How do I become a snowboard instructor in Canada?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 04, 2026
To work as a ski or snowboard instructor in Canada, you’ll need to complete your CSIA or CASI Level 1 instructor certificate or hold an alternative Level 2 qualification that is recognised under ISIA (e.g. BASI or NZSIA qualifications will allow you to work in Canada).
How do you become a certified snowboard instructor?
- Step 1: Join PSIA-AASI.
- Step 2: Select Your Certification Path.
- Step 3: Choose an Exam.
- Sept 4: Establish Your Training Plan.
- Step 5: Practice.
- Step 6: Read Up (Hint – Use Certification Standards!)
- Step 7: Attend Division Events and Clinics.
- Step 8: Take the Certification or Specialist Exam.
How much do snowboard instructors make in Canada?
The average snowboard instructor salary in Canada is $37,294 per year or $19.13 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $32,819 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $46,313 per year.
How much does a snowboard instructor make?
Snowboard Instructor Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Perisher Blue Snowboard Instructor salaries – 1 salaries reported | $37/hr |
| Thredbo Snowboard Instructor salaries – 1 salaries reported | $41/hr |
| Thredbo Snowboard Instructor salaries – 1 salaries reported | $25/hr |
| Perisher Blue Ski/Snowboard Instructor salaries – 2 salaries reported | $40/hr |
How old do you have to be to be a snowboard instructor?
You must be 15 years of age at the commencement of the course and you will need to be competent in your chosen discipline (intermediate) – but not a star. The snowboard level one course covers everything you need to know to get started instructing.
How much does a ski instructor make in Canada?
The average ski instructor salary in Canada is $37,050 per year or $19 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $32,687 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $47,775 per year.
Do you need a certificate to snowboard?
For many members, certification is their primary reason for becoming a member of AASI. Whether you’re new to teaching or a season veteran, certification is one of the best ways to advance your career as a snowboard instructor.
How much are PSIA dues?
For the 2021-22 season; $69 of your certified or registered membership goes to the National PSIA-AASI organization, while $72 goes to support our Eastern office and programs.
How much do Level 2 ski instructors make?
Level 2 instructors should expect to earn $2450 per month, before tax, based on working 36 hours per week. That works out at around $20 per hour. However, if you’ve not qualified via the BASI or Landes systems it can be more difficult to find work as an instructor.
Can you make a living snowboarding?
Snowboarding needs to be more than just a sport or hobby, it needs to be a lifestyle. To make it as a pro, you need to start young and go all the way. Enter some of your local contests; you have to start somewhere. You may have to invest a lot of your own money traveling to competitions and on gear before you make it.
How much do you tip a snowboard instructor?
$20 is a great tip for a group lesson, and $50 is good for a private lesson. The best tip I ever got was $300 for an all-day private. Instructor Three: Tipping 15 percent for adult groups and 10 percent for private clients is pretty standard.
In order to become a qualified instructor, candidates complete the Level 1 Course through the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI). If delivering snow-school lessons at your local resort sounds like the right fit for you, visit to get started.
How many levels of snowboard instructor certification does CASI offer?
Beyond Level 1, CASI offers three levels of snowboard instructor certification, as well as a Park Instructor certification, Evaluator Training and various Improvement Sessions. To find out more, please select a course from below…
What is the snowboard coaching certification program?
The CSCP, in partnership with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) oversees the development and delivery of educational resources for Canadian snowboard coaches. The Program also ensures that individuals are able to enter and progress along the snowboard coaching pathway. How are these roles different?
Should you take a snowboarding class?
You should take this course if you love to snowboard, and have a desire to introduce new students to snowboarding. You should be confident and comfortable both communicating and demonstrating in front of a group, as well as have strong intermediate snowboarding skills.
