Founded in 1939 by a group of visionaries including Walt Disney and Austrian ski champion Hannes Schroll, Sugar Bowl is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. It was a pioneer, installing the state's first chairlift and the West Coast's first gondola. Unlike some of its corporate neighbors, Sugar Bowl maintains a classic alpine atmosphere and is known for its community-based feel and challenging terrain. The resort also has a world-class terrain park, with a goal to support athletes from junior development to elite performance. The resort has an open boundary policy and allows uphill travel for those seeking a backcountry experience.
Serious about becoming a ski instructor? Train, qualify & work all in one season. Work in Canada, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand or the USA.
Note:
* Please be aware that the City Orientations are an extra cost for the Internships. There is no City Orientation option available for Queenstown (NZ), Imagine Niseko (Japan), Niseko Village (Japan) & Rusutsu (Japan).
Note:
* Accommodation differs from resort to resort, please speak with our team to check on this for your preferred resort. Usually accommodation is covered until the end of the level 1 exam with an option to remain at your own cost for the remainder of the season.
Designed to fast track your instructor career. Train, qualify & work as a snowboard instructor all in one season. Work in Canada, Japan, New Zealand or USA.
Note:
* Please be aware that the City Orientations are an extra cost for the Internships. There is no City Orientation option available for Queenstown (NZ), Imagine Niseko (Japan), Niseko Village (Japan) & Rusutsu (Japan).
Note:
* Accommodation differs from resort to resort, please speak with our team to check on this for your preferred resort. Usually accommodation is covered until the end of the level 1 exam with an option to remain at your own cost for the remainder of the season.
There's one thing that everyone can agree on; Lake Tahoe is the place to be in the winter. At Sugar Bowl, you'll quickly become one of the locals. Working at Sugar Bowl will provide plenty of work on the weekends and during holiday periods, with quieter times during the week in the non-holiday periods. This mix will allow you to take advantage of everything the ski area has to offer.
What else can you do at Lake Tahoe & Further Afield?
There are endless things to do in Lake Tahoe during winter. Hit the slopes. Ride a snowmobile. Cross-country ski. Sled. Snowshoe. No matter what you decide, North Lake Tahoe’s scenic mountainside is calling you to come play.
Taste the Wow Factor! Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most enticing dining options in Northern California and Nevada. And our après ski scene is top shelf as well.
There are a massive amount of events, live shows, live music and more to experience. To view a current full list of things you can experience see North Lake Tahoe Events Guide
Housing is currently TBC for the 2025/26 season pending staff housing capacity. This will either be in staff housing around Donner Summit, or similar.
EA Ski and Snowboard Training want you to have the best season possible at Sugar Bowl, Lake Tahoe. We have a program manager who oversee the running of our Ski and Snowboard courses at Sugar Bowl who are easily contactable and there to offer advice and support at all times. Not only are they familiar with Northstar itself, but they also work for the ski school and will be a familiar face to make your gap year and first winter season that much easier.
Our ski instructor course at Sugar Bowl, Lake Tahoe allows you to obtain a globally recognised qualification with The Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI).
PSIA-AASI is at governing ski and snowboard instruction body in the United States that provides resources and qualifications to enhance individuals success as an instructor and inspire excitement about skiing and snowboarding. PSIA-AASI is a member of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) so the qualification you gain through this program will be recognised worldwide.
