How I Became a Snowboard Instructor with EA Ski and Snowboard Training
Ash is living the dream — chasing winter around the world and turning her passion for snowboarding into a full-time career. Hailing from Sydney, she broke away from the typical Aussie lifestyle - trading her surfboard and the beach for a snowboard and mountains.
She’s now deep into her ninth season as an instructor, with epic adventures taking her from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. From landing her first instructing job through the EA Ski and Snowboard program at Cypress Mountain to now working toward her Level 3 and Terrain Park Cert, Ash is all in! She's building a life full of stoke, connection, and purpose. Whether she’s helping someone link their first turns or sending it through the park, Ash is all about sharing the joy of riding down a mountain on fibreglass and inspiring new snowboarders. Read her snowboard instructor story below.
How I Turned Snowboarding Into a Career with EA Ski and Snowboard Training?
My name is Ash and I’m 30 years old, born and raised in Sydney, Australia.
These days, I’m lucky enough to call snowboarding my full-time gig. I’ve been riding and working in the industry for about eight years now, and this is my ninth season as an instructor. I spend my time chasing winter year-round, bouncing between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and honestly, I’m just out here having a rad time doing what I love.
How EA’s Snowboard Instructor Course Changed Everything?
I’ve been skiing since I could walk, but I made the switch to snowboarding around the age of 15. From the moment I stepped on a board, I knew I’d found my thing. I was working as a Learn to Swim teacher when I came across a Facebook ad for the EA Ski and Snowboard programme. Something about it just clicked. I knew straight away that this was what I wanted to do. Without a second thought, I reached out to the team, and before I knew it, I was booked and on my way to Cypress Mountain in British Columbia.
Why I Chose Cypress Mountain For My Snowboard Instructor Training?
I chose Cypress because I wanted something completely new. I’d already spent a lot of time in Alberta, so I was craving a fresh experience. I wanted somewhere I didn’t know anyone, had never snowboarded before, and could truly make my own adventure. The EA programme made it all possible. Everyone is in the same boat — all rookies, all stoked — so it was super easy to build connections and find my crew in a new town. And let’s be real, Canada is absolutely breathtaking. I wanted to call it home.
Being a snowboard instructor has genuinely given me the best of both worlds. I get to earn a living while travelling the globe. I honestly can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
The Best Part of Becoming a Snowboard Instructor?
This career has taken me across Canada, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. Along the way, I’ve met some of my best friends and soulmates, made unforgettable memories, and learnt so much about myself and the world around me. What I love most is not just being able to work internationally, but the chance to really experience different cultures while doing it. Each place I’ve lived has brought something totally unique to the table.
Canada has epic mountains, awesome snow, and such a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Japan is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been. From the food and traditions to that legendary JAPOW, I even got to experience “The Perfect Turn” — something every instructor dreams of.
New Zealand, though, has become a special kind of home for me. I’ve spent most of my seasons there, and Queenstown is where my heart is. The lifestyle, the people, the riding — it’s my favourite place to shred, hands down.
What Do You Love About Being A Snowboard Instructor?
I’ve always wanted to find a way to combine my love for the outdoors and the mountains with helping others, and instructing has been that perfect blend. What I love most about this job is the joy I get to witness. Seeing someone go from not knowing how to even hold a snowboard in the morning to cruising down the hill with the biggest grin on their face by the end of the day — that’s the magic for me.
Snowboarding is just as much mental as it is physical, and I love helping people push through those blocks and hit their goals. Whether it’s their first unassisted run or finally landing a 360 on a mid-line jump, I’m there cheering them on every step of the way. Honestly, I get just as much out of it as they do.
Where Do You Want To Take Your Snowboarding Career?
Right now, I’m working towards my Level 3 certification and my Terrain Park Cert, and I’m so excited to keep pushing forward in this industry. My ultimate goal is to become a strong, positive female role model in snow-sports — especially for all the girls out there dreaming of getting into the industry. Eventually, I’d love to take the next step and go for my Trainer’s Cert too.
