US Ski & Snowboard Instructor Training Program FAQs
Got More Questions About Rookie Academy's Keystone Instructor Training Programs? Here Are Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Need some more information about Rookie's Keystone instructor training programs or Keystone itself? We've put together answers to frequently asked questions here for you.
Have a look and get in touch if you still need help.
General
1. How many people do you have on the Keystone course?
24- 30 Rookies over all courses
2. What are the group ratios?
There will be 4-6 Rookies per group.
3. Does the course supply food at all or discounts?
The course does not include food costs. On the internship course you get staff discounts through Vail Resorts which own shops, restaurants, sport shops, etc.
4. Do we need to bring any bedding or cooking gear?
Accommodation is furnished and fitted out with basic cooking gear.
5. Do I need jacket and pants?
Yes. You will need to train in your own ski/ride gear.
Interns: you receive a Keystone school uniform for teaching in.
Visas, Qualifications & Job Prospects
6. If I am over 30 can I still get a work visa for the USA?
Yes, the ski school will sponsor you in on an H2B work visa, there are no age restrictions that we know of.
7. Is PSIA/AASi certification acknowledged in all places or do some want other training as well?
PSIA and AASI level 2 are acknowledged international qualifications. Some countries ask for fully qualified instructors, which means: level 3. (See also: PSIA & AASI Qualifications & NZ course FAQs.)
8. What are my chances of passing?
We have been training people for instructor exams since 1992, since that time we have averaged a 90% pass rate.
9. What are the employment opportunities like for me after the course?
Excellent, over the last 5 to 6 years we have developed a network of ski and ride schools throughout America, Canada and New Zealand that will employ our clients on our recommendation.
10. Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the course?
NO. We do reserve the right not to recommend someone for a position overseas if we feel they will potentially damage a relationship we have with that ski school. This is a rare, though.
Money Stuff
11. How much will it cost to set myself up with new gear?Depending on what you buy, expect to pay US$1000-$1500. (See ski gear guide or snowboard gear guide.)
12. What do you get paid as an instructor?
Pay rates vary considerably depending on the qualification you hold and resort policy but, roughly speaking, you can expect to get:
- Unqualified - $10
- Level 1 - $11.50
- Level 2 - $13.00
- Level 3 - $16.00
If you get a request private lesson this can pay 1.5 To 2 times your hourly wage.
Travel
(see Getting There & Getting Around)
13. When can I arrive?
Arrive on the date your course starts. We do not begin training until the first Monday so the initial 2-3 days are there for you to settle in. If you arrive earlier, you will have to organize your own accommodation until your course starts.
14. When do we leave?
If you are with us all winter, you should plan to leave when Keystone closes (other mountains stay open longer).
Keystone mostly closes mid April so a departure date of April 14th should be a good date.
Interns: Your visas expire on April 30th so to avoid any immigration issues make sure you depart before April 30th unless you extend your stay by applying for a holiday visa
Working as an Intern
15 .I’d just like the $$ figure that a good average student can earn on the course?
We're not really in a position to give details, because that is something dependent on how much you work and any number of other variables, but the minimum figure would be around $3500.
16. How many days teaching will wehave per week.
You will be rostered on for 2-3 days a week, after your level 1 exam, and you'll also have to work all the Keystone commitment days.
17. What are the Commitment Days?
They are compulsory days i.e. Christmas holidays, President Day weekend, Saturday, Martin Luther King weekend, March break and other high volume days.
18. How many days off a week are there?
You will have 1-2 days off a week depending on how much you want to work.
19. It says that we will be required to work weekends/holidays during the course?
Yes, you will be scheduled to work. If you have family traveling to visit, schedules them on non holiday times. This is suggested anyway to avoid busy times. You may be able to request time off but get in early.
20. Is this all paid work or part of the course?
Yes. All paid work
21. Are we obliged to work after the 18 week course?
No.
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