Working north to south and earning a good wage as a ski instructor

Want to become a ski instructor but are unsure what the lifestyle’s like and how much you’ll earn?

With ten seasons under his belt across Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland, ski instructor Ben Scott shares his secrets on choosing the best resort, earning a great wage, and still finding time to shred.

Profile

Name: Ben Scott
Sport: Skiing
Nationality: British

Course: 11 week ski instructor course
Location: Fernie, Canada

Qualifications: CSIA level 2
Worked at: Fernie, Canada / Cardrona, New Zealand / Laax, Switzerland

Choosing the best lifestyle

My ski career began when I deferred university to join Nonstop’s 11 week instructor course in Fernie. I qualified as an instructor and went on to work in Cardrona, NZ and Fernie, Canada before settling in Laax, Switzerland.

Each resort has its merits, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best match for you. I loved Fernie and Cardrona, but Laax beats them in terms of money and tips. However, money shouldn’t be a priority for new instructors, as it takes time to work your way up. At first, it’s more important to enjoy the amazing lifestyle that each resort offers.

Canada – NZ – Switzerland

If steep terrain and champagne powder are priorities, you’ll love life in Fernie. It’s a freeride mecca with incredible snow – I’ve seen days so deep that the locals have worn snorkels. The town is relatively small but the community is strong and the nightlife packs a punch.

It’s a freeride mecca with incredible snow – I’ve seen days so deep that the locals have worn snorkels.

Cardona in New Zealand isn’t particularly high, so when you get back from the hill in spring, temperatures can touch 25 degrees, and everyone is barbecuing at the lake. The mountain isn’t massive but the ski school is awesome and the freestyle scene is huge, thanks to the epic snow parks. Living in Wanaka is amazing: a stunning lakeside setting with all manner of adventures on your doorstep.

Laax is a perfect mix of both, which is why I love the place so much. The resort has everything from pristine pistes, to steep and deep high alpine and tree skiing, plus one of the biggest parks in Europe and an amazing indoor freestyle training facility.

It’s awesome to live somewhere where everyone shares the same passion. It’s easy to rock up into a new resort and immediately make friends. Any free time is normally spent free-skiing, and there’s always someone to shred with. I rarely miss a day on the mountain, even after all these years.

Ski towns exude an energetic vibe which naturally includes lots of parties. Winter sports take over for the bulk of the season but as soon as spring takes hold, it all changes. Skiing in the morning, swimming in a lake or river in the afternoon, and then enjoying a game of football with a BBQ and a beer in the evening.

Earning a good wage

As an instructor you must work your way up the ladder. After a few seasons I was teaching freestyle lessons and higher end skiers, and now predominantly take privates, which often includes a hearty lunch accompanied with a nice glass of wine and an even nicer handshake at the end.

I now predominantly take privates, which often includes a hearty lunch accompanied with a nice glass of wine and an even nicer handshake at the end.

Pay for ski instructors depends on your qualifications and the number of seasons you’ve worked. I’ve always managed to save a bit during seasons and I think it’s a similar story for most people.

To increase your pay, you need to work towards higher qualifications. The ski schools I’ve worked with have all offered in-house training, which helps you reach the higher levels. Training for specific qualifications, such as freestyle or adaptive coaching, is also a good way to increase your salary, and is often available locally.

In Switzerland it’s possible to earn a good income. The starting wage for CSIA level 2 is almost 33 CHF per hour, about £25. In Canada and NZ, the tips are few and far between but in Laax it’s the norm. These can range anywhere from 20 to 200 CHF (around £150). Sometimes you might not get anything, while other times it’s a lot.

A love of teaching

Aside from the amazing lifestyle and potential for good pay, the job itself is awesome. After all this time, I still really enjoy teaching; it’s great to see how much people can learn within just a day’s tuition, and it’s an awesome feeling to be able to share what I love doing with others.

I still really appreciate the views, the wildlife, the people, and the overall lifestyle. I'm lucky to be doing what I'm doing.

Living in the mountains gets me pretty stoked on life. After ten seasons I still really appreciate the views, the wildlife, the people, and the overall lifestyle. I'm lucky to be doing what I'm doing.

If you think the instructor life might be for you, I would definitely recommend taking a Nonstop course, and I'd push you towards that course in Fernie. I had the best season there, and I'm not sure I will ever ski snow like that again without going back.

Prepare for the time of your life.

Read more about Ben’s story or start your own career with our ski instructor courses / snowboard instructor courses.