Becoming a snowboard instructor in Fernie

It’s often said that becoming a snowboard or ski instructor is a “dream job”, as if it’s out of mere mortals’ reach. However, there are stacks of ex-NONSTOPers who have gone on to “live the dream” and this Instructor Article section of our blog tells many of their stories. June Anstey, below, joined our 07/08 11 week instructor course and has gone on to work for two seasons at Fernie’s ski school...

After finishing sixth form back in 2007, I booked myself straight on to NONSTOP’s 11 week instructor course. I had heard about the programme through a family friend and I had my heart set on being in Fernie for my year out before university.

I arrived in late December, to get a bit of practise in before the course, as I had only snowboarded for around four weeks since swapping in my skis the year before. I moved into NONSTOP’s Red Tree Lodge in January, ready for the start of the course. Everything worked out better than I could have imagined. The season was immense, with day after day of light fluffy powder to shred. On this course everything is set up so that you have the best experience possible, from group lessons to one-on-one sessions, trips to other resorts and even the opportunity to go cat skiing! The instructors cover all bases, from core technique to freestyle. I loved the whole experience and met lots of great people.

After completing my CASI Level 1, I spent the rest of the course training for the AMP program. I wasn’t sure about my plans for the following year, so in the end I decided against taking my Level 2. However, after getting home in May, I decided to defer my place at uni and go out for a second season in Fernie - this time instructing.

I started applying for snowboard instructor work in June, had flights booked in September and found out I had the job in mid October. I was in!

It was yet another great season. The snow wasn’t the same as the year before, but working was a whole new adventure. I taught kids from age 5 to 13 at a range of levels, which was so rewarding, as I put my skills and everything I’d learnt into practise. Of course it can be very challenging, but getting to do what I love every day is a dream.

Over the course of the season, the team bond in the ski school becomes stronger and stronger; working alongside friends and others who share your passion. We took part in improvement sessions throughout the season, offering us the chance to train for level 2, 3 and 4. If it’s a career you want to pursue long term, working your way up through ski school is the way to go. As soon as I passed my level 2, I was getting more work and priority over less qualified instructors.



I have now finished my third season and plan to do a fourth. Over my time in Fernie I have taught both kids and adults and have been a part of loads of other ski school programs. It is definitely possible to travel the world and work as an instructor - there are so many places to explore. However there is a huge advantage to returning to the same resort, as you get to know the ins and outs of the ski school.

Fernie is wicked, with so much to offer. People living here are friendly and have such a passion for the outdoors. It is a small town and the legendary powder brings in many from out of town on weekends, but for the rest of the week the mountain is all yours to explore. I am now gearing up for my first full summer season and can’t wait for what it brings, with mountain biking, river rafting, hiking and so much more.

I have reapplied for university since realising through instructing that I want to pursue a degree in primary education.

For anyone who is looking at doing a Nonstop course, it will be a great experience in so many ways – do it!