherungs AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance partner offering accident insurance specifically for ski and snowboard instructors during training courses, including helicopter rescue coverage. Offered as optional add-on during course booking.
• Europäische Reiseversicherung AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel and cancellation insurance partner. Provides course cancellation and travel insurance as optional add-on during booking.
• Skischule Sulden (South Tyrol)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal ski school partner for the Sulden am Ortler training location. Provided practical teaching observation opportunities and theory instruction venue for the first South Tyrol training in November 2025.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Intersport Rent: Intersport Rent is a large international winter sports equipment rental network, comparable to Snowsports Academy's rental partner Bründl Sports. It sits in the same value chain (resort-based winter sports services) but does not directly compete in instructor training.

Broad incumbents

• École du Ski Français (ESF): ESF is the largest national ski school network in France and a global incumbent in ski instruction, including instructor training. It overlaps with Snowsports Academy on the ski instructor certification value chain but operates at substantially larger scale and with a much broader ski-school portfolio.
• Snowsports Industries America (SIA): SIA is the North American snow sports industry body representing suppliers, retailers, and instructors. While broader in scope, it is relevant as a competing convener of the snow sports training ecosystem and organizer of industry events such as ISPO-adjacent shows.

Direct peers

• Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance (CSIA): CSIA is Canada's national ski instructor certification body with a tiered Level 1-4 instructor training model that parallels Snowsports Academy's certification path. It is the most relevant North American equivalent in terms of structure, regulatory standing, and target customer.
• Skischule Arlberg: Skischule Arlberg is a major Austrian ski school offering its own instructor training pathways in Tyrol. It competes with Snowsports Academy for Austrian resort-based instructor candidates and shares the same Austrian/ÖSSV regulatory framework.
• British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI): BASI is the UK's national body for snowsport instructor certification, delivering a tiered certification system comparable to Snowsports Academy's Anwärter-Landesskilehrer structure. Both organizations issue internationally recognized qualifications and compete for British and Irish participants seeking Alpine instructor credentials.
• Ski Instructor Academy (SIA): SIA is a European ski and snowboard instructor training provider offering preparation courses that feed directly into Snowsports Academy's programs. It is explicitly listed as a preparation course partner and competes for the same pool of aspiring instructors, making it the closest direct comparable.
• Swiss Snowsports: Swiss Snowsports is the national ski and snowboard instructor association of Switzerland, operating a near-identical model to Snowsports Academy: multi-level instructor certification courses, official recognition under Swiss federal framework, and cross-border certificate portability. Highly comparable on regulatory structure and product offering.

Regional players

• New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA): NZSIA is New Zealand's national ski and snowboard instructor certification body with a tiered training system. It is comparable in operating model but serves the Southern Hemisphere market, making it a regional rather than head-to-head competitor.

Emerging players

• Progression: Progression is a digital ski coaching and video-analysis platform used by instructors and advanced skiers. It overlaps with Snowsports Academy's LearnHow2Ski and E-Learning offerings and represents the emerging digital-native competitor in the same end-market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCv4n2Cpb8AnLNc-4B3Wp2oQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/SnowsportsAcademy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/snowsports-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/snowsports_academy
• TikToktiktok.com/@snowsports_academy

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Snowsports GmbH