Become a ski instructor in Canada
Canada is sought after by skiers and snowboarders alike because of its friendly open door policy: Everyone is welcome and treated equally on the mountain. For ski instructors, it’s a particularly attractive because Canada offers some of the best off-piste and backcountry opportunities anywhere in the world. That’s why Snowminds offer unique ski instructor training courses in 15+ destinations in Canada, so that with personalized instruction from our experienced coaches you can quickly begin working as a paid ski instructor in Canada with a job placement for the winter season in your dream resort.
Canada has so much to offer with so many fantastic resorts, and at Snowminds, we have years of experience in matching each instructor to their perfect resort and ski school. Whether it’s the bustling village life and huge terrain at Whistler that appeals, exploring the abundant free-ride terrain in Revelstoke, the local vibes and easy-going locals in Kimberley, or improving your park-skills and French language in Eastern Canada in Bromont, each instructor course in Canada is tailored to the resorts and to your experience.
The Training
At the beginning of the season, you will complete a training course that focuses on your technique and development to prepare you for your instructor certification. Your experienced trainers will guide you and build your skills, no matter what your level is.
By the end, you will be prepared to crush your Level 1 exam and achieve your certification.
With your Level 1 certification in hand, you will now begin your job placement, working as a paid ski instructor at your designated resort. We are proud to say that 100% of our instructors have gotten jobs after successfully completing their Snowminds course since we started in 2012!
If you want to develop your skiing further, you can choose a course with more training during the winter season with options for level 2 training, add-on snowboard course, backcountry training course and for the ultimate adventure, join our heli-ski camp in Revelstoke. Whichever course you choose, our experienced staff are here to help you every step of the way on your dream winter season.
Recommendation: Check out our 5 Star reviews on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook and learn more about Snowminds from our ski and snowboard instructors!
THE INSTRUCTOR LIFE
In Canada you will be employed, along with other Snowminds instructors, at one of our experienced partner ski schools. At your ski school you are guaranteed to learn a lot and have an international network of friendships for life. Canadians are known worldwide as super friendly people and your ski school colleagues will most likely be no different.
For most ski instructors, your average work day involves lessons in the morning and early afternoon hours followed by free ski time with your friends and colleagues in the afternoons and evenings.
When you are not teaching, you will have a great opportunity to experience the welcoming Canadian culture with hockey, massive burgers and boundless nature all around you – and of course enjoy some of the best off-piste and backcountry opportunities anywhere in the world. When becoming an instructor with Snowminds, you will also become part of a unique community of instructors, whereby you will have new friends in resorts all over Canada, making for the perfect road trip opportunities. It’s a lifestyle most people can only dream of.
After the season, which typically lasts until April, you will have the opportunity to wrap up your season in Hawaii together with other Snowminds instructors . You can also travel around Canada and the USA with the other Snowminds ski instructors, and thus get a unique total experience during your gap year.
"Skiing in Canada is something completely different for Europeans. The off-piste is deep, the culture is welcoming and the food is filling. I definitely miss the days of backcountry and burgers."
- Andreas, Snowmind's Instructor
WHAT DO YOU GET FROM SNOWMINDS?
When you travel with Snowminds we help you every step of the way and help take care of all the practicalities. That way you can focus on packing your bags and good vibes and preparing yourself for your winter adventure.
Our instructor courses and internships in Canada vary in departure time, length, content and price depending on which destination they take place at. After you apply we will work with you to match you to the perfect fitting course, ski school and resort.
When reserving your place for the next winter, you can see the different course details for the dates you wish to travel, where you also have the opportunity to indicate which course you are most interested in applying for.
With our Canadian instructor internships, you can look forward to the following benefits:
- A winter season in Canada as a ski instructor
- Paid job placement at a local ski school in Canada with arranged accommodation, season lift pass and a uniform*
- First 3 weeks accommodation included (for most internships, this covers the initial training period and exam days before starting employment)
- Canadian level 1 ski certification (including CSIA exam, course materials and certificates)
- Meal plan for 3 weeks, which includes a total of 15 Breakfasts + Dinners **
- 3 weeks tailored training course that focuses on your technique and development, both preparing you for your instructor certification and life as an instructor.
