Season in Stoneham with Level 1 Ski Instructor Course

Experience life as an instructor in Quebec’s freestyle hotspot

Become a Snowboard Instructor in Stoneham, Canada

Begin your snowboard instructor journey in Stoneham, Canada – a vibrant and energetic resort located just 30 minutes from Québec City. Known for its strong freestyle culture, lively atmosphere, and busy local scene, Stoneham Mountain Resort is one of Eastern Canada’s most popular destinations for snowboarders. With steep runs, multiple terrain parks, Québec’s only Olympic-sized halfpipe, and popular night riding, Stoneham offers the perfect environment to develop both your riding and teaching skills throughout the season.

We’re proud to offer a Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Course in Stoneham, delivered in collaboration with Stoneham Snow Sports School. During the course, you’ll train across varied terrain while working toward your CSIA Snowboard Level 1 certification. The program combines on-snow training with professional instruction and prepares you for work as a snowboard instructor in Canada. Once certified, you’ll join a large and welcoming snow school team and start working as an instructor, teaching local riders, school groups, and visitors in a fast-paced and social environment. Stoneham is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a high-energy season, strong instructor training, and real snowboard teaching experience close to city life.

The Snowboard Instructor Course and Season in Stoneham

Your snowboard instructor course in Stoneham begins in late November, as the resort prepares for a busy winter season just outside Québec City. After arriving in Canada and settling into your accommodation, you’ll start with a Snowminds welcome orientation, receive your lift pass, and be introduced to Stoneham Snow Sports School and your fellow Snowminders.

The course starts with an intensive Level 1 training program focused on building strong riding fundamentals, teaching skills, and confidence across varied terrain. Through a series of on-snow training days, combined with professional instruction, you’ll prepare for your CSIA Level 1 snowboard instructor certification. Training takes place in a high-energy and supportive ski school environment, well suited for developing both your technical riding and your ability to teach progression to different guest types.

After successfully completing your Level 1 certification, you’ll move into ski school orientation and practical training, preparing you for your role as a snowboard instructor at Stoneham. From December onwards, the season quickly gains momentum. Stoneham is one of the busiest resorts in the region, with strong demand from local riders, school groups, weekend visitors, and evening guests thanks to popular night riding. You’ll begin teaching while continuing to receive in-house training and support throughout the season.

Running from late November through spring, your season in Stoneham will combine professional training, an internationally recognised certification, and real work experience in a lively Eastern Canadian resort. From your first training sessions to your first lessons in the terrain parks or under the lights, the program is designed to develop you as a rider, strengthen your confidence as an instructor, and prepare you for a full season as a snowboard instructor in Canada.

Life as a Snowboard Instructor in Stoneham

Life as a snowboard instructor in Stoneham is all about combining real snowboard teaching experience with a lively local culture and easy access to city life. Located just 30 minutes from Québec City, Stoneham Mountain Resort offers a high-energy environment where riding, teaching, and social life naturally blend throughout the winter season. With steep runs, multiple terrain parks, Québec’s only Olympic-sized halfpipe, night riding, and a strong freestyle scene, Stoneham is an exciting place to live and work as a snowboard instructor.

Stoneham Snow Sports School will be your professional base for the season. The snowboard school is large, dynamic, and very active, offering a supportive environment where instructors develop quickly through hands-on teaching and regular in-house training. You’ll work with a wide range of guests, including local riders, school groups, families, and evening visitors. This busy setting helps you build confidence fast and refine both your riding and teaching skills in real-world conditions.

Off the mountain, life in Stoneham is closely connected to Québec City. When you’re not teaching or training, you can explore one of Canada’s most historic and culturally rich cities, known for its cafés, restaurants, nightlife, and European-style atmosphere. Combined with a strong social community among instructors and a friendly vibe within the snow school, Stoneham offers a well-balanced winter experience both on and off the slopes.

By the end of the season, you’ll have completed your Snowboard Level 1 course, earned your CSIA certification, and gained valuable teaching experience in one of Eastern Canada’s busiest resorts. More than that, you’ll leave Stoneham with improved riding skills, strong friendships, cultural insight, and the confidence to continue your journey as a snowboard instructor in Canada or beyond.

Travel Agenda

The Stoneham Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Course is ideal if you’re taking a gap year, a career break, or looking for a winter that combines professional training with real snowboard instructor life in Eastern Canada. From arrival and training to certification and teaching, the program is structured to guide you step by step into life as a snowboard instructor, so you can enjoy a full winter season in Stoneham

Below is an example of how the Stoneham Snowboard Instructor Course typically unfolds:

  • Late November: Arrival in Canada and transfer to the Stoneham / Québec City area
  • Late November: Snowminds welcome orientation, settling into accommodation, lift pass collection, and introduction to Stoneham Snow Sports School
  • Late November – Early December: On-snow snowboard instructor training focused on riding technique, teaching fundamentals, freestyle progression, and preparation for the CSIA Level 1 snowboard instructor exam
  • Early December: CSIA Level 1 snowboard instructor certification exam
  • Early–Mid December: Snow school orientation and practical introduction to working as a snowboard instructor at Stoneham
  • Mid December – Spring: Teaching, continued in-house training, and work opportunities during busy weekends, school groups, night riding, and holiday periods

 

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

Pictures from the destination

Stoneham mountain
Snowminds instructors stoneham
Snowminds instructor stoneham canada
Stoneham snowpark
Stoneham snowschool
Stoneham snowschool snowoboard
Stoneham snowschool snowoboard lesson

What Is Included in the Snowboard Instructor Course in Stoneham?

