Become a Ski Instructor in Big White, Canada
Begin your ski instructor course in Big White, Canada – one of British Columbia’s most snow-sure resorts, famous for its champagne powder, tree skiing, and welcoming mountain village atmosphere. Located in the Okanagan Highlands, Big White Ski Resort is known for consistent snowfall, varied terrain, and excellent conditions throughout a long winter season. With wide groomers, playful off-piste areas, and a fully ski-in ski-out village, Big White is an ideal destination to develop your skills and grow as a ski instructor.
We’re proud to offer a Ski Instructor Course in partnership with Big White Ski & Board School. During the course, you’ll train on varied terrain while working toward your CSIA Level 1 certification, before progressing through CSIA Level 2 training and certification as part of the program during the season. The program prepares you for work as a ski instructor in Big White, Canada while helping you build strong technical and teaching foundations in a supportive and professional ski school environment.
Once qualified, you’ll join a global team of instructors and start working as an instructor. You’ll be, teaching guests from around the world while developing your skills in one of Canada’s most friendly and snow-reliable resorts.
The Ski Instructor Course and Season in Big White
Your ski instructor course in Big White begins in late November, as the resort prepares for another snow-rich winter in British Columbia’s Okanagan Highlands. After arriving in Canada and settling into your accommodation, you’ll kick off the season with a Snowminds welcome orientation, receive your lift pass, and be introduced to Big White Ski & Board School and your fellow Snowminders.
The course starts with an intensive CSIA Level 1 training program, focused on building strong technical skills, teaching fundamentals, and confidence across a wide variety of terrain. Through a series of structured on-snow training days, you’ll prepare for your Level 1 certification while training alongside experienced instructors in a supportive and professional learning environment. Big White’s consistent snow conditions, groomed runs, and accessible off-piste terrain provide ideal conditions for developing both your skiing and your teaching progression.
After successfully completing your Level 1 certification, you’ll move into ski school orientation and job-specific training, preparing you for your role as an instructor at Big White. From mid-December onwards, the winter season gets underway, and you’ll begin teaching guests while continuing to receive in-house training and professional development throughout the season. As part of the program, you will also progress through CSIA Level 2 training and certification during the winter.
From late November through spring, your season combine professional training, internationally recognised certification, and real work experience in one of Canada’s most snow-reliable and welcoming ski resorts. From your first training turns to your first lessons in Big White’s ski-in ski-out village, this course is designed to develop your skills, build confidence, and prepare you for a full season as a ski instructor in Canada.
Life as a Ski Instructor in Big White
Life as a ski instructor in Big White is about combining great skiing with a welcoming mountain community and a true ski-in ski-out lifestyle. Located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Highlands, Big White is known for its consistent champagne powder, tree skiing, and friendly village atmosphere. The resort attracts skiers and families from around the world, making it an ideal place to build confidence, develop your teaching skills, and enjoy a full winter in the mountains.
Big White Ski & Board School will be your professional base for the season. It is one of the larger ski schools in British Columbia, yet it maintains a strong sense of community and support among instructors. You’ll work alongside experienced and motivated colleagues, receive regular in-house training throughout the winter, and gain valuable teaching experience across a wide range of ability levels. Big White’s varied terrain and reliable snow conditions create an excellent learning environment for both new and progressing instructors.
Off the mountain, Big White offers a lively but relaxed resort lifestyle. With everything located within the ski-in ski-out village, it’s easy to balance work, training, and social life. You’ll find cafés, bars, and restaurants just steps from the slopes, making it easy to meet up with friends after a day on snow. On quieter days, there’s plenty of opportunity for free skiing, exploring nearby resorts, or enjoying the social side of resort life.
By the end of the season, you’ll have completed your Level 1 & Level 2 ski instructor course, earned your CSIA certification, and gained hands-on teaching experience in one of Canada’s most snow-reliable resorts. You’ll leave Big White with stronger skiing and teaching skills, new friendships, and the confidence to continue your journey as a ski instructor – whether that’s returning for another season or heading to a new destination.
Travel Agenda
Our ski instructor course in Big White is ideal if you’re taking a gap year, career break, or looking for a winter that combines professional development with an unforgettable mountain lifestyle. From arrival through certification, the program is designed to guide you step by step into life as a ski instructor in Canada, so you can enjoy a full winter season in Whistler.
