A leap of faith!
Chris had no idea that ski and snowboard instructor programmes existed, but was immediately drawn to the idea. At 59 he wondered whether his age might be a barrier, but after further research and discussions with a variety of companies, Chris was won over by SnowSkool Director Steve’s “genuine advice and integrity”, and he booked the SnowSkool Snowboard Instructor course in Big White for January 2024.
Chris confesses he felt quite “guilty” booking what appeared to him like an extravagant holiday. But, encouraged by his two daughters and close friends, he was persuaded to go for it, and see it as a reward for many years hard work. This was a treat that ticked all the right boxes for Chris – outdoors, in the mountains, learning new skills, learning more about teaching, being challenged and meeting new people.
In the run up to departure, Chris was what can only be described as ‘nervecited’ (nervous and excited at the same time). Was he actually doing this? Would he be fit enough? Would he get along with the group at his age?
Understandable. But, Chris recalls ... “Once I got there I just loved every minute of it!” Chris’ face lights up when he talks about the course. It turned out to be an experience that grew into much more than a break from working life.
"the course changed my whole mindset"
What was important, Chris reflects, was the length of the course as this enabled him to take a fresh perspective on his working life and change his whole mindset. He found the enthusiasm and passion of both the instructors and students quite contagious. Age didn’t matter. It was the common purpose the group shared. Chris could see that other students were on the same journey. Their perspectives and career goals were also crystalising as the course unfolded.
“Learning together, encouraging one another, being challenged by the trainers to reach the skill levels, and help you overcome your doubts”. Little by little, Chris felt like he was heading towards a new career. The end goal was morphing from one-off treat to something much more meaningful.
Chris had unwittingly uncovered a potential new career born out of a real love of what he was doing. Being on the snowboard took Chris back to his teenage years. He rediscovered a huge sense of fun and freedom. And from there found he was finding a whole new purpose.
Triple Qualification Success!
As Chris became more focused on the idea of getting an instructor job at the end of the course, he decided to go for the CSIA Level 1 Ski instructor qualification (in addition to his CASI Level 1 and 2 snowboard qualifications). He passed all three exams and left Big White after 11-weeks as a dual-cert ski and snowboard instructor.
Being over the age of 35 meant that Chris would have to rely on a sponsored work visa rather than going down the route of obtaining his own working holiday visa … and in this scenario, SnowSkool, advised that Chris would be best to look for opportunities in Japan where sponsored visas are readily available for those with a Level 1 ski instructor qualification.
Chris still can’t really believe what has unfolded. He has been hired by Hakuba Snow-sports School to teach both snowboarding and skiing and is due to fly out in November. “Just a week’s skiing in Japan was top of my bucket list, let alone instructing and being paid for it”.
Chris is also hugely grateful to SnowSkool - “I wouldn’t even have gone on the course without Steve and I certainly wouldn’t have got a job without Steve who put me in contact with a number of excellent ski schools in Japan.”
Currently back home near Chester, Chris says the whole experience has given him “a new lease of life”. He goes to the gym every day to build fitness for the season, and teaches snowboarding and skiing one day a week at the Chill FactorE indoor snowdome in Manchester. “I see this new career as my ‘third life’ - after first getting educated, and secondly earning the dollars in the food industry while my daughters were growing up, now I can follow my passion whole-heartedly.”
Hats off to Chris, and many thanks to him for sharing his inspiring story here.
Would you like to follow in Chris’ footsteps or should that be snowboots? Get in touch to learn about our ski and snowboard instructor courses and internships in France, Switzerland, Canada and New Zealand.
Writer Kate Swainson Price