Season in Revelstoke with Level 1+2 Ski Instructor course

North America’s greatest vertical drop and authentic mountain culture

Become a Ski Instructor in Revelstoke, Canada

Start your ski instructor course in Revelstoke, Canada – a legendary destination known for deep powder, dramatic vertical drop and true big-mountain skiing. Revelstoke Mountain Resort is located in the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges in British Columbia and offers the largest lift-served vertical drop in North America, along with a raw and authentic mountain atmosphere. With steep fall-line terrain, uncrowded slopes and a long season filled with powder days, Revelstoke is the perfect place to challenge yourself and develop as a ski instructor.

We are proud to offer a ski instructor course in collaboration with Revelstoke Snow School. During the course, you train in demanding and varied terrain while completing both your CSIA Level 1 and Level 2 education. The program prepares you to work as a ski instructor in Revelstoke, 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 one of Canada’s most iconic big-mountain areas.

The Ski Instructor Course and Season in Revelstoke

Your ski instructor course in Revelstoke begins in late November, just as the mountain prepares for another deep and powder-filled winter season. After arriving in Canada and settling into your accommodation, you will kick off the season with a Snowminds welcome orientation, receive your lift pass, and be introduced to Revelstoke Snow School as well as your fellow Snowminders.

The course begins with an intensive Level 1 training program focused on developing strong technical skills, teaching fundamentals, and confidence in steeper fall-line terrain. Through a series of on-snow training days, you prepare for your CSIA Level 1 certification while training alongside experienced instructors in a true big-mountain environment. Revelstoke’s demanding terrain and varied snow conditions provide the perfect setting to accelerate both your skiing ability and your understanding of teaching progression.

After completing your Level 1 certification, you continue with ski school orientation and practical training, preparing you for your role as an instructor at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. From mid-December onwards, the winter season truly begins, and you start teaching guests while continuing to receive ongoing in-house training and professional development throughout the season. As part of the program, you will also complete your CSIA Level 2 certification during the winter, allowing you to further develop as both a ski instructor and a skier in a challenging big-mountain environment.

From late November through spring, your season combine professional training, internationally recognised certification, and real work experience in one of North America’s most iconic big-mountain ski areas. From your first training turns to your first lessons on Revelstoke’s legendary terrain, the program is designed to challenge you, develop you, and prepare you for a full season as a ski instructor in Canada.

Life as a Ski Instructor in Revelstoke

Life as a ski instructor in Revelstoke is about immersing yourself in true mountain culture and developing your skiing in one of Canada’s most legendary big-mountain areas. Revelstoke is located deep within the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges in British Columbia and offers steep fall-line terrain, legendary powder, and an authentic local mountain town atmosphere that attracts skiers from all over the world.

Revelstoke Snow School will be your professional base throughout the season. Compared to large destination resorts, the ski school here is more close-knit and community-oriented, giving you the opportunity to quickly become part of the team. You work side by side with passionate and highly skilled instructors, receive ongoing training throughout the winter, and build valuable teaching experience in demanding and varied terrain. The combination of challenging skiing and supportive development makes Revelstoke an ideal place to grow – both as a skier and as an instructor.

Off the mountain, Revelstoke offers a relaxed yet vibrant mountain town lifestyle. You will find cosy cafés, local bars, and restaurants, all surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. When you are not teaching or training, there are plenty of adventures to be had – whether it is freeriding in powder, exploring sidecountry terrain, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of a town built around mountain life.

By the end of the season, you will have completed your Level 1 ski instructor course, achieved your CSIA certification, and gained practical teaching experience in one of North America’s most respected big-mountain ski areas. Even more importantly, you will leave Revelstoke with stronger skills, close friendships, unforgettable powder days, and the confidence to continue your journey as a ski instructor – wherever the mountains may take you.

Travel agenda

Our ski instructor course in Revelstoke is ideal for those taking a gap year, a break from their career, or anyone looking for a winter that combines professional development with authentic mountain life. From arrival and training, 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 Revelstoke.

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

Late November: Arrival in Canada and transfer to Revelstoke

Late November: Snowminds welcome orientation, accommodation check-in, lift pass distribution, and introduction to Revelstoke Snow School

Late November – mid-December: On-snow training focused on technical development, teaching fundamentals, and preparation for the CSIA Level 1 certification

Mid-December: CSIA Level 1 exam

Mid-December: Ski school orientation and practical training for working as an instructor at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Mid-December – spring: Teaching, training, and job opportunities throughout peak periods and the rest of the winter season, including completion of the CSIA Level 2 certification

The travel plan is indicative and may vary slightly from season to season. Final schedules are always adjusted to snow conditions, resort operations, and ski school planning to ensure the best possible training and learning experience.

Pictures from the destination

Ski revelstoke
Revelstoke heli
Revelstoke ski lesson
Offpiste Revelstoke
Revelstoke park
Skiing powder
Revelstoke instructors
snowminds instructor
Ski lesson Snowminds

What Is Included in the Ski Instructor Course in Revelstoke?