Below is an example of how the Big White Ski Instructor Course and season typically unfolds:
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Late November: Arrival in Canada and transfer to Big White
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Late November: Snowminds welcome orientation, settling into accommodation, lift pass collection, and introduction to Big White Ski & Board School
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Late November – Mid December: On-snow training focused on technical development, teaching fundamentals, and preparation for the CSIA Level 1 certification
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Mid December: CSIA Level 1 certification exam
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Mid December: Ski school orientation and practical introduction to working as an instructor at Big White
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Mid December – Spring: Teaching, continued training, and work opportunities throughout peak periods and the remainder of the winter season, with training toward the CSIA Level 2 exam
The agenda is indicative and may vary slightly from season to season. Final schedules are always adapted to snow conditions, resort operations, and ski school planning to ensure the best possible training and learning experience.
Pictures from the destination
What Is Included in the Ski Instructor Course in Big White?
In short, we’ve got your winter in Big White covered – from professional training and internationally recognised certification to accommodation and job placement at one of British Columbia’s most snow-reliable resorts. The Big White Ski Instructor Course is designed to give you a structured and well-supported start to your season in Canada, so you can focus on developing as an instructor and enjoying life in a true ski-in ski-out mountain resort.
Below is an overview of what’s included in the Ski Instructor Course in Big White:
- A full winter season in Big White, Canada with level 1 +2 instructor course
- Job placement at local ski school at Big White*
- Return flight tickets to Vancouver**
- 1 night of accommodation in Vancouver
- Transfer from Vancouver to Big White
- Accommodation for first 3 weeks
- Arranged seasonal accommodation (rent not included)***
- Season lift pass (during course and employment)*
- Breakfast and dinner 5 days per week for a total of 15 days
- A total of 11 training days before the Canadian level 1 ski instructor certification + 10 training days before the Canadian level 2 ski instructor certification
- Canadian level 1 + 2 ski instructor certifications (including CSIA/PSIC modules, exams, course materials, and certificates)
- Kick-off Event prior to the season in Denmark, or online
- Preparation material and pre-travel fitness program
- Snowminds team leader support
- Arranged social team events
- Practical support with Visa, SIN + Bank accounts****
- Pro-deals at Snowminds Store
- Invitation to Snowminds Reunion Party after the winter season
- Confidence in a Danish registered travel company that is a member of the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
- Travel protection with Snowminds Money Back Guarantee
- A strong community with fellow Snowminds instructors
What’s not included?
- Costs related to visa, vaccines, insurances, living expenses (i.e, seasonal accommodation rent)
- Travel costs at end of season (incl. transport from destination to airport at end of trip)
- Equipment and any other costs not mentioned under “included”.
* Job placement, season lift pass and seasonal accommodation is contingent on successfully passing the recruitment process at the ski school and the level 1 exam.
**Return flights are included from the following major international airports; London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen with 2 pieces of checked baggage included. 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 the 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 on your trip.
***Accommodation is in shared accommodations of varying sizes and quality. Some units have bunk, twin, or sofabeds, and others have double beds, in which case the bed will be shared with another participant. Please be aware that accommodation can change from season to season, in most cases rent for full season and security deposit is to be paid in full before arrival.
****Please note that you must have a Canadian visa approval before departure and the Canadian government requires you to have at least 2500 CAD in your account upon entry to Canada.
Application Requirements
At Snowminds, we carefully select motivated and committed candidates who are ready to develop into professional ski instructors. A positive mindset, strong work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching are just as important as your skiing ability. If you’re adventurous, eager to learn, and ready to take on responsibility in a demanding mountain environment, you’re exactly who we’re looking for.
To apply for the Big White Ski Instructor Course, you should:
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Feel comfortable skiing parallel on red runs
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Speak English at a conversational level
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Have a genuine interest in working with children
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Be positive, responsible, and professional in your approach
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Enjoy teaching and be motivated to continuously improve your skills
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Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program*
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Be eligible and prepared to live and work in Canada from late November through the end of the winter season
*Please note: In British Columbia, the legal age as an adult is 19. While you can join the course at 18, we recommend being 19 or older to fully be able to take part in social activities.
Big White Ski & Board School places a strong emphasis on teaching children, especially at beginner and intermediate levels. Previous experience working with kids is therefore a strong advantage and may be required as part of the recruitment process.
Once you’ve submitted your application, our team will contact you for an initial call, followed by an online interview. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the course, life in Big White, and what it takes to succeed as a ski instructor in Canada. After the interview, we’ll let you know whether we can offer you a place on the team.
