Ski and snowboard instructor guides, FAQs and advice
The Library.
Everything we've written to help you plan a winter with us: what it costs, which qualification to aim for, how visas work, where to train and what to pack. Search for a specific answer or start with the routes below.
Start Here.
The six questions most people need answered before anything else. Each one has a page that answers it properly.
Browse By Topic.
Eight subjects, each with the pages we'd point you to first.
Choosing a programme
Course, internship or something more specialist.
Costs and payments
What you pay us, what you pay on top, and when.
Qualifications and careers
The levels, the governing bodies and the work that follows.
Visas and eligibility
Who can work in Canada, and who doesn't need to.
Resorts and accommodation
Where you'd live, train and get around.
Equipment and fitness
Arrive fit and on the right kit. Both affect your exams.
Insurance and support
Cover, financial protection and what happens if something goes wrong.
Ski patrol and specialist programmes
For people who'd rather patrol or ski harder than teach.
Know What You're Reading.
The Library holds seven kinds of content. Each does a different job, so it helps to know which one to open.
Worth Reading Now.
Qualifications And Careers.
Each country has its own governing body and its own levels. No single qualification is accepted by every snow school, so check where you want to work before you choose a system.
Every qualification comparedCommon Questions.
We've answered hundreds of single questions. Pick a subject to see them grouped, or search above.
Every FAQ, by subjectHow good do I need to be to do a ski or snowboard instructor course?
Better than a beginner, but nowhere near expert. You need to link turns on a red run, consistently and at a decent speed. As a rough guide, that's three to four weeks on snow for a course and about six for an internship. Our ability guides show where you stand.
What happens if my visa is refused?
If it's refused through no fault of your own, you get your money back. You don't need the visa before you book, and we walk you through every step of the application. Our courses with no job attached don't need a working holiday permit at all.
Is my money protected?
Yes. Winter Sports Company holds ATOL licence 7337 for trips that include flights, and bookings without flights are covered by financial failure insurance. The details are on our financial protection page.
I'm over 35. Can I still do this?
Yes, with one catch. The Canadian working holiday permit stops at 35 for UK passport holders, so the paid internships in Canada are out. Our training courses have no upper age limit, as long as you're fit enough to keep up with the group.
Can I work after a course, and will you help?
A course comes without a job, but it can lead to one. Read the full answer, including what we do to help.
Still Weighing It Up?
Tell us what you're deciding between and we'll give you a straight recommendation. If we're not the right fit, we'll say so.
