Apprentice Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking enthusiastic, driven, and snow-loving Apprentice Ski and Snowboard Instructors to join our Snowsports School team for the upcoming winter season. This is the perfect entry point for aspiring instructors who are passionate about skiing or snowboarding, love working with people, and are ready to launch or grow a career in the mountain resort industry.

No certification? No problem. If you have the heart for teaching, the skills on snow, and the drive to grow, we will help you get there. Our in-house instructor training program is one of the best in the business - designed to build your technical knowledge, sharpen your teaching methodology, and set you up for a long, rewarding career on the mountain.

Snowboard instructors must also be able to ski and teach skiing. All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to apply.

Note: This is an entry-level position. Compensation and opportunities will be determined by management based on experience, demonstrated skill, and certifications held. Holding a current PSIA/AASI or equivalent certification may increase your placement level and pay rate.

Why Sugar Bowl?

Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to "sunny California" since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.

Who you are

You might be brand new to teaching, or you might have some experience under your belt - either way, you show up with energy, curiosity, and a genuine love of snow. You're a strong skier or snowboarder who connects naturally with people, adapts quickly, and is excited to learn and grow in a structured, team-oriented environment.

Experience & Qualifications:

No prior teaching certification required - apprentices are welcome and encouraged to apply; PSIA/AASI or equivalent certification, if held, will be recognized and may increase opportunities and pay rate

Strong intermediate skiing ability or higher required; snowboard instructors must also be able to ski

Creative, innovative, and able to manage groups of guests in an organized and safe manner

Natural ability to connect and communicate with guests of all ages - especially children and families

Eager to learn, coachable, and committed to personal and professional growth in the mountain resort industry

Collaborative team player with the ability to build positive relationships across departments

Punctual and reliable - must be available and equipment-ready by assigned start time; assignments may begin as early as 7:00 AM

What you will do

Instruction & Development

Participate in Sugar Bowl's season-long in-house instructor training program, developing the skills and methodology to become a confident, effective instructor

Deliver group lessons, private lessons, and/or coaching sessions as assigned and as skill level progresses

Support and assist in our Seasonal Shredders program and specialty coaching tracks under the guidance of senior instructors

Apply progressive, guest-centered teaching techniques learned through training to create safe, engaging, and enjoyable lesson experiences

Actively pursue growth toward PSIA/AASI certification with the support of our training team

Guest Experience & Team Culture

Deliver a warm, professional, and memorable experience for every guest - from first contact to final run

Communicate effectively and positively with guests, families, homeowners, and fellow resort staff

Serve as a living example of Sugar Bowl's core values in every interaction

Foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual support with fellow instructors and other resort departments

Assist with cleaning assignments shared by Snowsports School staff

Perform snow shoveling as necessary to maintain safe, accessible work areas

Support other resort departments as operationally needed

Application questions (please have this information ready)

Which disciple are you able to teach?

What PSIA/AASI or other industry certifications do you hold?

Physical Requirements

This is a physically demanding, outdoor role performed entirely on the mountain in Sierra Nevada winter conditions. Candidates must be able to meet the following requirements:

Prolonged physical activity on snow including skiing, snowboarding, walking in ski boots, and standing on varied terrain

Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions typical of Donner Summit, including heavy snowfall, high winds, freezing temperatures, ice, flat light, and reduced visibility - full days, every scheduled shift

Ability to lift, carry, and assist with equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds

Ability to perform snow shoveling and general physical maintenance tasks as assigned

Visual acuity to navigate mountain terrain and monitor guests in varying light and weather conditions

Must be able to tolerate sustained exposure to heavy winter weather

Winter Benefits

Seasonal training opportunity

Tiered equipment reimbursement based on qualifying hours, available upon return the following season

Certification reimbursement, available upon return the following season

Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1000hrs (and 1-yr)

Professional Development Opportunities

Free ski and tubing passes for employees

Free ski passes for dependents

Discounted Group Lessons for dependents

50% off food at our cafeterias

Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees

Excellent discounts on competitive and non-competitive Snow Sports Programs

Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends

Lift ticket discounts at tons of resorts including 24 destinations thanks to the Mountain Collective

Hotel discounts

Employee ski reciprocal programs

Access to free technical performance and teach methodology training throughout the season

Sugar Bowl Resort believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, hair, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender orientation, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.