Snowboard Instructor Job - Canada
This season-long internship program allows you to become a snowboard instructor and start working in the same season, with a guaranteed job offer at Fernie Alpine Resort.
The ideal short-cut into the instructor industry
This is the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to take a short-cut into the snowboarding instructor industry. After taking our early-season 3 week instructor course in Fernie, you’ll go straight on to work at the Winter Sports School as a fully paid snowboard instructor. Working in Fernie is a dream job for any snowboarder, with fun and challenging terrain that will stoke your own passion for riding, as well as attracting the kind of clients that will be a joy for you to instruct! We’ve been running instructor courses in Fernie since 2002 and dozens of the instructors who have qualified with us have worked and progressed as part of the snow school.
Get a guaranteed snowboard instructor job
We’ll secure your job for the season before you even come out and qualify as a snowboard instructor. After gaining your CASI Level 1 during the initial three week course, you’ll be enrolled straight into Fernie Alpine Resort’s Winter Sports School.
There are limited places on this program and successful applicants will be selected for their work and social experience, as well as snowboarding ability.
The very best preparation for life as an instructor
Starting on Boxing Day, you’ll spend three weeks on Nonstop’s Level 1 snowboard instructor course. Our team of high level instructors will refine your technique, while introducing you to the epic freeride terrain of Fernie Alpine Resort! By the end of the course you’ll be riding like a pro, with a comprehensive bag of teaching techniques. For full details check out our 3 week snowboard instructor course page.
Every year dozens of our graduates are employed by Fernie. So it is still be possible to get work after taking our other courses
Accommodation for the whole season
Often instructors spend their first season staying in a dorm-style dive. We know that having a comfortable home to come back to can make a real difference to your season, so we’ll set you up in a really great house with all the mod-cons and loads of room to relax. It will be available for the whole season, right from the middle of December until the middle of April.
How to apply
If you’re interested in joining this program, please register your interest here. We’ll then contact you shortly requesting a CV and covering letter for the position, so start preparing that as soon as you can. Make sure that you include any previous coaching, teaching, presentation or leadership experience, as well as the amount of snowboard experience you have.
The Package
Included
Our full 3 week instructor course in Fernie
Guaranteed instructor job with Fernie Winter Sports School
Upon passing an interview with Nonstop and Fernie, you will be given a conditional offer (pass Level 1 CSIA or CASI) to work as an instructor for the rest of the season.
Application advice and support
Our team has many years of experience in the ski and snowboard instructor industry. We will provide comprehensive support through the application process, and will be on hand if you have any questions.
Professional coaching
Approximately 25 hours per week for the 3 week course
Accommodation
Staying in a nice house in down-town Fernie for the duration of the season (available from mid December until mid April).
Season lift pass
CSIA or CASI Level 1 Instructor Course fees
Training towards Level 2 after the course
45 minute sessions most mornings before lessons, training with Snow Sports School senior instructors
Instructor career advice and support
We run a seminar on career support, how to sell the most lessons, and provide a "Working as an Instructor" guidebook; with instructor case studies, visa information and a directory of snow schools we work with around the world.
Hosting during instructor course
Assistance of the Nonstop resort director who's industry, and local, knowledge will be a major help.
Dinners while on the instructor course
For the three weeks of the instructor course you'll get three evening meals per week at the nearby Red Tree Lodge restaurant. They'll be filling and delicious three course meals, perfect after a day on the slopes.
Breakfast while on the instructor course
For the three weeks of the instructor course you'll get five continental breakfasts per week at the nearby Red Tree Lodge restaurant.
Weekly social events
End of course party
Airport transfers
Included if booked and coordinated with other Nonstop course dates - details available from course host
Ski/snowboard Maintenance Seminar
Regular instructor pay, once you start working
Starting at $11 per hour
Meal discounts in resort
Exclusively for Fernie staff
Optional Extras
Flights (approx £600)
We can arrange return flights for those travelling between the UK and Canada. Flights cost around £600. You can opt for a flight on your booking form. If you arrange your own flight you can meet us at the airport for the group transfer bus to the resort. Please contact us with any questions.
Cat-skiing ($486/£280 approx)
The day cat-skiing is a highlight of most people's trip to Fernie. Somewhat similar to heli-skiing, it involves a whole day of skiing or riding fresh powder in the backcountry, getting rides to the top of the mountain in a cat (aka 'piste basher'). Good times guaranteed!
Avalanche safety course ($95/£55 approx)
This one day course provides an introduction into off-piste safety covering avalanche terrain, snow stability tests and search and rescue techniques.
Not Included
Travel Insurance
Spending Money
Ski/snowboard equipment
Skis, bindings, poles and ski boots range from $1,100 (£700 approx) - $2,800 (£1,800 approx). Snowboard, boots and bindings are slightly less.
Want to know more?
Week 1
Settle in and work on your snowboarding technique
Week 2
Progress riding around the whole mountain & start instructor training
Week 3
Freeride, CASI Level 1 final exams and parting!
Week 4
Two days of snow school policy and procedure training
Rest of the season
Work as a paid snowboard instructor at Fernie Alpine Resort
