Adaptive Ski Instructor

Volunteer Title: Adaptive Snowsports Instructor

Job Description, Position Overview and Impact: Instructors provide specialized adaptive instruction for people with disabilities. Volunteers will work on a personal level to help students successfully learn to ski or snowboard. Snowsports lessons are taught at Alpine, Palisades and NorthStar.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide a safe and fun learning environment for people with varying disabilities and abilities.
2. Implement proper instructional practices to ensure success for the student.
3. Commitment to ongoing professional development.
4. Work as part of a team to help ensure that Achieve Tahoe is the premier adaptive snowsports organization in the country.

Qualifications: Must be an intermediate skier or higher. Must be comfortable working with people with disabilities. Must be physically fit and able to lift a student multiple times. Instructors must be committed to working outdoors in varying weather conditions in a mountain environment. Instructors must be capable of travel to Alpine Meadows or Squaw when committed to do so. Professional ski instruction experience is preferred but not required; all volunteers are strongly encouraged to become a member of the professional organization Professional Ski Instructors of America or American Association of Snowboard Instructors.

Training and Support Provided: Achieve Tahoe offers all of the training necessary to become an adaptive snowsports instructor. All snowsports volunteers are required to complete the required instructor training prior to assisting or leading a lesson. All clinics are taught by Professional Ski Instructors of America certified instructors and clinicians. All instructors and trainers should consider ongoing education as a basic principle.

Commitment: Instructors are asked to commit a minimum of 8 days a season. The snowsports season runs from early December to May. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we ask that each volunteer be committed to fundraising in a way that is meaningful to them, so that we are able to uphold our mission statement of keeping their recreational opportunities affordable for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits of Volunteering: You will be helping Achieve Tahoe provide recreational opportunities to people with disabilities who would not otherwise be able to take part in. You will be making a positive impact on someone’s life every time you volunteer. Other benefits include opportunities for discounted season passes to Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, free training in ski instruction as well as personal skier improvement, entry into volunteer parties and being part of a very positive, passionate family.

To Get Involved: apply on our website (and/or) contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Brendan Kelley, at Brendan@achievetahoe.org,