The Skills Ski Schools Want when Hiring Inexperienced Ski Instructors in the USA

Every fall thousands of people explore the possibility of becoming a ski instructor in the United States. Most are inexperienced as ski instructors but have a passion for skiing. Many expect that they need strong skiing skills to become a ski instructor. Beyond that, most do not know what skills ski schools value when making their hiring decisions. If you are inexperienced but have a desire to work as a ski instructor, the answers are often a shock. Here are the most desired skills they are looking for:

1) Communication skills

Verbal and non-verbal communication skills are the single most important skill for a ski instructor. Ski instruction is all about meaningful communication with individuals and groups. In ski school one has to communicate effectively with guests and co-workers of different ages, nationalities, backgrounds, and positions. During a hiring clinic, the trainer will not expect you to have ski instruction skills but will observe how you address and interact with other clinic members and other resort employee's.

2) People skills

Ski instruction can involve working with many types of people under a variety of situations. Supervisors and training staff want to know if you are enthusiastic and friendly about teaching people how to ski. Do you love sharing your sport with others? Do you have customer service skills? The hiring clinicians look for people with any type of prior teaching experience whether it is life experience or job experience. Mention any previous teaching or coaching experience on a resume and during the on-slope hiring clinic.

3) Are you coach-able

During any ski lesson a great instructor will be giving instruction and soliciting feedback from students. You want your students to listen to you but how willing are you to listen to others? The best ski instructors are life-long learners looking to improve their skiing and their coaching skills. During the on-slope hiring clinic, the trainer will be evaluating how well you listen to instructions and follow them. If you don't like following directions, your hiring clinic may be cut short.

4) Intermediate ski skills

Believe it or not your skiing skills are not as important you might think they are. As an inexperienced and uncertified instructor you'll be teaching beginner classes for the first few seasons. It doesn't take strong skiing skills to teach beginners. You should however be a strong intermediate skier. Your skiing skills will be evaluated during on-snow hiring clinics and you may even learn something new. Be open to suggestions by the clinicians. Don't question what you are being asked to perform. Just do it. Ski Schools have found that the best instructors are those still willing to learn. If you aren't interested in learning new ski skills, ski instruction may not be for you.

5) Professionalism

When you put on a ski school uniform, you're representing the ski school, the ski resort, and professional ski instructors around the world. Most resorts will expect you have a baseline level of professionalism. Being clean cut, clean-shaven, good personal hygiene, clean clothes, and clean undergarments are the minimum. Supervisors will test your ability to show up on-time during a hiring clinic. If you can't show up on time, they can't sell lessons. Clinicians will also evaluate your safety awareness during the hiring clinic. Study the Skiers Responsibility Code. If you can't follow the code, instruction is not be for you.

6) A great attitude

Nothing kills morale more than negative people. Ski instructors are continually faced with challenges. Not all of them are pleasant. Policy changes, injuries, and obnoxious clients can take their toll. Keeping a positive upbeat attitude in the face of adversity will get you through the season. Clinicians will deliberately test your patience and demeanor during a hiring clinic. Smile and laugh at your own mistakes. Acknowledge your limitations and show that you can improve.

7) Experience working with kids

As an inexperienced and uncertified instructor, you'll be the low person on the pole. More than likely you'll spend the first few seasons gaining teaching skills and lineup priority. Most instructors start out teaching beginning children's classes. This is where ski schools have the highest lesson requests. Teaching kids is a bit different than teaching adults. Mention any previous kids instruction on a resume and to the clinician. If the thought of teaching kids is unappealing, research ski schools until you find one that will let you teach adults. Most adult program instructors will be asked to help out in the children's program.

Ski instruction is a profession explored by many but few outside the industry know what skills are required. Ski schools don't expect you to have prior ski instruction experience to teach but they do expect you to have a base set of skills that will help you learn the profession. If you've thought about becoming a ski instructor and possess the skills, don't wait any longer. Apply today.