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How do I Become a Snowboard Instructor?
It’s a good idea to research how to become a snowboard instructor. There are different options depending on how much time you have and what you can afford.
1. Get Qualified!
You can do this in numerous ways and in many countries. Most instructor governing bodies have qualifications that run from levels 1 to 4. To find work internationally, you’ll need to set your sights on reaching Level 2 as a minimum. That’s not to say you can’t work with a Level 1 ticket, but it limits your options. Large resorts often reserve their Level 1 instructor positions for those on designated internships or with proven teaching experience.
2. Get relevant experience
It’s hard to get the experience before you get your first real snowboard instructor job, and it’s hard to get the job without experience. Welcome to catch 22! So how do you get around this problem?
You’ll get lots of time to shadow real snowboard lessons on an instructor course. Shadowing helps build up your experience for the exams and is also something you can put on your CV. In addition, it shows the snow school that you’re committed and have worked within the ski school environment, even if unpaid.
Snowboard instructor internships navigate this problem, which is why they’re so popular. It gets you straight in the door at a large resort with a Level 1 certificate but no instructor experience. But be prepared to prove that you’re the type of person they want. Remember, you’ll still have to send a cv and have an interview, even on an internship.
The good news is that you don’t have to have just ski instructor experience. Snow schools are looking for all relevant experience. That might be teaching another sport, coaching kids or being responsible for small groups. Maybe you’ve got your Duke of Edinburgh or volunteered at your local Scouts. It’s all good stuff to have, and it’s what a ski school is looking for in a new instructor. So if you haven’t yet got anything, look in your local area. Find how you can help out, it’s never too late, and it all helps make a great CV.
3. Writing a CV and getting a reference.
You’re going to need to write a CV/Resume. It doesn’t need to be a novel, just 1 page. Still, it needs to clearly state any relevant qualifications and experience. Ideally, you also need to add a reference. This might be from an employer, a teacher or even your Rep if you’ve attended a ski instructor course.
It also helps to write a covering letter explaining why you want to be a ski instructor at that school. It’s all pretty simple stuff, but you want to get it right, and we’ve compiled a list of helpful hints in the following ‘How to write a CV’ Blog.
4. Working Holiday Visa
You may be fortunate enough to live in a country with ski resorts right on your doorstep. Or have dual nationality for one of these beautiful countries. But if you’re like us mear non-alpine mortals, you will have to rely on a working holiday visa. As you work up the Levels and become more experienced, you may be able to look to sponsorship. But to start off, you’ve only got the one option of a working holiday visa. Most countries provide visas for 18 – 35-year-olds and are easy to obtain in some cases. It can be a lottery for other countries, which can be somewhat nerve-racking and takes pre-planning.
When applying for a ski instructor job, the first thing your future employer will want to know is ‘have you got the right to work’. If you don’t, they’re unlikely to even consider you for an interview. For this reason, you need to think ahead and sort out your visa as soon as possible. For further details on working holiday visa applications, look to our dedicated Visa Page.
So now you’ve got an idea of what’s involved.
If you need to chat or have any questions, we’re more than happy to point you in the right direction to help find the right course for you.