Due to high demand, places on the Big White ski instructor course are allocated on a first come, first served basis, with monthly application deadlines. Applying early significantly improves your chances of securing a spot and starting your winter in one of Canada’s most iconic big-mountain ski resorts.
“Big White is an amazing place. I met so many incredible people and made friends that now feel like family.”
- Snowminds Instructor in Big White
Key Details About the Course
PAID JOB PLACEMENT
The Snowminds Job Placement and How It Works
The Snowminds job placement gives you peace of mind when travelling to Canada, as your position as a ski instructor is arranged with Big White Ski & Board School before departure. You’ll know exactly where you’ll be spending your winter, allowing you to prepare for your season in Big White with clarity and confidence.
The job placement is conditional on successfully passing your CSIA Level 1 certification, which the majority of Snowminds participants complete during the course. In the event that you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, Snowminds works closely with the ski school to support you and explore possible solutions, so you can continue developing your skills and remain part of the season in Big White.
We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Big White Ski & Board School and our structured approach to transitioning participants from training into work. Our focus is to ensure you arrive in Big White with a clear pathway into instructing, strong professional support, and the best possible foundation for a successful winter in one of British Columbia’s most snow-reliable ski resorts.
Accommodation
The first three weeks of accommodation during your course are included in the Big White program. We arrange pre-paid private accommodation in Big White for the season, ensuring you have a secure accommodation offer where your housing is arranged before your departure. The full season’s rent, along with a security deposit, is to be prepaid before your arrival, providing security and simplicity for your winter stay and no need to worry about rent payments during the season.
We secure several different accommodation units in older houses/apartments, where you will be sharing a room with other Snowminds instructors and/or seasonal resort staff. You should expect a tight but cozy atmosphere in the accommodation, and a great community together.
It’s important to keep an open mind, as the housing will likely be very different from what you are used to at home, or what you might expect on a traditional ski holiday (don’t expect a 5-star ski chalet!). While it is best not to expect luxury from seasonal winter housing, we are absolutely certain that it will quickly become your new home, and your colleagues your new family.
In fact, we’re sure you’ll have a little tear in your eye when the season comes to an end and it’s time to move out!
Accommodation rates vary depending on availability each season, but typically will be a 5 month agreement of approxmately 900-1000 EUR. paid in full prior to departure.
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Please keep in mind that while Snowminds helps secure your position, your official employer for the season is the ski school. This means that all work expectations, daily responsibilities, and schedules are defined entirely by the ski school management.
While we will gladly provide guidance based on past seasons and ski school expectations, please note that Snowminds cannot guarantee your specific work hours, schedule, or lesson types.
In general, it is very different from what instructors earn and spend during the season since habits/personal budgets and seasonal work hours can fluctuate so much from year to year. So in general we recommend bringing savings with you so you can make the most of the season experience.
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.
Wages are paid at an hourly rate and depend on your certification level. 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
If we are booking your flights for you, then 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.
This means will stay a night in the city before traveling to the resort to settle into your seasonal accommodation. Your Snowminds Team leader will help you with these practicalities and help you settle in.
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. Some instructors decide to buy a used car together or rent a car. In addition, there are possibilities for bus-routes between some destinations in Canada.
Return Travel
Your flight ticket is a return ticket, meaning the return journey is included in the course price. We book your return flight based on your preferred travel date at the end of the season.
Please note that transportation from Big White to the airport for your return journey is not included, as many participants travel on, leave on different dates, or plan road trips after the season.
If you’d like inspiration for post-season travel or road trips, we’re always happy to help with ideas and planning. This is also something we cover at the Snowminds kick-off event, so you can start dreaming about further adventures in Canada.
If staying for summer sounds appealing, you can combine your winter with a summer season by taking our level 1 Mountain Bike instructor course in Whistler.
If you decide to change your return flight date while you’re in Canada, airline change fees and possible fare differences may apply. We’ll gladly help you explore your options and handle any flight changes if needed.
Language
All training and certification on our ski instructor courses in Canada are conducted in English, and it is a requirement that you speak English at a conversational level in order to participate in the course and work as a ski instructor.
Snowminds partners with ski schools across both Eastern and Western Canada. In Big White, you’ll work in a fully English-speaking environment while teaching guests from Canada and around the world. This gives you valuable, real-life experience communicating in English on and off the mountain, while developing strong teaching and customer service skills in one of Canada’s most respected big-mountain ski resorts.
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 reserve your spot on the course 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.
Price
Season in Big White with Level 1+2 ski instructor course
from €10.495
Big White, Canada
Mid-late November to April