Level 1 + 2 ski instructor course & job in Canada

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.