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A Day In The Life Of A Ski Instructor
Guide Summary
In this blog, one of our internship program participants provides a sneak peek into their day working as a ski instructor, from first tracks to après, free training and incredible mountain views. Thinking about becoming a ski instructor? Perhaps this might help make up your mind.
Thinking About Becoming A Ski Instructor?
If you’re looking for a change, or wondering if being a ski instructor could be for you, you may want to know what a typical day might look like. In this blog, one of our Panorama interns gives us an insight into the day in the life of a ski instructor.
Training As A Ski Instructor
Don’t Snooze
I set my alarm for 6:30 most days, which is a small sacrifice to pay for living the dream, I guess (you could start later, but you’d miss the morning session!!). The bus to the hill is just after 7, and after a 25-minute commute to the mountain…. caffeine. The commute is usually worth staying awake for. The views are fantastic. I typically meet other instructors for coffee in the morning; we don’t rush ourselves. Early morning in a ski resort is pretty special, and as an instructor, we get some pretty cool privileges, VIP access if you like.
Morning Session
My favourite part of the day, without a doubt. At 8:30, ski instructors load the chairlift 30 minutes before officially opening to the public…. first tracks and empty slopes!! This is our chance to train. We load as a group, and a training team member will deliver a session on anything from short turns to new concepts around teaching. Sometimes, we just ski, especially if it’s a POW day! The best snow, empty slopes and learning to ski better. Oh, and the sunrise over the mountains can be pretty spectacular! The best way to start the day.
Teaching In the Ski School
Morning Lineup
At 9:15, all instructors meet at the base of our learning area for the morning meeting and lineup. This is where we’re given our lesson allocation for the day. Sometimes, you’ll already know in advance. The ski school leadership team talks us through the daily news of snow reports, lesson schedules, and special mentions. Often a last-minute uniform check. This can be a hectic part of the day as guests begin to arrive in what feels like a never-ending flow of people ready to take a lesson. Once your lesson arrives, you’ll be off for the day starting at 9:30.
AM Lessons
The day is split into AM and PM sessions, but you’re good to go if you’re teaching a full-day lesson. 9:30 to 12 is the morning lesson runtime. Each day is different, and you’ll rarely teach the same lesson over and over. You’ll teach groups, private’s, adults, kids or seasonal programs. Every instructor finds their niche, but expect to teach it all! Every day on the mountain is different, and it can be a challenge, particularly on the -25 or rainy days, but when a great team surrounds you, and you’re battling out there together, the energy is always high! I always say the worst day on the mountain is better than your best day in the office.
Poutine For Lunch
Maybe not poutine every day, but definitely coffee. Generally, an hour for lunch. If you’ve worked to sell some requested private lessons, it’s not uncommon for your guests to take you out for lunch—a real win. Otherwise, most instructors will hang out together in one of the coffee shops or the day lodge. The real enthusiasts can sneak in a few runs before the afternoon lineup.
Afternoon Lineup And PM Lessons
Like the AM, we meet briefly to discuss any issues during the morning and then move on to your PM lesson. It’s not uncommon for guests to book lessons on the day. PM lessons run from 1 to 3:30, and you’re pretty whacked after 5 hours of teaching. The afternoon is your opportunity to highlight your students’ development and give them some direction moving forward. If done correctly, you may sell a requested private lesson with the same students the following day, which means more $ for you!
Perks Of The Job
End Of The Day Tear Down And Staff Ski
Once the PM and full-day lessons are wrapped up, all instructors take 5 minutes to quickly tear down and pack up the ski school meeting area: flags, fences, ski racks, etc. Another sweet perk of the job is that once the tear-down is complete, most instructors get together to go for some fun laps at the end of the day before lifts close at 4. Your ski pass comes with the job, so you can use it even when you’re not working. We usually squeeze in 2 or 3 laps before close.
Après
A quick hot tub with a beverage doesn’t go a miss, especially on super cold days. We’ll often jump in the hot tubs located in the resort before heading off. Having a quick one in the bar is also a right of passage. We usually have an hour or so before the bus takes us back into town, so it’s a time for après, or if you’re sensible, you’ll get a quick tune on the skis ready for tomorrow. A Guide to Ski Servicing
Evening Activities
One of the best things about working as a ski instructor is the community and people you share the season with. Most evenings, we will have dinner at a friend’s house or a few drinks at the local bar. The best part of what you’ve just heard…you get to do it all again tomorrow!
If you’re enrolled on any of our courses or internships and have any questions about schedules or work, please let us know and we will be happy to clarify for you.
FAQs
Have a read through some of our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any other queries, please reach out us!
A Ski Internship is the most affordable, full season programme involving ski instructor training, free skiing and a paid position within the snow school. A balanced yet immersive experience into the ski industry giving you world recognised qualifications and work experience allowing maximum improvement in teaching and overall confidence in a ski school role. The Winter Sports Company offer different versions of internships to suit different goals, so its worth understanding what is best for you.
Do not expect to make lots of money; the riches are achieved through the relationships you make, the skills you obtain through consistent training and the confidence you gain from teaching your profession to those in need. Working outdoors amongst your peers in often breathtaking scenery is an incredible experience and should be experienced once in your lifetime.
If you are a capable skier, simply attending a three- or 5-day course and examination will entitle you to become a level 1 ski instructor upon successful completion. If you still need to gain sufficient skills, then a standard timeframe to train to this level can be around 3-4 weeks for Level 1 and another 5-7 weeks for Level 2. The Level 2 exams are completed within six days after the preparation and training.
