Meet Emily Golds, a snowboard instructor at Sunshine Village. She’s been teaching for over a decade and shares how she got started, what she loves about the job, and her advice for anyone thinking about joining SnowSkool.
How did you first get into snowboarding?
“My parents wanted me to learn either skiing or snowboarding, so I picked snowboarding,” Emily says. “They took me for a lesson on a ski holiday when I was about 11.”
From there, she was hooked. By 13, she was shadowing instructors, even before she was technically old enough to work. “Because it’s so expensive, my parents encouraged me to start instructing so I could get the free pass and spend more time on the hill.”
When did you first start instructing?
“As soon as I could,” Emily laughs. Officially, that was at 15, which means she’s been teaching for about 12 years now.
What’s your instructor journey been like?
Emily started at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, close to where she grew up. “I taught there for quite a few years, got into some coaching, and earned my Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. Then I decided to move to Sunshine to explore a bigger hill and expand my skills.”
At Sunshine, she earned her Level 3 and has kept building from there.
“This is going to be my fifth year at Sunshine,” Emily says.
What do you enjoy most about instructing?
“I love watching people break through the limits they’ve set for themselves,” she says. “When someone thinks they could never do something and then they do—it’s amazing to celebrate that with them.”
For Emily, it’s also about creating lasting experiences. “When you’re teaching someone for the first time, you can make that moment special enough to spark a lifelong passion. I think that’s really cool.”
What do you enjoy most about Sunshine?
“The culture,” Emily says. “Management does such a great job at hiring people who work well together. Colleen, especially, has created such a positive community.”
It’s also personal. “I met my partner here, and most of my closest friends. The snow’s great, but the people are what make Sunshine special.”
What advice would you give to aspiring instructors?
“Be open to feedback,” she says. “That’s the biggest thing. Ask questions, learn from your coworkers, and keep developing your skills. The people around you have so much experience, and if you’re willing to learn, you’ll only get better.”
How long have you taught with SnowSkool?
Last season was Emily’s first running the program. “It was so fun. I loved that it was the same group all season—you get to watch them develop so much and build really cool relationships. Honestly, it felt more like riding with friends than teaching.”
Do you have plans to go for your Level 4?
“Eventually, yes,” she says. “I just got my Level 3 two years ago, so I’m enjoying where I’m at for now. I’ve made this my career, so Level 4 will come, but I’m in no rush.”
Any advice for people thinking of joining SnowSkool?
“Do it. This is the only job I’ve ever had that I haven’t hated. I wake up excited to go to work, and I look forward to winter every year. Teaching snowboarding has completely changed my life. If you feel drawn to it, it’s 100% worth it.”
Whether it’s carving fresh lines or sparking someone else’s passion for the sport, Emily proves that snowboard instructing is about more than technique—it’s about community, connection, and a love for the mountain.
Thinking about a snowboarding career? Start with Banff Snowboard Instructor Course