How to Become a Snowboard Instructor in the United States

The only bad thing about a snowboard holiday is that it comes to an end. Why not step outside the box and turn your winter vacation into a seasonal job? If you're looking for a fun and rewarding way to maximize your time on the slopes, meet fantastic people and live in some of the planet's most beautiful places, become a snowboard instructor. Sure, most people won't think of it as a career move, but there is actually far more to becoming a snowboard instructor in the United States than simply showing up at the mountain and playing in the snow.

Things You'll Need

  • snowboard equipment
  • proximity to a mountain resort
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Instructions

  1. Become a Snowboard Instructor in the United States

    • 1

      Learn the basics from a certified snowboard instructor by taking lessons prior to seeking employment. Otherwise, be sure you are a competent rider if self-taught. It is advisable to gain at least a few years (3 to 5) of solid riding experience before trying to officially teach others. As the saying goes, "You've got to learn how to crawl before you can walk."

    • 2

      Prepare your resume/CV before applying for the job. Likewise, get acquainted with snowboard instructor policies at the mountain resort you intend to work for. Some mountain areas uphold strict appearance standards (e.g. facial hair, hair length, tattoo and piercing restrictions) and other policies that could nullify your chances of employment right from the start.

    • 3

      Make contact with the snowboard director or snow sport school office by attending a pre-season job fair. Every year, usually sometime between September and November, mountain resorts hold hiring fairs for new employees in various departments. For most seasonal jobs, simply attending the job fair will give ample opportunity to secure a job, but snowboard instruction in the United States is becoming more and more competitive. Sending an email or even calling ahead and scheduling a brief face-to-face meeting with the head of the snow sport school (just to say "hello" and express interest) might give you an advantage.

    • 4

      Attend a pre- or early-season riding clinic. It is becoming common for snow sport schools to bypass the general hiring fair (as listed in Step 2) and gather potential instructors for a scheduled "on-hill assessment." Regardless of whether attendance at the normal hiring fair is necessary, as a new "instructor-to-be," you will need to spend time riding with a certified member(s) of the snowboard school (1 to 3 days) to provide reference as to your snowboarding abilities. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, but definitely try to show the certified staff that you are a competent rider and equally enthusiastic about becoming a snowboard instructor.

    • 5

      Perform adequately during the on-hill assessment. Have fun out there, but approach the riding tasks with a certain level of focus and seriousness. If you are asked to try a maneuver you've never attempted, don't stress out. Give it a try and do your best. In most cases, you will not be required to display much more than basic riding technique (i.e. controlled skidded turns and/or carving).

    • 6

      Get hired. Presuming all went well with the on-hill assessment and you display admirable personality traits of a snowboard instructor (primarily patience, friendliness and a passion for riding), it's time to try on your new instructor's jacket and get your photo taken for a season-pass!

    • 7

      "Shadow" certified instructors. Once hired, you will be required to spend at least a few days and/or specified number of hours observing (and at times participating in) lessons. This is invaluable to your development as a snowboard instructor in the United States, so pay attention and absorb as much information as possible. Learn about proper lesson structure, class organization, time management and terminology. Discussing and taking notes afterwards with the certified instructor(s) you shadowed can be very helpful.

    • 8

      Purchase and/or read the official teaching tools for the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors and Snowboard Instructor's Guide). A DVD titled, "A Focus on Riding" is also recommended. This step can be completed at any time during the process of becoming a snowboard instructor in the United States, but waiting until after hired often gives you access to training materials at the snowboard school office for free.

    • 9

      Hone your teaching and technical riding skills throughout the season by spending as much time on the mountain as possible, both teaching and free riding.

    • 10

      Gain official instruction credentials to earn more money and secure future employment opportunities. It is becoming more common for the top-paying and most-reputable snowboard schools to require certifications prior to hiring. However, if you do not have experience and/or certifications, many snowboard schools are certainly willing to give you a shot if you display genuine interest, possess the right personality traits and can prove basic riding ability.