If you have ever thought about becoming a ski instructor this podcast is for you.
The Special Guest is Laura Shadbolt Sales and Booking manager at European Snowsport.
We discuss why Switzerland has some amazing opportunities for international ski instructors, what employers are looking for when they are hiring.
The conversation also discusses how to get your level 1 and become instructors.
Thanks to Tony Smythe (Mt Buller – ex president of the Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors), Gavin McAuliff from NZSIA, and Frankie Pavillard-Cain from Big Sky (Montana) for some background information about becoming a Level 1 instructor.
Here are some links to the professional ski instructor associations in various countries.
The cheapest and easiest way to get a level typically involves conducting a resort’s “in-house” training camp, followed by an examine (conducted by a member of the professional association). When a person passes the exam they start teaching beginners with guidance from experienced instructors.
The professional associations also host mid season courses and exams at various resorts. If you can’t do an in-house training camp at the start of the season, this is option to get certified for the following winter (be it northern or southern hemisphere).
The third option is to sign up for a longer course conducted by a private training organisation. These are typically 3 -10 week courses and include accommodation, lift tickets, meals, free ski days, and back country tours. Expect to pay 8000+ Euros. Some courses guarantee employment if the guest passes their level 1 exam.
In the podcast we cross-reference this podcast with special guest Simone, an Aussie level 1 instructor who had just completed her first season in Japan, and was heading back to do her Level 2 exam. Since that podcast Simone has got her level 2 and is getting read for her Level 3 exam. She’s also built a strong guest lists who request private lessons each time they go to Japan. It’s a great example of how people build a career as a ski instructor.
One thing I forgot to mention is options to pass exams outside of your home country. The Canadian, Australian, and NZ professional associations conduct multiple clinics and exams in Japan each winter. Canadian instructors in China can also sit CSIA exams in that country. It’s also possible to flip over to another country’s certification system with prior credit for passing your levels in your home country. The exception to this is in France, as mentioned in the podcast.
If you are interested in working for European Snowsport, see more details and links here.