Ski-schools, instructors & $$$ (3)

The paradox between what ski-schools charge and what instructors get is simple. In America, ski resorts (read lift companies) own the ski school like most also own and control equipment rentals, restaurants and lodging.

Yet, ski instruction is a huge profit center. Their instructors are on salary, get a uniform and no one else is authorized to teach skiing on the mountain. The instructors' trade organization (PSIA) is merely around to design and run their members certification process.

This business model is guaranteed to last a very long time. Contrast this with the Alps where ski instructors are independent contractors that are tolerated on the mountain by the lift company. They co-exist with other non-affiliated and independent instructors.

The lift company let them have priority-access to their lift when they're with clients. Will that business model last forever? Probably not; one of these days, lift operators will suddenly get smart, see the dollar signs and realize the money they're leaving on the table.

This probability of future business “disruption” in Europe is probably less a question of “if”, than “when”.