Season in Mount Washington with Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor course

Experience life as an instructor in one of Canada’s snowiest resorts

Become a ski instructor at Mount Washington, Canada

Begin your ski instructor journey at Mount Washington, Canada – a true local Canadian gem known for its deep snowfall, diverse terrain, and strong community atmosphere. Located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Mount Washington combines powder-filled glades, open alpine terrain, and night skiing with stunning views of the surrounding coastline and wilderness. With its relaxed, down-to-earth vibe and varied slopes, Mount Washington is an ideal place to develop your skills and grow as an instructor in a supportive environment.

We’re proud to offer a Level 1 + 2 Ski Instructor Course at Mount Washington in partnership with the Mount Washington Snow School.

Throughout the season, you’ll train across a wide range of terrain while working toward your PSIC Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. The course is designed to build strong technical foundations at Level 1 and progress your skiing, teaching skills, and confidence at Level 2. Along the way, you’ll become part of a close-knit ski school community, where you’ll work as a ski instructor teaching mainly local families and guests, gaining valuable experience, and truly immersing yourself in Canadian mountain life.

The Ski Instructor Course and Season in Mount Washington

Your ski instructor course at Mount Washington begins in early December, as the resort opens for another snow-rich winter on Vancouver Island. 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 Mount Washington Snow School and your fellow Snowminders.

The season starts with a focused Level 1 training program, designed to build solid technical skills, clear teaching fundamentals, and confidence on snow. Through structured on-snow training days, you’ll prepare for your PSIC Level 1 certification, training in a supportive and professional learning environment alongside experienced instructors. Mount Washington’s varied terrain, tree skiing, and consistent snowfall create ideal conditions for developing strong skiing skills and a clear understanding of lesson structure and progression.

After successfully completing your Level 1 certification, you’ll continue directly into Level 2 training, where the focus shifts to refining technique, improving movement analysis, and developing more advanced teaching skills. This progression allows you to build on your foundations while gaining deeper insight into instructing a wider range of guests.

Alongside your training, you’ll complete ski school orientation and practical preparation, getting ready for your role as a ski instructor at Mount Washington. As the winter season progresses, you’ll begin teaching—primarily local families and regular guests—while continuing to receive in-house training, coaching, and professional development throughout the season.

From early December through spring, your season will combine professional training, PSIC Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, and real work experience in a friendly, community-driven Canadian ski resort. From your first training turns to confidently teaching on Mount Washington’s slopes—day and night—the course is designed to support your development and give you a full-season experience as a ski instructor in Canada.

Life as a Ski Instructor in Mount Washington

Life as a ski instructor at Mount Washington is about becoming part of a genuine Canadian ski community while developing your skills in a snow-rich and varied mountain environment. Located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Mount Washington is known for its exceptional snowfall, tree skiing, alpine bowls, and relaxed local atmosphere. With terrain suited to both progression and playful skiing, it’s an ideal place to build confidence and grow as an instructor in a supportive setting.

Mount Washington Snow School will be your professional home throughout the season. The ski school is large enough to offer strong training opportunities, yet still maintains a close-knit, community-driven culture where instructors quickly feel welcome. You’ll work alongside experienced instructors, receive regular in-house training, and develop your teaching skills with a focus on local families and returning guests. The combination of consistent snow, varied terrain, and ongoing professional support makes Mount Washington a strong environment for progressing both technically and pedagogically.

Off the mountain, life revolves around a relaxed island lifestyle. Most social life happens in the nearby town of Courtenay, where you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and bars popular with locals and seasonal staff alike. On days off, you can explore Vancouver Island’s coastline, forests, and nearby towns, or enjoy free skiing—including night skiing—at the resort. The balance between mountain life and island culture makes Mount Washington a unique and memorable place to spend a winter in Canada.

By the end of the season, you’ll have completed your Level 1 and Level 2 ski instructor courses, earned your PSIC certifications, and gained hands-on teaching experience in a respected Canadian ski school. You’ll leave Mount Washington with stronger skiing skills, real teaching confidence, and lasting friendships—well prepared to continue your journey as a ski instructor in Canada or elsewhere in the world.

