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Snowsports Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Snowsports Instructor Winter 2026-2027 LOCATION: Snowbird STATUS: Full-time & Part-time, Seasonal SCHEDULE: Two to Five-day work week including weekends and holidays SUMMARY As a Mountain School ...

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Snowsports Instructor information

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$12

$18

$25

How much do snowsports instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for snowsports instructor in the United States is $18.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are snowsports instructors?

Snowsports instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups how to ski or snowboard. They work at resorts, ski schools, or private organizations and provide lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. Their responsibilities include demonstrating techniques, ensuring student safety, and fostering a fun and supportive learning environment. Snowsports instructors often hold certifications from recognized organizations and must be skilled communicators, patient, and passionate about winter sports.

What is the difference between Snowsports Instructor vs Ski Coach?

AspectSnowsports InstructorSki Coach
CertificationsLevel 1-3 certifications from recognized ski associationsAdvanced coaching certifications, often Level 2 or 3
Work EnvironmentResorts, ski schools, beginner to intermediate lessonsCompetitive teams, training camps, advanced skill development
Employer & Industry UsageResort ski schools, outdoor recreation industrySports teams, competitive skiing organizations
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on teaching beginners and recreational skiersFocus on training competitive athletes and advanced skiers

While both roles involve skiing and require similar certifications, Snowsports Instructors primarily teach beginners and recreational skiers in resort settings. Ski Coaches, on the other hand, work with competitive athletes and advanced skiers, focusing on skill development and performance training. The roles differ mainly in target audience and level of expertise, but both are integral to the skiing industry.

What are some common challenges Snowsports Instructors face during a typical season, and how can they be managed?

Snowsports Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse student skill levels, managing variable weather conditions, and maintaining energy throughout long, physically demanding days. Effective communication and patience are key when teaching students with different abilities or backgrounds. Building strong time-management skills and focusing on personal wellness, such as staying hydrated and taking adequate breaks, can help instructors remain effective and enthusiastic throughout the season. Collaborating with other instructors and seeking feedback can also foster continuous improvement and support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Snowsports Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Snowsports Instructor, you need strong technical proficiency in skiing or snowboarding, instructional skills, and relevant certifications from organizations like PSIA or AASI. Familiarity with safety equipment, resort booking systems, and avalanche awareness tools is also important. Outstanding communication, patience, and adaptability help instructors connect with students and tailor lessons to diverse learning styles. These skills ensure safe, effective instruction and positive guest experiences on the slopes.
More about Snowsports Instructor jobs
Infographic showing various Snowsports Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,795 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Children's Snowsports Instructor

Children's Snowsports Instructor

Taos Ski Valley

Taos Ski Valley, NM

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Taos Ski Valley Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Serves as a professional instructor, coach, and representative of Taos. Works as a member of an interdependent team dedicated to creating the best possible environment for taking and teaching lessons. Shares our traditions of stewardship and inclusiveness. Inspires deep connections with our mountains and helps create lifelong Snowsports enthusiasts.

This job description is intended to be a broad description of duties. You will be asked to carry out all responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Specific information on duties and policies can be found with your supervisor or in the Employee Reference Guide. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

  • Must be able to coach, teach, and guide guests that have a variety of ranges, including age, ability, discipline, and experience.
  • Work together as a team to organize classes and students based on individual abilities and goals.
  • Initiate contact and greet guests in a friendly, helpful, and respectful manner.
  • Listen to guests' needs and concerns. Then relate the message to management.
  • Reliable attendance on all scheduled workdays.
  • Assist with daily operations outside of lesson times.
  • Availability and willingness to assist with boot fitting, fences, cleaning, snow removal, scanning, or other tasks as early as 7AM until at least 4PM.
  • Completes indoor and on-snow tasks before and after lessons as needed.
  • Recognizes that service is our product and helping guests have a great Taos experience is our primary job. Ultimately embraces that our goal is to help guests find the love of skiing/riding and the mountains we share.
  • Must be able to clearly communicate information that is relevant in an enthusiastic manner to create an exceptional guest experience.
  • Serves as a public relations representative for Taos, both on and off the job.
  • Look for ways to better serve the guest, Snowsports, and Taos Ski Valley.
  • Participates as a part of a team, essential for the success of the Guest, Instructor, Snowsports School, and Area.
  • Cooperates with all area employees and co-workers in the performance of duties.
  • Maintains good humor and cooperative attitude.
  • Performs other jobs and responsibilities as assigned.

