Level 1 & 2 Ski instructor course in Canada
Get your certification as a ski instructor during your season in Canada
- Level 1 & 2 Canadian Certification
- All CSIA/PSIC modules and exams included
- Return flights, training and much more
What You Get with the Level 1 & 2 Ski instructor course in Canada
Designed to refine your technique and prepare you for passing the Canadian ski instructor certification.
Canadian Level 2 Certification Included
Complete the recognized Canadian Level 1 & 2 ski instructor certifications – including all modules, exams, course materials, and certificates.
Job Placement
After passing Level 1, you will begin working as a paid instructor at a Canadian ski school.
All-Inclusive Experience
Flights, lift pass, training, meals, and accommodation (first 3 weeks) are included. Enjoy a full Canadian winter season with a global community of instructors.
How the Ski Instructor Course Works
From passionate skier to certified instructor – here’s the journey step by step.
Start with intensive coaching from experienced trainers and take your Level 1 certification exam.
After passing Level 1, you will begin working as a paid instructor at a Canadian ski school.
Train towards your Level 2 certification while gaining hands-on teaching experience.
Live and work in Canada’s top resorts, with opportunities for heli-skiing, backcountry training, and more.
destinations with Level 1 and 2 ski instructor courses in Canada
Below you can see the pricing and details for ski instructor internships.
Become a ski instructor in Big White Mountain Resort
With 105 km of ski terrain, including challenging red and black slopes and around 8 metres annual snowfall, Big White is a top destination in British Columbia. Big White also hosts extensive night skiing, off-piste adventures and the TELUS park, and extensive cross country trails, making it the ideal place for you to try new things and have a season full of adventure. The local town also offers a variety of bars, cafés and restaurants, making you truly feel at home.
- 11 training days for Level 1
- CSIA Level 1 certification
- 10 training days for Level 2
- CSIA Level 2 certification
Become a ski instructor in Castle Mountain Resort
Castle Mountain Resort offers a genuine Canadian ski experience with adrenaline-fueled terrain, friendly locals, and pristine powder. Working here as a ski instructor means first-class skiing, a welcoming community, and the chance to live the authentic mountain lifestyle.
- 10 training days in preparation for level 1
- CSIA Level 1 certification
- 10 training days in preparation for level 2
- CSIA Level 2 certification
Become a ski instructor in Kimberley Mountain Resort
Located in the Purcell Range of the Canadian Rockies, with over 729 hectares of terrain, 80 pistes and 4 meters of annual snowfall, the resort is a local favourite. Kimberley has many black diamond slopes and is loved especially for its advanced terrain, therefore you can expect for your skiing to truly reach new heights.
- 6 training days in preparation for level 1
- CSIA Level 1 certification
- 6 training days in preparation for level 2
- CSIA Level 2 certification
Become a ski instructor in Marmot Basin
You can find Marmot Basin, the highest ski resort in the Canadian Rockies, in the state of Alberta in the midst of Jasper National Park. Beyond an extensive season up until May, Marmot Basin and its surroundings offer incredible nature and wildlife. The ski school offers a real family-like atmosphere, and you will be closely involved in the Canadian culture.
- 12 training days in preparation for level 1
- 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
- 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
Become a ski instructor in Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Mount Washington is a local gem. It gives you the chance to immerse yourself in Canadian culture, with a ski school that prides itself on building a strong community, where you will be treated as a part of the Mount Washington family. Beyond the high quality skiing and terrain, Mount Washington is also known for its beautiful nature.
- 6 training days in preparation for level 1
- CSIA Level 1 certification
- 6 training days in preparation for level 2
- CSIA Level 2 certification
Become a ski instructor in Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke, BC, is a dream destination for skiers worldwide, offering legendary snowfall, diverse alpine terrain, and an authentic mountain-town atmosphere. Known for its world-class heli-skiing terrain, Revelstoke provides endless opportunities for deep powder adventures. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, the town’s cozy bars and restaurants offer the perfect place to unwind and soak in the laid-back mountain vibe.
- 12 training days in preparation for level 1
- CSIA Level 1 certification
- 10 training days in preparation for level 2
- CSIA Level 2 certification
Become a ski instructor in Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks is Canada’s second largest ski area and is comprised of three distinct mountains. With 135 slopes and 6 meters of annual snowfall, Sun Peaks offers first-class conditions. The entire town is ski-in, ski-out and as a ski instructor in Sun Peaks you have unlimited opportunities and adventures.
- 12 training days in preparation for level 1
- CSIA Level 1 certification
- 7 training days in preparation for level 2
- CSIA Level 2 certification
Life as a Ski Instructor in Canada
Check out our 5 Star reviews on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook and learn more about Snowminds from our ski and snowboard instructors!
What our instructors say
Had an amazing winter at Kicking Horse in Canada with Snowminds. Also did their end of season Hawaii trip, which I HIGHLY recommend. It was an incredible way to end the season.
Snowminds is legit !! I went out to Canada with them for the 22/23 season and loved it. It’s based in Denmark but has a pretty international outreach. They provide a lot of information for every detail of the trip so if you have any questions (I had a lot!) you can just email them to arrange a phone call and someone will talk you through everything.
If you are still undecided whether to go or not my best advice is – GO! I had the most awesome experience with Snowminds, who took care of all the practical stuff and made sure I had a wonderful time in Canada and Japan over two seasons. Are you passionate about skiing and want to join a community in which skiing becomes your everyday life – then jump aboard the Snowminds-train. You will not regret it!
KEY DETAILS ABOUT THE COURSE
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. Sounds like you? Take the ski instructor course in Canada!
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
- You are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa*
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.
*Eligibility for Working Holiday visa depends on different factors such as which passport you hold and your age. Ask us if you are unsure.
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.
Accommodation
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 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. Therefore, it is best to not expect luxury for your 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 prepayment of the full season’s rent and a significant deposit prepayment. Rent varies, but typically lies between 450-1200 Canadian dollars a month.
Salary expectations
Your hourly wage as a Level 1 instructor will depend on a variety of factors, but generally starts at around 15 CAD or more. Beyond that, you may have bonus earning opportunities, such as tips or additional pay for private lessons—especially if guests specifically request you as their instructor. While this job won’t necessarily make you wealthy in monetary terms, it is a valuable investment in unforgettable experiences.
Initially, as a newly-certified instructor, you’ll likely find yourself lower on the work priority list than more seasoned colleagues. However, if you consistently show enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong work ethic, you can improve your earning potential over time. Your income will also vary based on the resort’s overall business levels, your previous experience, and your motivation to take on more work.
Spending habits and personal budgets differ widely, so earnings and expenses can vary from instructor to instructor. To make the most of the season, we generally recommend bringing at least 2000 CAD in pocket money. Since instructor pay is typically on an hourly or per-lesson basis, many instructors choose to supplement their income by taking on extra shifts in other resort departments, such as rentals or lift operations. This can be a great way to round out your earnings while enjoying the unique lifestyle and experiences that come with working in a ski resort.
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.
Ready to earn your Level 2 Certification?
Secure your spot for next season – limited places available.