2026 PSIA Solitude Ski/Snowboard Junior Instructor Certification for 16-18 year olds
April 6, 2026 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$10.00 – $35.00
Ever wonder what it would be like to teach skiing or snowboarding? Here's a great way to find out! Participate in the Junior Instructor Program, sponsored by YSA and the Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI).
Learn what it's like to work as an instructor and earn a nationally-recognized certificate that can open the door to teaching at a local resort.
To participate in this course you MUST complete all sessions.
Dates:
April 6th-8th from 9:00AM-4:00PM
Arrival Time: 8:45AM
Instruction Time: 9:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00 Each day
Lunch: Lunch is free time from 12:00-1:00. Please bring a home lunch, or money to purchase a lunch in our lodge. Students will be able to eat lunch in our ski school lunchroom if they would like.
Gear: Participants will be responsible for bringing their own personal gear.
Approximate outline of Daily Schedule: (subject to change based on content needs)
Day 1: 9:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00 (Instruction Day)
Day 2: 9:00-12:00 (Instruction) & 1:00-4:00 (Shadow)
Day 3: 9:00-12:00 (Instruction) & 1:00-4:00 (Shadow) + Certification Ceremony
Waiver information: Please use the link provided below to access and sign Solitude’s waiver, which is embedded in the registration ticket. This MUST be done in order to participate: Solitude WAIVER
Participant Requirements:
Age: 16-18
Ability Level: Must meet a minimum of Beginner Level to participate in program - Must be comfortable loading/unloading lift prior to program. Must be able to consistently control speed and turns on Green Terrain. Able to come to a complete stop on green terrain.
Junior Instructor Certificate E-Learning Course: Participants will need to complete the required E-Learning courses prior to the on-snow learning section. (3 Courses, 3 estimated hours). We ask that YSA facilitates this outside of the Ski and Ride School, however they would like. I think it's reasonable for students to be assigned this course work 1-2 weeks prior and tasked to work on it in their own time, sending confirmation of completion to YSA to be tracked. If it's needed, I'm happy to write an outline or record a video giving instruction on how to navigate the website and which courses to complete for guidance that participants can be sent.
Letter of Intent: Participants will need a letter of intent prior to the program start.
Ceremony: Students who have completed all the required materials will receive a certificate of completion, and a JR Instructor Certification Pin.
Taking Part In This Program:
- Makes you a better skier or snowboarder
- Connects you with others who share your snowsports passion
- Helps you develop important career and life skills, such as: Communication, Dedication, Discipline, Independence, Instruction, Leadership, Group management, Professionalism, Public speaking
- Gives you a solid foundation of skills to help you work in the snowsports industry during and after high school.
Program Requirements
- Participate in 2 hours of classroom learning including three online learning units.
- Complete a 12-hour training course on snow at a local resort. Lift tickets will be provided for on snow sessions.
- Shadow 6 hours of lessons at the resort's ski and ride school.
- Demonstrate a minimum sliding ability in 2 areas: 1) Must show the ability to safely ski or ride in a group on blue terrain. 2) Must have the ability to maneuver safely in a learning area and around all surface lifts or up/down hills and trails.
- Complete the course portfolio and have it signed by a snowsports supervisor.
- Write and submit a letter of intent that describes why you want to become a snowsports instructor. Students will have the option to apply for a seasonal position as a Junior Instructor at the host resort after completing this course.
On snow passes and instruction sponsored by Solitude and PSIA
