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Where to instruct this season?

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cantstoplt021
Posts: 1
I'm a newly graduated college student who was dead set on moving to Colorado in the fall. As luck would have it some circumstances changed (member of the female species) and I began rethinking my move, however I really wanted to spend at least one season out west. It's been one of my biggest non sexual fantasies. I was stuck between the two hard decisions when I realized a third. I can stay, but I can also go. Rather than committing to the finality of a cross country move, I can go out for a season and come back afterwards.

The more I think about it the better it sounds. It takes away a lot of pressure in a number of ways. Also I can go wherever I want because it's temporary. Colorado, Utah, Montana, BC, wherever I can get a job.

So now comes the question of where I should look into. I would need to stay in employee housing for the season and I would strongly prefer to have my own room rather than share one if possible. Music is my absolute biggest passion and I would strongly prefer to have my own room to practice in (I practice a lot, but very quietly). I could make a sacrifice if need be, but I really would prefer not to. Also if I could bring my car out there that would be ideal.

Where would you look into? Last year was my first year instructing, but I was really good at it. All of my supervisors recognized my teaching abilities and I quickly was given better and better teaching opportunities. I'm sure I would get really good letters of recommendation. Also some of the staff have connections out west which helps. Unfortunately I didn't get my PSIA level 1 out of shear laziness, but hopefully that won't be a deal breaker.

Looking forward to suggestions of where I should look into!
Aug 4 2017 7:14PM
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SendyMcSendyface
Posts: 990
Honestly man, just apply everywhere. I really want to teach at alta this season, but I am applying to everything, everywhere. Idaho, Utah, California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon. Even taking a shot in the dark and applying for a bunch of groomer positions. Get accepted to as many places as you can, and chose from there. For the good stuff, this shit gets competitive.
Aug 4 2017 9:22PM
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TheMailMan
Posts: 970
How on earth were you allowed to instruct without even a level 1 qualification ? Surely that is a deal-breaker more than anything?

I've got a level 2 CSIA qualification and still can't get accepted anywhere in Canada without a season or two's experience (sort of a chicken/egg issue).
Aug 5 2017 6:14AM
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Flowbear
Posts: 337
jmckay7How on earth were you allowed to instruct without even a level 1 qualification ? Surely that is a deal-breaker more than anything?

I've got a level 2 CSIA qualification and still can't get accepted anywhere in Canada without a season or two's experience (sort of a chicken/egg issue).


Yea in western Canada if you're looking at working as an instructor at a destination resort like whistler, your basically screwed unless you have a level 2. Its rare to get in on a level 1 but in mid west and eastern areas they'll hire anyone. It's a lot more slack. I'm assuming it's similar in the states.

**This post was edited on Aug 5th 2017 at 10:26:57am
Aug 5 2017 10:25AM
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Flowbear
Posts: 337
For cantstoplt021 as for finding jobs apply anywhere and everywhere then when you get the actual offers you can be more picky in your choices. The key is to have an open mind this includes job positions too. There's a very good chance you'll apply for one position and they'll see you more fit for another. When applying as an instructor out west im not 100 percent on the states but you're basically screwed if you dont have a level 2, smaller resorts will take level 1's more frequently. Without a cert unless you have very strong connections you're pretty much goosed. But there's always hope just pray they don't discard you're resume then jut kill it on the interview. If they do take you, you might be an assistant and will need to take your level 1 some point through out the winter. It's too much of a liability to have an uncertified instructor. Also expect to be offered lifty positions instead it's pretty common with uncertified instructors and level 1's at larger resorts.

For staff accom. There's a small chance you can get a single room depending on the resort, you'll still be sharing a living area, but as a first year employee don't expect much. and you're in the ski industry so if you're any good at music most roommates won't mind just prepare to play live at dorm parties and don't overdue the practice.