In short, we’ve got your winter in Stoneham covered – from professional snowboard training and internationally recognised certification to lift access and job placement at one of Québec’s busiest snow schools. The Stoneham Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Course is designed to give you a structured and well-supported start to your season in Canada, so you can focus on progressing as a snowboard instructor while enjoying life both on and off the mountain.

Below is an overview of what’s included in the Snowboard Instructor Course in Stoneham:

  • A full winter season in Stoneham, Canada with level 1 instructor course
  • Job placement at local ski school at Stoneham*
  • Return flight tickets to Quebec City**
  • Transfer from Airport to Stoneham
  • 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 10 training days before the Canadian level 1 snowboard instructor certification
  • Canadian level 1 snowboard instructor certification (including CASI exam, 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 snowboard instructors. A positive mindset, strong work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching are just as important as your riding ability. If you’re adventurous, eager to learn, and ready to take on responsibility in a busy and supportive snowboard school environment, you’re exactly who we’re looking for.

To apply for the Stoneham Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Course, you should:

  • Feel comfortable riding red runs

  • Speak English at a conversational level

  • Have a genuine interest in working with children and young riders

  • Be positive, responsible, and professional in your approach

  • Enjoy teaching and be motivated to continuously improve your riding and teaching skills

  • Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program

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

Stoneham Snow Sports School works with a wide range of guests, including local riders, school groups, families, and evening visitors. A willingness to work with children and beginners is therefore essential, and previous experience working with kids is considered a strong advantage.

The course and training are conducted in English, but Stoneham is located in a French-speaking region of Québec. You do not need to speak French to apply, but an openness and willingness to learn and use basic French during the season will significantly improve both your work opportunities and your overall experience. French language lessons are included as part of the course to support your integration.

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 in Stoneham, and what it takes to succeed as a snowboard 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 Stoneham snowboard 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 as a snowboard instructor just outside Québec City.

“GO! You’ll probably have a way better experience in a smaller resort compared to a big one because you get to know the people working in the resort much better.”

- Snowminds Instructor in Stoneham

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 Stoneham Snow Sports School before departure. You’ll know exactly where you’ll 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 CSIA Level 1 snowboard instructor certification, which the majority of Snowminds participants complete during the course. Once certified, you’ll move into your role as a snowboard instructor at Stoneham, teaching local riders, school groups, families, and evening guests in one of the region’s busiest resorts.

If you do not pass the Level 1 exam on your first attempt, Snowminds works closely with the snow school to support you and explore possible solutions. Our goal is always to help you remain part of the season, continue developing your riding and teaching skills, and gain valuable experience in the resort where possible.

We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Stoneham Snow Sports School and our structured approach to transitioning participants from training into work. Our focus is to ensure you arrive with a clear pathway into instructing, strong professional support, and the best possible foundation for a successful winter as a snowboard instructor just outside Québec City.

Accommodation

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

The living situation offers a cozy atmosphere with shared rooms with other Snowminds instructors, short walk to the base of the lifts.

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.

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 date at the end of the season.

Please note that transportation from Stoneham or your accommodation back to the airport for your return journey is not included, as many participants travel on, leave on different dates, or plan further adventures after the season.

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 possible fare differences may apply. We’re always happy to help you explore your options and assist with any flight changes if needed. Post-season travel ideas are also covered at the Snowminds kick-off event, so you can start planning your next adventure early.

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.

At Stoneham, the snowboard instructor course and certification are delivered in English, ensuring you can fully follow the training and examination process. However, Stoneham is located in a French-speaking region of Québec, and many guests and colleagues speak French as their first language. While French is not required to join the course, a willingness to learn and use basic French during the season will significantly enhance both your work opportunities and your overall experience.

To support this, French language lessons are included as part of the Stoneham snowboard instructor course. This gives you the chance to develop practical language skills, integrate more easily into daily life at the resort, and gain valuable experience working in a bilingual environment while building strong teaching and customer service skills in one of Eastern Canada’s busiest ski resorts.

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 Stoneham with Level 1 Ski Instructor Course

Course Icon from €7.795

Course Icon

Course Icon Stoneham, Canada

Course Icon Early December to April

Course Icon Sign up deposit: €200

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