TIPS: The Ideal Seasonal Program For Teens Looking To Join Our Junior Mountain Sports School Ski and Snowboard Staff

If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 and are looking to dive into the world of ski or snowboard instructing, the Teen Instructor Program, otherwise known as TIPS, is the quintessential seasonal program for you. Participating in TIPS will allow you the opportunity to learn about instructing from some of the best and most experienced instructors in New England, while also forming life-long relationships with like-minded people.

The TIPS program involves 4 weekend classes, 8 sessions in total, where you will be taught a curriculum including but not limited to ski and snowboard movement analysis, safety protocols, lesson development specific to working with children, and an overall review of the Level 1 standards outlined by PSIA/AASI. Each of the sessions will have a blend of classroom and on-snow work to ensure that you are retaining the information, and then in turn are able to take that information and apply it to a simulated lesson situation. Aside from gaining valuable information in relation to instructing your desired activity, you will also get to spend time skiing or riding with talented instructors who know Stratton Mountain inside and out. If you’re lucky, they may even show you a secret stash or two.

The TIPS registration fee includes your lift tickets for each session. Classes run from 8:30AM-3PM; you will meet out front of the Junior Sports School at the beginning of each day. Successful candidates will be eligible for hire at the end of the 4 week program. “Success” within TIPS is determined by attendance, participation and course comprehension. Each session covers a portion of the overall training outline developed by our Mountain Sports School senior trainers and is based on PSIA/AASI Level 1 standard.


2022/23 Dates: 11/19, 11/20, 11/26, 11/27 12/3, 12/4, 12/10, 12/11


Our Teen Instructor Program is one of the many seasonal programs we offer, though is one of two programs that focuses on training potential instructors and coaches. Our Coach Apprentice Program, otherwise known as CAP, is our seasonal program that is designed as an eight-day training course for those interested in becoming a member of our SWSC coaching staff. TIPS is the best way to get your foot in the ski/snowboard instructing door and we highly recommend signing up if that is something you are interested in doing. To stay up to date with what’s happening at the mountain, be sure to shoot our Instagram a follow. See you on the slopes.


Learn more about the Stratton Employee Experience from our Director of Skier and Rider Services, Devon Cavagnino.


Published by Harley Smith on November x, 2022