Becoming a ski or snowboard instructor is one of the most rewarding things that you’ll ever do. It’s also often considered as one of the best jobs in a ski resort and it’s now easier than ever to become one. You’ll get to spend every day in the mountains surrounded by snow. You’ll be doing what you love and inspiring others to learn too. Along with these benefits, it can be one of the higher paying positions in the snowsports industry. This also makes a great option for your long-term job or even a career.
There are multiple opportunities to become a ski instructor, so you might not know where to begin. Our guide will explain exactly what you need to become a ski instructor, how to get qualified, hired by a ski school and which options will suit you the best.
7 Reasons You Should Be a Ski Instructor
The Basics of Becoming a Ski Instructor
To become a ski instructor, you’ll need to pass a skiing and teaching exam. Don’t let this put you off though, as you certainly don’t need to be a professional skier to achieve this. The vast majority of ski instructors start their teaching career at an intermediate ability, some even lower than this.
Ski Instructor Qualifications
Instructor qualifications are usually broken down into multiple levels. The first level is all about teaching beginners. As you advance through to higher levels you can teach more advanced skiers. Eventually you can train other instructors or work in specialised programs, if that’s what you’d like to get into.
Ski instructor exams are simply a way to ensure quality and standards of lessons in ski resorts. With a level system, ski schools can be confident that you can teach lessons appropriate to your guest’s ability level. If you haven’t done so already, check out our guide to ski and snowboard qualifications below.
A Simple Guide to Snowsports Instructor Qualifications
Getting Qualified and Hired
There are three main pathways to become a ski instructor:
- Ski Instructor Training Courses (training only or training and working/internship)
- Getting hired without a qualification and then taking your first exam before you start work
- Getting hired without a qualification (only in limited locations)
Let’s take a look below at your options, and the benefits and considerations for each.
The Perfect Ski Instructor Resume
Ski Instructor Training Courses
One of the most straightforward ways to become a ski instructor is to book yourself onto a training course. There are a variety of options available from multiple training companies and even ski schools themselves. Both full season and short courses are available depending on how far you want to progress your instructor qualification.
Longer ski instructor training courses can also include paid teaching work as part of the course. So you can earn back some of your investment in your training. They are often called internships or courses with guaranteed teaching jobs. Alternatively you can choose to focus entirely on training for a season.
You can expect to pass either the entry level ski instructor exam, level one, or both the level one and two exams during an instructor training course. This depends on course length. After this, you can work as a ski instructor and also continue your training if you want to. To reach higher certification levels you can continue to train with your ski school or on a different course next winter.
Let’s look at different training course options to become a ski instructor. Including internships, training only and short courses. Later on, we’ll cover non course options too.
Full Season Instructor Training Courses: Training and Exams Only
Full season ski instructor training courses are widely available, which includes all your training and exam/s as a package. Packages often also include things like accommodation, lift pass, or even day trips and other activities. Everything is taken care of for you, so you can just enjoy the course carefree. Training takes around two months to a full winter to complete, depending on the course or provider. The course will improve your own ski ability, teach you how to instructor others and prepare you for your exams.
These longer training courses are fantastic for a gap year or those with more time (and finances). You’ll really get the most out of spending every day in the snow this way. You’ll even get the full seasonaire experience. Imagine having the time to ski every day without worrying about balancing work and fun. Although teaching skiing really blends the two together anyway. Think of travelling to a new country, meeting other people with a passion for skiing and spending each day improving your skills.
What happens during a snowsports instructor exam?
Training Only Benefits
It’s quite feasible to pass both level one and two exams on these longer courses. You’ll find it easier getting hired next winter too, as you’ll have a stronger qualification. You’ll also be able to teach a wider variety of ski abilities with a level two qualification.
Some providers also have connections to ski schools and can help you get hired after you’re completed your course. Along with this, a longer training course can look better on a resume when you start applying for ski instructing jobs.
Training Only Considerations
Of course, the main consideration for most will be cost. Although these courses are offered as a package where everything is taken care of, they will be the more expensive option overall. There is plenty of value for money here though. Improving with an experienced and highly certified trainer over a longer time will really show in your skiing. You’ll also have longer to work on your teaching skills and take the level two exam, which will open more doors for you around the world. It’s also an amazing opportunity to make international connections in the ski industry, but you’ll need to be prepared to invest some money into a course like this. Want to save some money while you become a ski instructor? Read on to find out about courses with paid teaching work.
Am I Good Enough to be a Ski Instructor?
Full Season Instructor Training Courses: Training and Paid Work (Internship)
Perhaps the best of both worlds for aspiring ski instructors is a training package with a work placement. Sometimes called Internships or guaranteed job offer courses. These are a great way into the ski instructor industry. This could be a great option available to you.
Similar to the training only course, you’ll get a package that includes your training, instructor exam/s, accommodation plus a work placement once you’re qualified. Course timings vary but generally you’ll spend the first few weeks training, take your exam and then start teaching. Around your teaching work, you’ll also be able to continue training either directly through the ski school or with your original trainer. There will be opportunities to take a level two ski instructor exam later in the winter too.
