Snow School Instructor Levels 3 & 4

Level 3 or Level 4 Instructor

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 Instructor - Level 3 instructors will be expected to fulfill all the roles described below in the L1 and L2 job descriptions. Additionally, L3 Instructors will be expected to have the skills, knowledge and experience required to teach 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 instructors need to possess strong leadership skills. They will be expected to take on supervisory responsibilities, leading other Instructors whilst overseeing School/Youth Groups. They will be expected to mentor and guide junior instructors throughout their week.

Level 3 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.

L4 Instructor - 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.

Level 4 instructors will be expected to fulfill all the roles described below in the L1, L2, and L3 job descriptions. Additionally, L4 Instructors will be expected to have the skills, knowledge and experience required to teach instructor training programs up to level 4.

Level 4 instructors need to possess exemplary leadership skills. They will be expected to take on supervisory responsibilities, overseeing the snow school operations on assigned days. They will be expected to mentor, direct, and train L1, L2, and L3 instructors throughout the season.

Level 4 instructors are expected to maintain a level of physical fitness that allows them to demonstrate expert-level skiing and teaching.

Level 4 instructors will have the opportunity to engage in industry events off property, and outside of their regular Marmot Basin duties. At these events they are considered within the professional sphere and will conduct themselves accordingly and within the scope of the Marmot Basin Snow School Policies, Procedures & Code of Conduct.

Level 2 instructors will be expected to fulfill all the roles described below in the L1 job description. Additionally, a L2 instructor will be expected to have the skills and knowledge to safely progress students from blue groomed terrain to black groomed terrain & safely introduce techniques and tactics for Off Piste skiing/snowboarding in small bumps, powder, and choppy snow conditions. L2 instructors will be expected to take on a leadership role in group organization and should be competent in leading ability splits and organizing large groups in the meeting area.

Level 1 instructors can be expected to teach all age groups from 3 years through to adults. A Level 1 will be trained to take a student who has never skied/snowboarded before and correctly fit their equipment before leading them through a progression to the point that they can safely control speed and direction on blue terrain. They will be trained on how to safely navigate simple tree trails whilst leading a group. They will also be responsible for teaching the safe use of all lift systems and in educating students in the Alpine Responsibility Code. The instructor will tailor the lesson around the student depending on:  age, ability, lesson type (private, group, youth group) to meet the expectations of the client in a safe and fun manner. All instructors will receive basic training from the rentals department to assist guests using these service independently or as part of a lesson package.

Marmot Basin encourages professional development in our instructors and will strive to provide training towards future goals.

Requirements:

• Criminal Record Vulnerable sector Check
• Provide own riding equipment
• Must pass an internal quiz to 100% (open book exam)
• Must possess an enthusiastic and positive attitude
• Enjoy interacting with the public
• Enjoy working outdoors in the Rocky Mountain winter environment

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.

• 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.

Qualifications:

• CSIA level 3, level 4 or ISIA recognized (international) equivalent
• Prior teaching experience mandatory
• 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 help with roles described in Additional Duties.
• Ability to lead students and instructors well under pressure (during busy periods, emergency situations, or difficult customers).
• Previous experience in a Snow Sports School is required.
• Additional teaching qualifications are considered an asset. For example: dual certifications, Park, CADs, ACA, etc.

Job duties/ Responsibilities:

• Advocate Safety! In your lessons and in your personal skiing or.
• 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.

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.

Supplementary:

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