Certified Ski or Snowboard Instructor

Kirkwood Mountain Resort, LLC; California; On-site; USD 29,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Epic Pass for employees

Discounted lodging for employees

Employee discounts on gear and dining

Job summary

Vail Resorts is hiring Winter Seasonal Ski Instructors for 2026/27. The role focuses on safe, fun ski instruction for guests of all ages and abilities, with emphasis on teaching techniques and guest satisfaction. Training is provided, and benefits include free Epic Passes and employee discounts.

Applicants must be 18+, have PSIA/AASI certification, and be able to work holidays and weekends. Housing may be available, and pay ranges from $21.00 to $40.00 per hour depending on role and experience.

Qualifications

• Must be fluent in English (spoken and written).
• PSIA/AASI Level 1, 2 or 3 certification (international equivalent ok).
• High School or equivalent education.

Responsibilities

• Uphold guest safety on varied terrain in winter conditions.
• Instruct skiing to students of different levels, physically and verbally.
• Match students to appropriate skill levels and adjust as needed.
• Assist guests with equipment transport and loading/unloading chairlifts.
• Demonstrate skiing and snowboarding techniques to all levels.
• Ensure student progress and provide feedback to guests.

Skills

English fluency

Guest service

Teamwork

Teaching

Education

High School or equivalent

PSIA/AASI Level 1-3 certification

Job description

Now hiring for winter 2026/27 - Cooks, Drivers, Instructors & more. Apply today!

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Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until December 15th or until the positions are filled (whichever is first).

Employee Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program

Share your passion!The Certified Instructor will have deep enthusiasm for the sport, allowing him/her to provide quality ski instruction to groups and individuals, adults and children. With a constant eye towards safety and a teaching-strategy centered around fun, our instructors will build lasting relationships with our guests. From beginner to advanced, our team works to ensure students get the most out of their day, their week or their seasons with us.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $21.00/hr - $40.00/hr
  • Pay range reflects minimum base wages; instructors may have opportunities to earn more with additional teaching incentives
• Employment Type: Winter Seasonal 2026/2027.
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available. For Full-Time Instructors, a 40-hour workweek is not guaranteed. Scheduled hours will vary depending on business volume.
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: Yes

Job Responsibilities:

• Upholding the highest levels of guest safety on varied terrain in the high altitude undervarying winter weather conditions.
• Clearly and accurately instructing assigned levels of skiing to students, both physically and verbally.
• Ensuring that students are matched to appropriate skierskill level and working with supervisors/managers to make appropriate changes when necessary.
• Assisting guests with transportation of equipment to and from snow when needed.
• Clearly communicating instructions for guests to load and unload the chairlift.
• Supervising children in class at all times, including assisting at lunch and snack times and ensuring return of children to identified guardian.
• Assisting in operational responsibilities of Ski & Ride programs including but not limited to registration process, directing guests to appropriate equipment fitting source, upkeep of outdoor teaching areas, and cleanliness of facilities.
• Teaching skiing at all levels of difficulty based upon ability and experience.
• Understanding and abiding by the rules and procedures set forth in the Resource and Guidelines Manual.
• Must be able to discuss the lesson content and evaluate the progress of the lesson with the guest.
• Able to physically, clearly and accurately demonstrate assigned levels of skiing and snowboarding models.
• Must have high level of guest service skills and experience.
• Assisting with boot/equipment fitting, sales lobby greeting and other tasks assigned by Manager/Supervisors.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• High School or equivalent education
• Ability to attend all required Ski and Ride training sessions
• PSIA/AASI Level 1, 2 or 3 certification (international equivalent ok)
• Must be fluent in all aspects of the English language (spoken and written)
• Must have excellent guest service skills
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Must successfully pass a Background Check
• Must be able to work in inclement weather in a high alpine environment
• Must have sight, speech, and hearing abilities sufficient to learn skills, follow, and provide directions
• Must be willing to teach both adults and children
• Must be able to provide 2 letters of reference
• Must be available to work holidays and weekends
• Must be willing to adhere to the Vail Resorts policy of wearing an approved snow sports helmet at all times while teaching

Preferred skills:

• Experience working with guests of all ages
• Knowledge of local area/resort
• Previous experience with teaching/coaching/mentoring children
• Second language - Spanish preferred

What’s in it for you?

• Free EPIC Pass to all of our resorts
• Discounted coupons for friends and family
• Shuttle bus from S. Lake Tahoe to Kirkwood
• Carpool Incentive program
• Discount with select industry manufactures
• Opportunities to participate in ski/ride improvement clinics
• Discounted lodging at our Rock Resort Properties starting at $85/night
• Food and beverage discounts at mountain dining locations
• 10-25% off at our Starbucks locations
• On site medical clinic with benefits for employees
• Job Share opportunities to work more hours if needed

The expected pay range is$21.00/hr - $40.00/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID 518641

Reference Date: 10/31/2026

Job Code Function: Ski & Ride School