- Round-trip flights to and from Canada (from a major international airport)***
- On-ground transportation to your destination from the airport
- Kick-off Event prior to the season in Denmark to meet your fellow Snowminders
and prepare you for the season (this is also streamed online if you can’t attend in person) - Closing Celebration after completing your course
- Invitation to Snowminds Reunion Party after your season
- Snowminds Team Leader to support you during the course
- Social activities planned during the season
- A dedicated team to support you before, during and after the winter season
- Help with the visa application and all other practicalities to prepare for winter
- Confidence in Danish travel company that is a member of the Travel Guarantee Fund
- A strong community with fellow Snowminders
- Pro-deals at Snowminds Store
- Travel protection with Snowminds Money Back Guarantee
Depending on the Canadian instructor course/program that fits you best, the following also could be included in your internship package:
- Additional 7-10 days level 2 training days in preparation for CSIA level 2 certification (training to fit in around your work schedule at ski school)
- Canadian level 2 ski certification (including all CSIA modules, exam, course materials and certificates)
- Avalanche Skill Training (AST) course
- Freeride / All mountain improvement training days
- Snow Park / Freestyle training days
- Canadian Snow Park instructor certification ((including all CSIA exam, course materials and certificates)
- In resort French language training
- Snowboard training and opportunity to take CASI snowboard instructor level 1 course
- Training and work opportunities in other departments in resort, e.g lift operations or rentals
Please note: the details and price of your specific course/program will be confirmed with you when your application is matched to a ski school.
** 4 weeks accommodation is included rather than 3 + no meal plan is included for Whistler instructor course. Please see specific details and apply for Whistler specific course here if interested.
*Seasonal accommodation and season lift pass can be conditional on passing education and maintaining subsequent employment. Monthly rent is not included.
***Return flights are included from major international airports including London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam or Copenhagen. Your return flight date can be changed against a fee in case you change plans during the season. We will happily arrange flights from other areas, such as Edinburgh or Sydney, upon request and likely extra charges. In all cases, please be aware that there may be additional costs depending on departure airport, flight availability and price increases! We will notify you before final flight bookings are made in such cases. You are also welcome to book your own flights, in which case we provide a 700 euro discount to your trip. If you have any questions please just reach out to us.
What is not included?
- Visa application fees/costs
- Cancellation and travel insurance
- Security deposit and monthly rent for seasonal accommodation
- Travel activity after the season ends (including, transport from your destination to the airport)
- Possible expenses for uniform during the season (this varies from ski school to ski school – deposit may be required or part of uniform e.g ski pants may be self provided).
- Equipment for the season
- Extra luggage beyond the two (2) bags included with your roundtrip flights
- Pocket money and anything else not mentioned above in the included section.
–WHO CAN APPLY?
At Snowminds we pride ourselves in selecting the right people for our team of ski- and snowboard instructors. We are renowned amongst the ski schools for educating competent, energetic and top motivated ski- and snowboard instructors. You definitely do not need to be an expert to become a ski instructor in Canada, and we encourage everyone with this dream to apply. The most important thing for you is to be positive, outgoing, adventurous and ready to work hard to get the memory of a lifetime as a part of the Snowminds team.
What we expect from you:
- You have skied or snowboarded a minimum of 3-4 weeks
- You are positive, outgoing and adventurous
- You are serious, responsible and top motivated
- You are good with kids, teens, and adults
- You enjoy teaching and love being challenged
- You speak English at a conversational level
- You are 18 years or above
When you have sent your application, we will begin our recruitment process with you. Our team of instructors will first give you a call to hear if you have any questions, and then invite you for an online interview.
During the interview, we will evaluate your candidacy while you have the opportunity to get more information about our courses and the experience as an instructor in Canada.
After the interview, we will call you and let you know whether or not we can offer you a spot on our team with a job placement for the winter season.
We have a big interest in our courses and the spots fill up quickly. Therefore we have a “first come, first serve” principle with an application deadline each month. This means that the earlier you send in your application, the greater your chances are of joining the team and getting your dream destination.
Hit the “apply now” button below to get started, where you will find our prices and dates.
KEY DETAILS ABOUT THE COURSE
Destination Course details
Below you can see the pricing and details for ski instructor internships in resorts in Canada.
Please note: 3 weeks accommodation, 3 week meal plan (which includes 15 dinners + 15 breakfasts), job placement as a ski instructor, return flights and local transport to destination is included as standard on internships unless otherwise stated.
