Ski or Snowboard Instructor Level 1

How would you like to spend every day on the slopes working as a ski instructor or snowboard instructor? Work for a resort ski school, independent ski school or dry slope and make your passion your career. There are worldwide opportunities for qualified skiers and snowboarders to work as instructors giving private classes and group lessons.

The CSIA and CASI ski and snowboard qualifications awarded on Flying Fish courses are recognised in most snow sports countries, including many resorts in the USA.

Flying Fish offers Ski and Snowboard Instructor Traineeships and Fast-track courses in Whistler, at Canada's premier snow sports academy, YES Tours. The close relationship between YES and Whistler's monopoly employer, Intrawest, puts Flying Fish graduates at the head of the line for jobs.

The Level 1 Instructor qualification is a basic foundation, a stepping stone to move on to Level 2.

Starting work

Your likely first job with a Level 1 instructor qualification is teaching at a resort ski school - and if you are under 30, it will probably be at Whistler, mainly teaching the basics to children. There is plenty of employment here for newly qualified instructors, as long as you arrange your work visa in advance.

The next step

With a Level 2 qualification you are teaching the next step up and you are more in demand as an employee. With a season's experience and an upgrade to Level 2 you are eligible for an employer-sponsored work visa at Whistler Blackcomb - and no age limit applies. Ski and snowboard instructor positions have been classified as "hard to fill" by the Canadian authorities. If you have previous experience and a job offer you can expect a visa to follow.

Where else to work

Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Croatia, Spain, Andorra, USA and Japan are among the countries with established ski industries in the northern hemisphere, all of which accept Canadian qualifications. Your opportunities in France are limited, though. The French snow sports authorities have traditionally made it difficult for non-French nationals to work in the Alps.

In the southern hemisphere New Zealand is famous for its mountains, but don't overlook Australia which has several winter resorts too. Some schools in Australia and New Zealand employ new instructors from early season hiring clinics: you are expected to attend a short period of in house training and if you measure up you get a job.

What can I earn

What you can earn Wages for ski and snowboard range from CAD 11 an hour in Whistler to US 1,700 a month in Japan. In North America your wage packet will be small but you can expect good tips. In Europe you may be paid as little as EUR 125 a week as a ski rep for Mark Warner or Neilson (accommodation and food provided) or EUR 20-40 an hour working for a ski school.

How to apply

The Flying Fish experience is enjoyed by over 600 people a year on professional courses - plus hundreds more who learn a new sport or join an improvement course. They come from all round the world. Everyone is over 18 but there is no upper limit. Many candidates are in their thirties and forties, a few in their fifties and sixties.

1. Start by visitng our site
2. Select your course or event and follow the prompts to hold a place for 48 hours. You can do this without a deposit.
3. Use the same screen to make a full application or book online. You can make a payment at this stage to confirm your place.
4. Contact the training advisers at Flying Fish for advice at any time.