Season in Marmot Basin with Level 1 Ski Instructor course

Become a ski instructor in the heart of Jasper National Park

Become a Ski Instructor in Marmot Basin, Canada

Begin your ski instructor journey in Marmot Basin, Canada – a true local gem and the highest ski resort in the Canadian Rockies. Located in Alberta and surrounded by the untouched wilderness of Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin offers an authentic Canadian mountain experience with breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and a long ski season stretching from November well into May. With its high base elevation, wide-open terrain, and relaxed atmosphere, Marmot Basin is the perfect destination if you’re looking for real mountain life away from the crowds.

We’re proud to offer a Level 1 Ski Instructor Course, with an optional level 2 in partnership with Marmot Basin Snow School, a close-knit ski school known for its strong sense of community and hands-on instructor development. During the course, you’ll complete structured on-snow training and work toward your CSIA Level 1 certification, preparing you to work as a ski instructor in Canada. Once qualified, you’ll join a small, friendly team of instructors and start working as an instructor, teaching mainly local guests and school groups while becoming fully immersed in Canadian culture. With its family-like ski school environment and stunning Rocky Mountain surroundings, Marmot Basin offers a unique and deeply rewarding start to your instructor career. After successfully completing your Level 1 certification, you’ll have the opportunity later in the season to train for and take your Level 2 instructor course.

The Ski Instructor Course and Season in Marmot Basin

Your ski instructor course in Marmot Basin begins in late October or early November, as the resort prepares for another long winter season in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. After arriving in Canada and travelling to Jasper, you’ll settle into your accommodation, take part in a Snowminds welcome orientation, receive your lift pass, and be introduced to Marmot Basin Snow School & Rentals and your fellow Snowminders.

The season starts with an intensive Level 1 Ski Instructor Course, combining structured on-snow training with industry insight and equipment knowledge. You’ll focus on improving your skiing technique, developing teaching skills, and preparing for your CSIA Level 1 certification. Training is delivered by experienced instructors in a supportive, down-to-earth ski school environment, giving you a strong foundation for working as a ski instructor in Canada. As part of the Marmot Basin setup, your instructor training is combined with training in an additional department such as rentals or guest services, helping you gain broader resort experience and more consistent work throughout the season.

Once you’ve completed your Level 1 certification, you’ll take part in ski school orientation and begin teaching lessons alongside continued work in your secondary role. The early part of the season focuses on learning, training, and gaining confidence, while from February onwards the resort becomes busier with school groups, holiday periods, and international visitors. During this time, you’ll teach more regularly while continuing to receive ongoing on-snow training and development opportunities. For those that want to continue their development, there is the option to take level 2 training and go for the level 2 exam alongside your employment.

Running from late autumn through spring, your season will combine professional training, internationally recognised certification, and real work experience at Canada’s highest ski resort. In short, we’ve got your season in Marmot Basin covered – from your first training turns to your first lessons, all set against the dramatic peaks and untouched wilderness of Jasper National Park.

Life as a Ski Instructor in Marmot Basin

Life as a ski instructor in Marmot Basin is about more than just teaching skiing. It is about immersing yourself in authentic mountain life in the heart of the Canadian Rockies while spending an entire winter surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Located in Alberta and bordered by the vast wilderness of Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin offers a long season, high alpine terrain, and a strong local community, creating a unique environment to work, learn, and live throughout the winter.

Marmot Basin Snow School & Rentals will be your professional base for the season. Known for its family like atmosphere and close collaboration between instructors and supervisors, the ski school offers a supportive and welcoming environment where new instructors are given time and guidance to develop. With a relatively small team, you will work closely with mainly Canadian colleagues while teaching local families, school groups, and visiting international guests, gaining hands on experience in a truly authentic Canadian ski school.

Off the mountain, life in Jasper is relaxed and closely connected to nature. When you are not teaching or training, you will have plenty of opportunities to ski with friends, explore the surrounding national park, take part in staff activities, and enjoy the uncrowded slopes. With its long winter season stretching from November well into spring, Marmot Basin offers a balanced instructor lifestyle where progression, community, and mountain living go hand in hand.

By the end of the season, you’ll have completed your Level 1 ski instructor training – and if you choose to progress, your Level 2 certification as well, while gaining valuable real-world teaching experience at one of Canada’s highest ski resorts. Just as importantly, you’ll leave with lasting friendships, memorable powder days, and the confidence to continue your ski instructor journey wherever it may take you next.

 

Travel Agenda

Our ski instructor course in Marmot Basin is ideal if you are taking a gap year, career break, or simply looking for a winter that combines professional development with true Canadian mountain life. From arrival to certification and into the season, 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 Marmot Basin.

Below is an example of how the Marmot Basin Level 1 Ski Instructor Course and season typically unfolds:

  • Late October to early November: Arrival in Canada and transfer to Jasper
  • Early November: Snowminds welcome orientation, settling into accommodation, lift pass collection, and introduction to Marmot Basin Snow School & Rentals
  • November to early December: On snow training focused on technical skiing, teaching fundamentals, and preparation for the CSIA Level 1 exam combined with training in a secondary role such as rentals or guest services
  • Early to mid December: CSIA Level 1 certification exam and ski school orientation
  • Mid December to February: Teaching, continued training, and combined work in the ski school and secondary department as the season builds
  • February to March: Peak teaching period with school groups, holiday periods, and international programs
  • April to May: Spring skiing, reduced teaching hours, and the chance to enjoy one of Canada’s longest ski seasons
  • January – March: Opportunity to train for and complete your CSIA Level 2 certification

 

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

Training in Marmot Basin
Snowminds in Marmot Basin
Marmot Basin
View over Marmot Basin
Top of Marmot Basin
Marmot Basin Off-piste

What Is Included in the Ski Instructor Course in Marmot Basin?

