Ski instructors are hired by ski resorts, or contracted individually, to provide ski instruction on a one-on-one or group basis. Instructors can give advice to novice skis on the slopes for the first time, or they can provide advanced technique training to those who are already familiar with the basics. The type of ski instructor you are is based on your career goals and ability.
Step 1
Get experienced by skiing for several years in a variety of terrains, working on the fundamentals of skiing, including turns and speed control.
Step 2
Volunteer to teach ski lessons for a nonprofit organization or for a charity event at a ski resort. Volunteer teaching positions are the easiest to get and provide you with experience that you can put on your resume.
Step 3
Apply for ski instructor jobs at your local ski resort as early as possible. Applying in the summer is the best way to get your foot in the door on ski instructor jobs. Different resorts will have different requirements for their ski instructors. You may end up teaching only part time to novice skiers, but you will gain experience.
Step 4
Join the Professional Ski Instructors of America and pay your membership dues. The PSIA is the most respected instructor program in the country. Joining is necessary to complete its training.
Step 5
Apply for your Level 1 instructor permit from PSIA, is the most basic training certification level and requires previous teaching experience.
Step 6
Earn your Level 1 certification and continue teaching, advancing to your Level 2 and 3 certification levels when you are ready. A Level 3 ski instructor, accredited by the PSIA, is a very respected and sought after title.
Tips and Warnings
- Complete other courses that may help your resume including ski rescue, CPR and first aid classes. Learning a second language may also give you a leg up on the competition.
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