Also if you do get offers as an instructor you most likely won't get paid by the hour so make sure you have money saved up because getting paid by the lesson especially at minimum wage doesn't provide you with much. I know way too many people who came out west as an instructor and weren't prepared and had to leave early because they couldn't afford it.
Aug 5 2017 10:52AM
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LivingDaLife
Posts: 350
For all the people saying you can't get hired without a level 2, I can assure you that is not the case. There are a few select resorts that require a cert (I believe Jackson and Aspen are two of them) but most of the larger resorts will hire anybody to instruct. I work for Keystone and they're always pretty desperate for instructors - the other Vail resorts are the same way. Breckenridge has over 800 instructors, they aren't picky with who they hire. If you have experience instructing, you're sure to get the job. Most ski lessons are beginner lessons so they really don't care that much about certs - though if you plan to keep on instructing, they expect you to get a cert one at least.

Employee housing at Keystone, it is possible to get your own room but it's pretty small and the living area is crammed. I don't know about other places but I assume they're similar - many employee housing options are shared rooms as well.
Aug 5 2017 4:09PM
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TheMailMan
Posts: 970
LivingDaLifeFor all the people saying you can't get hired without a level 2, I can assure you that is not the case. There are a few select resorts that require a cert (I believe Jackson and Aspen are two of them) but most of the larger resorts will hire anybody to instruct.


That's just not true though is it
Aug 5 2017 4:42PM
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LivingDaLife
Posts: 350
jmckay7That's just not true though is it


It's true of any of the Vail Resorts and Copper mountain. I don't know about the rest for sure. For example,

https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/northstar/job/Truckee-Non-Certified-Ski-Instructor-Full-Time-&-Part-Time-Winter-Seasonal-2018-CA-96160/410397100/
Aug 5 2017 6:14PM
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Profahoben_212
Posts: 6702
Homewood doesnt require psia...i know that...and starting pay is like 13bucks without psia....but you can get one at the same time while you are instructing and bump yourself up from teaching lvl1s to more advanced.

You're going to be babysitting out west without your psia....but you can definitely get a job.
Aug 5 2017 6:50PM
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TheMailMan
Posts: 970
LivingDaLifeIt's true of any of the Vail Resorts and Copper mountain. I don't know about the rest for sure. For example,

https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/northstar/job/Truckee-Non-Certified-Ski-Instructor-Full-Time-&-Part-Time-Winter-Seasonal-2018-CA-96160/410397100/


That's unbelievable, fair enough my bad.
Aug 6 2017 4:16AM
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Jesse.White
Posts: 450
Hello folks, so I've been a instructor for 5 years at my home hill. Then moved off to college and now I'm a senior. Juat got a local gig at granite peak here in wisconsin.my home hill wasn't psia required and my new job is. I'm super comfortable teaching but im just nervous having to live up to my hype. I am not familiar with any psia terms or training and i already have a lesson scheduled. Any help or advice here wouls be huge. I could also be freaking out about the psia title.
Oct 30 2017 4:37PM
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Jesse.White
Posts: 450
Jesse.WhiteHello folks, so I've been a instructor for 5 years at my home hill. Then moved off to college and now I'm a senior. Juat got a local gig at granite peak here in wisconsin.my home hill wasn't psia required and my new job is. I'm super comfortable teaching but im just nervous having to live up to my hype. I am not familiar with any psia terms or training and i already have a lesson scheduled. Any help or advice here wouls be huge. I could also be freaking out about the psia title.


This was on mobile so it sounds like Steven hawking, sorry.
Oct 30 2017 4:40PM
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dan4060
Posts: 1454
jmckay7That's just not true though is it


He is actually pretty much dead-on for how Squaw was when I lived in Tahoe. They will hire just about anyone, no certification needed. I don't know if things have changed, I left Tahoe in 2004, but back then it was very easy to get hired as an instructor. I chose to be part-time, I waited tables at night and I only instructed to get the pass, but they hire tons of people. There was basically a two day tryout in early December and we got hired after that. We had the option to do full time.