In short, we’ve got your winter in Marmot Basin fully covered, from professional training and internationally recognised certification to accommodation and job placement in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The Marmot Basin Level 1 Ski Instructor Course is designed to give you a smooth and well structured start to your season in Canada, allowing you to focus on developing as an instructor while fully embracing authentic mountain life and the close knit community that defines Marmot Basin.

Below is an overview of what’s included in the Ski Instructor Course and in Marmot Basin:

  • A full winter season in Marmot Basin, Canada with level 1 instructor course, with the opportunity to progress to level 2
  • Job placement at local ski school at Marmot Basin*
  • Return flight tickets to Edmonton**
  • 1 night accommodation in Edmonton
  • Transfer from Edmonton to Marmot Basin/Jasper
  • 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 14 training days before the Canadian level 1 ski instructor certification
  • 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)
  • quipment and any other costs not mentioned under “included”.

 


* Job placement + season lift pass 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 grow into professional ski instructors. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching are just as important as your skiing ability. If you are adventurous, outgoing, and ready for a winter of learning, responsibility, and personal development, you are exactly who we are looking for.

To apply for the Marmot Basin 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 teaching and working with people of all ages
  • Be positive, responsible, and professional in your approach
  • Enjoy teaching and be motivated to 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 autumn through the end of the winter season

Marmot Basin Snow School works with a wide variety of guests, including local families, school groups, and international visitors. Previous experience working with children or in customer facing roles is therefore considered an advantage during the recruitment process, but it is not a requirement.

Once you have 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 Jasper, and what it takes to succeed as a ski instructor in Canada. After the interview, we will let you know whether we can offer you a place on the team.

Due to high demand, places on the Marmot Basin 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 at one of Canada’s most unique and authentic ski destinations.

“It gets cold, so bring plenty of layers. But the atmosphere at Marmot Basin makes even the cold days worth it!”

- Snowminds Instructor in Marmot Basin

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 Marmot Basin Snow School before departure. You will know exactly where you will be spending your winter, allowing you to prepare for your season in Jasper and at Marmot Basin 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. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, Snowminds works closely with Marmot Basin Snow School to support you and explore possible solutions. This may include continued training, work in a secondary role within the resort, and the opportunity to keep developing your skills while remaining part of the season.

We are proud of our long standing partnership with Marmot Basin and our structured approach, which has consistently enabled Snowminds participants to transition from training into paid work within the ski school and other resort departments. Our focus is to ensure you arrive in Marmot Basin with a clear pathway into instructing and the support you need to make the most of your winter in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Accommodation

The first 3 weeks of accommodation during your course are included in the Marmot Basin program. We work closely with Marmot Basin to arrange suitable housing for you in their Staff Accommodation, located in the town of Jasper.

This means that right from the start of the winter, you will share your living space with other Snowminds instructors and/or seasonal resort staff, creating a fantastic, community-like feel with your future colleagues.

Staff accommodation options can vary from year to year. Snowminds instructors are typically placed in shared rooms with other staff members. 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!

Staff accommodation rates can vary depending on availability each season, but typically cost approximately $21-25 CAD per night. After the first 3 weeks, you will be responsible for paying your own rent directly to the resort. Please note that you will be asked to sign a housing agreement upon arrival, prepay a portion of your rent and pay a security deposit on your arrival.

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 home is included in the price. We book your return flight based on your preferred travel dates. Transport to the airport at the end of the season is not included, as many participants choose to travel onwards, leave on different dates, or explore Canada further before heading home.

If you are looking for inspiration for road trips or onward travel after the season, we are always happy to help with ideas and planning. This is also something we discuss during the kick off event, so you can already start dreaming about your post season adventures.

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 are in Canada, a change fee and any potential fare difference may apply. We will, of course, help you explore the available options and find the best possible solution.

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.

Snowminds partners with ski schools across both Western and Eastern Canada. While destinations like Marmot Basin are primarily English speaking, our resorts in Quebec, such as Mont Sainte Anne, Stoneham, and Bromont, also offer great opportunities to develop your French language skills alongside your instructor training.

Work permit 

Since a job placement is included as part of this package, you are required to obtain a valid work permit before departure. Snowminds will provide guidance and support throughout the visa application process to help you apply for the correct permit. This visa allows you to live, work, and travel in Canada for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on your nationality.

Working Holiday Visas are issued in limited numbers for each country and the application process can take time. For this reason, we strongly recommend securing your place on the team as early as possible. Applying early gives us the best opportunity to support you through the process and significantly improves your chances of successfully obtaining a visa and starting your season in Canada as planned.

Price

Course Icon Season in Marmot Basin with Level 1 Ski Instructor course

Course Icon from €8.995

Course Icon

Course Icon Marmot Basin, Canada

Course Icon Early November to April

Course Icon Sign up deposit: €200

Apply

Any Questions? Call us!