Become a ski instructor at Kicking Horse, Canada
Begin your ski instructor course at Kicking Horse, Canada – a legendary big-mountain destination known for its steep terrain, long fall-line runs, and raw alpine atmosphere. Located near the town of Golden in British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers dramatic vertical, wide-open bowls, and challenging terrain set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. With a strong mountain culture and plenty of space to progress, Kicking Horse is an ideal place to push your skiing and build confidence as an instructor.
We’re proud to offer a Level 1 Ski Instructor Course at Kicking Horse in partnership with the Kicking Horse Ski School. Throughout the course, you’ll train on varied terrain while working toward your CSIA Level 1 certification. The program is designed to give you a solid foundation in ski technique and teaching skills, preparing you for work as a ski instructor in Kicking Horse, Canada. 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 a professional, big-mountain resort environment.
The Ski Instructor Course and Season in Kicking Horse
Your ski instructor course at Kicking Horse begins in late November, just as the mountain prepares for another exciting winter season in the Canadian Rockies. After arriving in Canada and settling into your accommodation, you’ll start the season with a Snowminds welcome orientation, receive your lift pass, and get introduced to the Kicking Horse Ski School and your fellow Snowminders.
The course starts with an intensive Level 1 training program, focused on building strong technical skills, clear teaching fundamentals, and confidence across varied terrain. Through a series of on-snow training days, you’ll prepare for your CSIA Level 1 certification while training alongside experienced instructors in a professional and supportive learning environment. Kicking Horse’s wide-open slopes and challenging terrain provide excellent conditions for developing both your skiing and your understanding of lesson structure and progression.
After successfully completing your Level 1 certification, you’ll move into ski school orientation and practical training, preparing you for your role as a ski instructor at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. 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.
From late November through spring, this program combines professional training, internationally recognised certification, and real work experience in a classic Canadian big-mountain resort. From your first training days to your first lessons on Kicking Horse’s slopes, the course is designed to support your development and give you a full season of experience as a ski instructor in Canada.
Life as a Ski Instructor in Kicking Horse
Life as a ski instructor at Kicking Horse is about immersing yourself in true mountain culture while developing your skiing in one of Canada’s most iconic big-mountain environments. Located near the town of Golden in British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains, Kicking Horse offers dramatic vertical, long fall-line runs, and expansive alpine terrain, all set against the rugged backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. With a raw mountain atmosphere and plenty of space to progress, Kicking Horse is an inspiring place to build confidence and grow as an instructor.
Kicking Horse Ski School will be your professional base throughout the season. Compared to large destination resorts, the ski school here has a close-knit and supportive team culture, making it easy to settle in and become part of the community. You’ll work alongside experienced instructors, receive ongoing training during the winter, and gain valuable teaching experience across varied terrain. The combination of strong professional support and challenging mountain conditions makes Kicking Horse an excellent environment for developing both your skiing and your teaching skills.
Off the mountain, life in Golden offers a relaxed and authentic mountain-town lifestyle. You’ll find local cafés, pubs, and a strong outdoor community, all surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. When you’re not teaching or training, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the area, enjoy free skiing, or simply soak up the atmosphere of a town deeply connected to mountain life.
By the end of the season, you’ll have completed your Level 1 ski instructor course, earned your CSIA certification, and gained hands-on teaching experience in a respected Canadian big-mountain resort. You’ll leave Kicking Horse with stronger skiing skills, lasting friendships, and the confidence to continue your journey as a ski instructor in Canada or beyond.
Travel Agenda
The Level 1 Ski Instructor Course at Kicking Horse is ideal if you’re taking a gap year, a career break, or simply looking for a winter that combines professional development with authentic mountain living. 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 Kicking Horse Level 1 Ski Instructor Course and season typically unfolds:
- Late November: Arrival in Canada and transfer to Kicking Horse
- Late November: Snowminds welcome orientation, settling into accommodation, lift pass collection, and introduction to Kicking Horse Ski School
- Late November – Mid December: On-snow training focused on ski technique, teaching fundamentals, and preparation for the CSIA Level 1 certification
- Mid December: CSIA Level 1 certification exam
- Mid December: Ski school orientation and practical introduction to working as a ski instructor at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
- Mid December – Spring: Teaching, continued in-house training level 2 course and work opportunities throughout the winter season
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.
