How to become a Snowboard Instructor

Career progression and salary expectations for a Snowboard Instructor

The average starting salary for a Snowboard Instructor can vary.

The role of a Snowboard Instructor

What does a Snowboard Instructor do?

Always wanted to become a member of ‘the board’? We’ve got this… Snowboard Instructors teach people how to snowboard, helping people of all ages build up their confidence, improve their skills and learn to board safely.They may work with everyone from small children and beginners, through to intermediate and more experienced riders, doing everything from teaching the basics and balancing techniques, to providing coaching for tricks and taking people off-piste.Snowboard Instructors may also teach in large groups, or provide one-on-one sessions to help their students’ progress.Typical duties for a Snowboard Instructor may include:

Greeting new students
Helping people get into their boots, and learn to put their board on safely
Teaching how to safely enter and exit ski lifts
Teaching core snowboarding techniques, new skills, and tricks
Planning lessons, answering questions, and supporting all learners
Rescuing and calming distressed people out on the slopes
Administering first-aid, and educating all boarders about health & safety

Is a career as a Snowboard Instructor right for me?

First and foremost, to become a Snowboard Instructor you’ll need a natural passion for powder (cool speak for snow).If you’re working in a resort, you could be spending anywhere up to 12 hours a day out on the slopes, at least five days a week. Being able to maintain your motivation and energy levels in challenging conditions will often be key to your success.You’ll also need a real desire to work with people, as well as patience in abundance. Something that’s worth remembering when you’re on the third kids’ group of the day and they can’t tell their pizza from their French fries…Other key skills for a Ski Instructor include:

Excellent interpersonal skills
Tact
Enthusiasm
Alertness
A flair for languages (if working abroad)
Good judgement skills
Physical fitness and stamina

What's it like to be a Snowboard Instructor?

"Everyone thinks that being a Snowboard Instructor is all about messing around on the slopes, partying and having a good time. To be honest, that’s half the reason I got into it in the first place. The truth is though, I take my job really seriously. I have to be fully alert at all times, and able to spot danger in really difficult conditions. Most of the time it’s pretty great though, especially when you help someone overcome their fear and build up a natural buzz for being on the board. My favourite part is working with kids. It can be challenging, and they don’t always pick it up easily (or listen), but they have no fear. It reminds me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place – it’s a rush."

Get qualified as a Snowboard Instructor

Regardless of your current ability level, you’ll need specific training or certifications in order to become a Snowboard Instructor. The UK-based BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) is a good place to start. However, different countries have different requirements for their instructors, which are always worth checking before you start studying.

Recommended Snowboard Instructor courses

Bushcraft & Wilderness Activities Endorsed Certificate Course (Training Qualifications UK)

Academy For Distance Learning

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