Introduction

 

Welcome to the Big Sky Mountain Sports School

Dear Instructors and Staff, 

A warm welcome to all of you, we hope Big Sky’s Mountain Sports School environment and working atmosphere will make you feel welcome and at home. 

Your role as part of the Mountain Sports School puts you in close contact with our guests. Your role makes all the difference in a guest’s vacation. A positive experience will encourage the guest to return to Big Sky Resort and our school. 

You have chosen a unique profession where you have the responsibility to genuinely care for people as well as be passionate about teaching and the sports of snowboarding and skiing. You are looked upon as an authority in the mountain sports industry and your enthusiasm will be inspiring for our guests and your peers. Your professional conduct will grant you the respect of your students, peers, and supervisors. 

We will make every effort to make your work experience as safe, fun, and successful as possible. If you have concerns or suggestions about anything please bring it to our attention at the proper time and place. We always appreciate your respectful input. It is important that you know and understand our policies, procedures and methods. 

Our programs emphasize a culture of safety, professionalism and inspiration. With your commitment to providing the best possible performance, we will continue to be recognized and respected as being one of the finest Mountain Sports Schools both nationally and internationally. 

We wish you a happy, healthy and successful winter! 

Christine Baker - VP Mountain Sports

Matt Ruuhela - Assistant Director & Mountain Village Children’s Manager

Paul Monk - Snowboard Program Manager

Lucia Damberg - Business Manager

Francesca Pallivard-Cain - Madison Program Manager

Paul Mannelin - Adult Program Manager

Zoe Mavis - Traning Manager

Arch Oliver - Operations Manager

 

Supervisor Phone Numbers

Christine Baker/VP of Mountain Sports (406) 995-5736 

Mountain Village

MV Office (406) 995-5743 

Matt Ruuhela/Children’s Program Manager (406) 995-5730 

Tom Conway/Children’s Group Lesson Manager (406) 995-5378  

Paul Monk/Snowboard Program Manager (406) 995-5737 

Paul Mannelin/Adult Program Manager (406) 995-5738

Madison Base 

MB Office (406) 993-6062

Madison Program Manager (406) 993-6087 

Nordic Center

Nordic Office (406) 993-5780

Personal Responsibilities

You are responsible for the following: 

  • Reading and being familiar with the Big Sky Resort Employee Handbook and the Mountain Sports Instructor Manual. 

  • Finding suitable accommodations and reliable daily transportation. 

  • Having a watch or a device synchronized to real-time. 

  • Having access to email. 

  • Having a reliable smartphone for use with ProCard.  We expect to be able to get in touch with you during your work day.  We also expect you to be able to promptly report emergencies. 

  • Locking your locker and your own personal property. The corporation will not provide reimbursement for theft, loss, or damage thereof. 

  • Having your own equipment in good repair (skis/board, boots, poles, helmet, etc.). 

  • Being on time to line up, lessons, training, and other work duties as assigned. 

 

Expectations

If you have joined our team for the right reasons:

  • Love of the sport and desire to improve. 

  • A genuine desire to pass on your knowledge of the sport and to inspire others. 

  • Enjoy the sometimes challenging task of making sure your students have fun and learn in a safe environment. 

Welcome Phone Numbers Expectations

The following list of expectations will seem like common sense:

  •  You should have and display a genuine interest in your sport and in the profession of teaching it. 

  • You should behave in a cooperative and friendly manner toward all managers and co-workers. 

  • You should be approachable and convey a professional, friendly, and courteous attitude toward guests and other employees. 

  • Your appearance should be clean, well groomed, and professional (See Uniforms and Appearance). 

  • You are expected to be punctual and teach the full length of your lessons. 

  • You are expected to thank your students at the end of the lesson, remind them of what they have learned or how they have improved.   

  • You should indicate the benefits of and encourage your students to take the appropriate follow-up lessons.  

  • You should not show off in front of students or treat them in a condescending manner. 

  • You should show respect to your peers and help your co-workers at the resort look good. 

  • You should safely carry the following items: notebook, pen and sharpie, trail map, wax, scraper, sunscreen, and rubber gloves. 

  • If you have a disagreement with a supervisor or another instructor, choose an appropriate time to resolve the situation. Please avoid confrontation or discussion in front of guests or in the sales desk area.