In short, we take care of your entire winter in Revelstoke – from professional training and internationally recognised education to accommodation and job placement at one of Canada’s most iconic big-mountain ski areas. The Revelstoke Ski Instructor Course is designed to give you a structured and secure start to your season in Canada, allowing you to focus on developing as an instructor and experiencing authentic mountain life.

Below is an overview of what is included in the ski instructor course in Revelstoke:

  • A full winter season in Revelstoke, Canada with level 1 +2 instructor course
  • Job placement at local ski school at Revelstoke Mountain Resort*
  • Return flight tickets to Calgary**
  • 1 night of accommodation in Calgary
  • Transfer from Calgary to Revelstoke
  • 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 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)
  • AST (Avalanche skills training) level 1 course
  • 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 attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to teach are just as important as your skiing ability. If you are adventurous, eager to learn, and ready to take responsibility in a demanding mountain environment, you are exactly who we are looking for.

To apply for the Revelstoke Ski Instructor Course, you must:

  • Feel confident skiing parallel turns 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 programme*

  • Be eligible and ready to live and work in Canada from late November until the end of the winter season

* Please note: In British Columbia, the legal age is 19. While you can participate in the course as an 18-year-old, we recommend being 19 or older in order to fully take part in social activities.

Revelstoke Snow School places a strong emphasis on teaching children, particularly at beginner and intermediate levels. Previous experience working with children is therefore a significant advantage and may be a requirement as part of the recruitment process.

Once you have submitted your application, our team will contact you for an initial conversation, followed by an online interview. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the course, life in Revelstoke, and what it takes to succeed as a ski instructor in Canada. After the interview, we will inform you whether we are able to offer you a place on the programme.

Due to high demand, places on the Revelstoke Ski Instructor Course are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis with monthly application deadlines. Applying early significantly increases your chances of securing a place and starting your winter in one of Canada’s most iconic big-mountain ski areas.

“The training and instruction in Revelstoke completely transformed my skiing. The terrain is demanding, the snow is absolutely incredible, and you are constantly learning from incredibly skilled instructors around you.”

- Snowminds Instructor in Revelstoke

Key Details About the Course

PAID JOB PLACEMENT

The Snowminds job placement and how it works

Snowminds job placement gives you peace of mind when travelling to Canada, as your position as a ski instructor is arranged with Revelstoke Snow School before departure. You know exactly where you will be spending your winter, allowing you to prepare for your season in Revelstoke with clarity and confidence.

The job placement is conditional on passing your CSIA Level 1 certification, which the vast majority of Snowminds participants complete during the course. Should you unexpectedly 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 Revelstoke.

We are proud of our long-standing collaboration with Revelstoke Snow School and our structured approach to the transition from training to employment. Our focus is to ensure that you arrive in Revelstoke with a clear pathway into your instructor role, strong professional support, and the best possible foundation for a successful winter in one of Canada’s most iconic big-mountain ski areas

Accommodation

The first three weeks of accommodation during your course are included in the Revelstoke program. We work closely with Revelstoke to arrange comfortable and suitable housing for you in their Staff Accommodation. 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 apartments with two bedrooms. These units usually feature dorm-style rooms with bunk beds and shared kitchen facilities. 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, in Revelstoke it typically costs around $1,000 CAD per person, per month, on an expected 5-month stay. 

Please note that you will likely be asked to sign a housing agreement and pre-pay your accommodation for the entire season prior to your departure. This enables you to enjoy the winter without having to think about rent payments!

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 Journey

Your flight ticket is a return ticket, meaning that your journey home 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 Revelstoke to the airport for your return journey is not included, as many participants continue travelling, return home on different dates, or plan road trips after the season.

If you would like inspiration for travel or road trips after the season, we are 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 more 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 choose to change the date of your return journey while you are in Canada, airline fees and any fare differences may apply. We are, of course, happy to help you explore your options and handle any changes to your flight tickets.

Language

All training and education on our ski instructor courses in Canada is 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 in both eastern and western Canada. In Revelstoke, you work in a fully English-speaking environment, teaching guests from Canada and around the world. This provides you with valuable hands-on experience communicating in English both on and off the mountain, while also developing strong teaching and service skills in one of Canada’s most renowned big-mountain ski areas.

Work permit 

As job placement is included in the Revelstoke Ski Instructor Course, it is a requirement that you obtain a valid Canadian work permit before departure. Snowminds guides and supports you throughout the entire visa application process to help you secure the correct permit, allowing you to live, work, and travel in Canada for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on your nationality.

Most participants apply through the Working Holiday Visa programme (IEC). Please note that each country has a limited number of Working Holiday Visas available each year, and processing times can vary significantly. For this reason, we strongly recommend securing your place on the programme as early as possible. This allows us to support you through the process well in advance and significantly increases your chances of obtaining a visa.

Applying early not only gives you the best possible conditions for securing a visa, but also ensures a smoother and more relaxed preparation phase before you begin your winter as a ski instructor in Revelstoke.

Price

Course Icon Season in Revelstoke with Level 1+2 ski instructor course

Course Icon from €10.695

Course Icon

Course Icon Revelstoke, Canada

Course Icon End of November to April

Course Icon Sign up deposit: €200

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Any Questions? Call us!