How do I Become a Ski Instructor?
Don’t worry if you’ve never skiied before. Many ski courses are available if you need to learn to ski or improve your skiing skills, either at home at dry ski slopes, or on the pistes at ski resorts. You’ll need to be able to carve at speed and snowplough safely, even on bumpy snow. Once you’re confidently skiing down red runs and you can cope with black runs, you’ll have the on-piste skills required to be a ski instructor. You could view a short skiing holiday as training for your career break! To get work as a ski instructor, you will need to obtain a ski instructor’s qualification. Many companies offer courses in ski instruction and these usually last between a week to a fortnight – shorter courses are more intensive and may only cover safety and alpine skiing (traditional downhill/ piste skiing); longer courses might also cover other types of skiing such as mogul and cross-country.
For those who love to ski, becoming a ski instructor may be the next step to living a dream. The qualifications vary from resort to resort; however, there are a few essential steps that should be taken that will help make it possible to actually become a ski instructor. First, it is essential to excel in skiing before you can become a ski instructor. It should come naturally to you and you should consider yourself to be an above average skier. Some ski resorts may ask applicants to take a “ski test” so they can prove their level of expertise. Techniques like skiing backwards can be useful when instructing a class, as well. Other skills, such as skiing moguls, are valuable for teaching more experienced students. Second, to become a ski instructor, it may help to receive national certification. In America, the certification program is through the Professional Ski Instructors of America. Each country has its own certification program. Although it is rarely a requirement to become a profes
You need to ask for the job with the school you wish to teach for. The ski skills are usually taught in a fall or early winter time frame, with ongoing training throughout the season.The main criteria is a good public personality. A knowledge of teaching and teaching theory, with a practical application in school or as a teaching assistant will help. Your ski ability is secondary, basic turns in both directions and able to stop and ride the lifts safely. The more advanced a skier you are the more advanced the classes you will be assigned. Be ready to start with teaching young children since that is the major customer base. As you gain experience, you will teach more advanced classes and older students. the work is seasonal, with peaks around all holidays. The base wage is negotiable, tips and gifts make up a big portion of your income.
