Snowboard instructor course in Monte-Sainte-Anne

Become a Snowboard Instructor in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada

Begin your snowboard instructor journey in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, a standout resort in Eastern Canada known for its varied terrain and breathtaking views over the St. Lawrence River. Located less than an hour from Québec City, Mont-Sainte-Anne combines a lively mountain atmosphere with strong local culture and a welcoming community. With long runs, night riding, and a mix of forest trails and open slopes, the resort offers excellent conditions for both progression and teaching throughout the winter season.

We offer a Level 1 + Level 2 Snowboard Instructor Course in cooperation with the Mont-Sainte-Anne Snow Sports School. During the program, you will follow structured on-snow training and work toward your CASI Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, equipping you with the skills needed to teach snowboarding in Canada. After qualifying, you will become part of a large and supportive instructor team, working with locals, school groups, and visiting guests. With a strong focus on development, teamwork, and real teaching experience, Mont-Sainte-Anne is an inspiring place to grow as a snowboard instructor while experiencing the unique blend of Québec mountain life and French-Canadian culture.

The Snowboard Instructor Course and Season in Mont-Sainte-Anne

Your snowboard instructor season in Mont-Sainte-Anne begins in early January, as winter is fully underway in Québec. After arriving in Canada, you will settle into life near the resort, meet your fellow Snowminders, take part in a Snowminds introduction, receive your lift pass, and get to know the Mont-Sainte-Anne Snow Sports School and its instructor team.

The season starts with a focused Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Course that blends structured on-snow training with a strong emphasis on riding technique, teaching fundamentals, and instructor skills. You will train toward your CASI Level 1 certification alongside experienced snowboard educators in a supportive and motivating learning environment. With a wide range of terrain spread across both sides of the mountain, Mont-Sainte-Anne offers ideal conditions for developing confidence, control, and versatility on a snowboard.

Once you have completed your Level 1 certification, you will move into snow school orientation and begin teaching lessons. Throughout the winter, you will work with a varied group of guests, including local riders, school groups, and visiting snowboarders, while continuing to receive feedback and development opportunities. The snow school places strong value on progression, helping you grow both as a rider and as an instructor over the course of the season. As the season progresses, the focus shifts toward further development and preparation for the CASI Level 2 certification, allowing you to build on your experience and advance your skills as an instructor.

Running through winter and into spring, your season at Mont-Sainte-Anne will combine professional snowboard training, an internationally recognised certification, and hands-on teaching experience at one of Eastern Canada’s most iconic resorts. With night riding, views of the St. Lawrence River, and close access to Québec City, your snowboard instructor season at Mont-Sainte-Anne offers a distinctive balance of development, culture, and mountain life.

Life as a Snowboard Instructor in Mont-Sainte-Anne

Life as a snowboard instructor in Mont-Sainte-Anne is about combining teaching, progression, and a genuine taste of French Canadian mountain culture. Set in Québec’s Laurentian mountains and overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Mont-Sainte-Anne offers a lively resort atmosphere with varied terrain, long runs through the forest, and night riding that keeps the mountain active well into the evening. It is a social and energetic place to spend a full winter on snow.

Mont-Sainte-Anne Snow Sports School will be your professional home throughout the season. The snowboard school is large, well organised, and known for its friendly and supportive environment. As a newly qualified snowboard instructor, you will work alongside a mix of local and international instructors while receiving guidance from experienced trainers. Your teaching will typically involve a wide range of guests, including local riders, school groups, and visiting snowboarders, giving you valuable experience in a busy and diverse teaching environment.

Away from teaching, daily life is centred around the mountain community and the nearby Québec City area. When you are not working or training, you can spend your time free riding, joining staff sessions, or socialising with fellow Snowminders. The region offers a unique cultural experience, with French language, local food, and a strong sense of community shaping everyday life. This mix of mountain living and cultural immersion makes Mont-Sainte-Anne very different from western Canadian resorts.

By the end of the season, participants will have completed both Level 1 and Level 2 snowboard instructor training and earned their CASI Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, while gaining valuable teaching experience in an authentic Canadian resort setting.

Travel Agenda

The snowboard instructor course in Mont-Sainte-Anne is well suited if you are taking a gap year, career break, or looking for a winter that combines professional development with a strong cultural experience. From arrival through training and into the working season, the program is structured to ease you into life as a snowboard instructor do you can enjoy a full season in Mont-Sainte-Anne.

Below is an example of how the Mont-Sainte-Anne Level 1 & 2 Snowboard Instructor Course typically runs:

Early January: Arrival in Canada and settling into accommodation near the resort
Early January: Snowminds introduction, lift pass collection, and introduction to Mont-Sainte-Anne Snow Sports School
January: On-snow training focused on snowboard technique, teaching skills, and preparation for the CASI Level 1 exam
Late January: CASI Level 1 certification exam and snowboard school orientation
Late January to spring: Teaching lessons, ongoing training sessions, and professional development for the remainder of the season

The agenda is indicative and can vary slightly from season to season. Final schedules always depend on snow conditions, resort operations, and snow school planning to ensure the best possible learning and teaching experience.

