The Destination 

As a popular host of the Winter Olympics (4 times, #1 baby), the U.S.A. gives visitors the chance to experience first-rate ski, a friendly and reliably entertaining culture, and a diverse landscape full of grizzly bears, wild bison, huge portions of fast food and everything in between. That’s why Snowminds is excited to announce the chance to do an internship in America as a ski instructor in Lake Tahoe, California. It’s a true sight to behold. 

The Training

We have designed a specialized ski internship in America for university-enrolled students or recent graduates (within 1 year) interested in pursuing a career in the ski industry. The internship program is custom-built around your university studies and is a good fit for those studying business or tourism-hospitality. It offers a rare chance to gain insight into all aspects of the ski school business and acquire valuable international work experience. At the same time, you will also get to work as a ski instructor and teach guests from around the world.

After the season and your internship in America end, you will also have the opportunity to travel around the United States with your fellow Snowminders. If you haven’t hit the waves yet, this is your chance. One of the coolest parts of skiing in California, in fact, is the waves in Santa Cruz are only 4 hours away. And if city life is more your style, San Francisco is even closer.

Note: This travel experience is designed for educated ski or snowboard instructors with at least one season of teaching experience behind them. If you are looking for an instructor training course in North America, check out how to become an instructor in Canada.

What’s Included?

When you travel with Snowminds we take care of all the practicalities. That way you can pack your bags and good vibes and focus on preparing for your next adventure in the USA.

With this course package, you can look forward to the following benefits:

• A winter season as an instructor with job at a local American ski school
• Arranged accommodation, lift card and uniform during your season*
• Salary of approx. 10-15 USD per hour + potential tips
• Work insurance and minimum 1 day off a week*
• Help with visa application, choosing insurances and all other practicalities
• Help establishing SIN number and bank accounts on arrival in USA
• Kick-off event in Denmark or online before departure
• The opportunity to buy equipment with large discounts from some of the biggest ski brands.
• 1 year free membership in Snowminds Social Club
• Confidence in a Danish travel company that is a member of the Travel Guarantee Fund
• Pro-deals at Snowmindsstore
• Travel protection with Snowminds Money Back Guarantee
• A unique community with friends for life
• A total experience where all the practicalities are arranged for you
• A passionate team that supports you ALL THE WAY!

Furthermore we can help you with:

• Booking flight tickets to/from Canada, or elsewhere in the world
• Ordering hostels on arrival in Canada, if needed.
• Local transport in Canada to your destination
• End of season trip in Hawaii

What’s not included?

• Flight transport and local transport
• Any costs associated with the visa application
• Cancellation insurance and travel insurance
• Possible expenses for accommodation, lift pass and uniform during the season
• Anything else not mentioned above

*Final employment. terms will be decided by your ski school. There may be compensation for housing, lift cards, etc. as part of the salary.

WHO CAN APPLY? 

At Snowminds, we take pride in offering everyone with the right passion and attitude the opportunity to become part of our community of ski and snowboard instructors.

Basically, we expect you to:

• You have completed a course with Snowminds previously or have minimum a level 1 instructor certification (i.e. CSIA, NZSIA, Anwärter or similar)
• Minimum one season of teaching experience*
• Currently enrolled in university or recently graduated within 12 months
• Studying business, hospitality, tourism or a similar degree program
• Outgoing, positive, motivated, and responsible
• Feel good working with children, young people and adults alike
• Enjoy teaching and being challenged
• Speak English at a conversational level
• At least 18-29 years old

After submitting your application, we will give you a call and review your candidacy. During this conversation you will also have the opportunity to hear more about our other course options and what it’s really like to be a ski or snowboard instructor in the USA. We’ll then get back to you soon with more information on whether we can offer you a place on our team.

There is great interest in this course and therefore available positions fill-up quickly. Generally, we operate on a “first come – first served” principle. That means the earlier you apply, the greater your chances are to join the team. In the United States, it is particularly important that you contact us as soon as possible as there are limited visas available and the process often takes 2-3 months to complete. You can apply here.

*If you don’t have any teaching experience, please reach out to us and we will do our best to help you.