I’m here to give you an insight into the pros and cons of being a ski instructor. A job that people in the industry describe as ‘the best job in the world’.
The life of a ski instructor is a wild ride. It has everything you might expect from a roller coaster; bumps, thrills and the occasional splash of vomit. Click To TweetThe Pros
Skiing Every Day
It’s the reason 99% of you readers want to do this job, right?!?!
Tearing around the mountain you now call home every day (and getting paid for the privilege!) is enough motivation for anyone serious about skiing to get qualified.
Improving Your Clients Skiing
It’s not all about you!
If you’re looking for a rewarding job, look no further. I can’t think of many better feelings than seeing that trembling bag of nerves, who you only met 5 days ago, flying down the mountain with a smile on their face.
From getting a beginner to make their first snow plough, to improving an advanced skier’s mogul technique. If you work hard every day you will see the fruits of your labour and enjoy every moment.
Meeting New People
Every day you will meet new, likeminded people.
Remember, everybody is there for the same reason…SKIING. I have met clients from all over the world who have now become friends for life. The added benefit…this can definitely come in handy when you’re looking for a tour guide during your travel time or a sofa to surf!
Travel (The Good)
Who wants to travel the world? My hand is up, and I’m sure it’s the same for most of you reading this.
The ski instructor lifestyle can be your ticket to working while travelling the world (and being able to finance those trips too!).
Another thought…I doubt that office job you were considering applying for will let you take a few months off every year to go backpacking…right?!?!
Freedom
Getting bored of being in the same place year after year? Or visiting the same coffee shop for the 1000000th time?
Seasonal work can be your ticket out of that rut. Every month can be a new experience, every year can be a new place. This life gives you the opportunity to make your own decisions and expand your horizons.
The Cons
Frustration
It’s 4pm, the sun is just stating to set and the temperature has just dipped below -20°c. You look up to see your struggling beginner attempt their 100th unsuccessful plough turn of the day, double ejecting as they go rolling down the beginner slope. ‘IT’S SO EASY’ you mutter to yourself as you stomp over to assess the damage.
Not everybody is a gifted athlete; and in this job, patience is a virtue. Click To TweetFatigue
Expect to work 6 days a week. Expect to get carried away at après ski. This can equate to some groggy mornings to say the least!
Keeping your energy levels up for 4 months can wear out even the best of us. Just think about that 2-month holiday you have planned though!
The Job Hunt
Sometimes, the work you do off the slope can feel like the hardest part.
Cultivating new job opportunities and updating your CV becomes a part time job when you choose the ski instructor career.
Like any other job, hard work pays off. Networking and presenting yourself is half the battle if you want success in this game.
Not sure where to work during the summer? Check out our summer work guide!
Travel (The Bad)
It’s your best friends birthday. You read the group chat messages, as all your hometown pals organise what seems like a night they will never forget. Meanwhile, you longingly check the flight prices of that 13 hour round trip, only to discover that it would cost 1 month’s salary to go home for this one night out!
It’s not always easy being away from home; but your friends in resort will become like your family. Enjoy every moment you have with them and live without regrets.
Saying Goodbye
Choosing the ski instructor lifestyle usually means choosing the life of a nomad.
It’s so easy to bond with people when you see them every day for a whole winter – and then just like that, they’re gone.
I was given a great piece of advice when I first embarked on the journey; ‘it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later’.
Summing Up
So there we have it, the pros and cons of being a ski instructor. Being a ski instructor is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle.
James is the founder of SnowSunSee. He started skiing when he was five years old and has been a qualified ski instructor for 8 years. He has taught skiing in many countries, including UK, Europe, Japan, China and Malaysia. When he’s not on the slopes, James spends his time travelling the world one trail at a time.
This was really interesting. An unbiased view from someone who does the job. I’ll be interested in reading more. Thank you