When the national sport is ice hockey, it is no wonder that the citizens of Canada live for the speed and the snow. The country is known for its phenomenal snow guarantee, powder, sweet and friendly people, and a nature that is incomparable.
Here at Snowminds we have years of experience in arranging ski seasons in Canada. We know the country and the ski destinations like the back of our pockets and we know what it takes for your ski season in Canada to live up to your expectations 100%. If you are already a certified ski or snowboard instructor, then we will help you arrange the perfect season in Canada.
Canada is one of the places that people rush too, in order to live out their lifelong powder dreams. When you go on a season as an experienced ski or snowboard instructor in Canada, you get the opportunity to experience a unique culture as well as mountains that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The mountains can be explored by ski, snowboard, snow scooter, snow shoes or with a helicopter and it’s often with the locals leading the way. Their main focus is to give you a give experience, whether its daily training, pancake breakfast or a weekly Karaoke night. Yeap, Canada is amazing and we guarantee that you will go home after winter feeling like you are leaving a new family and a magical place.
The season typically goes from November to April, afterwards you have the opportunity to travel around Canada and USA, or even go together with some other Snowminds instructors and join our legendary end of season trip in Hawaii or something completely different. The possibilities are endless and our experienced staff help you create a trip that makes sure that you get the absolute best out of your winter season with Snowminds in Canada.
This experience is for you if you are who is already a certified and experienced ski or snowboard instructor and ideally have teaching experience. We arrange your whole winter season and help you find a job in a Canadian ski school, accommodation, lift card, visa, bank, and anything else you might need. We can also help you order flights and other transportation, arrange further education in your season or guide you through the opportunities for traveling around after your season.
The travel includes:
Additionally, at extra cost, we can help with:
In most resorts, there will also be a level 1 Snowminds instructor course running at the start of the season. In these cases, there may be opportunities for you to fly early to Canada and join:
If you have an interest in this please contact us directly.
What is not included?
*Accommodation and season lift pass may be conditional on you keeping your job at the ski school. Monthly rent is not included.
**Payment for accommodation will be charged for the entire season prior to departure.
Here at Snowminds, we take pride in choosing the right people to become part of our team of experienced ski and snowboard instructors. We are renowned amongst the ski schools for educating and recruiting competent, energetic and top motivated ski- and snowboard instructors.
What we expect from you:
When you have submitted your application we will invite you to an interview, here we will advise you about your opportunities and evaluate whether or not we can offer you a spot on the team. Should you be among the lucky ones, the next step will be a personal job interview with our partner ski school.
There is great interest in this experience and therefore available positions fill-up quickly. Therefore, we operate on a “first come – first served” principle, where we have an application deadline every month. This means the earlier you apply, the greater your chances are to join the team and get a job at your dream destination.
In Canada, it is especially important to contact us as soon as possible since there may be limited visas available for your country. Contact us for more information.
NOTE: If you wish to become a qualified and experienced ski or snowboard instructor so you can work in Canada then read all about this on this page: Become a qualified instructor in Canada with Snowminds
*If you don’t have any teaching experience, please reach out to us and we will do our best to help you.
Workloads vary by resort, but instructors generally have more free time on weekdays. In Canada, pay is usually hourly, with weekends and peak holiday periods like Christmas, New Year, and President’s Week being the busiest.
To maximize your hours, show motivation and take on as many lessons as possible during peak times. In quieter periods, use the time to join advanced training with your ski school or explore nearby resorts with friends. Most ski schools provide at least two free days per week, with some offering three to four in certain resorts.
Your ski school will provide you with an official work contract, either before arrival or upon reaching your destination. Be sure to read it carefully and ask any questions directly to the ski school.
Wages vary, but as a Level 1 instructor, you can expect to earn 15-17 CAD per hour, with additional income from tips and private lessons. Higher-level instructors (Level 2, 3, or 4) receive a higher hourly rate, set by the ski school.
Let’s be clear – you won’t get rich as an instructor. Earnings and spending vary greatly, but Canadian Border Services requires you to bring at least 2,500 CAD to support yourself for the first three months.
There may also be opportunities for extra work in other resort departments, such as lift operations, guest services, or activities during the winter season.
Your start date should be agreed upon directly with your ski school, including when they expect you to arrive at the resort. Your employment officially begins on your first working day, usually when your first guests arrive and you teach your first lesson.
Ski schools generally expect instructors to stay for the full season, typically until late March, early April, or in some cases, early May. Special arrangements may be possible but must be agreed upon in advance with the ski school.
By accepting this position, you commit to a team that depends on you to complete the season. The ski school has chosen you over many other candidates, and as a Snowminds instructor, we expect you to give your best effort throughout your time at the resort.
No matter which resort you travel to, we ensure that your accommodation is arranged. Since many Canadian ski schools employ local staff, housing is not usually included in work contracts. Instead, we collaborate with ski schools to secure suitable housing for you. Whether you stay in resort staff accommodation or a private rental, you will share housing with other Snowminds instructors or resort staff, creating a great community atmosphere. Living arrangements vary by resort, often consisting of older houses, hostels, or small apartments with a cozy, dorm-like setup.
It’s important to keep an open mind, as seasonal accommodation is not like a ski holiday chalet. Expect functionality over luxury, but rest assured—your winter home will soon feel like your second family. By the end of the season, saying goodbye will likely be the hardest part!
Since housing is not part of your work contract, rent is paid separately. You will typically sign a rental contract before arrival and prepay your seasonal rent to secure your spot. If the property is left clean and undamaged, your deposit will be refunded after the season.
Accommodation expenses could look like this:
Seasonal rentals in Canada can be expensive, but we work hard each year to find the best and most affordable options for our instructors.
All specific details about your winter accommodation will be outlined in your rental contract or provided by the ski school’s housing department.
Season in Canada (For qualified instructors)
from €1195
November - April
Job placement
November
Job placement
January
November - April
Job placement
November
January
March
Local guide
April
November - March
Job placement