Snowsport Instructor

Tasks & duties

Ski/snowboard instructors may do some or all of the following:

• take group and/or individual ski or snowboard lessons
• teach skiers and snowboarders how to turn, stop safely, and how to get on and off lifts
• educate skiers and snowboarders about mountain safety
• answer questions from visitors to the ski field
• coach race teams or other ski or snowboard training teams
• coach and/or examine trainee instructors

Skills & knowledge

Ski/snowboard instructors need to have:

• excellent skiing and/or snowboarding skills
• excellent communication skills
• the ability to demonstrate and teach skiing or snowboarding techniques
• the ability to adapt their teaching style to suit different students
• knowledge of the stages skiers and snowboarders progress through when learning
• knowledge of the different snow and weather conditions that affect ski field and mountain safety

Entry requirements

To become a ski/snowboard instructor you must be at least 16 years old and speak English fluently.
While it is not mandatory, employers typically hire people who have a New Zealand Snowsports Instructors' Alliance Certificate in Snowsports Instruction in alpine (skiing) or snowboarding to teach at the entry level.
Ski/snowboard instructors who teach children will need to pass a police check.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary educational requirements, although a School Certificate or NCEA equivalent is recommended. Useful subjects include English and physical education.

Tertiary education

There are three levels of instructor qualifications offered by the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors' Alliance for both ski and snowboard instructors:
Certificate in Snowsports Instruction (CSI) — a four-day course that requires Level 5 skiing or Level 4 snowboarding ability (NZSIA Class Level System). The certificate prepares instructors to teach children, and up to the advanced beginner level.
Stage One Skiing or Snowboarding Instruction Certificate — an eight-day course for skiers, or a five-day course for snowboarders. This certificate prepares instructors to teach up to advanced intermediate level.
Stage Two Skiing or Snowboarding Instruction Certificate — an eight-day course. Prepares instructors to teach all levels.
Instructors can also do further study to become trainers, examiners and coaches.

Training on the job

It is useful for ski/snowboard instructors to complete a season-long training programme called a rookie course at a ski field to prepare for the Stage One Certificate. At some ski fields, rookies work in uniform as trainee instructors. At others the rookies are not employed, but undergo training in skiing/snowboarding and teaching technique to prepare for the Stage One Certificate.

Useful experience

Any experience working with people is useful for ski/snowboard instructors, including teaching, coaching or guiding experience.

For more information, please refer to Career Services.