Level 1 Ski Instructor Programs
Travel dates: approx 6. December 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program: (From €8095)
– 7 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 certification
– 5 days of Freeride / All mountain training days after New Year
Travel dates: approx 21. November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program: (From €8095)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 1 certification
Bromont Montagne d’expériences
Travel dates: approx 1. December 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program: (From €7195)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
Travel dates: approx 8 December 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program: (From €7995)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
Travel dates: approx 19 November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program: (From €7995)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
Travel dates: approx 1 November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program: (From €8095)
– 6 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
– 6 freeride/all mountain training days
Travel dates: approx 22 October 2023 til April/May 2024.
Level 1 Training Program: (From €8095)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
– Training in a secondary role + job placement in ski school is combined with a role in another department e.g lift operations + rentals*
Travel dates: approx 23. November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program (From €8095)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
Travel dates: approx 22. November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program (From €8095)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 1 certification
– Training in a secondary role + job placement in ski school is combined with a role in another department e.g lift operations + rentals
Travel dates: approx 1. December 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program (From €6795)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification combined with French language lessons
– CSIA Level 1 certification
Travel dates: approx 21. November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 Training Program (From €8095)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 1 certification
– opportunity to book 20 Day Back Country course
Whistler (From €7195)
Travel dates: approx 15. November 2023 to April/May 2023
- WBSSU training program in preparation for level 1 certification
- CSIA level 1 certification
- Note: meal plan is not included in Whistler, 4 weeks of accommodation is included rather than 3.
- After successful completion of course, level 2 training + certification options provided in resort by ski school.
Level 1 + 2 Ski Instructor Programs
Level 1 + 2 Training Program (From €9940)
Travel dates: approx 21. November 2023 to April 2024.
– 12 training days for Level 1
– CSIA Level 1 certification
– 7 training days for Level 2
– CSIA Level 2 certification
Travel dates: approx 7 December 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 + 2 Training Program: (From €8495)
– 6 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
– 6 training days in preparation for level 2 instructor certification
– CSIA level 2 Certification
Travel dates: approx 22 October 2023 til April/May 2024.
Level 1 + 2 Training Program: (From €9940)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
– Training in a secondary role + job placement in another department e.g lift operations + rentals
– 10 training days in preparation for level 2 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 2 Certification
– Training in a secondary role + job placement in ski school is combined with a role in another department e.g lift operations + rentals*
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Travel dates: approx 6 December 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 + 2 Training Program: (From €8495)
– 6 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA level 1 Certification
– 6 training days in preparation for level 2 instructor certification
– CSIA level 2 Certification
Travel dates: approx 23. November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 + 2 Training program: (From €9795)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 1 certification
– 10 training days in preparation for level 2 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 2 certification
Travel dates: approx 22. November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 + 2 Training Program (From €9795)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 1 certification
– 15 half-day training days in preparation for level 2 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 2 certification
Travel dates: approx 21. November 2023 to April 2024.
Level 1 + 2 Training Program (From €9940)
– 12 training days in preparation for level 1 instructor certification
– CSIA Level 1 certification
– 7 training days in preparation for level 2 instructor certification
PAID JOB PLACEMENT
The Snowminds job placement and how it works
The job placement means that you have security in traveling to Canada with a job as an instructor already arranged in a local snow school. You will already know at which destination you will spend your season at, before departure. The job placement is naturally conditional on passing your ski or snowboard certification, which 99% of our students successfully pass. Even in the situation you do not pass, we still do everything we can to ensure you a job in the resort. That way you enjoy your season like everyone else and then retake your certification when ready. We are proud to say we have always been able to find a job for 100% of our instructors after graduation from our training course.
Accomodation
First 3 weeks of accommodation during the course is included at most destinations in Canada. Whichever resort you travel to, we arrange season accommodation housing for you. Many ski schools in Canada do not include accommodation as part of a work contract as they often work with a lot of local staff. Therefore, we work together with the ski schools to arrange good and fitting housing for you either in Staff Accommodation or in private rentals. You’ll be in shared accommodation with other Snowminds Instructors with a fantastic community like feel together with all your future colleagues.
The living situation differs from resort to resort. You often live in older houses, hostels or small apartments, where the dorm-like setting is cozy. It’s important to keep an open mind, as the accommodation will likely be very different to what you are used to at home or would typically experience on a ski holiday, for example, a 5 star ski chalet. Therefore, it is best to not expect luxury for your winter seasonal accommodation. However, we’re absolutely certain that your winter accommodation will quickly become your new home and your new colleagues your new family. We’re sure that you’ll have a little tear in your eye when the season is at its last chapter and you’re about to move out of your home.
