How to Become a Ski or Snowboard Instructor

If you want to become a ski or snowboard instructor this winter, it’s easy to learn how from the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). A free e-learning Course for New Instructors shows you what it’s like to work in the growing snowsports industry, so you can have fun sharing the sport you love with others.

“Working as a ski or snowboard instructor lets you turn your passion into a profession,” said Nicholas Herrin, PSIA-AASI CEO. “We’re stoked that so many people want to learn more about teaching snowsports, and for those that join the PSIA-AASI community, you can train and learn from the best ski and snowboard instructors in the country.”

The free Course for New Instructors is an e-learning course that uses video and audio recordings to help people interested in learning more about, or securing a job as ski or snowboard instructor, get started.

The course walks participants through three key things they need to know when working as a ski or snowboard instructor: instructor lifestyle, teaching principals, and guest interaction. It takes approximately one hour to complete the course, and upon completion, a participant can send a certificate of completion to a snowsports school hiring manager to demonstrate their understanding of the job.

“Taking the course shows hiring managers that you are excited about working closely with resort guests, and have already completed some basics about teaching and learning, to help you secure a job as ski or snowboard instructor,” said PSIA-AASI Education Director Dave Schuiling. “A lot of people work as a gap year instructor, and then fall in love with the lifestyle.”

“It’s never too early to start working as an instructor,” said Amy Gan, a professional instructor and PSIA-AASI National Team member. “You’ll get to improve your skills, help others learn the sport you love, spend time outdoors, and be part of the growing snowsports industry.”

After taking the Course for New Instructors, people can visit PSIA-AASI’s Score a Job on the Slopes page for more insider insight and tips.  If someone knows a job on the slopes is right for them, they can access the PSIA-AASI Job Board to locate jobs teaching skiing or snowboarding across the country.