A winter with the Shape Academy
13.05.2019

Sports, friendship and career? You can have it all!

According to the Motto „For Perfect Rides”, the member of the Shape Academy have been taking care that the Alps are in perfect shape. With 120 projects in 5 countries – including the best Funslopes and some of the top snowparks in Europe – the Shape Academy sets a benchmark for snow facilities and with its training program, it paves the way into the future of winter sports. So, if you are eager to spending the winter in the mountains, if you are looking for new adventures and if you’re tough enough for some physical labor, this is your chance!

‘Cause a few days aren’t enough…

Lukas is the living proof that it’s possible to combine one’s favorite hobby and one’s job perfectly. Born in Northern Germany, he first couldn’t imagine gaining a professional foothold in the winter sports business. After all, his time in the mountains was limited to a few days of vacation per year. But then he heard about the Shape Academy. Now, he spends his winters building snowparks, maintaining them and doing what he loves: taking laps in the park! I’m basically building my own playground!“, Lukas describes his job. “Of course, it’s a lot of work and sometimes it gets really exhausting. But the fact that I can spend the day on the mountain, together with a like-minded crew and knowing, that I can earn money with my favorite hobby, makes up for all the hard times.”

Outdoor office vs. cubicle

But you don’t necessarily have to be a genuine freestyle enthusiast like Lukas, to become a part of the Shape Academy. After all, there’s a huge spectrum of winter sports facilities like the QParks, the Funslopes, the Funcross and the structurally challenging Snowcastles, which are built and maintained by the Shape Academy. And sometimes it’s just the calm beauty of the mountains or the fact to have “the most beautiful workplace in the world”, that makes you choose this job, like Sabrina – Project Manager in a Funslope – explains. “I just couldn’t imagine sitting in a cubicle every day. I just wanted to go outside! So, I decided to take a timeout from my old job. Now I spend my days in the outdoor office – and there’s nothing that could possibly match up to that!” While talking about her dream job, she watches the sun set behind the majestic mountains. Yes, that’s part of the shaper life, too!

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Between facility and mountain railway

However, the Shape Academy does not only offer exciting career opportunities for newcomers to the winter sports business, as Stefan from Tyrol proves. He has basically spent his entire life in the mountains. First, he worked as a ski instructor, then he joined the mountain railway company in his valley. “After five seasons, I wanted to try something new – get around a little bit more.” As a Project Manager in South Tyrol, he now coordinates three employees and works closely with the mountain railway company. “I know a great deal about working on both sides and I’ve realized that my experience is a huge asset, both personally and professionally”, Stefan explains. “And by the way, the Dolomites are amazing!”, he adds with a big smile.

Big toys for big boys

Even all those, crazy about heavy machinery and technical stuff can find their ideal job at the Shape Academy – namely in the cockpit of a snowcat. The men (and women!) in their PRINOTH snow groomers are the true heroes of the night. They are the ones who push huge amounts of snow and help build the different facilities. “It’s not just required to have an eye for the details, it’s also necessary to bring along some skills and to be willing to learn.” Roland knows what he’s talking about. It’s already his 10th season with the Shape Academy. Since then, a lot has happened for Roli. Now, he’s Head Operator and responsible for the training of the next generation of snowcat operators. Furthermore, he has become Regional Manager and coordinates several projects within the Shape Academy. Therefore, he’s a paramount example that the Shape Academy also provides unique career opportunities in the winter sports business.

Here we would like to show you a Vimeo video.

If you also want to turn your passion into your profession, join the Shape Academy! For more information and the official online application form, please visit www.shape-academy.com.

 

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