Skiing as a school curriculum: Understand the 'Ski Academies' model in Europe

Imagining that your child can ski twice a week as part of regular school lessons sounds like something out of a movie. In Europe, this concept is not fiction, they are called “Ski Academies”, institutions that integrate mountain sports directly into the academic curriculum. Let's explore how this educational model works, which is transforming the way of teaching in the Alps.

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What are the European ski academies

European ski academies represent a natural evolution of education in mountainous regions. Instead of treating skiing as an optional extracurricular activity, these institutions incorporate winter sports as a fundamental part of students' academic and personal development.

Key Features:

• Skiing integrated into regular school hours
• Certified ski teachers as part of the teaching staff
• Educational infrastructure located in ski resorts
• International academic curriculum (IB, IGCSE, national systems)
• Calendar adapted to the snow seasons

This model differs completely from sports exchange traditional, since it integrates formal education with sports training on a permanent basis, not just temporarily.

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How does curriculum integration work

Adapted academic schedule

The ski academies structure their schedules to take advantage of the best snow conditions. Typically, students have:

• Mornings: Traditional academic classes
• Afternoons: Ski sessions 2-3 times a week
• Intensive programs: During snow peaks or competitions

Levels of participation

Recreational Skiing: For beginners or those interested in leisure

• Focus on mountain safety and pleasure
• Gradual technical progression
• Social integration through sport

Performance Programs: For developing athletes

• Advanced technical training
• Preparation for regional and national competitions
• Specialized coaching by modality (alpine, freestyle, freeride)

Elite Academies: For future professional competitors

• High-performance training
• Coaching by former Olympic athletes
• International competitive calendar

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Verbier International School: reference model

The Verbier International School perfectly exemplifies the European ski academy model. Located in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 1,500 m, the school integrates skiing into the curriculum of all students from preschool to the IB Diploma.

Ski program structure

Improvement and Enjoyment: Perfect for beginners who want to explore the mountain safely while developing basic techniques.

Freeride Academy: Available starting in the 7th year, this program benefits from at least 6 days with a professional mountain guide during the Winter Term, teaching navigation on unprepared terrain.

Race Academy: Starting in the 5th year, with training sessions every afternoon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, competing in the races of the Swiss Group of International Schools.

Combi Academy: It combines racing and freeride elements for complete development.

Academic differentials

The VIS follows the adapted English National Curriculum, which promotes outdoor education as a fundamental pillar. Students also receive bilingual (French-English) education, preparing them for both Anglophone and French-speaking universities.

For Brazilian families considering the High School Be Easy, the experience at a ski academy represents an even more specialized level of international education.

Other prominent ski academies in Europe

Apex2100 International Ski Academy (France)

Located in Tignes at an altitude of 2,100 m, it is led by Sir Clive Woodward and stands out for:

• Only program that offers IB Diploma integrated with competitive skiing
• Three pillars: Learn (gym), Train (ski) and Perform (conditioning)
• Coaching led by Sasha Rearick, former coach of the American team for 18 years

Ski Race Academy (Switzerland)

Focused on FIS athletes with an annual May-April program:

• Maximum 7 athletes per coach
• Partnerships with educational platforms accredited by the World Academy of Sport
• Flexibility for IB Middle Years, IB Diploma and Cambridge IGCSE

European Snowsport Academy

Present in Verbier, Zermatt, St Moritz, Chamonix and Nendaz:

• Focus on training professional instructors
• Gap year programs combining certification and experience
• Network of contacts at major European resorts

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Advantages of the ski academy model

Holistic development

Physicist: Cardiovascular conditioning, coordination, balance, and muscle strength developed naturally through skiing.

Mental: Risk management, quick decision-making, concentration, and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Social: Multicultural coexistence, teamwork, leadership, and shared responsibility.

Differentiated university preparation

Ski academy students develop traits highly valued by elite universities:

• Self-imposed discipline through time management between gym and sport
• Resilience developed in the face of adverse weather conditions
• Natural leadership Through mountain responsibilities
• Global Perspective living in a truly international environment

This preparation is even more comprehensive than programs focused solely on professional discovery, such as vocational exchange, as it combines sports development with academic excellence.

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Differences with the Brazilian education system

Educational philosophy

While the Brazilian system traditionally separates physical education from other disciplines, ski academies treat movement and the natural environment as essential pedagogical tools.

Risk Management

Academies teach assessment and management of real risks (weather conditions, terrain, equipment) as part of regular education, developing maturity and personal responsibility.

