I’ve received a few emails from people who want to know about possibly changing careers and becoming snowboard instructors, so here’s one option that I would suggest, if you have the money.
Instructor training camps
Yes. You can go from nearly total beginner to level 2 CASI Snowboard Instructor in 1 season. Training camps have become widespread and the best ones will be able to take you from beginner to a level 2 instructor in about 3-4 months.
How it works
Basically, these camps are similar to other snowboard camps, except as well as helping to improve your riding, they’ll also teach you how to instruct and what is required to pass the instructors exam.
What’s offered
A standard camp will offer you accommodation for the duration of your stay, as well as on hill training 5 days a week. On-hill training will usually last about 3 hours each day.
It’s typical for a good instructors training camp to have actual examinors from the snowboard school as your coaches. This way you get to know exactly what they’re looking for, as well as how to teach each step of snowboard progression.
I recommend doing at least a 3 month course if you’re a total beginner, otherwise, you may not be able to reach the riding level you need to pass your level 2 certificate.
What do I need to do to ensure I reach level 2 certification?
Make sure you practice outside of on-hill training time. If you’re a total beginner, it takes time for things like knee bending to click. As well as this, level 2 certification requires more advanced skills such as short well executed turns down steep slopes.
Your training camp coaches will teach you the techniques, but you still need to practice them outside of camp time if you want to make sure you pass your level 2 exam. If you just rely on camp training time to practice, you will have trouble improving fast enough to reach level 2 ability.
Why do I need level 2? Can’t I stop at level 1?
Level 1 is quite easy to obtain and doesn’t require a high level of skill, hence many companies will look to only employ level 2+ instructors.
How much does this cost?
Here’s the big catch, it does cost a good chunk of change. But that goes for any camp, whether it’s an instructors camp or a regular camp.
A quick look at one of the leading camps in Whistler (http://www.pro-ride.com) shows that the price for 12 months of instructors training camp (including lift pass and accommodation) will set you back nearly $15,000 canadian dollars.
Final bits of advice
It’s a very, very good way to get the skills required to reach level 2 certification, as well as become a far better rider in a very short time. However, it’s also pretty pricy and more experienced riders will not get as much benefit as beginners.
If you’re a more experienced rider, I recommend just doing a short 1 week camp to understand what’s required and make sure you know what will be expected of you in the examination.
I myself went through a training camp in Whistler and saw insane amounts of improvement within a very short time, so I can say that they do work. Whether it’s worth the high price is a decision you have to make yourself.
Finally, if you’re interested in becoming a snowboard instuctor, I highly recommend you watch our interview with Gregg Davis, one of N. America’s top snowboard instructors.
Good luck and happy riding!