Want to Work a Ski Season? How to Become a Ski Instructor
Fancy working as a ski instructor this year and wondering where to start your search?
Well, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we outline exactly how to become a ski instructor this winter season courtesy of The Winter Sports Company.
We will introduce you to the process of becoming a ski instructor, let you know where the ski instructor courses take place, and give you our opinion on whether the courses are good value for money.
So, let’s dive into: How to Become a Ski Instructor
Disclaimer - this article features sponsored content for The Winter Sports Company. In addition, this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know just how much we love skiing, snowboarding, and the winter season in general.
We worked a ski season as a couple in Lake Louise, Canada, and ever since, we have been hooked on finding time to get back to the slopes.
Whether it’s skiing in Zermatt, one of Europe’s best ski resorts for couples, or skiing in Bansko, one of the most affordable ski resorts in Europe, you can guarantee that every winter you’ll find us in the snow somewhere in the world.
Regrettably, one thing we never managed was to participate in a ski or snowboard instructor course. Becoming an instructor was a mini dream of our’s when we were in Canada, but back then we didn’t realise just how achievable that dream was.
That was until recently, when we discovered the range of Ski Instructor courses offered by The Winter Sports Company.
Which is ultimately why we have created this article, to outline the easiest way for you to become a ski or snowboard instructor and not live with the same regrets as we have!
Worth noting: we often use the phrases ‘Ski Instructor’ or ‘Skiing’ in this article, but we use them as all encompassing terms for both ‘ski and snowboard instructors’ and for both ‘skiing and snowboarding’.
Hanging out in Lake Louise during our Canadian Ski Season
How to Become a Ski Instructor
So, now for the part you’ve been waiting for - what is the best way to become a ski instructor?
As mentioned, we recently came across the ski instructor courses offered by The Winter Sports Company and we now firmly believe them to be the best value-for-money ski instructor courses we have seen.
For over a decade, The Winter Sports Company has been providing professional Ski and Snowboard Instructor courses to budding winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
Primarily based in Canada, they offer support to people looking to take their first steps into ski instructing, as well as catering for those looking to complete specially designed advanced instructing courses.
Where do the Ski Instructor Courses Happen?
Currently, The Winter Sports Company offers 6 different locations for their world-renowned instructor courses - 4 in Canada and 1 location in Switzerland and New Zealand respectively.
The courses in Canada are hosted in Sun Peaks (BC), Panorama (BC), Hidden Valley (Alberta), and Fairmont Hot Springs (BC).
The ski instructor course in Switzerland is hosted in Verbier, while the course in New Zealand can be found in Queenstown.
Are Ski Instructor Courses Worth it?
Quite simply, there is no other way to become a trusted ski instructor than by completing a ski instructor course, so for that reason, they are absolutely worth it!
Another thing to consider is that to land your first gig as a ski instructor, alongside the formal qualifications, many ski resorts ask for instructor experience.
With many courses out there, you don’t have time to acquire this experience, but that is where The Winter Sports Company is different - on their instructor courses, you are required to shadow several instructors and gain firsthand, working experience. This will make your life a lot simpler when applying for your first official instructor role!
There are a few things to consider before deciding to enroll in a ski instructor course, however. These include:
Cost - can you afford the associated fees for the course?
Time - do you have enough time to get the desired level?
Location - do you live near a ski resort or can you get a working holiday visa to cover the duration of your instructor course?
If you answer yes to all of these questions, then we think now is the perfect time for you to enroll in a course and begin your journey to becoming a qualified ski/snowboard instructor.
Who knows, one day you might be instructing us up on the mountain!
Popular Ski Instructor Courses Offered by The Winter Sports Company
Most Popular Ski Instructor Courses
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular ski instructor courses offered by The Winter Sports Company. As you can see, they vary in price and length, and you can decide which qualifications you want to work towards and where in the world you’d like to join the course.
Level 1, 2 and 3 (Add-on available) Ski Instructor Course in Canada - 11-13 week course, £9145, Revelstoke
Level 1, 2 and 3 Ski Instructor Course in Canada - 18-week course, £13100, Sun Peaks
Level 1 Ski Instructor Course in Canada - 3-5 week course, £4175, Sun Peaks
Level 1 and 2 Ski Instructor Course in New Zealand - 10-week course, £10000, Queenstown
Level 1 and 2 Ski Instructor Course in Switzerland - 10-week course, £9250, Verbier
Riding the gondola during our ski season in Lake Louise, Canada
Most Popular Snowboard Instructor Courses
Similar to the ski instructor courses, The Winter Sports Company offers a wide range of snowboard instructor courses so you can decide exactly when, where and how you can complete your qualifications.
Fast Track Level 1 and 2 Snowboard Instructor Course in Canada - 8-week course, £6650, Panorama Ski Resort
Level 1, 2 and 3 Snowboard Instructor Course in Canada - 18-week course, £12400, Sun Peaks
Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Course in Canada - 3-5 week course, £3450, Sun Peaks or Panorama
Level 1 and 2 Snowboard Instructor Course in New Zealand - 10-week course, £8795, Queenstown
Level 1 and 2 Snowboard Instructor Course in Switzerland - 10-week course, £9250, Verbier
There is no denying that ski instructor courses are a big investment. They are expensive and take a big commitment in terms of your time. But we truly believe that, despite this, they are 100% worth the time, money, and effort to fulfill your dreams of being paid to work on the slopes every day!
There we have it, folks, a conclusive round-up of how you can become a ski instructor this year. Being a Ski Instructor is one of the best jobs in the world and The Winter Sports Company can help you land that dream role!
In this article, we outline exactly how to become a ski instructor this winter season courtesy of The Winter Sports Company.