Personal Skills:

  • Maintains personal and guest safety as a top priority.
  • Can address guests' needs and goals cognitively, affectively, and physically.
  • Reads and complies with Taos employee handbook and Snowsports procedures and policies.
  • Is responsible for information; emails, newsletters, informational websites, bulletin boards, memos and required meetings.
  • Makes a continued effort to seek training and improve personal skiing/riding skills, teaching skills and coaching knowledge.
  • Strong personal character and commitment to Taos Ski Valley, Inc.'s Vision, Purpose, and Values.
  • Provides a guest experience that exceeds the guests' expectations.
  • Ability to accept criticism and opportunities gracefully and humbly for growth.
  • Ability to stay positive, focused, and constructive when faced with setbacks, challenges, and while working in an ever-changing environment.

Qualifications/Knowledge:

  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Able to instruct group, private, and special program lessons of varying abilities and ages as assigned.
  • Instruct students of any age, sex, and learning abilities as assigned.
  • Must physically, clearly, and accurately demonstrate a skiing/snowboarding model at a minimum intermediate level.
  • Must be comfortable wearing ski boots or snowboard boots for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to share the information and emotions that inspire the guest to return to Taos and the Snowsports School.
  • Supply personal equipment and maintain it in safe, functional, and attractive conditions.
  • Understands and adheres to the Responsibility Code and Skier Safety Act.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, holidays (including Christmas), and evenings.

Criteria for Evaluations:


The Snowsports Instructor is evaluated on performance of duties and take into account a variety of factors some examples are: teaching ability, communication skill, level of guest service, attitude, attendance and punctuality, attire and grooming, initiative, guest comments, student return rate, skiing/riding ability and improvement, technical knowledge, relations with co-workers, and have professionalism, mature and logically sound judgement.

Skill Level I - Non-certified instructor and/or has little to no experience in teaching, guiding, coaching roles


Skill Level II - PSIA/AASI Level I certification and/or equivalent teaching, guiding, coaching experience and/or relevant recreation or education certifications. Qualified intermediate skiing/riding ability.


Skill Level III - Current PSIA/AASI Level II certification and/or equivalent teaching, guiding, coaching experience and/or relevant recreation or education certifications. 2+ years teaching within the snowsports industry. Qualified intermediate skiing/riding ability. Must be able to demonstrate and articulate the skiing/snowboarding model at most levels of skiing/riding physically, clearly, and accurately.

Skill Level IV - Current PSIA/AASI Level III certification and 5+ years teaching within the snowsports industry. Qualified expert skiing/riding ability. Must be able to demonstrate and articulate the skiing/snowboarding model at all levels of skiing/riding physically, clearly, and accurately.


Skill Level V - Current PSIA/AASI Trainers certification and 10+ years teaching within the snowsports industry. Qualified expert skiing/riding ability. Must be able to demonstrate and articulate the skiing/snowboarding model at all levels of skiing/riding physically, clearly, and accurately. Have the ability and motivation to; Share our traditions of stewardship and inclusiveness, inspire deep connections with our mountains and help Create lifelong snowsports enthusiasts; is a critical asset.

Work Environment:


Taos Ski Valley, Inc. is often a fast-paced work environment, especially during Holiday and Peak days. TSVI is in a high-altitude alpine environment. Employees must be prepared to ski, ride, and stand outside for their shift (4-5.5 hours) in changing and potentially extreme weather conditions. Must be able to ski or snowboard proficiently. Position may require travel on uneven, snow-packed, or icy terrain and may be exposed to wet, cold, and/or humid conditions. Must be able to work in close quarters and with other staff.

Physical Demands of Position Include:

  • Instructor/Employee has ability to teach skiing or snowboarding while safely navigating the Ski Area in a professional and exemplary manner.
  • Instructors must be able to ski, ride, walk, kneel, crawl, carry, reach, stand, stoop, squat and lift equipment or students up to 50lbs while actively teaching and coaching students for the duration of the lesson to complete all daily job duties.
  • Instructor/Employee must assist and lift students onto and off chairlifts.

Background Check:


Positions dealing with children, of safety-sensitive and/or confidential nature, require driving or positions that handle cash may require a background check and MVR check. Employment is contingent upon a favorable background check and MVR check.

  • Is a Background Check required for this position: Yes
  • Is an MVR required for this position: No

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