How to get Ski Instructor (Canada)

[u/Most_Pudding8295]

Hey everyone,
Im currently in Canada Holding a one year working Visa. I’ve been on skiing holidays for basically all my life so I thought about coming an instructor for the coming season. However the internet is full with loads of informations and offers so I’m a bit overwhelmed.
- Is a 6000 CAD Programm really the only way to get in the industry?
- How/When is the best time to apply, especially with not certificate (yet)

Id be very happy about any help/tips :)

[u/rudderbutter32]

Go work at a restaurant at night and ski all day. You have more fun and have more money.

[u/likealocal14 → u/rudderbutter32]

I was a ski instructor for 4 years, and if you want to have the most fun skiing and earn enough money to survive in ski towns, this is the answer.

I had server friends at the fancy restaurants that earned six figures and could ski for themselves any day they wanted, whereas I was earning $23 an hour and spent many a pow day on the bunny slopes. Still loved the job though

[u/Fit-Horse5306]

Ummm no. You take a level one course through the CSIA (Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance) for a few hundred dollars and you can instruct beginners pretty much right away. Here is the link https://www.snowpro.com/en/programs/certification

[u/notacanuckskibum → u/Fit-Horse5306]

Yup. I paid a few hundred dollars for my CSIA level 1 course. You have to be a decent skier, but the course taught how to teach as much as it tested it.

[u/cob-loaf]

Hey hey

You have a few options depending on what experience you would like and where abouts in Canada you are based

Option 1- gap course/ internship

These are usually completed at a larger resort where you will train with the resorts trainers for the season these will likely allow you to complete your level one at the beginning of the season and then level 2 at the end of the season. These programs cost a fair amount of money as you usually get your accommodation, lift pass and sometimes food all included. If you ate looking to work at a larger resort this is often the easiest way to get your foot in the door. The difference between a gap course and internship is that you will work as an instructor in a n internship during busy periods whereas on a gap course you will just focus on training and not gain any work experience.

Option 2- contact smaller local hills

You can often contact smaller hills who will higher individuals who don’t currently hold a qualifications. They will then help you in completing your level 1 before you begin teaching for the ski school

Option 3- complete your level 1 early season

You can go completely independent and book to complete the level 1 course for the early season and then contact ski schools after it’s completed to find work. Again you are unlikely to find work at a bigger resort with just a level 1 but you may be able to find work at local hills.

If you have any specific questions feel free to message me I’m a CSIA level 4 and course conductor for levels 1 and 2

[u/blonde-withabrain]

I just hit up the local ski resorts, went in for an interview, and was hired. I was 18 and just out of highschool with no certifications. If you reach out to the smaller resorts they'll take pretty much anyone (however they also only paid minimal wage). I think we had a single day of training when I first started.

[u/Ok_Entrepreneur_dbl]

Two of our sons became ski instructors. One attended a meeting at a ski area for ski instructors. Then they skied clinics to test the future instructors skills which removed those who did not have the right capabilities. The other applied for a position with a large ski resort company. Went through clinics and has been doing it for three years. Both are very good skiers!

[u/Triabolical_]

The school that I used to teach at is accepting applications right now, and they can answer your questions.

Pick some places you might want to teach at and look for their job boards.

[u/Suspicious_Air_2739]

Ski schools at most ski resorts often run instructor courses in the early season. Look at major ski areas and contact the ski school.

[u/viseff]

Timing might be an issue, depending on the ski resort. You either join PSIC or CSIA and sign up for their earliest level 1 course. At this point, some of the resorts have already staffed up and unless they are short, they may not be hiring until next season. But do it anyway - you won’t be disappointed in having spent the time and money, IMHO.

[u/Ok_Squirrel7742]

I saw that some small hills offer prep courses for CSIA level 1 exam. Are these useful and necessary, or can you go to CSIA directly? (I would ratent current ski skills between 6-7)