Wilderness Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Description

Job Title: Ski Instructor, Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program

Job Status: Seasonal Position (Mid-November through Mid-April)

Reports to: Ski Program Director and Assistant Ski Program Director 

Position Summary

The Adaptive Ski/Snowboard Instructor is a professional educator responsible for delivering high-quality, safe, and empowering adaptive winter sports lessons. Utilizing specialized techniques and industry guidelines, the instructor customizes lessons to meet the diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs of BOEC participants. This role is physically and emotionally demanding, requiring daily outdoor operation in all winter weather conditions. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Lesson Delivery & Safety

• Instruction: Deliver professional adaptive ski and/or snowboard lessons using proper techniques, BOEC protocols, and PSIA/AASI Standards.
• Skill Requirement: Demonstrate professional skiing/snowboarding technical skills, including the ability to safely assist students through team skiing, adaptive techniques, and strict adherence to safety guidelines.
• Student Progression: Assess participant capabilities to select appropriate terrain, adaptive equipment (e.g., mono-skis, bi-skis, outriggers), and teaching methodologies to progressively improve skiing ability.
• Risk Management: Maintain a safety-first mindset on the mountain, ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of participants at all times.
• Documentation: Complete timely, accurate post-lesson evaluations, student progress reports, and safety/incident logs within the BOEC database.
• Equipment Management: Assist with the proper equipment setup and fitting for students as well as notifying the appropriate staff for any needed maintenance and upkeep of adaptive ski equipment. 
• Student Experience: Cultivate a welcoming, encouraging, and fun atmosphere on the mountain, ensuring that participants don't just learn, but also have an unforgettable and joyful experience. 

Leadership & Mentorship

• Volunteer Engagement: Support the Volunteer Coordinator by actively guiding, engaging, and showing appreciation for daily volunteers assigned to lessons.
• Special Events: Support and participate in BOEC events, including Ski Spectacular and volunteer appreciation activities.
• Clinic Facilitation: Partner with the leadership team to coordinate and co-teach training clinics for volunteers and interns if requested/needed. 

Position Information and Benefits:

• Compensation: Starting daily rate of $135.00/day (final base pay varies & could increase depending on experience and/or certification levels).
• Location: Primary location is the BOEC Breckenridge and Keystone Ski Offices with occasional lessons at Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin Ski Areas.
• Benefits: Employee ski pass, professional training and scholarship assistance program to obtain & maintain professional certifications, gear equipment stipend, industry pro-purchase program discounts, limited number of subsidized staff housing opportunities and EAP Program. (Benefits listed may be subject to eligibility requirements based employment status, and number of hours worked). 

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Prior ski or snowboard teaching experience in a snowsports school environment or demonstration of strong skiing or riding ability, professional judgment, and the ability to support safe student progression. 
• Must possess strong skiing or snowboarding skills, and the visual, auditory, and physical capabilities required to safely perform instructional and adaptive support duties in varying winter conditions, including sustained physical activity and lifting or maneuvering at least 50 pounds on snow. 
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to effectively connect with participants, families, and partner agencies.

Preferred Attributes:

• Prior experience working with individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities.
• Active PSIA-AASI Level 1 Certification (or higher) in Alpine, Snowboard, or Adaptive disciplines.
• A continuous learning mindset and a desire to advance knowledge of adaptive tech and teaching modalities.
• Ability to remain flexible, collaborative, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced outdoor environment.

About the BOEC

The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC), established in 1976 in Breckenridge, Colorado, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to expanding the potential of individuals with disabilities and special needs through impactful, educational, and inspiring outdoor experiences. For 50 years, BOEC has offered outdoor recreational opportunities, led by highly trained professional staff and supported by over 300 dedicated volunteers. Participants from around the world engage in BOEC's Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program, Wilderness Program, and Internship Program. Operating primarily in Breckenridge, Colorado, BOEC serves over 2,500 participants annually, including adults and children with physical and cognitive disabilities, sensory differences, veterans and their families, and other historically underserved populations.

BOEC strives to create environments that are just, equitable, diverse and inclusive and we are dedicated to providing outdoor experiences that are relevant and accessible to all participants and staff regardless of an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, national origin/ancestry, age, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, disability or veteran status.