Job Title:
Ski/Board Instructor
Reports to:
Ski School Manager & Supervisor
Direct reports:
N/A
Location overview
We strive to enable people to enjoy a way of life in the natural world, and we want to deliver world-class
experiences at Cairngorm Mountain for everybody. We are big believers in access for all, and this
remarkable landscape, thanks to the funicular, can be enjoyed by everyone, despite age or ability. The
funicular was designed to strengthen the tourism sector, which is a vital part of the local economy in what
is now the Cairngorms National Park. It enables snow sports enthusiasts to access the mountain in
conditions which would have closed the chairlift, and provides summer visitors with an easy and enjoyable
route into the heart of some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery.
With a highly ambitious vision for the next 25 years, Natural Retreats as the operator for Cairngorm
Mountain are aiming to elevate this incredible destination. The most remarkable natural landscape,
located in one of the world’s most beautiful countries, Cairngorm Mountain provides the ultimate
playground for mountain bikers, triathletes, skiers, hikers and snowboarders.
We will improve all aspects of the Resort – building a leading nursery slope for beginners who will enjoy
world-class lessons. The current Day Lodge will be replaced with a Centre of Excellence for athletes, and it
is from here that we will develop future gold medal winners. It will also provide a Centre of Activity for
children and a Centre of Experience for all.
Working as part of the Natural Retreats Team, duties include teaching skiing and snowboarding to
skiers/boarders of all ages and abilities as well as the related procedures and paperwork associated with
the role. Sometimes you will be required to guide skiers around the resort rather than teaching and at all
times you will be expected to represent Natural Retreats and assist any of our customers with any queries
or problems they may have. The job is based in our ski resort based at Cairngorm Mountain in Aviemore
Scotland
Ski instruction is offered 7 days per week (weather permitting) and we offer ski lessons to all ages and
abilities.. You will be allocated work according to whatever is needed on any particular day. This will enable
you, to get a range of teaching experience and work with a variety of clientele and colleagues. We offer a
flexible service to our guests, which means that you also have to be flexible with your work days to
accommodate their needs,
Since our customers demand flexibility and changes often happen at the last minute, you must be
versatile enough to adapt to last-minute changes and be able to support the other members of the team in
their duties.
Role overview:
The Ski School Manager will play a key role in the re-development of CairnGorm Mountain. You will have a
passion for Skiing and Snowboarding and be responsible for all the Ski School operations to give guests an
amazing experience as well as being responsible for ensuring a cost effective and profitable department.
The role will involve maximising sales, developing new clients, organising classes and the instructors,
ensuring the safety of all clients, guest relations, managing rotas and managing the departmental budget.
It will involve significant teamwork with your own teams as well as other teams across the company. Running
the day to day management of operations, control and administration of all Ski School activities, taking a full
hands on management role in all areas of the Ski School. The Ski School Manager is responsible for creating
a welcoming first and lasting impression and this position reports into the General Manager. It will mean
working under pressure at peak periods and managing large numbers of guests and staff.
Responsibilities:
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Attending meetings at the ski school in the morning to assign instructors to pre-booked lessons
scheduled throughout the day
Ensuring that personal equipment is well-maintained and ready for tackling a long day on the
slopes
Meeting with individuals and groups prior to the start of a lesson
Making sure individuals are comfortable with their equipment
Teaching familiarity with the ski lifts
Teaching individuals new skills and techniques to help improve their skiing ability
Helping raise confidence levels
Answering the questions of individuals taking part in lessons and individuals at the resort as a
whole
Administering first aid if necessary
Observing the weather conditions and halting lessons if appropriate
Making sure every slope user is safe and having as good a time as possible
Filling out paperwork and assessment forms after lessons have been completed
Liaising with Ski School Manager and Supervisor regarding changes to plans, procedures etc
Working with other staff on the mountain such as Ski Patrollers, Ski Hire and the Technical
Operations Team
Being available on an ad-hoc basis as required.
Attending training and team meetings as required.
Person Specification
Experience
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Proven experience in a similar role
Experience of working within a ski school environment
Strong experience/awareness of offering exceptional service and the requirements of this.
Prior experience of working with children
Disclosure and baring service (DBS) certification
Minimum of three years’ experience in a Ski-school instructor role
Skills
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BASI Level 2 in Skiing or Snowboarding or Dual Qualification
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Other equivalent qualification to the above IE CSIA Level 2, NZSIA Level 2 etc
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Minimum two day first aid certificate
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BASI Level 1 applicants will be considered for training/shadowing purposes
Team Player including the management, supervision and motivation of the team
Strong administrative and organisational skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Commitment to customer care
Influencing skills
Problem solver
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Strong customer focus
Personal Attributes/Behaviours
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Enjoy working as part of a team and with a wide variety of people
Good communication skills
Good interpersonal skills
A love of skiing and/or snowboarding
An outgoing nature and enthusiasm
Fun-loving personality
Good teaching skills
Motivational skills and a positive approach to learning
Desire to keep improving own skills and techniques
Patience
Organisational skills
A good sense of humour
The ability to use own initiative whilst following established drills and teaching techniques
Ability to complete paperwork to deadline
Ability to provide honest feedback to individuals in a tactful manner
Good ability with children
Stamina and desire to work long hours in tough conditions