What Is Included in the Ski Instructor Course in Kicking Horse?
In short, we’ve got your entire winter at Kicking Horse covered – from professional training and internationally recognised certification to accommodation support and job opportunities in a classic Canadian big-mountain resort. The Kicking Horse Level 1 Ski Instructor Course is designed to give you a structured and well-supported start to your season in Canada, so you can focus on building a strong foundation as a ski instructor while experiencing authentic mountain life.
Below, you’ll find an overview of what is included in the Ski Instructor Course at Kicking Horse:
- A full winter season in Kicking Horse, Canada with level 1 instructor course
- Job placement at local ski school at Kicking Horse*
- Return flight tickets to Calgary**
- 1 night accommodation in Calgary
- Transfer from Calgary to Kicking Horse / Golden
- 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 12 training days, distributed with 6 training days before the Canadian level 1 ski instructor certification, and 6 freeride training days during the rest of the season
- Canadian level 1 ski instructor certification (including CSIA/PSIC exam, 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 + 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 Kicking Horse Level 1 Ski Instructor Course, you should:
- Feel comfortable skiing parallel on red runs
- Speak English at a conversational level
- Have a genuine interest in working with children
- Be positive, responsible, and professional in your approach
- Enjoy teaching and be motivated to continuously improve your skills
- Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
- 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.
The Kicking Horse Ski School works extensively with beginners and families, which means teaching children is an important part of the role. 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 at Kicking Horse, 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 Kicking Horse 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 British Columbia’s most iconic big-mountain resorts.
“Kicking Horse pushes you every single day. The terrain is big, the skiing is challenging, and the feeling of progression is huge. If you want to grow fast as a skier and instructor, this is the place to do it.”
- Snowminds Instructor in Kicking horse
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 Kicking Horse Ski School before departure. You’ll know exactly where you’ll be spending your winter, allowing you to prepare for your season at Kicking Horse with confidence and clarity.
The job placement is conditional on successfully passing your CSIA Level 1 certification, which the majority of Snowminds participants complete during the course. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, Snowminds works closely with the ski school to support you and explore possible next steps, so you can continue developing your skills and remain part of the season at Kicking Horse.
We’re proud of our close partnership with Kicking Horse Ski School and our structured approach to transitioning participants from training into work. Our focus is to ensure you arrive at Kicking Horse with a clear pathway into instructing, strong professional support, and a solid foundation for a successful winter in one of British Columbia’s most iconic big-mountain ski resorts.
Accommodation
The first three weeks of accommodation are included in the Kicking Horse program. We work closely with Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to arrange Staff Accommodation located in the town of Golden. Instructors typically live in large houses with other staff members, creating a social, “hostel-type” atmosphere with shared rooms and common areas.
This community-focused setup ensures you’ll quickly feel at home with your new colleagues and fellow Snowminds instructors. While the housing is different from a luxury ski chalet, it provides a fantastic, social environment for the winter. Rent is typically paid directly to the resort or deducted from your payslips, and you will be asked to sign a housing agreement and pay a deposit 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 Kicking Horse or Golden to the airport for your return journey is not included, as many participants choose to 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 during the Snowminds kick-off event, so you can start planning further adventures in Canada early on.
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 any fare differences may apply. We’re happy to assist you in exploring your options and handling flight changes if needed.
Language
Language Requirements
All training and certification on our ski instructor courses in Canada are conducted in English. It is therefore a requirement that you speak English at a conversational level in order to participate in the course and work as a ski instructor.
Snowminds works with ski schools across both Eastern and Western Canada. At Kicking Horse, you’ll be working in a fully English-speaking environment while teaching guests from Canada and around the world. This provides valuable, real-life experience using English both on and off the mountain, while developing strong teaching and customer service skills in a professional Canadian ski resort setting.
Work permit
Visa Requirements
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 Kicking Horse with Level 1 ski instructor course
from €8.995
Kicking Horse, Canada
Mid-late November to April