Working As a Ski Instructor

Our instructor courses are an ideal way to gain ski instructor qualifications and open up exciting employment opportunities in winter sports schools. Here are some case studies from our past participants to give you an idea of what it is like to work as an instructor.

100% of our clients who look for work as a ski instructor after completing our course have been successful in their application; as long as you apply at the right time, have the correct visa and there is a demand for instructors we are confident you will find a job.

We receive lots of great feedback from ski schools about our past seasonaires. It seems those who have taken on the mantle of an instructor are doing a fantastic job as a result of their NONSTOP training.

“I just wanted to let you know that I am extremely impressed with the quality of instructors that the NONSTOP program has produced. The ski pros that I have been able to recruit from your program have delivered exceptional customer service, demonstrated a solid technical and teaching background and most importantly have shown what great people skills they have. I would strongly recommend other Ski School Directors to look at the NONSTOP program for recruiting efforts and would be more then happy to review applications from graduates of your program.”

Mike Manara, Snow School Director at Mt Washington Resort

Work Experience

Despite what some companies might claim it is not possible to guarantee you a ski instructor job before you have gained a ski instructor qualification. What we guarantee you is work experience which is extremely beneficial when you are applying for a ski instructor job.

You will be able to do work experience at the local ski school where you will learn new teaching techniques as you shadow instructors working for the resort. When you come to apply for ski instructor jobs these hours of experience will allow you to stand out from the competition as ski school directors will look favourably on the effort you have made and you are more likely to get a job.

Successful NONSTOPers tell of their experience in the industry

What will you get paid?

As a level 1 instructor you can expect to earn approximately $12 CAD an hour in your first season. You will work 5-6 days a week for 4-6 or so hours a day. You will get paid approximately double for private lessons and many instructors make quite a bit from tips. You can also get paid more if you are requested for lessons. Many ‘Rookie’ (1st season) instructors supplement their wage with another job; i.e. bar and restaurant staff. Not only does this bring in more money, it also allows you to make more friends in the resort. Although it doesn’t seem like you earn much, life out in Canada is much cheaper (rent, food, beer etc) so it is plenty to live off. Plus, you get to live, play and work in the snow – it’s a perfect lifestyle!

Pro Deals - Discounts on Ski Equipment

With CSIA membership you’ll be able to save a substantial amount of money on the purchase of your equipment through pro deals. The exact value of savings varies between suppliers, but discounts for major equipment generally runs between 30-50% off the retail price. Here are some of the participating brands:

Some top tips on getting a job as an instructor

Wendy Lemoine speaks on visas and when it's best to apply.

Fernie Ski School Director

Total career change: Simon Piney's in-depth case study

Simon Piney did our Fernie ski instructor course after a career in investment banking. He moved with his wife and family out to Fernie to have a life in the mounatins, a total change from his life in London.

To read Simon's full story click here

Anna Stevens, 29

Working at Lake Louise

When did you apply for your job?
Early September

Did you organise your own visa? If so, how much did it cost and how long did the application procedure take?
No I got sponsored (luckily I know the assistant director!!)

How much are you being paid?
$11 per hour

How much work do you get a day/week/month?
For most of the season I worked all day everyday, but towards the end of the season things slowed down . Most days are five and a half hours but I had a four day stint for a special function of 8 hours each day which was wicked. Plus I was skiing with celebs!!

How much do you spend a week/month? Do you earn enough to live off?
About $100-$150 per week. I earn enough to live off and can save some on good weeks especially if I get tips!

How much is your rent?
Rent is expensive - $600 per month although I am in a really nice place so there are other cheaper options. I was late arriving and there wasn't much left. I would definitely recommend sorting out accommodation before coming out if possible or in October/early November.

How many jobs did you apply for and where did you hear about them?
Just this one as I knew I could get sponsored. I missed the BUNAC deadline so couldn't get a working visa.

Do you feel you are a good instructor compared to your colleagues?
Yes I do. I think the NONSTOP instruction helped massively as we learnt lots of teaching techniques while we were being trained.

Would you work in the resort you're in at the moment again?
Yes I would but I would like to experience working in others too.

Is your ski school a good employer? What training do you get outside of lessons? Are you planning on taking any more qualifications?
Yes mostly- the usual gripes that you get with a big company employer. The training is excellent and there are so many level 4's here. There is training for one and a half hours each morning always with a level 4 instructor and other afternoon sessions on certain days too. You can join a session group dedicated to achieving your next level in the am and pm. I might take level 3 at end of season, but I would rather just enjoy the skiing this year and perhaps concentrate on the 3 next year.

Claire Wilson, 27

Mt Rueaphu, NZ / Mammoth Mt. California, USA

When did you apply for your job?
I applied for Mammoth in July. I applied for many jobs in New Zealand from January onwards but each resort needed qualified instructors. So I reapplied after passing my CSIA level 2 the following April . I actually arrived in New Zealand without a job and after a lot of perseverance I secured a full-time ski instructor job at Whakapapa.

Did you organise your own visa? If so, how much did it cost and how long did the application procedure take?
Yes I organised my visa for New Zealand, it cost £50 and I collected it the same day. Mammoth actually sponsored my H2B visa for this season.

How much are you being paid?
In New Zealand I was being paid NZ$20 per hour. Here at Mammoth I started on US$14 per hour but with an incentive based pay-scale (milestones), all instructors get an extra $2 per hour for every 75 hours worked. For example with 320 hours completed so far this season I am on $22 per hour. Then request rate is an extra $7 per hour.

How much work do you get a day/week/month?
In New Zealand it can vary from 10 hours to 30 hours a week - many weeks at the lower end. Here in USA a typical week can be 25 hours to 30 hours per week.

