2026/27 Winter Adaptive Snowsports Instructor Intern

PSIA-AASI Western Region; Mammoth Lakes (CA); On-site; Full time

Job description

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT

APPLICANTS MUST BE ENROLLED IN A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY PROGRAM REQUIRING A RELATED, APPROVED INTERNSHIP PRIOR TO GRADUATION.

About Access Mammoth

Access Mammoth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We offer adaptive skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor recreation experiences throughout the Eastern Sierra, helping participants of all ages and abilities achieve their recreation goals through specialized instruction and adaptive equipment.

Internship Overview

The Adaptive Snowsports Instructor Internship is an immersive learning experience designed for students interested in adaptive sports, outdoor recreation, education, nonprofit management, and disability services.

Over the course of the winter season, interns develop the skills necessary to become adaptive snowsports instructors while gaining valuable experience working within a nonprofit organization. Interns receive extensive training in skiing performance, instructional techniques, adaptive sports methodologies, guest service, and program operations.

The internship begins with a minimum of 2 weeks of structured training focused on:

• Personal skiing and riding performance
• Snowsports instruction techniques
• Adaptive instruction methodologies
• Adaptive equipment operation and safety
• Guest service and program operations

Following training, interns progress through a structured learning pathway that includes:

• Lesson observation and shadowing
• Assisting experienced instructors during lessons
• Serving as secondary instructors
• Progressing to primary instructor responsibilities through ongoing evaluations and mentorship

Interns gain experience working with a wide variety of adaptive disciplines, including:

• Sit skiing
• 3-track skiing
• 4-track skiing
• Instruction for athletes with visual impairments
• Instruction for athletes with hearing impairments
• Instruction for athletes with cognitive disabilities

Professional Development Opportunities

In addition to adaptive instruction, interns gain exposure to the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit adaptive sports organization, including:

• Lesson scheduling and logistics
• Volunteer coordination
• Program development
• Fundraising initiatives
• Special event planning
• Guest services
• Adaptive sports program administration PSIA-AASI certification pathways

This internship is designed to provide meaningful professional experience while helping participants build skills that can lead to future careers in adaptive sports, outdoor recreation, education, nonprofit management, and related fields.

What We're Looking For

• Passion for helping individuals with disabilities succeed and enjoy outdoor recreation
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Interest in adaptive sports, outdoor recreation, education, or nonprofit work
• Commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment

Minimum Requirements

• Education
  • Must be enrolled in a college or university program that requires a related and approved internship prior to graduation.
• Preferred Certifications
  • PSIA-AASI certification (preferred but not required)
  • First Aid/CPR certification (preferred but not required)
  • Wilderness First Responder certification (preferred but not required)

Why Intern With Access Mammoth?

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in adaptive sports while working alongside experienced instructors, volunteers, and nonprofit professionals. Interns leave the program with practical teaching experience, exposure to nonprofit operations, and specialized skills in adaptive recreation that can support a variety of future career paths.