Matt166

I refer to my original statement.

There is a difference between a bro that teaches at Breck, than a career instructor who works at a nice resort, actually has a brain and aims to get something out of the season.

FYI, I spend 75% of my teaching time riding the mountain, and I think Breckenfridge is the arsehole of Colorado.

Bottom line, if you are a bro or a snow carnie, take heed to BA's post, it will probably be very useful.

If you are a respectable human being and have had at least 1 decent job in your life, don't move to breck.

bkozzz

Appreciate the responses people, to be honest I just want to get the fuck outta Michigan, 90% of the people here are potheads going nowhere in life. Even though I'll miss some of em, theres really not much motivating me to stay. And yeah I still wanna get my degree (probably CS), so I would still wanna be taking classes if I do this.

Matt166

HA! if this is why you are moving away from Michigan, then I strongly suggest you don't move to Breck, as its probably 99%.

bkozzz

Nah, I mean I don't mind toking up every once in a while, but its a daily habit for most people here, and probably for many there too. If you don't mind me asking, where are you at, and are you currently an instructor?

BurtonAvenger

CMC 4 year college in Breck but oh yeah we're all bro's in this town and a bunch of degenerates. I forgot the people that hate on Breck are the ones that can't snowboard our parks or think the mountain is flat. Go ride Keystone.

__________________
Angry Snowboarder Because someone has to call it how they see it!

budderbear

People that say Breckenridge is flat most likely haven't been off the greens on peak 8,9 I always hit up imperial, peak 10 and the bowl between 9,10 (backcountry) and its far from flat Also once I actually got older and started throwing a coat of wax on my boards I can make it through the cat walk areas without skating or unstrapping. Vail is ridiculous in spots as far as flat goes but can also be avoided if you know your way around.

WVrider84

x2 on most of what snowolf said.

I taught full time for a winter about 7 years ago at Snowshoe WV. I got back into it working part time for the last 2 years at Wisp MD.

Its selfish, but my biggest reason to get into teaching was to improve my personal riding. I was self taught and that I was a pretty decent rider. Riding with and learning from people who had been in the industry for quite some time was an eye opening and extremely positive experience. I realized I knew little to nothing about proficient snowboarding.

There are a lot of positives to teaching. Girls dig snowboard instructors, you will have an amazing opportunity to learn how to snowboard well, you will get a lot of snowboarding days in, you will make money being active doing something you love, you will get to share something you love with other people, you will probably meet a lot of interesting people.

There are negatives as well. When I started I had the idea that I would be on black diamonds everyday. That wont be the case. Starting out you will not have choice on lessons and you will most likely be stuck dealing with kids. Kids can be challenging to teach. You will probably only get beginner lessons, unless you are a very gifted rider. As Snowolf said it can be very frustrating dealing with unfit people in a lesson. Its tough when people get frustrated.

From my personal experience I think working part time is the way to go if you want to instruct. Make decent money during the week so you don't have to be stressed about making ends meet from teaching. I think each resort is differnet, but at my current mountain - the pay is nice. I probably averaged 20 bucks an hour not counting tips for the hours I worked. I find it to be a very rewarding job. I genuinely enjoy sharing my passion for snowboarding with others. Its really cool to see someone pick up a concept and be excited about progressing. Maybe its different out west, but I feel that AASI is a great organization. I only have my level 1 but plan on going for the 2 this year. Both resorts I have worked for refund your dues/exam fees at the end of the season. If it doesn't cost anything why not do AASI events and learn from the best riders in the country? You also get nice proform deals on gear.