How do i become an instructor?

Question
Hi my name is Megan Poppi. I am 17 and I live in Australia and i have always wanted to be a snowski instructor it's my lifelong dream and passion.

How did you get in to the profession and what should i do to certify me a good job? I haven't skied for a few years but am going later on this year in America. What would your advice be to me to help me get my foot in the door to becoming a snow ski instructor? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Megan...

Answer
Dear Megan --

There are a few routes to getting into a ski instruction job.  

One way is to apprentice as an instructor at a ski mountain close to you.  You help a certified instructor teach their classes, and you learn how to teach.  Eventually you take your certification test, and become an independent instructor.  

You can also pay for intensive instructor training classes.  Places like Killington in Vermont, USA run such a course which usually last five days.

Also, many mountains will hire skiers from other countries and train these folks in the skills needed to teach skiing.  They will provide you a short term work visa, room and board and a (very) little spending money in return for you teaching a season's worth of ski lessons.

My certifcation came from PSIA -- Professional Ski Instructors of America. You can see their website at: http://www.psia.org

Your local Australian organization is APSI - Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors and you can see their website at: http://www.apsi.net.au/

Best of luck to you!