Lots of questions about being a ski instructor...?

Question

1. If I want to be a ski instructor next winter, when should I apply?

2. What is the average starting pay for an instructor?

3. Do I need any special credentials? How can I prove I am qualified? Is there a testing or training session?

That's all I can think of at the moment... basically I want to be a ski instructor next year, or maybe a beginner snowboard instructor, but I don't know how to go about it, when, or what to expect. Many thanks!

Answer 1

Question 1)  Apply now.

Question 2)  In Vt. ~ $7.50 (it varies)

Question 3)  You need to be an intermediate or better skier/rider.

Comment:  If you apply now, you can get the necessary training at the ski school.  The director will need to know your skiing ability to judge whether you are capable.  Often they may offer to bring you up to speed and give you 'clinics' designed to help with teaching methods and a 'bag of tricks' to use when teaching.

Also, you may then join associations that will help you become certified as a professional instructor.  Most likely, your director will recommend that to you.

Hope this helps.

Steve

Answer 2

Pay is low...I can tell you that.

Credentials depend on where you are, and where you apply. Some places require a PSIA certification coming through the door. Others require nothing. Still others will hire you without the cert, and expect that you work towards it. Just depends on the area. Count on smaller areas not requiring certs, places that don't see huge amounts of skiers. Places that are popular, especially with rich, vacationing skiers, you probably wouldn't even be considered without a cert. I'm thinking like your Aspen's here.

You could talk to the ski school now. They would certainly be able to tell you what you need to apply. Typically, hiring clinics are held before the mountain opens. Lots of places have off-snow, and then on-snow sessions. Start looking for sure by September, I would think October at the latest.