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Ski instructor course help!

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zack_h123
Posts: 314 - Karma: 109
im thinking of doing a 10 week instructor course so i can work in resort instead of saving up all summer to go out. has anyone done one? any personal experiances/pros/cons of that type of course would be sweet. its bloody expencive so dont wanna make a mistake with this. cheers guys. + k for help.
Nov 23 2010 8:17PM
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shr@gler
Posts: 1233 - Karma: 912

I know a ton of people who have been hired as level 1's even without a course. They just complete a couple of day course, then do a weeks course for the next level. plus isnt very expensive at all! where are you taking the course?? sounds like it could be a money grab. You can get as job way easier. I am speaking of smaller resorts in canada though.

Nov 23 2010 8:23PM
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SKIU4EA
Posts: 2387 - Karma: 2,072
I will say this... I'm certified level 1 psia(which isn't saying much) and after all the classes and training you might find yourself evaluating every single turn, thinking about balance, pressure, rotation.  It starts to take the fun out of skiing a little when you're self consciouss of every manuever.  But employers are looking for certification and plus you get decent bennies as an instructor.
Nov 23 2010 8:30PM
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zack_h123
Posts: 314 - Karma: 109
cheers guys +k, with the level 1, the same company do a course which is really cheap aswell, it seems to be the level 2 that you pay more for/taked up more time, also with this course you can do an extra 2 weeks if you pass to get your level 3. the company is skinewgen.com, seen pretty legit but the courses are in the 2 most expencive resorts in the alps! also it if fully catered accom for the 10 weeks. the whole thing is like 7k so i need to be sure its decent. any more info from anywhone is much apperciated.
Nov 23 2010 11:11PM
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TeamJones
Posts: 629 - Karma: 12
They certify you Level 3 in what organization? I didn't give the website a thorough read, so I might have missed it. But there's no way in hell you could get Level 3 PSIA in just 12 weeks or whatever they're advertising for. It takes years to get your skiing damn near perfect, not to mention all the experience needed teaching. You have to be able to adapt any lesson to any situation at any time.

I'm Level 1 PSIA, got it after my first year teaching. That's what I'd recommend. Find a smaller mountain that doesn't require a cert, get them to teach you how to teach and actually make money doing it instead of paying 7k. After a year or two, take the Level 1, take the Level 2, then if you still like it move to a larger mountain.
Nov 23 2010 11:22PM
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zack_h123
Posts: 314 - Karma: 109
sorry i got it wrong, i went on the site, the level three is not the follow on course, its something different. its just level 1 and 2. but in europe with level 1 you can only teach on dry slope not on the mountain. also there is no way in hell anywhere would let you start teaching without a cert, there is just way to many qualified instructors over here that are applying for jobs.
Nov 23 2010 11:32PM
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zack_h123
Posts: 314 - Karma: 109
anyone else before i let this thread die?
Nov 24 2010 12:47PM
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slashquatch
Posts: 874 - Karma: 17
to be honest a 10 week course thats costing that much sounds ridiculous. In canada you take a 3 day course and you can instruct anywhere. not sure if its that different in Europe or if you are looking at the wrong thing
Nov 24 2010 1:06PM
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ChillTeenDad420
Posts: 1858 - Karma: 5,512
if its a 10 week course, don't do it. I got my level 1 so easily last season. except the only reason i am an instructor is for the pass, and its an easy/fun job. you don't make any money doing it though. I actually payed more for my level 1, than i earned back with the extra $1 an hour. depends on how much you work though. if you work like 25+ days a year, just take the test, don't do the course and get your level 1. if you're like me and work 10 days, don't bother.
Nov 24 2010 1:10PM
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vauban08
Posts: 575 - Karma: 119
True, but look at the crappy payment you get.

In most European resorts, you get between 15€ (=$20) and 40€ (=$55), depending on your level. And that's for working at a standard ski school, not as a private teacher, which can get you even more.


Nov 24 2010 1:14PM
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zack_h123
Posts: 314 - Karma: 109
it definately seems to be alot different in the us to europe, with a level 3/4 you can earn £20000+ in one season as a ski instructor plus free seasons accomadation, lift pass and sometimes food aswell.
Nov 24 2010 4:58PM
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EternalJens
Posts: 568 - Karma: 520
I was just at a job interview today with a ski-school and they said that I get the job if i complete the level 1 course. Also had my first class today. The course seems pretty tiring but I think it will be worth it, anyone have any experience or advice for me? I'm 15 btw so pretty stoked on getting this job seeing as it's well payed and fits in with my school and everything!
Nov 24 2010 5:06PM
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steezeeepolizeee
Posts: 8756 - Karma: 796
daymmm that is expensive
Nov 24 2010 5:15PM
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MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
I got a job instructing when I was 16. They usually start you out teaching younger kids, and at 16 I just didn't have the patience for little kids. I still don't at 18. But if you think you do then good luck on the job!
Nov 24 2010 5:23PM
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