Who Am I?
Hey, I’m Noa, and I spent three amazing months doing the SnowSkool ski instructor course in Banff, Canada this January.
If I were interviewing myself, the first question would probably be: Who even are you? It’s always a weird one to answer—especially when you’re writing about yourself—because you don’t want to come across as self-obsessed, but also not too self-deprecating either.
But if I’m being honest, a year ago I would’ve said I was an anxious, underconfident perfectionist—a London teenager about to start her gap year with no idea what she was doing. It might sound like a cliché, maybe even a bit gap year-coded, but this year has genuinely changed me for the better.
Now? I’d say I’m more laid-back, a lot more confident, and while I love the sun... I love the snow even more. I’ve learned to care less about what other people think of me and to focus more on how I see myself—and honestly, I have SnowSkool to thank for a lot of that.
How I Found SnowSkool
I left school with three A-Levels and no clear direction. My original plan was to be a chalet host for the season and then travel somewhere warm (mainly so I wouldn’t start university looking like a ghost). I picked up multiple jobs—nannying, helping out with my mum’s travel business, and doing shifts at a restaurant.
During this time, I applied to over 50 chalet hosting jobs… and got rejected by all of them. Turns out, being 18 with no experience isn’t exactly what luxury ski companies are after. Who knew?
Eventually, I gave up the job hunt. Then one day, while scrolling Instagram, I saw an ad for SnowSkool. I hadn’t really considered becoming a ski instructor, but after stalking their page, it looked like a lot of fun and something I could definitely get on board with. I checked out the Banff course and impulsively signed up, without telling anyone.
When I spoke to Steve from SnowSkool and found out there were only four spots left, I ran downstairs and begged my mum to talk to him. After saying "no" a million times, she finally gave in and was hooked too. Little did I know it would be far more than just “fun.”
With only two months before the course started, I worked non-stop to save money, bought all my gear, and even met up with a couple of girls from London who were also doing the course. We all joined a call before we flew out, and a WhatsApp group was created. It definitely eased my anxiety to know who else was going and to start picturing the kind of vibe the group might have.
My Ski Experience (Or Lack of It)
Did I have much skiing experience before SnowSkool? Not really. I’d been a few times—mostly to a small resort in Romania—and honestly, a red run in Sinaia is probably a blue (at best) in Canada. So, yes, I was terrified. The idea of skiing with around 40 strangers when I felt so far behind in skill? Horrifying.
But day one of training completely flipped my expectations. No tears. No breakdowns. Just supportive instructors and steady legs. The reassurance they gave was unlike anything I’d experienced before. Compared to the instructor I had growing up who used to shout “Noa, turn, turn, turn!” down the slopes, this felt like an entirely new world.
First Impressions
When we arrived in Calgary, it was dark—so the Rockies hadn’t yet revealed their magic. But meeting CJ and Nathan (our course reps) instantly made me feel at ease. They knew our names, cracked jokes right away, and had nicknames for us within minutes. It felt like we’d known each other for months.
They were always around—literally down the hall. Whether someone had a bit too much to drink or was having a quiet moment of anxiety, they were there. One moment that stuck with me was waking up on our first morning to “Morning, Noz! Ready for your first day?” Hell yeah, I was.
From that very first day—between the instant connections with other SnowSkoolers, the view of Cascade Mountain out the hostel window, and the laid-back charm of Banff—I knew I was in for something special.
Life Beyond the Slopes
Outside of ski training, we were never bored. Some of the highlights:
- Watching skijoring (skiers doing tricks while pulled by horses)
- Ice skating
- Soaking in Banff hot springs
- Visiting Lake Louise
- Hiking Tunnel Mountain
- Watching an NFL game in Calgary
- Eating way too much pizza at Sofia’s (still crave it daily)
- Going out every Wednesday and Sunday
Banff has this unbeatable energy. Whether you’re socialising in the hostel, exploring town, or simply staring at the view, it always gives you something.
The Main Event: Skiing
Each morning started with a 20-minute private bus ride to Sunshine Village. People were either vibing to music, chatting about the night before, or asleep in full ski gear.
The resort itself had everything—great ramen, friendly staff, epic views, and of course, fantastic slopes. We quickly became mates with instructors and staff, so there was always someone to ride with, even if you went up solo.
Training was always entertaining. From synchronised skiing to learning tricks, it wasn’t all serious drills. The instructors made it fun and engaging—it was never an effort to motivate yourself to get up the mountain, because you always knew something funny would happen and that you’d see real improvement in your skiing, even in just one day.
Overall, What Did I Think of My SnowSkool Experience?
Well, hopefully it’s obvious—I had the time of my life.
Three months away from moody London, skidooshing down the slopes (as CJ and Nathan would say), spending time with some of the best people I’ve ever met… I honestly couldn’t have asked for more.
But on a personal level, it changed everything for me. I started the course with no self-belief, very little confidence, a lot of anxiety, and a plan to study psychology at university—mainly because it felt like the safe option.
By the end of it, I had completely shifted my mindset. I decided to study geography instead, something I’d always been passionate about but never felt brave enough to pursue. I built up so much confidence—thanks to the amazing instructors, reps, and friends who supported me through the moments when I didn’t think I could get down a challenging slope, nail a drill, or even just believe in myself.
No, I’m not heading straight into ski instructing right now, but it’s definitely something I’d consider in the future. What SnowSkool really showed me is that ski instructing isn’t just about yelling down the mountain—it’s about how you handle nervous or underconfident skiers, how you make lessons fun and engaging, and how you help people improve sometimes without them even realising it. It’s also about building connections and lifting people up—and that’s what made it so special.
Am I Still in Touch with Anyone from SnowSkool?
The answer is 100% yes! I’ve made some of my best friends through this course—one of them I basically live at her house now. We call, FaceTime, meet up regularly, and even have a trip planned to the Isle of Wight this September.
The best part is that these aren’t just any friends—they’re people who lift me up, make me laugh, support me no matter what, and most importantly, share the same love for skiing. A lot of them are actually going back to Banff next season to work as instructors, and I’m planning to visit in March for three weeks.
Going back to Banff will feel like going home. I’ve made so many memories there—had some embarrassing falls, eaten amazing food, and honestly never felt so comfortable in another country. I can’t wait to go back, see familiar faces, and make even more memories.
Life After SnowSkool
After Banff, I went home slightly broke and worked for a bit before heading off to Madagascar for six weeks on a marine conservation programme. The confidence and independence I built in Canada made it all so much easier. I went into that trip with a totally different mindset—trusting myself, believing in what I could do, and not caring about how I came across.
My Advice? Don’t Think. Just Do It.
If you’re considering doing a season, especially with SnowSkool: don’t hesitate.
It doesn’t matter how good you are at skiing or snowboarding, whether you’re introverted or extroverted, or if you have no idea what you’re doing with your life.
This course is for everyone, and I promise—you won’t even recognise yourself by the end of it. In the best way.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re on the fence about a ski instructor course or planning a gap year, I hope my story gave you the little push you need.
And trust me—I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
If you would like to learn more about the Banff course, read here: SnowSkool Ski Instructor Course in Banff