Skiing is a fun and exciting sport, but starting a new hobby can be intimidating. Skiing requires a certain level of skill and knowledge, but if you’re ready to get started, here are some tips for how to become a ski instructor.
- Find a school that offers ski instructor training
Before you can become a ski instructor, you’ll need to get certified. There are several schools that offer ski instructor training programs around the world, so it’s important to find one that’s local to your area. Research online or ask people in the know where they recommend going for this type of training.
- Attend classes regularly
Once you’ve selected the right school and signed up for their classes, it’s time to get down to business! The class will cover everything from basic skiing techniques all the way up through advanced tricks and skills that require years of practice before mastering them completely on your own without falling on your face every single time!
- Practice what you learn
When it comes down to it, getting good at something like skiing isn’t about just learning how things workâit’s about putting those skills into practice by practicing them over and over again until they become second nature so that eventually instinct takes over instead of
How To Become Ski Instructor
Ski instructors work with beginning and more advanced skiers to help them learn and improve their abilities. Ski instructors first become comfortable with their own abilities on the slopes before teaching others. Instructors work outdoors in a variety of wintry weather conditions. They may have to use tact and patience when dealing with inexperienced or difficult students. However, watching students improve under their guidance can be quite rewarding.
Career Requirements
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Experience | Skiing and instructional experience |
| Certification | Voluntary certification available through the Professional Ski Instructors of America – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) |
| Key Skills | Communication, customer service, and sales skills; basic computer and word processing competency; ability to ski, lift, and work outdoors |
| Salary | $17.87 per hour (2020 average) |
Sources: *PayScale.com; O*Net Online; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Ski instructors need at least a high school diploma and skiing and educational experience. A national voluntary certification is available through the Professional Ski Instructors of America – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). In addition to the ability to ski, lift, and work outdoors, ski instructors should have good communication and customer service skills, be sales proficiency, and be comfortable using a computer and basic word processing program.
According to PayScale.com in August 2020, ski instructors earned an average hourly wage of $17.87.
Let’s take a look at some of these hiring requirements in more depth.
Step 1: Ski & Train
The most important quality for ski instructors is a high level of comfort on the mountain. This requires hours of training and becoming acquainted with the techniques and skills needed to be a competent skier. Spending many hours on the mountain gives potential instructors the faculty and confidence they need to be able to teach others how to ski.
Step 2: Get Certified
Once a skier sufficiently feels comfortable with his or her skiing abilities, he or she needs to become proficient with passing that knowledge on to others. PSIA-AASI offers various voluntary certifications, in alpine skiing and Nordic skiing. PSIA-AASI has nine divisions, and each division offers examinations for various certification levels. Once an individual has passed a certification exam in one division, his or her credentials are transferable to other divisions. The Amateur Ski Instructors Association (ASIA) offers voluntary certification for those who wish to work as amateur ski and/or snowboard instructors.
Step 3: Find a Job
Newly certified ski instructors should first inquire with the organization they received their certification from about prospective positions. Most mountains operate only seasonally, so it is important for new instructors to get in contact with potential employers early before spots fill up. Mountains all across America look for a new crop of instructors every season and need ski instructors who have been certified.
Success Tip:
- Consider assistant positions. Some employers hire teaching assistants to train future ski instructors. Entry-level employment in this area can be a stepping-stone towards becoming an instructor.
Step 4: Stay Up To Date
Although many ski instructors find jobs on the same mountain year after year, they need to stay up to date on the latest developments in ski instructing. PSIA-AASI divisions offer continuing education to meet requirements for certification. Continuing education requirements vary by certification level; for example, a level one instructor in the Northern Rocky Mountain division must complete a one-day clinic every two years.
If you are still interested in becoming a ski instructor, remember, you’ll need a high school diploma and most likely, a voluntary certification from the PSIA-AASI, after which you may earn an average wage of $17.87 an hour.
