Pro Start - launch your instructor career

Gaining the right qualifications is the first big step towards your rookie instructor job, but there’s lots more you can do to become highly employable worldwide – that’s why we offer Pro Start on our ski and snowboard instructor courses in Canada.

Nonstop’s courses will not just make you the best skier or rider that you can be, with the qualifications to prove it, they will also give you all the tools necessary to make you stand out from the crowd and land your first job as an instructor.

Our ski and snowboard programs are well respected in the industry, and we give you an immense amount of advice and support along the way. Here are the core features of our Pro Start program.

Hands on experience

Practical experience on your CV will make you stand out from the competition. Shortly after qualifying as a level 1 instructor, you can head out to a nearby ski hill and take charge of your own lessons with locals, as part of our Community Days program in Fernie. This first-hand teaching experience is invaluable, providing an opportunity for you to employ and develop your newfound skills whilst giving back to the community.

Lesson shadowing

As part of our level 2 training on all programs, you’ll be able to shadow experienced instructors in real lessons at the local ski hill, where you’ll learn new teaching techniques and gain a better understanding of lesson structure and guest service. This experience is extremely beneficial when you are applying for a ski or snowboard instructor job.

Specialist qualifications

On top of your CSIA/CASI level 1 and 2 qualifications – which enable you to teach around the world – you can work towards specialist certifications that can add weight to your CV. For skiers, these include race and freestyle qualifications, while snowboarders can challenge for a snow park certification. We also provide the opportunity to train in avalanche safety and first aid, adding further mountain skills to your portfolio. The additional qualifications on offer are:

• CSCF Race Coach Level 1
• CSIA Snow Park
• CASI Park Level 1
• Avalanche Safety Training Level 1
• First Aid

MENTORING + workshops

During your course you will be assigned a coach as a personal mentor, who’ll be able to provide guidance on working in the industry, as well as act as a respected reference upon successful completion of your course. We also run a ‘How to Get your Dream Job’ workshop, with snow school directors and graduates on hand to provide insider secrets on breaking into the industry.

Guaranteed interviews

Due to the high regard of Nonstop’s graduates, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) offer guaranteed interviews to participants of our Fernie course and give them priority in the hiring process. This provides exclusive access to employment opportunities at any RCR operated resort – including Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley and Nakiska.

Leaving the Nonstop nest

Once you’re qualified, that’s not the end of the journey, it’s just the beginning. After your course we provide ongoing support and advice to help you land a job. You’ll get a ‘Working in the Industry’ pack containing a directory of snow schools, visa and job application information, plus tips to make your resume stand out.

The Nonstop network

We’ve developed relationships with a large network of snow schools around the world – from Canada to Japan – and are regularly approached by employers looking for instructors to teach at their resorts. We've graduates dotted all over the globe and due to the high esteem of our programs, snow schools welcome applications from Nonstop graduates. Wherever you want to go, Nonstop's pros will be able to give you advice and put you in contact with the right people – indeed lots of our past clients have got jobs on the back of a recommendation from a coach. We add all opportunities to our dedicated jobs page and post updates to our exclusive Facebook group for graduates.

Start your snow career

Ready to kick off your instructor career? Check out our ski instructor courses / snowboard instructor courses.