Skiing is an expensive sport, but working at a ski resort helps you manage the costs. Finances, however are not the only reason to teach skiing. The best ski instructors, who usually receive the highest pay and most generous tips, love the sport and have a true desire to share it with others.
Season Passes
Depending on where you ski, season passes can cost as much as $1,400, but most resorts give their instructors a free season's pass. Many resorts also offer free or extremely inexpensive passes to your immediate family, along with a number of lift tickets for your friends. Most resorts have reciprocal arrangements with other ski areas that allow you to ski for free or at a substantial discount. These perks constantly change, so check with resort management before making assumptions.
Technique Improvement
The ski school hiring manager selects only instructors with decent form, but after you are hired, expect to work hard to improve your technique. Most resorts require their instructors to attend training workshops a few times a week. If you are not certified or plan to test for a higher certification level, you will receive special training to prepare for the exams. These learning experiences would cost thousands of dollars if taken as a nonemployee.
Swag
Swag is a ski industry term used to describe the numerous perks that gear manufacturers offer to ski instructors. Manufacturers know that you are in an excellent position to show off your gear and clothing. Therefore, they offer you a highly discounted price. Members of Professional Ski Instructors of America receive a variety of perks, including discounts on car purchases and rentals, airport shuttles and ski magazine subscriptions. Ski instructors also have the opportunity to become a manufacturers' rep and receive some gear at no cost. The resort's ski shop and cafeteria also offer substantial discounts to employees.
Interpersonal Perks
As a ski instructor, you are granted the opportunity to help people fight the winter blues and enjoy the snowy season. Skiing helps enhance people's balance. As a weight-bearing exercise, it may prevent osteoporosis. Ski instructors sit in the limelight of the resort, allowing them to meet an interesting variety of people. Some of your wealthier students may even offer to take you with them on their International ski trips. Meanwhile, you work in the fresh outdoor air, unencumbered by stale office air and the sound of clicking computers. The mountain is your office.
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