Dave Burrows – On Coaching, Community, and Carving Your Own Path in the Alps
Dave Burrows is a British ski instructor based in Switzerland, founder of SnowPros Ski School in the Swiss sector of the Portes du Soleil, and host of The Ski Instructor Podcast. In this episode of Skidlärarpodden, we explore his journey from London finance to the Alpine slopes, and dive into:
- Building a sustainable career in the ski industry
- Evolving as a teacher beyond the exam system
- The power of long-format conversations in skiing
- Why meaningful lessons go far beyond just technique
We also discuss PSIE (Professional Ski Instructors of Europe), compare instructor cultures across countries, and reflect on the importance of staying curious—even after decades on snow.
🔗 Links & references
- Contact Snow Pros at info@snow-pros.ski
- Snow Pros Ski School
- The Ski Instructor Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- The Ski Instructor Podcast on Spotify
- PSIE (Professional Ski Instructors of Europe)
- Portes du Soleil ski area
📍 Chapters
00:00 Introduction & background to the podcast
02:20 Skiing in Portes du Soleil
05:21 Dave Burrows: From British to Swedish ski instructor
08:17 Certification and education in ski instruction
11:13 ISIA and international standards
14:15 The podcast's purpose and audience
17:28 Listener interaction and feedback
20:15 Popular episodes & future guests
23:09 Final reflections
28:53 Interview format & types of questions
33:35 Career transitions & inspiration
36:39 Starting a ski school abroad
40:12 Recruitment & instructor models
45:47 Guest interest & communication
53:06 Ski industry culture & community
58:33 Generational perspectives in leadership
01:00:39 Learning from younger generations
01:01:15 Ski technique and personal preferences
01:03:16 Snow conditions and seasonal impact
01:07:25 The future of skiing in the Alps
01:08:31 How Brexit affected the industry
01:10:10 Gender balance in the ski world
01:19:14 Terrain skiing & technique development
01:23:15 Preparing for the summer season
01:24:14 PSIE and instructor training
01:29:08 Challenges & opportunities in the ski industry
01:38:06 Memories from skiing and education
02:20 Skiing in Portes du Soleil
05:21 Dave Burrows: From British to Swedish ski instructor
08:17 Certification and education in ski instruction
11:13 ISIA and international standards
14:15 The podcast's purpose and audience
17:28 Listener interaction and feedback
20:15 Popular episodes & future guests
23:09 Final reflections
28:53 Interview format & types of questions
33:35 Career transitions & inspiration
36:39 Starting a ski school abroad
40:12 Recruitment & instructor models
45:47 Guest interest & communication
53:06 Ski industry culture & community
58:33 Generational perspectives in leadership
01:00:39 Learning from younger generations
01:01:15 Ski technique and personal preferences
01:03:16 Snow conditions and seasonal impact
01:07:25 The future of skiing in the Alps
01:08:31 How Brexit affected the industry
01:10:10 Gender balance in the ski world
01:19:14 Terrain skiing & technique development
01:23:15 Preparing for the summer season
01:24:14 PSIE and instructor training
01:29:08 Challenges & opportunities in the ski industry
01:38:06 Memories from skiing and education
Skapare och gäster
Värd
Joel Baudin
Examinerad skidlärare och utbildningsledare med entreprenörsanda. Driver egen skidskola i Kittelfjäll och engagerar mig i att utveckla framtidens skidåkare genom Friluftsfrämjandet.
Gäst
Dave Burrows
Ski instructor and founder of SnowPros Ski School. Host of The Ski Instructor Podcast and certified with the Swiss Brevet Fédéral.
