Teen Instructor Program at Stratton (TIPS)

Teens interested in becoming  Ski or Snowboard Instructors, this program is for you! Teen skiers and riders between the ages of 14 –17 are eligible for qualification to participate in Stratton Ski and Snowboard School's Teen Instructor Training Program. Four weekends in a row, sessions will be balanced between classroom settings and on- snow activities. Curriculum is based on written material and methods of the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) and AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors).

This qualification program includes sessions on teaching children, basic anatomy related to snowsports, class handling skills, how to develop a lesson, and a final exam that includes hands on teaching in the Little Cub Program. Practicing on your peers, this program gives you tools and training to become a ski or snowboard instructor. Upon completion of the four-week program, participants will be qualified to assist instructors and, upon turning 16, to teach at the Stratton Junior Ski and Snowboard School.  While there will be time for personal skill development, the skiing competency level required for the course is level 5: ability to negotiate all blue squares in a parallel and explore black diamonds comfortably.   Note: Participants must have lift access, such as a pass, express card or lift tickets.  Registration fee to PSIA or AASI is not included.

TIPS will run four weekends starting November 29th.  In this program, attendance is a factor of the final score and potential employment, so please plan accordingly. 

Starts the weekend after Thanksgiving.  
 
Cost: $450 – manuals included.

Teens currently in one of the other Stratton Seasonal Programs will only be required to pay $95 for the manuals: please cal 1-800-Stratton to register. 

Program runs daily from 9:00 -12:00 – and 1:00 -3:30.  The group will meet outside the Junior School Building on the terrace.

TIPS Curriculum:

Day 1: Teaching Model and Skills Concept
Day 2: Learning Styles and Building an Effective Lesson

Day 3: Movement Analysis and Class Handling
Day 4: Teaching Kids

Day 5: Customer Service and Personal Skiing
Day 6: Anatomy.  Review and Written Take Home Exam handed out – to be completed and returned the following weekend

Day 7: Practical Exam– arrive at Jr. Ski and Snowboard School at 8:00am for assignment
Day 8: Practical Exam – arrive at Jr. Ski and Snowboard School at 8:00am for assignment. 

Final course results will be posted at 3:00pm on Day 8. Jobs will be available fro the remainder of the season for successful participants interested in employment.  Teens 16 and up may be offered an Instructor position upon graduation from the program; younger graduates may be eligible to be Instructor Apprentices. From the time of hire, we ask for a commitment of at least, not limited to, every other weekend and one holiday week.  Please note: all paperwork, including an I-9, must be filled out at the start of employment. 

Materials Provided: PSIA Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors
                                 PSIA Children's Instructors Manual
                                 PSIA Alpine Technical Manual
                                 Power Play Video

Additional questions can be directed to:
Alison Cummings
Manager, Junior Programs
Stratton Ski and Snowboard School
(802) 297-4076 acummings@intrawest.com