Things might have changed, but back then it was easy to get hired at Squaw. If you could walk and chew gum you were in.
Oct 30 2017 5:09PM
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dan4060
Posts: 1454
Profahoben_212Homewood doesnt require psia...i know that...and starting pay is like 13bucks without psia....but you can get one at the same time while you are instructing and bump yourself up from teaching lvl1s to more advanced.

You're going to be babysitting out west without your psia....but you can definitely get a job.


This is how Squaw was back when I was there. Without PSIA you will be teaching beginners how to snowplow, but you can get a job. You might as well get your psia level 1. It will increase your pay.
Oct 30 2017 5:13PM
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mr-mcsteeze
Posts: 487
Profahoben_212Homewood doesnt require psia...i know that...and starting pay is like 13bucks without psia....but you can get one at the same time while you are instructing and bump yourself up from teaching lvl1s to more advanced.

You're going to be babysitting out west without your psia....but you can definitely get a job.

Definitely get your level 1 it helps so much.

Jesse.WhiteHello folks, so I've been a instructor for 5 years at my home hill. Then moved off to college and now I'm a senior. Juat got a local gig at granite peak here in wisconsin.my home hill wasn't psia required and my new job is. I'm super comfortable teaching but im just nervous having to live up to my hype. I am not familiar with any psia terms or training and i already have a lesson scheduled. Any help or advice here wouls be huge. I could also be freaking out about the psia title.

Shoot me a DM. I can help you out a lot with getting into PSIA
Oct 31 2017 10:32AM
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cinnabonconn
Posts: 250
when i did instructing everyone who wanted to be an instructor got to be. It was complete garbage, and the staff was awful. I would work 8 hours some days, and when i looked at my pay check i realized i just spent all that money on my lunch/dinner. That's just how expensive the food at hyland is. They did give me a season pass, but im still not ever doing that again. It seems like it's a lot better out west though so maybe instructing would be a good job for you rather than any other jobs at those resorts
Oct 31 2017 2:41PM
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chimpansteeze
Posts: 62
protip don't be a schooler
Oct 31 2017 4:22PM
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Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825
Why does everyone think that you have to take some epic gap year before hitting the "real world"? Why don't you use that degree that you just spent an ungodly amount of time and money on to get a job in a desirable location, and then move there and start your life up? Trust me, having a job and some obligations in your life to fund/drive your adventures is the best way to do it. Weekend warrior life is where its at.
Oct 31 2017 4:43PM
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DIRTYBUBBLE
Posts: 6972
Gap year ski bum right here. I graduated high school last May and moved to CO in late September. Finding housing will be your biggest issue. It was a huge pain in the ass for me. You will most likely not be able to have your own room unless you're willing to spend a lot more on rent. Employee housing is an alright setup but you will definitely have multiple roommates and the ski resort basically owns you. If you're looking to move into affordable housing, you'll need a CO drivers license which you can't get without 2 proofs of residency.

If you're living in Summit County, it's possible to live without a car but it can become annoying.

Be prepared to become absolutely broke. I saved up 3000$ over the summer and have blown through a lot of it already.

Good jobs are abundant. A lot of people are scared to work for Vail for some weird reasons but it's actually pretty nice IMO. Instructing would be fine.
Oct 31 2017 5:27PM
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Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825
DIRTYBUBBLEGap year ski bum right here. I graduated high school last May and moved to CO in late September. Finding housing will be your biggest issue. It was a huge pain in the ass for me. You will most likely not be able to have your own room unless you're willing to spend a lot more on rent. Employee housing is an alright setup but you will definitely have multiple roommates and the ski resort basically owns you. If you're looking to move into affordable housing, you'll need a CO drivers license which you can't get without 2 proofs of residency.

If you're living in Summit County, it's possible to live without a car but it can become annoying.

Be prepared to become absolutely broke. I saved up 3000$ over the summer and have blown through a lot of it already.