Pictures from the destination

Monte-Sainte-Anne

Powder in Mont-Sainte-Anne

Skiing Mont-Sainte-Anne

Off-piste in Monte-Sainte-Anne

Snowpark Mont-Sainte-Anne

What Is Included in the Snowboard Instructor Course in Mont-Sainte-Anne?

In short, your winter in Mont-Sainte-Anne is fully supported, from professional snowboard training and an internationally recognised certification to job placement and on-site guidance throughout the season. The Mont-Sainte-Anne Level 1 + Level 2 Snowboard Instructor Course is built to give you a structured and secure start to your winter in Canada, so you can focus on developing as a snowboard instructor while experiencing life in Québec.

Below is an overview of what is included in the Snowboard Instructor Course in Mont-Sainte-Anne:

A winter season in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, with a level 1 and 2 snowboard instructor course
Job placement at the local ski school at Mont-Sainte-Anne*
Return flight tickets to Quebec City**
Transfer from the airport to the accommodation
Accommodation for first 3 weeks***
Shared season accommodation (first 3 weeks included)***
Season lift pass (during course and employment)*
Breakfast and dinner 5 days per week for a total of 15 days
A total of 20 training days as preparation for the Canadian level 1 and 2 certification course
Canadian level 1 and 2 snowboard instructor certification (including CASI exam, course materials, and certificates)
Kick-off event before the season
Preparation material and pre-travel fitness program
Snowminds program manager in the resort
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
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. Should your employment be terminated, you will be asked to return your season pass without receiving a refund.

**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 the full season and a security deposit are to be paid one month before departure.

****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 look for motivated and committed candidates who are ready to develop into confident snowboard instructors. Your mindset matters just as much as your riding level. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and genuine interest in teaching are key to getting the most out of your season in Mont-Sainte-Anne. If you are open minded, enthusiastic, and ready for a winter of progression and responsibility, you are a great fit for the program.

To apply for the Mont-Sainte-Anne Level 1 + Level 2 Snowboard Instructor Course, you should:

Feel comfortable riding 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 both your riding and instructor 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 January through the end of the winter season

Mont-Sainte-Anne Snow Sports School works with a broad mix of guests, including local riders, school groups, and visiting snowboarders. Any previous experience working with children, young people, or in customer service roles is therefore considered an advantage during the recruitment process, but it is not a requirement.

After you submit 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 Québec, and what to expect from a season as a snowboard instructor at Mont-Sainte-Anne. After the interview, we will let you know whether we can offer you a place on the team.

Places on the Mont-Sainte-Anne snowboard instructor course are limited and 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 Eastern Canada’s most iconic snowboard destinations.

“You will quickly feel at home at our resort. It’s big enough to have fun, but small enough to get to know a lot of the staff really quickly. You will also feel like your contribution means something to the ski school and the resort, and your skiing/snowboarding will progress immensely thanks to the exceptional terrain and training opportunities.”

- Snowminds Instructor

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 snowboard instructor is arranged with Mont-Sainte-Anne Snow Sports School before departure. You will know exactly where you will be spending your winter, allowing you to prepare for your season in Québec with clarity and confidence.

The job placement is conditional on successfully passing your CASI 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 Mont-Sainte-Anne Snow Sports School to support you and explore possible solutions. This may include additional training, alternative duties within the resort, or other development opportunities while you continue to build your skills and remain part of the season.

We are proud of our long standing partnership with Mont-Sainte-Anne and our structured approach, which has consistently helped Snowminds participants move smoothly from training into paid work within the ski school. Our focus is to ensure you arrive with a clear pathway into instructing and the support you need to make the most of your winter at one of Eastern Canada’s most iconic ski resorts, combining professional development with authentic mountain life and French Canadian culture.

Accommodation

Accommodation During the Snowboard Instructor Course in Mont-Sainte-Anne

The first three weeks of accommodation during your course are included in the Mont Sainte Anne program. We work closely with local property owners to arrange suitable housing for you in a pre-paid private house in Mont Sainte Anne. This ensures you have a secure accommodation offer where your housing is arranged before your departure.

The house offers a unique and social living experience. You will share a room with other Snowminds instructors and/or seasonal staff, creating a great community feel.

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 full-season agreement of approximately 800-900 EUR a month per person, paid in full prior to departure.

Past instructors in Mont Sainte Anne usually team up to buy/rent a used car for local transportation, groceries, and exploring Canada – including visiting Stoneham, which is about an hour’s drive away and Quebec which is a beautiful city to explore.

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 journey home is included in the course 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 continue exploring Canada after the season ends.

If you are looking for inspiration for 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, giving you plenty of time to start planning 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 snowboard 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 snowboard instructor during the season.

Snowminds partners with ski schools across both Western and Eastern Canada. Mont-Sainte-Anne is located in the French speaking province of Québec, offering a unique opportunity to experience and engage with French Canadian culture alongside your instructor course. While the snowboard instructor training and certification are in English, a willingness to be open to the French language will help you integrate into daily life, both on and off the mountain. French is not a requirement to join the Mont-Sainte-Anne program, but many instructors enjoy developing basic language skills during their season, making the experience even more rewarding.

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 Mont-Sainte-Anne with level 1 & 2 snowboard instructor course

Course Icon from €9.395

Course Icon

Course Icon Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada

Early December to April

Course Icon Sign up deposit: €200

Apply

Any Questions? Call us!