Private ski and snowboard instructor

Families with children, adult beginners, visitors on vacation and locals who want to improve.

Hourly or half-day rate per private lesson, with a higher price for small groups. Many instructors also sell multi-lesson packages for the season.

• Strong skiing or snowboarding ability
• Patient teaching, especially with kids and nervous beginners
• Clear communication and safety awareness

• Many ski areas, especially those on public land under a Forest Service permit, only allow instructors who work through their own school or hold a permit or agreement, so confirm access before you sell any lessons
• Instructor certification is not a legal requirement everywhere, but ski areas and insurers often ask for it, so check what they require
• General liability insurance and a signed participant waiver; check what your state and your insurer require
• Teaching minors may call for background checks, so ask the ski area and your insurer
• Income is seasonal and weather dependent, so plan for slow weeks or a second income off-season
• Check whether your city, county or state requires a general business license or registration, and how to set up as a sole proprietor or LLC

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on certification, insurance and gear. Check what ski areas and insurers ask for, since they often want instructor certification even where it isn't a legal requirement.

Not always. Many ski areas, especially those on public land under a Forest Service permit, only allow instructors who work through their own school or hold a permit or agreement. Confirm access before you sell any lessons, and check insurance and waiver requirements.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many lessons you book and the weather. Income is seasonal, so plan for slow weeks or a second income off-season. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week.