So You Want To Be a Ski or Snowboard Instructor
If you’re looking to get paid to ski or snowboard, looking for an entry-level position in the outdoor industry, or looking to further your teaching skills then ski or snowboard instructing may be your next call.
Do you find yourself wishing for more days on the snow? Well, it’s totally possible and you can get paid doing it. By becoming a ski or snowboard instructor you become an ambassador for the sport, and chairlifts become your new backyard. Perhaps you want to spread the joy of ski and snowboarding to others, or you want to sharpen your teaching skills. Whatever the reason, instructors welcome all backgrounds with open arms and a big smile.
I am a seasoned snowboard instructor, and I’ve come to believe it should be more aptly named ‘extreme meditation teacher’. My goal is to keep people in their bodies and out of their mind, and then teach them how to glide through space using their whole body. In the process I’ve gained teaching, communication, and snowboarding skills, and you can too!
When To Apply?
Seasons vary depending what region you decide to instruct in. I’d recommend looking and applying on the company’s job board June – October for the best positions. Oftentimes, however, resorts are always hiring. You’ll need to submit an updated resume and be prepared to talk about why you’d be a good candidate for the position. Here are some examples of job boards but ultimately you can find job pages at the bottom of the resort’s website under ‘Careers’.
- Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (Dillon, CO)
- Purgatory Resort jobs (Durango, CO)
- Vail Resorts jobs (Nationwide positions)
Where Is It Possible To Be An Instructor?
When picking where to work, ask yourself, “Where do I want to live?” Keep in mind some places get more snow than others. Also consider if you’d rather work at a resort, or at a ski area. Ski areas do not provide amenities to visitors like shopping and hotels. Generally, the vibe at ski areas is more chill compared to resorts who get a lot more traffic – aka work. When I instructed at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado, I mainly wanted the lift pass and access to their Real Deal program which partners with mountains all across Colorado. Frequently, I could show up to work and not get a morning or afternoon lesson and ride for the rest of the day. As a snowboard instructor at Keystone Resort in Colorado, I normally received lessons every shift. If you’re trying to make a lot of money then consider working for resorts and working in kids lessons. No matter if you choose a ski area or resort, holidays and weekends are the busiest times for both places and showing up ready to work is to be expected.
What’s It Like?
We teach people how to snowboard, or how to snowboard more efficiently. I’ve worked with a five year old and a 50 year old both wanting to learn how to have fun on a snowboard. We work with people who are on vacation, so most people are nice and have a relaxed mindset. Your co-workers are really what makes the experience worth it. Having like-minded people to ride with on your days off and hangout with when the mountain closes makes the experience less lonely.
Why Be A Snowboard Instructor
Firstly, you get to live and work where people escape to. Ironically, I escaped to a resort town to escape my depression. I learned in my first year that my happiness couldn’t rely on a fleeting passtime, but rather, I had to find happiness within myself and snowboarding could help enhance my experience. Oftentimes, resorts will give you housing your first year at a discounted rate since living in resort towns is expensive. Furthermore, you get paid to snowboard and to become a better snowboarder. Most resorts offer top-notch long-term training and you meet other passionate snowboarders in the process. A lot of my progression has stemmed from attending weekly clinics put on by my employers all throughout the season. Making snowboard instruction a career is also an option through PSIA-AASI certifications. Certifications qualify you to receive more private lessons, returning clients, and higher level lessons. Certifications also allow you the resources to dive deeper into the technicalities of snowboarding to have the ultimate experience.
Progression Steps To Making Snowboard Instructing a Profession
- Take the leap and apply.
Changing careers can be scary because of the unknown. Whenever I get stuck on big life decisions I often remind myself I can always go back to the way things used to be. Ultimately, don’t expect outcomes to change if different factors aren’t changed as well.
- Obtain Level 1 PSIA-AASI snowboard certification.
This 2-3 day certification process consists of riding and teaching days. Some common elements examiners are looking for include people skills, ability to learn, and ability to analyze body movement. The cost is around $400 upfront but most employers reimburse you either upon completion or the next season you work for them.
- Obtain Level 1 Freestyle / Level 1 Child Specialist certification
Once you have your standard Level 1 snowboard certification, you open up possibilities to teach freestyle (jumps, rails, halfpipe) and children efficiently. By obtaining certifications in various disciplines you widen your ability to be an effective teacher, and in turn become a better rider.
- Obtain Level 2/3 PSIA-AASI certifications and beyond
The PSIA-AASI pipeline is designed to create world class snow instructors. Reaching for level two and three in each specific field will ensure you receive the best clients. With expertise comes preference points for more lessons, and you start to gain returning customers that typically tip well. Once, I received a returning client who tipped me $300!
The Final Word
If you’re thinking about it, just apply! Resorts need many part-time/holiday workers. You don’t need experience to be an instructor as they will train you how to teach. Being at least an intermediate snowboarder (blue terrain) is sufficient to start. If you’ve acquired communication skills and problem-solving skills that should be enough to get you through the phone interview. Snowboard instructing is a client-facing role and involves analyzing how people move to help them have a better time on a snowboard. This year, try something new. It’s time to turn your passion into a career and be an ambassador for the sensational sport of snowboarding!
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