These finances questions feature in our FAQs! (Click to see more frequently asked questions).
Saving for, and spending on, a ski instructor course or ski season can be a little confusing and stressful. Here’s everything you need to know about paying for your course and budgeting for once you’re out there.
Can I pay SnowSkool fees in instalments?
Yes. The vast majority of our customers pay their course fees according to a payment schedule. This generally starts from the time of booking and involves a number of monthly instalments until the start date of the course.
So, if you book on in February for a course starting eleven months later in January, it would be deposit + ten monthly instalments starting in March and finishing in December. But, of course, if you book on in November, it’s 50% of course fees straight away and then a further 50% in December!
View our guide on how to afford a ski or snowboard instructor course.
Can I pay SnowSkool fees after the course?
No. By the end of the course, we will have spent a lot of money on your flights, lift pass, accommodation, meals, tuition & exam fees and we don’t have the resources to chase you if you decide not to pay!
If I cancel, will you refund my deposit?
No. Deposits are non-refundable. Sorry!
Do I have to pay for a SnowSkool course in British Pounds?
No. You can pay your SnowSkool course fees in any of the following currencies:
- Australian Dollars
- British Pounds
- Canadian Dollars
- Euros
- New Zealand Dollars
- US Dollars
Is the Level 2 exam included?
The price of the level 2 exam is not included.
On all of our longer courses (11 weeks+), SnowSkool will organise your Level 2 exam and it will be factored into the course schedule. All candidates will be given weekly feedback and, based on the feedback, encouraged to sit the Level 2 exam. We will also guide you through the signing-up process. The decision to go ahead and do the Level 2 exam is yours and if you go for it, you have to pay the exam fee.
Historically, on SnowSkool courses around 95% of people sit the Level 2 exam... but we do not want to have to make the other 5% pay for it!
How much money will I need during the course?
When it comes to budgeting/spending money... it depends on the course you are booked onto.
SnowSkool Banff: Budget for lunches (either packed or bought on the hill), weekend meals, socialising (drinks and other activities). If you’re sensible, £100-125 per week should be sufficient + Level 2 exam fee
SnowSkool Big White: Budget for breakfast and lunches (either packed or bought on the hill), weekend meals, socialising (drinks and other activities). If you’re sensible, £110-130 per week should be sufficient + Level 2 exam fee
SnowSkool NZ: Budget for breakfast and lunches (either packed or bought on the hill), weekend meals, socialising (drinks and other activities). If you’re sensible, £110-130 per week should be sufficient + Level 2 exam fee
SnowSkool France: Budget for lunches (either packed or bought on the hill), one dinner out per week, socialising (drinks and other activities). If you’re sensible, £100-120 per week should be sufficient + Level 2 exam fee
SnowSkool Zell: Budget for all meals, socialising (drinks and other activities). If you’re sensible, £150-170 per week should be sufficient + Level 2 exam fee
Should I bring a credit card?
Yes definitely. Hopefully you will not need it, but if you need to get checked out in a hospital, you’ll need a credit card.
Similarly, it is essential for booking onto the Level 2 exam and if you need to pay an accommodation deposit.
It's also a good way to quickly access funds/use in emergencies. Be sure to check any international charges for use abroad, and how they calculate the exchange rate.
Will my ATM card work in resort?
Probably. Most bank cards now work internationally but it is definitely worth contacting your bank to make sure of this. It is also a good idea to advise them that you are travelling abroad from *course start date* until *course end date* as sometimes cards can be temporarily frozen if there is suspicious activity, i.e., use of the card in a foreign country.
What insurance do I need?
You’ll need to make sure you’re completely satisfied with the coverage your insurance gives you. Make sure you are covered for the entire length of the course (plus any extra time you intend to stay in resort). Make sure any new kit you’ve bought is covered, and that you account for its value. Look for the following additions:
- Off piste – with or without a guide
- Mountain rescue – inc. helicopter
- Personal liability – injuring others
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Other activities – tobogganing, ice skating, local ski racing, snow parks etc.
Hopefully this helps you on your way to a SnowSkool instructor course!
View our ski instructor courses here, our snowboard instructor courses here, or our paid ski instructor internship here.
Browse our blog for literally hundreds more articles on every element of our courses - from finding an instructor job, to being a good roommate! If you still have questions, get in touch by calling, emailing [email protected] or filling out this form.