Curricular flexibility

Unlike the rigidity of the Brazilian system, ski academies adapt schedules and methods according to natural conditions and individual student needs.

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Admission process and requirements

Academic documentation

• School transcript for the last 2-3 years
• Recommendation letters from teachers
• Academic and psychological assessment reports
• Personal essay explaining motivation and objectives

Language skills

Depending on the entry age, appropriate level of English or French is required. The older the candidate, the greater the language requirement.

Sports assessment

For performance programs, there may be technical ski assessment, although many gyms accept beginners in recreational programs.

Trial days

Several institutions offer free “test days” where candidates participate in regular classes and ski activities to assess mutual suitability.

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Costs and family investment

Value structure

Costs vary significantly depending on location, program level, and duration:

• Day school: Starting at CHF 40,000-50,000 per year
• Boarding + gym: CHF 80,000-100,000+ per year
• Specialized ski programs: Generally not included in basic rates

What's included

• Accommodation in chalets or student residences
• All balanced meals
• Complete academic materials
• Basic ski and equipment sessions
• 24/7 supervision by qualified houseparents
• Local weekend tours

Additional investments

• Specialized ski equipment
• Advanced programs (Race/Freeride Academy)
• Competitive international travel
• Specific insurance for mountain sports

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Comparison with traditional universities

Single networking

Unlike conventional university programs, ski academies create contact networks based on extremely intense shared experiences. Colleagues who skied together in the alpine conditions have maintained professional and personal ties for decades.

Preparing for leadership

The Alpine environment naturally develops leadership characteristics: decision-making under pressure, caring for group safety, adaptability to changing conditions.

For students interested in later studying University abroad, experience in ski academies offers a significant competitive advantage in the admission process.

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How to choose the ideal ski academy

Academic factors

• Curriculum offered: IB, IGCSE, specific national system
• University admissions history: Percentage of graduates accepted at target universities
• Faculty Qualifications: International experience and specialization
• Class size: Teacher-student ratio for individualized attention

Sporting factors

• Quality of the ski area: Extension, terrain variety, snow reliability
• Level of instructors: Professional certifications and competitive experience
• Available equipment: Modernity and proper maintenance
• Safety: Established protocols and accident history

Location factors

• International access: Proximity to major airports
• Local community: Integration with host city/resort
• Complementary activities: Cultural and recreational options besides skiing
• Climate: Consistency and length of the snow season

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Integration with future careers

Tourism and hospitality industry

Ski academy students often develop careers in the Alpine tourism industry, with a deep understanding of the needs of international visitors and operations in mountain environments.

Risk and security management

The experience in constant assessment of environmental conditions prepares for careers in risk management, specialized insurance, and safety consulting.

Outdoor entrepreneurship

Many graduates create businesses related to equipment, specialized guides, resort development, or technologies applied to mountain sports.

Diplomacy and international relations

Intense multicultural coexistence in a challenging environment develops diplomatic skills and cultural understanding valuable for international careers.

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Important Challenges and Considerations

Climate adaptation

Students from tropical climates like Brazil need to adapt to:

• Extremely low temperatures for extended periods
• Significant variations in luminosity (short days in winter)
• Need for specific and expensive equipment

Physical Demands

Regular skiing requires:

• Higher than average fitness
• Coordination and balance developed
• Resistance to high-intensity activities at altitude

Social pressure

High-performance environments can create:

• Excessive competitiveness among students
• Pressure for both academic and sports performance
• Need to balance multiple demands simultaneously

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Essential pre-shipment preparation

Physical conditioning

It is recommended to start physical preparation 6-12 months before:

• Strengthening core and leg muscles
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Cardiovascular activities at increasing intensity

Familiarization with skiing

For starters, previous experience helps:

• Basic ski lessons at Brazilian or neighboring resorts
• Ski simulators when available
• Familiarization with basic equipment

Language preparation

Develop sufficient fluency in English or French to:

• Understand safety instructions quickly
• Communicate effectively with instructors
• Participate fully in academic life

Psychological preparation

• Building resilience and adaptability
• Preparing for independence in a challenging environment
• Understanding that progress in skiing requires patience and persistence

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Be Easy

Be Easy has specific experience in differentiated educational programs in Europe, offering specialized guidance for families interested in exploring these exceptional opportunities.

Contact us and discover how we can help your child experience this revolutionary educational experience in the Alps.