life as a ski instructor - a typical day
by Andrew Matergio, Lake Louise Ski Area
A typical day as a ski instructor starts long before your clients come to the slopes. I usually arrive in the locker room at 7:45am to check the forecast and my lesson assignments for the day. Then it is time to suit up and be on the snow for 8:15am for the morning briefing. Typically lessons start between 9 and 10 in the morning so until then time is usually spent on professional development and personal ski development. At the appointed lesson start time I meet my clients for the day at the ski school meeting place and our adventure begins.
No two days are ever the same and you will end up with all types of clients from never ever skiers to masters of the mountain. Most lessons are either half day or full day. If I have a half day assignment then I usually grab lunch at noon and head back on the snow at 1pm for a new assignment. If it is a full day assignment then I stay with my clients until 4pm and they typically determine the pace of the day.
As the day comes to an end it is time to schedule my clients in for their lessons the following day and then take the boots off so they can dry out for the next day. If you are fortunate and you have developed a relationship with some guests then you may be heading out for dinner and drinks at this point of the day. This doesn’t happen all the time but it can be a welcome bonus at the end of a long day on the slopes. More often than not, though it is home for supper and bed so that you are ready to enjoy another great day in the mountains.
ski instructor questions & answers
Name 3 great things about being a ski instructor?
- You get to ski ..... a lot
- Ski resorts are in the most beautiful places in the world
- You meet tons of great people from all over the world
What qualifications should people interested in a career as a ski instructor gain?
Teaching skiing is a customer service position first and foremost so anything that will enhance your ability to deal with people would be beneficial.
Name 3 opportunities and experiences you recommend people gain?
- Have a genuine passion for skiing
- Coach a sport or at a club etc.
- Get fit
How does the salary range for a ski instructor position?
$12-$25 CDN per hour depending on level of certification plus an aggressive commission structure for repeat lesson sales (up to 40%).
Thanks to Andrew Matergio
