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A noob’s guide to ski teaching

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So you’ve taken the plunge and singed up for an instructor training course, here’s what they aren’t going to tell you that you need to know.

Being a ski instructor can be addictive
During new instructor training last season, one of my students kept telling me that she just wanted to learn how to teach her grandchildren and didn’t want to be an instructor. She was one of the standout new instructors last year, got her level 1 certification and is back for more.

Networking, networking, networking
There will be a bar where instructors at your mountain hang out. The veterans know ins and outs of your school and they’ll tell you everything you need to know over a beer or soda. As an aside, I don’t drink and it’s never been a problem.

You’ll quickly learn to budget an extra 20 minutes to say goodbye in the bar. It takes that long to hug everyone. Most ski instructors are huggers.

Don’t buy anything
As an instructor, particularly a certified instructor, you get access to pro deals and other special offers. Why pay retail? Also, your trainers will be able to help you get the right equipment. The only thing I would buy is a pair of pants in the proscribed color, usually black and a turtleneck or two.

Train, a lot
Going to clinics is a good way to get to know other instructors. It will also help you move through the ranks. If you take what your trainers give you and work on it, you will be shocked just how much you can improve in just one season.

Brownie points
The fastest way to get noticed is to help out the supervisors. Volunteer to teach back to back, go to the children's learning center or help out in some other way.  It will pay off.

We’re all on the same team
Spread some joy around. Being kind and considerate makes for a better environment for us and our guests.

Instructors got a bad reputation for telling lifties, rental shop employees and others what to do and we’ve been working to fix it. Just because you’re in charge in your full-time job, doesn’t mean you are here. If you have an issue with another department, take it to your supervisor.

If you think we have nothing to teach you, you don’t belong here
It’s a harsh statement, but a true one. I’ve seen a lot of hotshots not last a season because they’re surprised that we don’t get on our knees and worship them. The instructors that have a good time embrace training and learning.
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