Skiing as a job

Question
I do ext maths and subjects like that so my parents expect high expectations from me. Do you think theyl let me do it?
is it worth while being an instructor?
does it open opportunities?


Answer
hi Jay and thanks for the question

Ski and board teaching can be great fun - but you also have to put the work in and usually at your own expense. Before you can teach in USA/Canada you need to complete the level 1 instructor course. Then you apply to resorts and hope that one offers you a job or you may need to attend a training camp/interview process where by they improve your teaching and skills whilst determining if you are right for their resort. You will be judged on your attitude toward peers, to learning & to your teachers. If foul language is common for you - i suggest you learn to withhold it. There is a very high level of professionalism instructors expect of each other and themselves.

Once you have secured a job - you will be paid pittance for your first 2-3 years until you can complete more formal training and certification. Pay rates are determined on seasons teaching & certificates gained. Work is very hierarchical - those with the most experience will often get work first. You will also need a first aid certificate.

It is very beneficial if you like kids and can make it work for you as kids programs are lots of hours in a day. Make it your niche and you can do many private lessons in your week [private lessons your paid a percentage/bonus for each one you do]. And if the kids love you - they will request you next year. Most of your income will come from tips - so you have to earn that.

You will be given a uniform that you are responsible for and will have to pay for if you wreck it, and often you have to find your own accommodation. Most instructors have to get a second night job for their first 2-3 seasons to be able to live. So if you can go in with a bit of cash behind you, then you will make it.

Once you have a season behind you, you can then look to head o/s for the summer to teach in Australia, New Zealand or Argentina. If you are under about 30 you can get a holiday work visa for your first trip [make the most of it and do some travel as well], the following years you will need to be 'sponsored' by a resort to get a visa. Resorts aren抰 interested in non-visa workers as they are checked regularly by immigration. But if you've a good season and supervisors that respect you - then you will get a job easily. Do an exam in that country and it will increase your pay for your second season back home too. Better still can you do a different discipline? telemark, cross country, snowboard/ski, do you have a race background? get a trainers cert as well - it all adds up and improves the type of work you get.

As for pleasing your folks... if the winter has just ended and college/uni is beginning - start college/uni then defer your studies. Go and see if you like it - at least you have something to go back to. Generally most people only teach for 10-15 seasons then you need to do something else. But by then it can be difficult to get back into the education thing [trust me i have just done it]

But think of instructing as something you can retire back into once you've done the 'real job' thing.

Instructing is a great way to develop social and people skills - you learn how to problem solve, manage conflict, inspire people, you have to be fun and bubbly. Remember these people are on holidays and they want the warm fuzzy feeling of feeling like they matter. But you meet some great people who may, along the way, be very useful for you as well.

The only way to impress high expectation folks is to put some money away & to have a defined plan [one winter to let off steam then back to school]. If you live close to the resort ?consider teaching part time while you study.

Contact your local resorts for more information and to find out when they conduct their first courses.

Hope this is helpful, if you need any more, just ask.

lisa