These questions feature in our FAQs! (Click to see more frequently asked questions).
We often get asked what life is like on an instructor course. Obviously, skiing and riding are the main parts of your snowboard/ski instructor course, but the off-mountain downtime is also an important part of the experience… did someone say après?! The following are our most frequently asked questions, regarding everything that comes with an instructor course when you're off the slopes.
How much downtime is there on a SnowSkool instructor course?
The answer to this question depends on which SnowSkool course you have joined but generally speaking you will be busy on the slopes from around 9am until 4pm Monday to Friday working on (some part of) the SnowSkool course. Evenings & weekends are free for you to do as you wish.
Your SnowSkool rep will often organise activities for the group, or help you book fun stuff to do yourself. These include: backcountry tours, trips to hot springs, bar crawls, karaoke, ice hockey, heli-skiing, cat-skiing, bungee-jumping, sky-diving, climbing, and additional courses such as avalanche awareness, ski/snowboard tuning workshop, and winter first aid.
We chose the resorts for our instructor courses, not only based on world-class instructing/ teaching, but because of how fun they are!
Can I get a part-time job while I’m on the course?
In the evenings you may be quite tired and tight on time, but it is possible. Weekends may be a better option, if you find something flexible. For weekend jobs, try to take advantage of the Sat/Sun changeover days in chalets and hotels - you could probably find an agency who do cleaning services, airport pick-ups etc.
Please note, you will need to make sure you have the right to work in the country with a working visa.
Can I wash my pants??
In all SnowSkool apartments, chalets, Gasthausen, hostels & lodges there are laundry facilities. No need to wear pants inside-out and then back-to-front – just throw them through that round hole in the white machine and hit the ON button!
Will my phone work in resort?
Generally, yes – but it is definitely recommended that you speak directly to your network provider (we can’t speak for all countries and all phone service providers). All our accommodations have WIFI though.
Can I have my own room in the SnowSkool accommodation?
You can book a private room on the SnowSkool courses in Big White, France and Zell am See. But get ‘em before they’re gone, as there will be a finite amount available in each accommodation.
Can I bring my partner on my SnowSkool course?
Whether or not your partner is doing the SnowSkool course, they are welcome to join the group on the SnowSkool programmes in Big White in Canada, Three Valleys in France and Zell am See in Austria. The accommodation we have in Banff in Canada and Wanaka in New Zealand is not suitable for couples. Please contact the SnowSkool team for organisational details and pricing for a partner.
Can I have family and friends to visit?
Yes of course ... However, family & friends are not able to stay in the SnowSkool accommodation (even if you have booked a private room). It often impacts on the dynamics and experience of the group within that specific accommodation. That said, SnowSkool is happy to book and/ or advise on alternative local accommodations, so that you can spend some times with your nearest and dearest!
It also always worth checking the SnowSkool course schedule so that you can make sure to avoid important weeks.
Can I bring my dog/cat/pet snake along?
Unfortunately, no. Of course, if you book the SnowSkool course without accommodation and your landlord is cool with house-pets then go for it!
Hopefully this helps you on your way to a SnowSkool instructor course!
View our ski instructor courses here, our snowboard instructor courses here, or our ski instructor internship here.
Browse our blog for literally hundreds more articles on every element of our courses - from finding an instructor job, to being a good roommate! If you still have questions, get in touch by calling, emailing [email protected] or filling out this form.