Certified Ski/Snowboard Instructor/Coach - Level 1

Sugar Bowl; Norden (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Seasonal training

Equipment reimbursement

401k plan

Free ski passes

Employee discounts

Job summary

Sugar Bowl Resort seeks passionate, guest-centered Certified Level 1 Ski and Snowboard Instructors to join our Snowsports School for the winter season. In this role you’ll teach guests of all ages, deliver group lessons, and participate in ongoing training to grow your craft.

Current Level 1 certification required; strong communication and a love of teaching are essential. Compensation will be determined by management based on certification and experience.

Qualifications

• Certification: Current PSIA/AASI Level 1 required.
• Ability to teach or coach guests of all ages.
• Excellent communication and guest service skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver group lessons and coaching sessions as assigned by Snowsports School management.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment.
• Contribute to Seasonal Shredders program and training.

Skills

PSIA/AASI Level 1

Teaching/guest service

Communication

Job description

Sugar Bowl Resort is seeking passionate, guest-centered Certified Level 1 Ski and Snowboard Instructors to join our Snowsports School team for the upcoming winter season. This role is for people who love snow, love people, and love the craft of teaching - those ready to put their Level 1 certification to work helping guests of all ages and abilities find their footing on the mountain.

Whether you’re newly certified or bring a season or two of experience as a Level 1 instructor, Sugar Bowl’s Snowsports School is one of the best places in California to grow your career. Our season-long training programs, supportive team culture, and stunning Donner Summit terrain make this more than a job - it’s a community.

Note: Compensation will be determined by management based on certification, experience, and demonstrated skill.

Why Sugar Bowl?

Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to “sunny California” since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.

Who You Are

• Current PSIA, AASI, or equivalent Level 1 certification required
• Strong intermediate skiing or riding ability or higher required to apply; snowboard instructors must also be able to ski and teach skiing
• Creative, eager to learn, and able to help manage groups of guests in an organized and safe manner
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to connect with guests of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels - including children and families
• Desire and demonstrated ability to grow personally and professionally within the mountain resort industry
• Ability to build positive working relationships across departments and contribute to a collaborative team environment
• Punctual, reliable, and committed to showing up dressed, equipped, and ready to go by your scheduled start time - assignments may begin as early as 8:00 AM
• Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed - a versatile, team-first mindset

What You’ll do

Instruction & Coaching

• Deliver group lessons and/or coaching sessions as assigned by Snowsports School management
• Participate in and contribute to our Seasonal Shredders program and other specialty coaching tracks
• Apply progressive, guest-centered teaching methodology that meets guests where they are and moves them forward
• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment at all times
• Participate actively in our season-long instructor training and professional development program to continuously sharpen your craft

Guest Experience & Team Culture

• Deliver a warm, professional, and memorable experience for every guest - from first contact to final run
• Communicate effectively and positively with guests, families, homeowners, and fellow resort staff
• Serve as a living example of Sugar Bowl’s core values in every interaction
• Foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual support with fellow instructors and other resort departments
• Assist with cleaning assignments shared by Snowsports School staff
• Perform snow shoveling as necessary to maintain safe, accessible work areas
• Support other resort departments as operationally needed
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations.
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills across the resort, supporting a well-rounded, team-first approach to the guest experience.

Application Questions (please have this information ready)

Which discipline are you able to teach?

Do you have any prior teaching, coaching, or guest service experience?

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged physical activity on snow including skiing, snowboarding, walking in ski boots, and standing on varied terrain
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions typical of Donner Summit, including heavy snowfall, high winds, freezing temperatures, ice, flat light, and reduced visibility - full days, every scheduled shift
• Ability to lift, carry, and assist with equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to perform snow shoveling and general physical maintenance tasks as assigned
• Visual acuity to navigate mountain terrain and monitor guests in varying light and weather conditions
• Must be able to tolerate sustained exposure to heavy winter weather

Winter Benefits

• Seasonal training opportunity
• Tiered equipment reimbursement based on qualifying hours, available upon return the following season
• Certification reimbursement, available upon return the following season
• Additional $20.00/hr for private requests
• Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1000hrs (and 1-yr)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Free ski and tubing passes for employees
• Free ski passes for dependents
• 50% off food at our cafeterias
• Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees
• Excellent discounts on competitive and non-competitive Snow Sports Programs
• Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends
• Lift ticket discounts at tons of resorts including 24 destinations thanks to the Mountain Collective
• Hotel discounts
• Employee ski reciprocal programs
• Discounted group lesson for dependents
• Access to free technical performance & teach methodology training throughout the season