How much do you spend a week/month? Do you earn enough to live off?
It really depends on what I am doing and if I have any big purchases. I earned just enough to live in New Zealand, although I didn't really make much money. Here in Mammoth it is definitely possible to make and save more money as there is more reliable work, plus the very much appreciated tips!

How much is your rent?
In New Zealand it was NZ$160 per week with meals. In Mammoth it is US$133 with no bills.

How many jobs did you apply for and where did you hear about them?
I applied to many resorts. I found out about these resorts from the internet and word of mouth from other instructors.

Do you feel you are a good instructor compared to your colleagues?
Yes I do. I have received excellent feedback from all my supervisors at both the resorts I've worked at. I work hard and I have a positive and friendly attitude to both my guests and colleagues.

Would you work in the resort you're in at the moment again?
Mammoth is a great place, I'd definitely return. Mammoth Mountain resort is an excellent employer. The pay-rate is very competitive and they are a very professional ski school who offer good training.

Is your ski school a good employer? What training do you get outside of lessons? Are you planning on taking any more qualifications?
Training is offered every morning for 1 hour plus weekly clinics. I'd like to go for my Level 3 (CSIA or PSIA) next winter.

Have you any advice for other NONSTOPers keen to start as an instructor?
If you really want to be an instructor then go for it and follow your dreams like I did. I've never looked back and have no regrets about my decision to leave my career to work in the ski industry. If you are keen to be an instructor, shadow as many lessons as you can to give you an idea of what to expect. Make sure you apply early to resorts as it is very competitive and be persistent. When you accept an offer of employment be realistic about what you want out of a resort - is it plenty of work, varied terrain or a good wage - you will never be super rich as an instructor (it's a lifestyle choice) so when you apply to a resort look at the pay-rate as it will make a difference.

Si Smith, 24

Working in Fernie

Si breezed through his Level 3 exam and was also awarded 'Most Requested Privates' out of all the new instructors in Fernie - Nice one Si!

Cardona, New Zealand - Si was awarded 'Rookie of the Year'

Whistler - Si was voted 'Rookie of the Year' for Ski Espirit, which is Whistler's largest weekly lesson programme.

When did you apply for your job?
I applied in May/June for New Zealand and late August for Fernie. In hindsight I could have done with applying to the Canadian resorts a bit earlier.

Did you organise your own visa? If so, how much did it cost and how long did the application procedure take?
Unless you are ISIA certified then getting sponsored for New Zealand is pretty much a non starter so I ended up getting a working holiday visa through BUNAC and it cost about £160. Once you've got your foot in the door and if you do a good job then the resort you work for may sponsor your visa the following year.

How much are you being paid?
At the moment in Fernie I am on CAD$10.50 an hour and that is with having a seasons experience, my CSCF Level 1 and CSIA Level 2 qualification.

How much work do you get a day/week/month?
I get about 3-4 hours a day so earn about CAD$30-40 a day and I work 5 days a week therefore CAD$200 per week.

How many jobs did you apply for and where did you hear about them?
I applied for Fernie because I had spent a season there on the NONSTOP Ski programme and fell in love with the place and my dream was to work here so it was the only resort I applied to.

Do you feel you are a good instructor compared to your colleagues?
I definitely feel that I'm up there; I had a performance review yesterday and was given the best report ever so I am pretty chuffed!

Would you work in the resort you're in at the moment again?
Yes, without a doubt.

Is your ski school a good employer? What training do you get outside of lessons? Are you planning on taking any more qualifications?
Fernie ski school is great to work for. I have just completed my Level 3 course and have been given the go ahead to take the Level 3 exams in March. I plan to go all the way and get my Level 4 one day!

Adam Hillier, 24

Fernie 11-week course 05/06

My NONSTOP course & working at Sun Peaks, BC

My name is Adam Hillier. I completed the 11 week ski improvement course in Fernie in the 05/06 season. I found NONSTOP whilst in the process of researching for a uni project. The website and the testimonials were all I needed to convince me that NONSTOP were the guys I wanted to train with and I have never looked back. From start to finish NONSTOP were excellent. Their client care and organisation is second to none, and there was always someone on hand to answer any questions and offer sound advice. The main reason I wanted to become a skiing instructor is because I tried skiing and fell in love instantly, and whilst at uni I was not enjoying my course so I wanted to train in a career that more suited my personality and lifestyle as I am also an experienced traveller.

I started the course with a mere three weeks experience on snow and by the end I had successfully passed both my level 1 and level 2 ski instructors plus my level 1 race coach qualification (which in itself is an excellent qualification to gain as it makes you even more adaptable and employable. Racing and coaching is also an excellent way to develop personal skiing). I also completed a comprehensive winter first aid course which is a very handy thing to have, especially for those wanting to ride deep untouched pow in the vast backcountry of the Rockies. Since leaving Fernie, I have worked three ski seasons at Sun Peaks resort in the BC interior. I have since gained my level 1 and 2 snowboard instructors so now I teach both disciplines on a day to day basis which in itself is both rewarding and challenging. I am also half way to my level 3 ski instructors.

Through my experience since leaving NONSTOP and continual training, I can vouch that the level of training recieved on the courses is the absolute best available in Canada. Most of my trainers were level 4. These guys are amazing and level 4 for a reason. The level 3 standard trainers were also superb. After questing after level 3 for two seasons I can tell you it is a high standard to reach and a great goal to aim for.

I can't praise the guys at NONSTOP enough and I would recommend anyone to take a course with them, even if you don't intend on teaching skiing or boarding. The course is well worth the time and money- not to mention you'll come away ripping powder and tree lines like you'd never imagine!!

So, how do I actually become a ski instructor?