how to become a ski or snowboard instructor

If You Love to Ski or Ride, You Can Work on Snow!

Ski and snowboard instruction is one of the most common entry points into the outdoor recreation industry, with thousands of instructors working across the U.S. each winter season. It’s a great choice for everyone from casual participants to former racers, from those looking for a seasonal job to people wanting to break into the outdoor industry, from high school students seeking important life skills to retirees who aren’t ready to stop sending it. With more than 450 alpine ski and 350 cross-country ski areas in 37 states, you can find a job in more places than you might imagine, from a destination mountain town like Big Sky, MT, to a big city like Cleveland, OH. Keep reading to learn more!

Love Your Job

Stoked on snow? Share your passion with others! You can teach skiing or snowboarding for just a season or make it a lifelong career. Leaders across the country at every level of the ski and snowboard industry have instructing backgrounds. When you become a snowsports teacher, you join a community of tens of thousands of current and former instructors passionate about doing and sharing what they love.

guide for new instructors

Become a ski or snowboard instructor

Teaching snowsports allows you to start on snow with no prior experience, get trained on the job, enjoy personal and professional development, and rise through the ranks to a lifelong and fulfilling career in the ski and snowboard industry.

become a better skier or rider
stay fit as you work outside
develop valuable career skills
find community and friendship
get on-the-job training to grow
open doors to other outdoor industry jobs

Learn More About Teaching Skiing and Riding

The arrangement of snowsports instructor jobs are heavily dependent on the ski area/resort or Nordic center — how big it is, how busy it is, what guests need and want, what the conditions and terrain offerings are like, who owns the ski area, etc. You will go through training to learn how to instruct and may have access to ongoing continuing education opportunities. This is something to research or ask about when applying or interviewing.

Part-time and full-time teaching jobs are available. You should expect to work weekends and holidays, as those are often the busiest days for snowsports schools (some part-time positions are weekends, only, and usually require a minimum number of days per season). Most ski areas offer a mix of private and group lessons for various skill levels. When you’re starting out, you will likely be teaching group beginner lessons. Typically, you have to supply own skis/board.

Ski areas are familial places and you should expect to have a lot of fun on the job. Many people take advantage of the ability to improve their own ski or ride abilities, make new friends, and learn new skills!

check out our guide for new instructors to learn more

Decide what sport you want to teach (either an alpine or cross-country discipline), how much you want to work, and where you want to teach. With more than 450 alpine ski and 350 cross-country ski areas in 37 states, you can find a job in more places than you might imagine, from a destination mountain town like Big Sky, MT, to a big city like Cleveland, OH. Different businesses in different locations will have different benefit packages, so think about what you need. Do you need something part-time close to home? Are you OK to move but need housing? (Employee housing is not available at all ski areas; check first.) Do you want a place that supports ongoing training and PSIA-AASI certification? Research ski areas and resorts to find ones that are right for you.

Hiring season depends on the part of the country you live in and how competitive or not jobs at a certain ski area are, so begin your search as early as possible. In the U.S., some areas can begin hiring as early as the summer months; other areas fill positions throughout the season. Many ski areas have a general interest employment form you can fill out at any time, and they will contact you when or if positions open that you have indicated interest in.

These qualities make good instructors:

  • The ability to interact with guests on a professional level.
  • The ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
  • A positive, flexible, and enthusiastic attitude.
  • Excellent communication and listening skills.
  • The ability to adapt, think quickly, and take initiative.
  • Intermediate to advanced skiing or riding abilities.

  • What kind of work will you have for me this season, and how many days can I expect to work?
  • How soon after I join the team should I expect to start teaching?
  • Does the school have an onboarding and/or training program?
  • Does the school cover expenses for any personal development training time and support continuing education through organizations such as PSIA-AASI?
  • Do you provide instructors with an area lift pass for the season?
  • Do I have access to resources that help me maintain and tune my equipment?
  • What other perks/discounts/deals do snowsports school employees receive?
  • Who could I contact to get advice and better understanding about what it’s like to work here?

If you’re looking to become a better teacher or for a way to turn your love of skiing and snowboarding into a legit career, pursuing a PSIA-AASI membership and certification is for you. You will earn a badge of honor that symbolizes your credibility and expertise and that is universally recognized across the country. It also opens the door to multiple opportunities as certification often leads to more pay and more / different teaching opportunities, a pathway to career growth and leadership roles in the snowsports industry, and even the chance to work internationally.

Many ski and snowboard schools and resorts have a relationship with PSIA-AASI and encourage serious instructors to pursue membership and get certified. Some ski resorts offer the training on-site and even pay for it. With thousands of training and certification events happening across the country each season, there’s likely something happening near you!

FREE Training Resources for New Instructors

Ready to jump into your new job? Start with our FREE “Course for New Instructors.” Then, explore PSIA-AASI’s free “Delivering the Beginner Experience” online courses to help you provide the ultimate introduction to sliding on snow. Courses for alpine, snowboard, and cross-country lessons, as well as a course on working with children, were created to help you enhance your teaching toolkit. In each course, you will learn the techniques and tactics to help give your students a successful beginner experience. Perfect for instructors starting their first season on snow.

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