Good jobs are abundant. A lot of people are scared to work for Vail for some weird reasons but it's actually pretty nice IMO. Instructing would be fine.


I'm sorry... but this sounds so shitty.

OP - use your degree to find a job in a desirable location and start the life of your dreams.
Oct 31 2017 5:55PM
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chimpansteeze
Posts: 62
DIRTYBUBBLEBe prepared to become absolutely broke. I saved up 3000$ over the summer and have blown through a lot of it already.


truth, get ready

DIRTYBUBBLEA lot of people are scared to work for Vail for some weird reasons but it's actually pretty nice IMO. Instructing would be fine.


Vail resorts has the highest turnover in the industry and its not even close. They hate skiing. They're a vertically integrated real estate company who happens to sell ski passes.
Oct 31 2017 5:55PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2560
chimpansteezeVail resorts has the highest turnover in the industry and its not even close. They hate skiing. They're a vertically integrated real estate company who happens to sell ski passes.

While I have never worked for Vail I've had friends who've worked there and say it sucks and some say it's great. I deftly get the feel they have a high turnover rate from talking to former employees. But on the same page a few friends who stayed and kept at it were promoted up the chain pretty quick. It could be because the high turnover rate but hey they all got manager positions within 2-3 seasons.
Oct 31 2017 6:33PM
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DIRTYBUBBLE
Posts: 6972
Park_RangerI'm sorry... but this sounds so shitty.

OP - use your degree to find a job in a desirable location and start the life of your dreams.

Go fuck yourself. I'm living the life of my dreams right now.
Oct 31 2017 6:35PM
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1277
Mammoth doesn't require PSIA but if you don't have it you'll be a magic carpet slave.
Oct 31 2017 6:38PM
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Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825
DIRTYBUBBLEGo fuck yourself. I'm living the life of my dreams right now.


Same, and doing it way bigger than you while I'm at it. That I would guarantee
Oct 31 2017 6:48PM
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1277
Park_RangerWhy does everyone think that you have to take some epic gap year before hitting the "real world"? Why don't you use that degree that you just spent an ungodly amount of time and money on to get a job in a desirable location, and then move there and start your life up? Trust me, having a job and some obligations in your life to fund/drive your adventures is the best way to do it. Weekend warrior life is where its at.


I ski everyday, you don't. Is it that hard to grasp why my life is better than yours?
Oct 31 2017 6:52PM
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chimpansteeze
Posts: 62
50KalWhile I have never worked for Vail I've had friends who've worked there and say it sucks and some say it's great. I deftly get the feel they have a high turnover rate from talking to former employees. But on the same page a few friends who stayed and kept at it were promoted up the chain pretty quick. It could be because the high turnover rate but hey they all got manager positions within 2-3 seasons.


Yes this is exactly my point. The reason they got promoted so quickly is because those positions open up every single year, they wouldnt get promoted if those jobs werent vacated. Those promotions come with meager pay bumps and increased workload and responsibilities. Most folks with their head on straight will figure this out sooner than later and leave for a mountain that pays them what they're worth or move back into the city/suburbia. If you work for vail resorts longer than like two years youre either a ignorant homer who's never skiied anything outside of summit county or drank way to much of the corporate kool aid.
Oct 31 2017 6:55PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2560
Park_RangerWeekend warrior life is where its at.

I have been working on a seven year (turning eight) intensive study proving in fact weekend warrior life is not where it is at.
Oct 31 2017 7:23PM
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Crispy.
Posts: 6049
Park_RangerSame, and doing it way bigger than you while I'm at it. That I would guarantee


You sound like a fucking tool dude.
Oct 31 2017 9:17PM
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DIRTYBUBBLE
Posts: 6972
Park_RangerSame, and doing it way bigger than you while I'm at it. That I would guarantee


Cool dude we get it your dick is fucking huge
Oct 31 2017 10:19PM
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