How would you like to spend every day on the slopes working as a ski instructor or snowboard instructor ?
Work for a resort ski school, independent ski school or dry slope and make your passion your career. There are worldwide opportunities for qualified skiers and snowboarders to work as instructors giving private classes and group lessons.
The CSIA and CASI ski and snowboard qualifications awarded on Flying Fish courses are recognised in most snow sports countries, including many resorts in the USA.
A second language is useful in Europe but don't worry if you speak only English as there are plenty of jobs for you too.
Perks of the snowboard or ski instructor's job? A free season's lift pass, skiing or snowboarding every day, cheap accommodation, resort discounts, great company, getting a life! The downside? The pay isn't great at entry-level but if you combine snow sports in the winter with water sports in the summer you have achieved the perfectly balanced outdoor lifestyle.
Your ability on the mountain is just a small part of the mix employers are looking for. They are just as interested in whether you have the soft skills that make a good instructor: patience, a friendly personality, an encouraging nature and a sense of humour. If you have these qualities as well as a recognised qualification, employers will want you in the team.
Get qualified with CASI or CSIA: Flying Fish offers Ski and Snowboard Instructor Traineeships and Fast-track courses in Whistler, at Canada's premier snow sports academy, YES Tours. The close relationship between YES and Whistler's monopoly employer, Intrawest, puts Flying Fish graduates at the head of the line for jobs.
Find ski and snowboard instructor courses in Whistler >>
CASI & CSIA or BASI? We're often asked by students from the UK how the Canadian qualifications match up to their British equivalents. In simple terms, both qualifications are highly respected and recognised world wide. These certificates are valid in most countries including the UK, US, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Australia and New Zealand. Within the EU each country has different rule - in the past France has been notoriously reluctant to accept non-French instructors but the EU has outlawed their restrictive practices.
Canada's world class conditions for winter sports and highly sophisticated coaching tradition has resulted in training schemes that are the envy of the world. The Canadian attitude is to make it easy to get into teaching the sport at a very junior level, then create a steep upward curve to the higher levels of instruction. Canadian instructor certificates at Level 2 and above are the gold standard.
The Level 1 Instructor qualification is a basic foundation, a stepping stone to move on to Level 2.
Starting work: Your likely first job with a Level 1 instructor qualification is teaching at a resort ski school - and if you are under 30, it will probably be at Whistler, mainly teaching the basics to children. There is plenty of employment here for newly qualified instructors, as long as you arrange your work visa in advance.
Find out about BUNAC Canadian work visas for UK and Republic of Ireland citizens >>
The next step: With a Level 2 qualification you are teaching the next step up and you are more in demand as an employee. With a season's experience and an upgrade to Level 2 you are eligible for an employer-sponsored work visa at Whistler Blackcomb - and no age limit applies. Ski and snowboard instructor positions have been classified as "hard to fill" by the Canadian authorities. If you have previous experience and a job offer you can expect a visa to follow.
Where else to work: Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Croatia, Spain, Andorra, USA and Japan are among the countries with established ski industries in the northern hemisphere, all of which accept Canadian qualifications. Your opportunities in France are limited, though. The French snow sports authorities have traditionally made it difficult for non-French nationals to work in the Alps.
In the southern hemisphere New Zealand is famous for its mountains, but don't overlook Australia which has several winter resorts too. Some schools in Australia and New Zealand employ new instructors from early season hiring clinics: you are expected to attend a short period of in house training and if you measure up you get a job.
Find snowboard and ski instructor job vacancies worldwide >>
What you can earn
Wages for ski and snowboard range from CAD 11 an hour in Whistler to US 1,700 a month in Japan. In North America your wage packet will be small but you can expect good tips. In Europe you may be paid as little as EUR 125 a week as a ski rep for Mark Warner or Neilson (accommodation and food provided) or EUR 20-40 an hour working for a ski school.
No-one gets rich in their first season instructing! As you become more experienced and upgrade your qualifications the wages go up. Take a look on the slopes at any ski resort and you'll see instructors of all ages. Some have been doing it for 30 years or more. That's a sure sign that you can live on the pay once you are past entry level.
Top tips
- If you are under 30 and want to work in Whistler after training, apply for a Work Canada visa
- Apply for a password to view full details of job vacancies on this site
Jobseeker password application >>
Useful links to employers of ski and snowboard instructors
whistlerblackcomb.com >>
nzski.com >>
skijapan.com >>
perisherblue.com.au >>
mountbawbaw.com.au >>
thredbo.com.au >>
skifalls.com.au >>
hotham.com.au >>
skibuller.com.au >>
For more jobs and careers advice use the dropdown box above or find today's ski and snowboard instructor job vacancies worldwide >>
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