Internship Benefits
Your internship, or work placement, is great experience that you can use for your resumé and a way of building your ski instructor toolbox. You’ll still mostly be training on this first season, with work scheduled during the busy periods of winter. A course like this is a great way to build teaching experience as you become a ski instructor. Experience plays a huge factor as a ski or snowboard instructor and we know from first hand that it will open doors at many ski resorts around the world.
Internship Considerations
As with all longer training courses, the cost will be higher than many other options, but having the guaranteed work will help with that. A couple of noteworthy considerations are that your job is dependent on you passing the first instructor exam. You should also be realistic with how much work you’ll get as a first season instructor, usually work is available around peak times of the winter. Finally, you’ll need to be legally entitled to work in the country of your training course.
If you’re under 35 years old, it’s likely you’ll be able to get a working holiday visa for many countries where ski instructor courses are run. It’s worth checking your work eligibility for different countries before considering a course with work option. Fortunately though, ski instructor training courses operate worldwide so there’s lots of options available.
The Best Ski Instructor Equipment for Training
Short Instructor Training Courses
Another way to becomes a ski instructor is a short training course. You’ll need between one to three weeks for the training. A short ski instructor training course will include only the level one exam. They are designed as more of an intensive course to get you into the teaching industry without spending the whole winter training.
There are two main types of shorter course. Either packaged with accommodation and give a similar experience to the longer courses, or simply a prep course for the level one exam. These are usually just one or two-weeks in duration. During a short instructor training course, your trainer will focus on improving your skiing and how to teach beginner students. You can expect to pass the first ski instructor exam during or right after a shorter training course providing you are the right level to start one.
Am I Good Enough to be a Ski Instructor?
Short Course Benefits and Considerations
Ideal for those on a smaller budget or with less time available. The downside is that you won’t have enough time for the level two ski instructor exam. This can give you an advantage when looking for instructing work next winter. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a few weeks and gain a basic qualification to get your foot in the ski industry door, then this is a good option for you.
Getting Hired Without a qualification
While lesser known, there is a way into the ski industry without first being qualified. You can be hired by a ski school before you’ve taken an instructor exam, although not all ski schools or locations will allow this.
There are two differences where you can get a job as a ski instructor before being qualified. One is to work as a “rookie” or uncertified instructor and the other is a job offer that requires you to pass an exam organised by the ski school. Let’s look at the “rookie” instructor first.
How to Pass a Ski (or Snowboard) Instructor Exam
What is an Uncertified Ski Instructor?
You might see some ski schools advertising for “uncertified”, or “rookie” ski instructors. The requirements are only the soft skills such as strong communication and high guest service levels etc. You’ll need to be at least an intermediate skier to apply. The ski school will provide basic in-house training on how to teach guests. If the ski school in your area offers this option, it’s a cheap and simple way into the industry. Remember though, you shouldn’t expect much work as the qualified and more experienced instructors will have priority. This option is not common, but many ski schools do hire ski instructors and then arrange an exam.
Getting hired before your ski exam
Ski schools might advertise for “uncertified” ski instructors and arrange an exam. For this, you’ll need to pass the ski instructor exam once hired, and before you start work. You’ll get the same internationally recognised level one qualification as you would any other way, but you will receive minimal training for this. Some ski schools will offer a few prep days training for the exam, this may be free or paid. It varies by each ski school. Remember that not every ski school will have this option. You should be at least a confident intermediate skier who is willing to change their riding to meet standards.
It’s worth mentioning that there is an alternate option that is similar to above. You can book onto a public ski instructor exam which are available throughout winter. This is a similar method with the only difference that you gain a level one certification and then apply to a ski school.
The Perfect Ski Instructor Resume
Non Course Benefits and Considerations
As we’ve seen, it is possible to become a ski instructor without a qualification. These options are ideal if you’re on a budget. Some instructors have used this as a door into the industry. Their careers have progressed from there, but many use this option to spend one season having fun doing something different. Often, you’ll be low on the priority list for lessons with only a basic/no ski qualification and no experience. You’ll mostly be working with first time guests and kids. These lessons can be some of the most fun you’ll have on snow, but you should be realistic in the lessons and work that you can expect.
The main advantage of becoming a ski instructor without a qualification is of course that it costs very little, and you can further train with your ski school around your work days, which is free to take part in. You will need to be confident in your ability to pass the exam though and you won’t have as many of the early opportunities that a longer training course provides.
Summary
There’s lots of options for you to become a ski or snowboard instructor. Each to suit different budgets, time commitments and what you would like from a ski season. Being a ski instructor is one of the most fun and enriching jobs in the world and something that can even become your career. Getting to live, work and experience all that the mountain offers during winter is an amazing opportunity that everyone should experience if they’re able to.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to work as a ski instructor, check out this post:
A Day in the Life of a Ski Instructor
If you have any questions or want some advice on your own journey to become a ski or snowboard instructor, let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
