Do you hit the slopes as soon as ski season starts? Ever thought of becoming a ski instructor? Whether you want to teach professionally or earn some extra cash on weekends during your winter vacation, it's a fun and exciting job that lets you ski 24/7!

Ski Instructors - Getting the Job

You don't have to be the next Picabo Street or TJ Schiller, but you do need to know how to ski - and that means no snowplowing! Previous experiences are a plus, like if you've studied physical education or taken a skiing class in college. Those without a skiing background will likely start at the bottom, meaning you'll be teaching kids or beginners. While a certificate in ski instruction is helpful, it's not required cuz most ski resorts throughout the US and Canada have their own teaching requirements. You'll also have to be certified in CPR, mountain safety and avalanche training. The best way to get a job as a ski instructor is to attend a resort's job fair, which is held at the beginning of the season.

Ski Instructors - The Upside

One of the great things about being a ski instructor is the natural environment that you work in. Instead of being cooped up inside all day, your office is a snow-covered slope! You'll also be surrounded by other skiers who love the sport as much as you do, but more importantly, you'll get a free season's ski pass! Job perks don't get much better than that.

Ski Instructors - The Downside

Work is seasonal, so you'll be out of a job once the snow melts. But, summer in North America means winter in Australia and New Zealand, so you can jet off to the land down under if you want to teach skiing year-round. Another downside is that you'll usually be stuck on bunny hills cuz most peeps who take lessons aren't out to become Olympic-class skiers, but just want to have fun and keep themselves from breaking any bones on the slopes.

Related Stories:

Skiing 101

Freeskiing

Freestyle Skiing

Cross Country Skiing

Check Out More Winter Jobs!

Read more: Careers & Jobs