Ski Instructor Training

Training to be a ski or snowboard instructor needn't take years. Nowadays you can earn your wings faster. Sabbatical anyone?

If you're hooked on the mountains, the snowsports and the Great Outdoors, spending every day on the slopes must be the ultimate job. But getting trained properly takes planning and care, so follow our guide and turn your passion into a profession.

'I'M A SNOWSPORTS INSTRUCTOR'

Mmm, sounds good doesn't it? I've thought about it, all my friends who love the mountains have considered it; in fact, anyone who loves snowsports and mountain living has probably mulled it over at some point. And why not? There are some fantastic perks of the job. Firstly, and the real reason you'll do it, you get to spend every day out on the slopes. Secondly, you'll get a free lift pass; and finally, you'll get major respect in the resort.

But the truth is, being a snowsports instructor is tough. It's mentally and physically demanding, the clients can be difficult, the hours long and the training expensive.

Still not put off? Right, let's give you the lowdown.

How good do you need to be to train as a snowsports instructor? Not as expert as you might think. 'You should be able to make it down reds and blacks, not necessarily with great style, but at least have the ability to control your descent,' says Warren Smith at Warren Smith Ski Academy. 'Remember for your first level the aim is to make you into a ski instructor, not expect you to be one when you turn up.'

Teaching snowsports is a very passionate job, but it is also demanding. To succeed you need to want to teach because of your love and appreciation of the mountains, because you want to help others share your passion and because you want to become a better rider. Technical knowledge is important, but good communication and the ability to establish relationships are the most valuable skills.

Once you've decided you're up to it, the next step is to find a course and get your wings. Ski certification is a tricky business. Each country demands official accreditation, and qualifications from one country may not necessarily allow you to teach in another. So getting yourself lined up for the right one is vital.

DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST

Decide where you want to work and check out the qualification requirements before you sign up for a course. For example, some resorts in France demand extra skills, while the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) basic level is not considered advanced enough to find a teaching job in France or New Zealand.

The most respected qualifications are top-level ones. But top level differs across the world. If you do a BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) course, the top level is level one. This is the one that allows you to open your own ski school and train other ski instructors. Across the rest the world, every country has an international top level called level three.

Your best bet is to look at courses that lead to qualifications recognised by the International Ski Instructors Association (www.isiaski.org), the umbrella organisation for snowsport instructors.

Once you've found the right qualification, find the right course. Ask what level of qualification the ski coach who is hosting the course holds. It should be international (level one in the UK and level three in the rest of the world).

Next, ensure that the price you are quoted is an 'all-in' fee. It should at least include training and examination fees, first aid certification and lift pass. A good training course will also have an agreement with a ski and snowboard school that enables you to get a job placement during and after the course.

Lastly, make sure the company is reputable, with a history you can research. Ask for references from past pupils and ask a few ski schools in the area you want to work if they have heard of them.


Custom Search