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International snow sports instructors in the Swiss Alps

Your Experience counts here

Your Path to Swiss Recognition

Already have snow sports training and want to have it evaluated or recognized? We review your qualifications and show you your options.

Processing in ~30 days CHF 90 processing fee Since 1985
For Already Trained Instructors

Already completed snow sports training and want to work in Switzerland? Depending on the origin of your certification, there are different paths.

SSBS offers flexible recognition paths – from quick "Based On" recognition for on-piste instruction to full lateral entry into the Swiss training system.

Application for lateral entry

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Formulare Quereinstieg
Swiss Certifications

Swiss Snowsports & J+S Graduates

Swiss certifications are recognized differently depending on the association.

Recognized 1:1 by SSBS – simple transfer possible. You receive the corresponding SSBS qualification.
Case-by-case review required – we evaluate your qualifications individually and place you accordingly.
J+S certifications are evaluated individually. We review your documents and place you in the SSBS system.
Foreign Certifications

Three Paths to Recognition

Depending on your goal, you choose the appropriate path.

Quick recognition for on-piste instruction. Based on your documentation, you receive authorization to teach in Switzerland.
Want the full SSBS qualification? Enter the Swiss system and complete the missing modules. Theory must be completed.
An assessment of your qualifications regarding equivalency. Useful for salary negotiations and determining your standing.
Process & Documents

How the Application Process Works

Required Documents

  • Copy of your ID (passport or ID card)
  • Copies of all relevant certificates and diplomas
  • CV with snow sports experience
  • Completed application form

How to proceed

  1. Download the application form
  2. Fill it out completely
  3. Gather all required documents
  4. Send everything by email to info@ssbs.ch
  5. Transfer the processing fee (CHF 90)
  6. We will contact you within 30 days
Important to Know

Costs & Restrictions

CHF 90 one-time fee for reviewing and processing your application.
CHF 50 per year for SSBS membership incl. access to job portal and community.
Foreign off-piste certifications are not recognized (exception: mountain guides). Swiss training is required for touring/freeride.
Approximately 30 days after receipt of all documents, you will receive notification about your recognition.
Recognition as a snow sports instructor with a federal certificate must be applied for at SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation). The application is made via the SERI online portal.
For the recognition of first aid courses you need: the certificate (original or certified copy), the detailed course program, and the number of course days or teaching hours.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lateral Entry

Have questions? Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about recognition and lateral entry.

The processing fee is CHF 90. In addition, there is the annual SSBS membership of CHF 50. If you want to obtain the full SSBS qualification, the costs for the corresponding modules will be added.
Processing your application takes approximately 30 days. We carefully review your documents and will contact you with the result.
You need: copy of your ID (passport or ID card), copies of all relevant certificates and diplomas, a CV with your snow sports experience, and the completed application form. Send everything by email to info@ssbs.ch.
No, foreign off-piste certifications cannot be credited (exception: mountain guides). The "Based On" recognition only authorizes on-piste instruction. For touring and freeride, you must complete Swiss training.
Snowboard certifications from Swiss Snowsports are recognized 1:1 by SSBS – a simple transfer is possible. For ski certifications, a case-by-case review is conducted where we individually evaluate your qualifications.
"Based On" is quick recognition for on-piste instruction based on your foreign certification. With lateral entry, you enter the Swiss training system and complete the missing modules for full SSBS qualification.
Recognition as a snow sports instructor with a federal certificate must be applied for at SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation). SERI examines the equivalence of foreign diplomas with the Swiss federal certificate. The application is made via the SERI online portal. SSBS supports you with questions about the procedure.
For the recognition of first aid courses you need: the original certificate or a certified copy, the detailed course program with all topics covered, and the number of course days or teaching hours. The course must meet Swiss requirements for snow sports instructors.