From chalet host in France to one of the lead trainers at Big White Ski School, Jake Hewitt’s journey through the ski industry has been fast-moving and full of progression. He first joined SnowSkool in Banff back in 2019, and in just a few short years has gone from trainee to Level 4 instructor and course trainer himself.
We caught up with Jake to hear about his path and what it really takes to make it as a ski instructor.
How Did You First Get Into Skiing?
Jake started out in the mountains working chalet seasons in France from the age of 18. “I did that for three years before heading to Banff,” he says. “By 21, I wanted something more – to make skiing my job rather than just part of a season lifestyle.” That’s when SnowSkool came into the picture.
Why SnowSkool Banff?
“I talked to Steve when I signed up and he sold it to me really well,” Jake remembers. “SnowSkool had the biggest course running that year and I wanted to be with lots of people to make new friends. I also loved that we lived together in one big hostel – it made the whole experience feel like a community. And I wanted to ski Sunshine, because I’d heard great things!”
What Do You Remember Most About Your Time in Banff?
“It was just really, really fun – but also a good mix of fun and personal development,” Jake says. He still stays in touch with many of his trainers. “I did my Level 4 exam last winter and some of my old SnowSkool trainers were there too, which was really cool. The connections I made on the course have stuck, and they’ve helped me develop far beyond the Level 2 standard.”
What Qualifications Did You Gain?
Jake left Banff with his CSIA Level 2 ski qualification and a Snow Park 1 certification.
“The Snow Park course was the most fun exam I’ve ever done,” he laughs. “We basically lapped the park for three days with a course conductor who pushed us way beyond what we probably should’ve been doing. At one point we even hit the Triple XL jumps at Sunshine – about 70 feet. It was pretty bonkers, but amazing.”
Career Journey After SnowSkool
Jake wasted no time putting his new qualifications to use. He headed straight to Thredbo in Australia, followed by a season in Whistler. “Whistler was fun, but not really for me – it was just too hectic with over 1,500 instructors,” he says.
When COVID hit, he worked at an indoor centre in Brighton called Moving Mountains before deciding to use his savings for a new step: a Level 3 gap course at Big White. “There were only about five of us, and the ski school director invited me to stay on. From there I worked in New Zealand at Coronet Peak, then returned to Big White where I’ve stayed ever since.”
Jake quickly climbed the ranks – from instructor, to trainer, to one of the lead trainers at Big White Ski School. He completed his CSIA Level 4 in April.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Instructing?
“It doesn’t feel like a job,” Jake says. “Especially now – I’m basically skiing at a high level every day, chatting to people who want to be instructors, and helping them get to the next step. The best moments are when something clicks for a student – the lightbulb moments. Seeing people go from Level 1 to Level 3, and even becoming trainers themselves, is really rewarding.”
Advice for Aspiring Instructors
Jake is clear that effort early on makes the biggest difference. “I put a lot of effort into improving my fundamentals during the SnowSkool course. That meant training for Level 3 was just about adding more performance, and Level 4 was about consistency. It made the whole process smoother.”
What’s Special About SnowSkool at Big White?
Jake has now come full circle, teaching SnowSkool courses himself at Big White. He highlights several things that make the program stand out:
- Smaller, more intimate groups: “That means more individual time with trainers and closer relationships.”
- Continuity with trainers: “You stick with the same two or three throughout, rather than bouncing between lots of different people.”
- Highly qualified staff: “Everyone is Level 3 or above, and all of us are actively pursuing higher CSIA qualifications.”
- Snow conditions: “Big White has the most consistent snow I’ve ever seen which makes it perfect for training.”
- Ski-in, ski-out lifestyle: “Almost all the accommodation is right on the slopes. It’s a massive luxury.”
- Great progression terrain: “The Happy Valley beginner zone is one of the best in the world – separated from the main mountain, safe, and perfectly designed for learning.”
Looking Ahead
Now living year-round at Big White with his partner, Jake balances summers with contracting work and winters as a lead trainer. For him, the SnowSkool Banff course was the springboard that made it all possible.
“SnowSkool set me up with the fundamentals, the friendships, and the connections that helped me move quickly through the industry. For anyone serious about becoming an instructor – it’s the best starting point you could ask for.”
Inspired by Jake's story? Learn more about the Banff Ski Instructor Course or Big White Ski Instructor Course!
Follow @skiwithjake on instagram to see what he is getting up to!