SnowSports School Instructor Levels 3&4

Reports to: Snow School Assistant Director and Director of Skiing

Position Overview

Level 3 Instructors will be expected to teach the full spectrum of products that the Marmot Basin Snow Sports School has to offer* including but not limited to: Instructor training, Private lessons, FAM tours, School/Youth groups.

*Some specific exceptions may apply that require additional certification, for example terrain park lessons.

L3 & L4 Instructor - Level 3 and Level 4 instructors will be expected to fulfill all the roles described below in the L1 and L2 job descriptions. Additionally, they will be expected to have the skills, knowledge and experience required to teach strong technical lessons in black and double black terrain. They should have the ability to teach high performance lessons including demonstrating tactics in simple obstacle courses: For example, stubbies, corridors, brushes, etc.. 

Level 3 and 4 instructors need to possess strong leadership skills. They will be expected to take on supervisory responsibilities, leading other Instructors whilst overseeing large School/Youth Groups. They will be expected to mentor and guide junior instructors throughout their week.

Level 3 and 4 instructors will at times be required to lead Instructor training sessions including Level 1 and Level 2 preparation. Instructors with the TD (Trainer Designation) certification will be given priority in instructor training. Level 4 Instructors may also lead level 3, TD (Trainer Designation), and level 4 prep sessions.

Marmot Basin encourages professional development in our instructors and will strive to provide training  towards future goals, including but not limited to: the TD course, Level 4 Selection camp and full level 4 certification.

These are both full-time and part-time seasonal roles running from November through May.

The candidates should expect to work in a fast-paced environment with a flexible daily schedule. Alberta

Employment Standards regarding probationary periods apply.

A Day in the Life of a Snow School Instructor

Upon arrival to Marmot Basin, you will head to Boot Up (locker room) where you will put on your uniform and equipment ready to ski/snowboard for the day. From there you will head to 8:45 Line Up.

Line- Ups/Morning Meeting – 8:45 sharp – Role call, Safety briefing and daily announcements. 9am lesson assignments. For instructors not working at 9am a morning session will often run with a senior instructor. L3 Instructors may be asked to run these sessions.

Line- Ups – 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Instructors must check in 5 minutes prior to each and every line up. The exception is if you are already assigned a lesson. At line ups instructors will be ready in full equipment and uniform to teach any lesson the Snow School supervisor has assigned them. Lessons will vary in length from 1 hour to a full day. Depending on the product a lunch break will be scheduled, this lunch break will be paid if the instructor has to stay with the client.

If not scheduled to any lessons or additional duties Instructors are free to ski/snowboard in between line ups. On quiet afternoons after 1pm ski/snowboard improvement sessions will often run with a senior instructor. (This time is not covered by WCB).  At 2pm Instructors who are not working will be let go for the day.

Line Up – 3pm

A handful of instructors may be asked to return to 3pm line up in case of late lesson sales.

Lesson Types

Instructor Training

• Run morning 1 hour sessions following topics assigned by the Snow School management.
• Provide training to intern instructors to achieve the CSIA or CASI L1 standard.
• Provide training to intern instructors on Marmot Basin Policies and Procedures including specific training in how to teach the following products:

Mite Private

• Ages 3-6. Private lesson with up to 2 children from the same family/group.
• Meets at the top of the magic carpet.
• Duration 1- 2 hours.

Tiny Tracks

• Part of the full day nursery package.
• Ages 3-6. Group lesson of up to 2 students
• Meet in the nursery – Kids must be signed in and signed out of nursery by Instructor.

Kids Camps

• Ages 6-12.
• Half day and Full Day options – Full day includes lunch with the kids.
• 10am – 12pm morning session
• 1pm -3.30pm afternoon session
• Max 8 per group

Discover and Next Step Ski/Snowboard Packages

• Group product for students age 13 +
• Discover – Never/Ever skiers introduced to a skiing/snowboarding for the first time.
• Next Step – Students have had some introduction to skiing/snowboarding but are not yet comfortable riding green terrain by themselves.
• Both products start at the Magic Carpet

Private Lessons – 1hr, 2hr, 3hr, 5hr

• Premium product
• All ages
• Up to 5 people may join for the same price.
• Tailored to suit the client’s needs.
• 3hr and 5hr may request an early phone consult, and video analysis.

Domestic School/Youth Groups

• 2 hours for new skiers/snowboarders. Regular beginner progression. Goal is to have students prepared to safely descend School House run and ride School House chair by themselves.
• 1 hour safety orientation for students who can already safely ride lifts and a green run.
• Reminders on safe lift protocol.
• Review the alpine responsibility code.
• Review the trail map and make recommendations on where students should ski after the lesson.
• Quick technical pointers that will assist students navigate safely for the rest of their day : “Feel your shins touch the front of the boot to help stay in control”, “Balance against the downhill ski to help grip on the steep parts”.

Full Day School/Youth Groups

• Generally, multi day international groups.
• Lead a team of Instructors assigned to a specific school.
• Manage the split of a school group to create independent groups for the instructors to ski/snowboard with for the rest of the week.
• Train and mentor instructors to pace lessons and balance technical improvement, terrain exploration, and the social experience to maximize students’ safety, achievement and enjoyment.
• Lead an end of day debrief with the schools’ instructors.
• Attend a group leads daily meeting and report on the day

General Responsibilities for Snow School Instructors:

• Advocate Safety! In your lessons and in your personal skiing or riding.
• Punctuality for all line ups.  
• Professionalism – In and out of lessons. This includes wearing your uniform and equipment professionally. Your conduct on the hill, in the lift lines, in the chalet etc.
• Be approachable and friendly to all guests and other staff members.
• Acquire a proficient knowledge of the mountain to answer questions.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of high-performance skis, boots, and snowboards.
• Relay customer comments to supervisors.
• Point out safety concerns that may be harmful to other staff members or guests.
• Assist in emergency situations to the best of their knowledge.
• Respond to customers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ensure compliance with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation as it relates to the job.
• Assist any other departments as needed and perform any other tasks as assigned.

Supplementary:

• Respect and adhere to the company’s policies and procedures as set in the “Corporate Policies”, “Employee Handbook”, and “Safety Operations Training Manual”.

Qualifications:

• Minimum CSIA or CASI Level 3 certification or international equivalent.
• Physically fit and able to assist clients with standing.  Can assist with some breaking of a student by skiing backwards in front of them. Be capable of skiing with students for a full day.
• Willingness to teach lessons of all abilities and ages.
• Ability to work well under pressure (during busy periods, emergency situations, or difficult customers).
•  Prior experience in a Snow Sports School is required.
• Additional teaching qualifications are considered an asset. For example: dual certifications, Park, CADs, ACA, etc.

Core Competencies:

• A friendly, professional manner when dealing with customers and other staff.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Cheerful, outgoing, easygoing personality and the ability to adapt to all situations.
• Self-motivated and able to work alone.

Attributes:

• Strong team member able to take direction easily.
• Passion for Skiing and or Snowboarding.
• Motivated and observant; able to perceive needed tasks and complete them without direction.
• Self-aware; able to identify strengths and gaps in own abilities and training.
• Able to use taught skills and previous experience to problem solve.
• A drive for personal development of Ski or Snowboarding skills and teaching skills.