Travel Agenda

The Level 1 + 2 Ski Instructor Course at Mount Washington is ideal if you’re taking a gap year, a career break, or looking for a winter that combines professional development with authentic Canadian mountain life. From arrival through certification and into the season, the program is structured to guide you step by step into life as a ski instructor in Canada, so you can enjoy a full winter season in Mount Washington

Below is an example of how the Mount Washington Ski Instructor Course and season typically unfolds:

  • Early December: Arrival in Canada and transfer to Mount Washington / Vancouver Island

  • Early December: Snowminds welcome orientation, settling into accommodation, lift pass collection, and introduction to Mount Washington Snow School

  • Early–Mid December: On-snow training focused on ski technique, teaching fundamentals, and preparation for the PSIC Level 1 certification

  • Mid December: PSIC Level 1 certification exam

  • Mid–Late December: Ski school orientation, practical training, and start of teaching

  • January – February: Continued teaching alongside structured Level 2 training and preparation

  • Late Winter: PSIC Level 2 certification exam

  • December – Spring: Teaching, ongoing in-house training, 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.

Pictures from the destination

Snowminds instructors
Snowminds instructors skiing
Mount washington view
Mount washington town
Mount washington sunshine
Mount washington instructors
Mount washington instructors

What Is Included in the Ski Instructor Course in Mount Washington?

In short, we’ve got your entire winter at Mount Washington covered – from professional training and internationally recognised certifications to accommodation support and job opportunities in a welcoming Canadian ski school. The Mount Washington Level 1 + 2 Ski Instructor Course is designed to give you a structured and well-supported season in Canada, allowing you to focus on progressing as a ski instructor while becoming part of a strong local ski community.

Below, you’ll find an overview of what is included in the Ski Instructor Course at Mount Washington:

  • A full winter season in Mount Washington, Canada with level 1 +2 instructor course
  • Job placement at local ski school at Mount Washington
  • Return flight tickets to Vancouver*
  • 1 night of accommodation in Vancouver
  • Transfer from Vancouver to destination
  • 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 6 training days before the Canadian level 1 ski instructor certification + 6 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 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 supportive but demanding mountain environment, you’re exactly who we’re looking for.

To apply for the Mount Washington Level 1 + 2 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 early December 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.

Mount Washington Snow School works primarily with local families and returning guests, which means teaching children is a central 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 Mount Washington, 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 Mount Washington 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 community-driven ski resorts.

“The snow here is unreal. Tree skiing, fresh powder, and night skiing after work – it’s hard to beat a winter at Mount Washington.”

- Snowminds Instructor in Mount Washington

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 the Mount Washington Snow School before departure. You’ll know exactly where you’ll be spending your winter, allowing you to prepare for your season at Mount Washington with confidence and clarity.

The job placement is conditional on successfully passing your PSIC 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 Mount Washington.

We’re proud of our close partnership with Mount Washington Snow School and our structured approach to transitioning participants from training into work. Our focus is to ensure you arrive at the resort with a clear pathway into instructing, strong professional support, and a solid foundation for a successful winter in a welcoming and community-driven Canadian ski resort.

Accommodation

Accommodation during your ski instructor course at Mount Washington

The first three weeks of accommodation during your course are included in the Mount Washington program. We arrange pre-paid private accommodation in close cooperation with the ski school/resort at the comfortable and cosy Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community in Courtenay, ensuring you have a secure accommodation offer where your housing is arranged before your departure.

You’ll be living in shared apartments, sharing a room with fellow Snowminds instructors and/or other resort staff. The units are modern and come with a full kitchen and everything else you’ll need to feel right at home. It’s a great setup that makes it easy to bond with your new colleagues and really feel like part of the community.

The full season’s rent, along with a security deposit, is to be prepaid approximately one month before your arrival. This provides security and simplicity for your winter stay, so you don’t have to worry about rent payments during the season. Accommodation rates vary depending on availability each season, but typically will be a 4.5 month agreement of approximately 800-900 EUR a month per person, 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 Mount Washington or Vancouver Island back to the airport for your return journey is not included. Many participants choose to travel on after the season, leave on different dates, or plan road trips and further adventures, which is why return transfers are kept flexible.

If you’d like inspiration for post-season travel, island adventures, or mainland 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 your Canadian adventures 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 Mount Washington, you’ll be working in a fully English-speaking environment, primarily teaching local families and returning guests. This gives you valuable, real-life experience using English both on and off the mountain, while developing strong teaching and customer service skills in a friendly and professional Canadian ski school setting.

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

Course Icon Season in Mount Washington with Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor course

Course Icon from €9.395

Course Icon

Course Icon Mount Washington, Canada

Course Icon Early December to April

Course Icon Sign up deposit: €200

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Any Questions? Call us!