#MOUNTINSPIREPEOPLE
CHOOSE A JOB YOU LOVE. Oberstdorf native Andrea Geiger took this saying to heart just as deeply as her calling. As co-owner of Skitechnikschule Oberstdorf, she has spent years guiding guests on and off the slopes around Oberstdorf every single winter. A conversation about the life of a ski instructor and the power of what's possible.
Together with Andrea and many other incredible people, I completed my training as a state-certified ski instructor in 2014. The ceremonial graduation marked the end of a shared journey filled with unforgettable highs and laughter.
Methodology I on the Fellhorn, freeriding and avalanche safety in Obertauern, and of course the exam week on the Nebelhorn were our shared milestones. Now, almost a decade after that exam milestone, I had the pleasure of sitting down with her once again for a talk.
Andrea always had a crystal-clear vision for her professional path. A nine-to-five office job was just as out of the question as working as an instructor in someone else's ski school. Bringing her own ideas to life, chasing a vision, establishing a brand—it was truly the thrill of the challenge and the "impossible" that drove her forward.
There are people who think in possibilities and open horizons. Mountain souls for whom adventure doesn't end beyond the peaks. People who see no boundaries, which is why—from the outside looking in—they shift them so effortlessly.
How else could you explain how Andrea, alongside David Berktold, successfully founded their own ski school in the Allgäu? An enterprise that is genuinely loved by guests and a steadily growing crew alike, continuously carving out its place.
Landscapes shape us just as deeply as the people who dwell among them. The mountains surrounding Oberstdorf carry a raw energy all their own. Rugged, steep, and yet softened by the vibrant green of the Allgäu slopes. Sheltered yet worldly through its closeness to neighboring regions. And a place rooted in a deep belief: Creating from, in, and with nature in all its facets. Andrea grew up in these mountains, discovering the wilderness around Oberstdorf step by step. On foot in summer, later on downhill bikes, and in winter on the storied descents across both ski areas. It was during these days that the dream of turning a passion into a profession took root. She turned that idea into reality with straight-forward resolve and wholehearted joy. "Those who cannot savor life become insufferable themselves." Andrea savored the training years, chasing untracked lines and freeriding alongside kindred spirits. That raw energy and pure stoke on every descent was palpable at every turn. At the same time, these are the very qualities that define a truly great ski instructor.
As ski instructors, we teach our guests how to ski and refine their technique. But it is about so much more: the ability to ignite passion, stay adaptable, and genuinely tune into individual needs are just as vital as your own skill on the snow.
It quickly became clear that their own ski school had to be different—not just another copy. The guiding principle: individuality. No crowded group courses, only private lessons, predominantly in the morning. This allows guests to soak up pristine morning conditions, while the instructor crew has the afternoon free to pursue other mountain projects or teach extra hours. Looking back, this approach captured the spirit of the times perfectly. The two founders were able to grow the team, launch a cross-country skiing division, and even set up their own ski rental shop.
Of course, you can't overlook the immense grind behind the scenes—countless hours in the office and the tuning workshop. Delivering top performance and genuine quality day after day was and still is hard work, but it matches Andrea's mindset and intrinsic drive to the core. Today, the Skitechnikschule Oberstdorf team counts around 20 instructors, all certified at least Level 1 (formerly Grundstufe) by the German Ski Instructors Association (DSLV). Another bold statement reflecting the high standards and ambition of both founders.
Corona: A Setback?
Naturally, the COVID-19 pandemic left its mark on the mountain tourism of Oberstdorf. Closed resorts, shut hotels, no guests. And consequently, no ski school operations. You might expect a season of hesitation and doubt, but true to her nature, Andrea saw an open door.
When COVID hit, I truly discovered ski touring for myself. I geared up and unlocked an entirely new world. I spent the whole winter out on touring tracks, gathering fresh perspectives, skills, and impressions. A newfound passion that stays with me to this day.
Ultimately, it is up to each of us to forge our own trail and chase what sets our soul on fire. Andrea forged her path, chased her vision, and built a home in the mountains—a sanctuary she keeps expanding and rediscovering every day. Along with a passion for skiing and the wild that is contagious and deeply inspiring. #mountinspirepeople
#mountinspirepeople