From racing gates in Europe to teaching tree runs in Canada, Matthew Treuge’s ski journey has taken him from indoor slopes in Birmingham to snow at Big White. He joined SnowSkool’s internship after uni and walked away with his Level 2, a season’s worth of teaching, and a serious love for powder. (Matthew is second from the right)
Before SnowSkool
“I was actually ski instructing in the UK — at the indoor slope in Tamworth, Birmingham,” Matthew explains. “That sort of set me up for it. Before that, I was at Liverpool University studying computer science.”
Skiing had always been part of his routine: “I used to race and train every week when I was younger. So compared to some people on the course, I definitely had more experience — probably at the top end.”
Why Sign Up for SnowSkool?
The decision was part practical, part dream. “I wanted to do a season straight after uni. Work could wait. Cost was a big factor too — I didn’t have loads saved, and SnowSkool was one of the cheapest options. Plus, the internship was 19 weeks, which felt like a proper full season. Other programs were shorter, and I wanted to get the most out of it.”
Choosing the Internship Over the Course
For Matthew, it came down to experience. “I’d already instructed in the UK and I didn’t just want to learn and then not use it that season. The internship meant I could train, qualify, and actually teach — all in one go. Most people on the gap course were younger and less experienced, so the internship felt like a better fit for me.”
First Impressions of Big White
Canada was a big shift after Europe. “Big White is more of a family resort than a party place. There’s one main bar everyone goes to, but it’s not heavy on nightlife — which suited me. I liked the quieter vibe.”
Getting there was the tricky part: “It was an eight-hour flight, then another short flight, then a bus. Once you’re there, though, the location and terrain make it worth it.”
Life as an Intern
SnowSkool arranged staff accommodation — ski-in, ski-out apartments. “There were eight of us in a flat, two per room, with a big kitchen and proper space. Compared to other providers where interns were crammed into hostels, I felt really lucky.”
Workload varied. “As an intern you’re teaching mostly beginner lessons. During peak weeks, I was teaching almost every day; in quieter weeks, maybe twice. By the end, once I had my Level 2, I started teaching more advanced lessons, even adults.”
Training slotted in alongside work. “It was usually two days a week leading up to Level 2. The instructors were amazing — all had different teaching styles, so I learned something new each week.”
Skiing Every Day
“If you didn’t have a lesson in the afternoon, you were free — so I’d usually just go skiing,” Matthew says. “I think I ended up skiing every single day. Big White has this system where your lift pass tracks your days, and by the end I’d logged around 140.”
Coming from a racing background, he expected to spend the season carving — but Canada shifted his style. “By the end of Big White I didn’t want to carve anymore. I was always off in the trees somewhere. You can just ski anywhere out there — I’d get off a lift, pick a direction, and go. On powder days, that was the best.”
Highlights of Instructing
“It was definitely the kids. When a child laughs and says, ‘That was great, I want to do that again,’ it gives you such a sense of fulfilment. Or when a three-year-old finally manages a pizza after 20 attempts — you’re screaming with joy for them. Those little breakthroughs were the most rewarding.”
Looking Back
By the end of the season, Matthew had both his CSIA Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications under his belt. “I definitely made the right choice with the internship. It gave me work experience, qualifications, and friendships. If I’d just done the course, I think it wouldn’t have challenged me enough.”
What’s Next?
Matthew’s not done with Canada. “I’m going back to Big White this season as a full instructor, aiming for my Level 3. Long term, I’d love to teach in New Zealand or Australia over the summer — having Level 3 would make that easier.”
Advice for Future SnowSkoolers
“Choosing between the course and the internship depends on what you want. If you’re after a social gap-year-style experience, the course is perfect. But if you’re serious about instructing — and want to earn money, build experience, and keep doing seasons — the internship is the way to go.”
Inspired by Matthew? Read more about the Ski Instructor Internships