Becoming a Snowboarding Instructor in Australia: Carving Your Path to Shredding Success

Australia's breath taking snow-covered landscapes offer the perfect playground for snowboarding enthusiasts. If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion for snowboarding into a rewarding career, becoming a certified snowboarding instructor might be the ultimate ride. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll take you on a snowboarding journey, exploring the steps to becoming a snowboarding instructor in Australia. From APSI courses to uncertified and certified entry routes, pay rates, and work hours, we'll cover it all. So, grab your board, strap in, and get ready to carve your path to shredding success!

The APSI Certification Courses The Path To Becoming A Snowboarding Instructor

The Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors (APSI) is the leading authority for snow sports instruction in Australia. To become a certified snowboarding instructor, you'll need to enrol in APSI courses. Let's break down the course levels:

Level 1 Instructor Course:

The Level 1 course is the starting point for aspiring instructors. It covers the fundamentals of snowboarding instruction, including teaching methodologies, safety protocols, and beginner-level techniques. This course is ideal for those with intermediate to advanced snowboarding skills, aiming to share their love for the sport with beginners.

Level 2 Instructor Course:

Once you've gained some experience teaching as an instructor, you can move on to the Level 2 course for this you'll need to be working as an instructor at a resort, have a minimum of 50 teaching hours and an additional 25 hour of in house training.

This intermediate-level course dives deeper into teaching techniques, snowboarding manoeuvres, basic level park and movement analysis. Completion of the Level 2 course prepares you to instruct riders of all levels independently. Having completed your level 2 course it opens up international working opportunities!

Level 3 Instructor Course

The Level 3 course is designed for experienced instructors seeking to take their skills to the next level. It focuses on leadership, advanced teaching methods, further park manoeuvres and running instructor training programs. Becoming a Level 3 certified instructor opens up opportunities to work in prestigious snow schools and lead the next generation of snowboarding instructors. Having completed your level 3 certification you can now move into coaching roles and travel internationally on sponsored working visas!

Level 4 Instructor Course

The Level 4 course is the highest level qualification in the APSI and is what we call "full cert" to achieve this level you must demonstrate a high level in all aspects of instructing. upon completion of this certification you can move into becoming a Trainer and Examiner of the next generation of instructors!

Certified Entry Routes

As far as it goes for Australia there is two methods of entry to becoming a snowboarding instructor certified and uncertified.

Certified

This method involves taking the Level 1 instructor course before trying to gain employment at a resort and in my opinion is the better option. Yes it will cost you a few extra dollars and a few days of your time for the course but it will show to potential employers that you're motivated to get started.

Uncertified

Gaining entry to a Snowsports school via means of an "uncertified position" is the other option. Each season snow schools advertise for these positions to encourage people to move into the industry. Once hired they will enrol you into the level one course for you to partake in before the season starts so that your qualified and ready to go for opening weekend.

Pay Rates and Work Hours

Pay Rates:

The pay rates for snowboarding instructors can vary depending on factors such as certification level, experience, and the resort or snowboarding school. On average, entry-level instructors can earn around AUD 30 to AUD 35 per hour, while more experienced and certified instructors can earn up to AUD 40 per hour or more.

Work Hours:

The work hours for snowboarding instructors are typically based on the resort or snowboarding school's schedule and the demand for lessons. During peak seasons, instructors may have more consistent and longer work hours, while off-peak seasons may lead to fewer hours. For a rough guide peak season and during school holidays we worked 6 days a week for roughly 6-8 hours a day. once this died down we work 4-5 days.

Becoming a snowboarding instructor in Australia is a thrilling journey for those who are passionate about the sport. APSI courses are the gateway to certification, offering valuable training and preparation for a successful instructing career. Whether you choose to follow the certified entry routes or start as an uncertified instructor, gaining experience, and refining your skills is key to carving your path to shredding success.

As you dive into this exhilarating adventure, remember that being a snowboarding instructor goes beyond just teaching techniques; it's about sharing your passion and spreading the stoke with each student you encounter. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and embark on the ride of a lifetime as you inspire others to experience the magic of snowboarding in the stunning landscapes of Australia!