Yfke Elisabeth de Bock

I learned to ski at 3 years old, taught by my mother and instructors at the Wolfskamer ski school. I grew up in the Netherlands, so skiing meant holidays-first in the Bayerischer Wald in Germany when I was very little, then in different places across Austria. From ages 4 to 11, I took skiing lessons in the Netherlands all winter long so I could keep up with my parents and brother on holiday. At 17, I did my Anwärter, and at 18, my Landes 1. I don’t focus on one discipline. As a child, I was naturally more of a slalom skier, but since becoming an instructor, my interest in off-piste skiing and moguls has grown a lot. My best skiing memory is one of those perfect days last year: great snow, good company and amazing food.

The idea of becoming an instructor came from a school ski trip, and I did it because I wanted to learn more about technique and become a better skier in general—plus I really enjoy working with people, especially children. My favourite thing about the job is seeing people become better skiers and sharing something I’m truly passionate about. I’ve been instructing for two years, and this will be my first full season.

I hold an EQF Level 4 degree in Mechanical Engineering, which I finished this June, before a holiday in Scotland and working the rest of the summer. In my spare time, I love trail running and sailing, and one surprising fact about me: I’m planning to run a 50 km ultramarathon before I arrive in Austria.