Accommodation is not usually included as part of a work contract in Canada so the rent is either deducted from your salary or paid separately. In most cases, you will be asked to sign a housing contract before arrival and make a lease and significant deposit prepayment. Rent varies, but typically lies between 450-1200 Canadian dollars a month.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Your wage depends on many factors, but you can expect to make around 15+ CAD per hour as a level 1 instructor and also get different bonus opportunities, for example, tips and extra private lessons if a guest wishes to book a private lesson and requests you personally.
In terms of financial expectations, let’s be clear: the job as an instructor will not make you rich money wise, but definitely rich with experiences. As a newly-educated instructor, you are typically on the “bottom of the food chain” regarding work. In other words, the more experienced instructors get first preference, but the more you show your passion and desire to work hard, the better. The amount you make as an instructor therefore often depends on both business levels in the resort, your own motivation, your working ethics and your previous working experience.
In general, it is very different from what our instructors earn and spend during the season since habits/personal budgets vary so much, but in general we recommend having a very minimum of 2000 CAD in pocket money so you can make the most of the season.
Since the instructor work is typically paid hourly, per lesson you teach, some instructors choose to pick up extra work in other departments on the mountain to supplement their income as an instructor. In Canada, there are typically opportunities to pick up extra shifts in rentals, lift operations and other departments in resorts.
Transport
TRANSPORT TO YOUR DESTINATION
Return flights, to/from Canada and major airports such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, are included in our Canada course packages. We always try our best to book you on the same flight with other Snowminds instructors, or if this is not possible, arrange that you will arrive at a similar time.
When you arrive in Canada, there are a few practical things that we need to arrange so that you will be able to start employment at your ski school. This includes setting up a bank account and a Social Insurance Number. Depending on the location of your destination, this may mean that we stay a night together in the city before traveling to your new home for the winter. Your Snowminds Team leader will help you with these practicalities. Wherever your destination, we arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation when you arrive in Canada.
CAN I VISIT OTHER DESTINATIONS?
There will certainly be an opportunity for this, especially during the quieter periods. Canada is a big country and the distances between some resorts can be long, which can make for some epic road trip opportunities. The best way to get around is by buying a car together with those you live with or renting a car. It will typically be possible to visit ski resorts “nearby” at cheap prices through the ski school. They will also in some cases be able to provide cheaper lift passes to other areas. In addition, there are possibilities for bus-routes between the destinations.
RETURN TRAVEL
Your flight ticket is a return ticket, so the return flight journey is included in the price. We book a return date based on your wishes. The transport to the airport when you go home, however, is NOT included, as many travel on, have to go home on different dates or otherwise.
If you want inspiration for round trips etc. we can always assist with this and help arrange. It is also something we want to talk about for the kick off event, so you can already start dreaming about further travel opportunities.
If you change your mind while you are in Canada and would like to change your return flight date, then there will be a change fee and possible flight fare price differences, but we will happily look into the different options and possibilities for you.
Language
The training and certification on all our courses in Canada will be in English and it is a requirement that you speak conversational English to attend the course.
Snowminds partners with ski schools in both Eastern and Western Canada, and our destination resorts in Quebec, such as Mont-Saint-Anne, Stoneham and Bromont, there are great opportunities to develop your French language skills.
Work Permit
Since there is a job placement included in this package, you will need to obtain a work permit before your departure. We will provide support and guidance to help you apply for the necessary visa, which gives you the right to work and travel in Canada for up to either 12 or 24 months (depending on which country you are from).
There is a limited amount of Working Holiday Visas allocated to each country and the process can take a long time. Therefore, we recommend that you secure your spot on the team as early as possible so that we can help you with the process and get the best chances of getting your hands on a visa.
Course Price
Ski Instructor Course in Canada + Full Season and Job Placement
from € 6.795
November - AprilYour Life. Your Adventure. Your Choice.
Level 2 ski Instructor Course in Canada
Harder, Stronger and Faster ⛷️
January
Job placement
Backcountry Course
Into the wild backcountry ⛷️
January - March
Local guide
Heli Skiing and Freeride Event in Revelstoke
More terrain. More Snow. More experiences
March
Local guide
Hawaii trip
From a winter paradise to a summer paradise!
April