Qualify in Fernie Alpine Resort and become a working ski instructor all in the same season. Our season-long internship program provides a guaranteed job as an instructor and a place to call home for the winter in Fernie; ideal for skiers wanting to take a short-cut into the instructor industry.
Fernie is the ideal place to spend a winter season; it boasts an awesome mountain with varied & challenging terrain, a ridiculously impressive snow record and perhaps most importantly there's a super friendly community that you'll become part of.
It is a resort that you'll always want to go back to and for that reason many of the instructors who have qualified with us since 2002 have gone on to work and progress in Fernie Ski School. If you're successful in applying for the guaranteed job program - once the CSIA Level 1 training is complete on this course, you'll be joining them for the remainder of the season.
You'll take part in our 3 week instructor course in Fernie and our team of highly experienced coaches will refine you’re skiing technique, while showing you the very best way to teach others.
Once you've qualified you'll then be inducted straight into Fernie Alpine Resort's Winter Sports School, where you'll work until the end of the season.
With a guaranteed job offer before you've even qualified as an instructor, this is an amazing kick-start to a ski instructor career. After your initial three week course, you'll start working right away at Fernie Alpine Resort's Winter Sports School.
Positions are limited and successful applicants for the program will be selected based on their work and social experience, as well as their past skiing experience.
You'll need a working holiday visa to apply for the program. Next, register your interest in this course with us, and then start preparing a resume and covering letter, including any relevant experience. We'd particularly like to hear if you have any previous coaching, teaching, presentation or leadership experience. In addition, we'd like to know how much skiing experience you have.
Having good accommodation can really make a difference to your season. Often first-season instructors share dorm-style rooms, but with the Fernie program you’ll stay in a twin room in a really comfortable house and it will be yours from the beginning of December until the middle of April.
After passing your Level 1 you'll be working at the Fernie Snow School for the rest of the winter as a qualified instructor.
You'll receive 20 hours coaching per week. Our full day coaching sessions are Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri, with Wednesdays and the weekends for free skiing, consolidating what you've learnt and other activities. The maximum group size is 8 people per pro but typically they are even smaller.
You'll stay in a local house in downtown Fernie with other people on the program. During your 3 week instructor course you'll have access to all the Red Tree Lodge facilities, including hot tub, swimming pool & ski tuning room.
During the course you'll be treated to an awesome breakfast at the Red Tree Lodge five days per week. Options include a coffee/tea, juices, cereals, toast, pastries, yogurt, fruit, porridge oats, as well as hot items like eggs, beans, sausages, hash browns or bacon.
During the course, you can enjoy a nutritionally balanced & filling three course meal at the Red Tree Lodge four evenings a week.
You'll be given a season lift pass so you can ski as much as you please. Come out early or stay on after, your lift pass will cover you.
If you arrive with the group flight (or land before), you can join the Nonstop transfer to the resort.
Daily shuttle to and from the slopes.
Included in the course price is your Level 1 exam fee, which is held in week 3.
Your host will ensure your course runs smoothly. They'll be on hand 24/7 for a chat, laugh, or to solve any problems.
Throughout the program our coaches will make the most of technical video analysis to help with your development.
Each week you'll receive a technical talk on subjects like biomechanics, looking after your gear, and injury prevention.
You'll be given an 'Instructor Starter Kit' booklet with a directory of ski school contacts, receive a seminar on 'Working as an Instructor', and be given constant advice from our coaches.
Each week your host will organise team socials and après for all the group to get involved in
You'll be able to get involved with many winter activities and experiences during your time with us, from cat skiing to ice hockey.
You'll have the opportunity to gain the following additional qualifications:
1% of revenues support environmental non-profits, including Protect Our Winters
These things are not included in the package:
We look forward to speaking with you.