Instructor FAQs

-In private lessons, you are welcome to use the APO line anytime and you are encouraged to wait in the main line if it’s short.

-In group lessons, please use the main line unless it is outside of the maze, in which case you can use the APO line.

-If you are riding a lift without guests (for example, while in transit to meet a private client at their home), please wait in the main line unless it is outside of the maze.

-For everyone, please arrange for groups of 5 or more on Swift Current and 6 or more on Ramcharger to avoid lots of empty seats.

-When using the APO line, even if a Mountain Services team member invites you forward right away, please let others who have been waiting go ahead, especially if you have a large group, and offer to share the chair.

-When transporting to and from assignments at either base areas or guest lodging, instructors shall adhere to the designated route.

-When skiing from Madison to Mountain Village, the designated route is Fast Lane to White Wing to Lone Wolf.

-When skiing from Mountain Village to Madison Base, the route is Jaywalk to BRT Road to Blue Moon to bottom of Iron Horse to Cinnabar.

-When skiing to guest lodging, stay on groomed runs that lead directly to the lodging.

-You must stay on groomed runs and avoid jumps of any kind.

-Mountain Village: Skis/Snowboards (1 pair for part timers, 2 pairs for full timers)

-Madison Base: Skis and snowboards need to be stored in gear shacks. No skis or snowboards should be stored in the locker room.

-Boots, there are boot drying racks 

-Uniform

-Helmet, goggles, extra layers 

-Only Big Sky Instructors are allowed in the locker-room. Please respect your coworkers and have any family or friends wait upstairs.

-PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors) is a nonprofit organization that educates and certifies snowsports instructors in the United States. 

-If you are certified through the association, you are eligible for a pay raise and higher priority on lessons. 

-We have more than a dozen PSIA-AASI Education Staff who work for Big Sky Resort. Between those trainers and our resort trainers we have extensive options for training toward certification and professional development. 

-We offer in-house level 1 exams as well as specialist certifications for teaching children and freestyle. 

-ProCard is the BEST way to interact with your schedule. See more in the instructor manual.

-Within ProCard you can view your schedule, request time off, and sign up for training clinics. For help, check here.

-Briefing happens at 9:15am. Make sure you are in uniform and ready to ski/ride.

-Training clinics will be posted in ProCard. You will have the ability to sign up there. 

-Make sure you have confirmed there are no scheduling conflicts with your supervisor before you sign up.

-No. You are not allowed teach at Big Sky outside of the Mountain Sports program, and you can be fired for this. This includes babysitting or helping with childcare and skiing some of the time.

-Outside instructors are also not allowed to teach at Big Sky for pay.

-If guests approach you to teach directly, please respectfully explain our policies.

-What about when your partner or family comes to visit? While we don’t recommend it - tensions may get high - you are welcome to teach your family members and give pointers to friends. However, money should not be exchanged.

-Sending an email to all of the program supervisors is the best way to ensure your communication does not end up with someone who has the day off.

-You can also always call the office which opens at 8am at (406) 995-5743.

-Please be sure to contact a supervisor or the office as soon as possible if you are expecting an interruption to your schedule. This allows for ample time to make appropriate accommodations.

 Ski Camp:

-You should regularly chat with the kids about a meeting spot in case you get separated.

-Best place for meeting is at the base of a lift you just skied.

-Whenever you are going through trees and Harbors Halfpipe make sure you have your head on a swivel and collect the group regularly.

-If you have a kid who gets separated from your group call a supervisor immediately. You should know their name, age, what they are wearing and where they were last seen.

-We start a timer and if the child is missing for more than 10 minutes then we call patrol.

Mini Camp:

-You should make sure all of your kids know that if they get separated from you that they STAY WHERE THEY ARE.

-Whenever you are going through trees and Harbors Halfpipe make sure you have your head on a swivel and collect the group regularly.

-If you have a kid who gets separated from your group call a supervisor immediately. You should know their name, age, what they are wearing and where they were last seen.

-We start a timer and if the child is missing for more than 10 minutes then we call patrol.

Ski Camp:

-Kids can ride the lift alone but be sure to prep them well.

-You cannot send 6 kids up the lift so you can then ride alone. If there is an opportunity to ride the lift with your kids please do so.

-Any kids you are not riding the lift with will go ahead of you and know where to wait for you at the top.

Mini Camp:

-All kids wearing a vest need to ride the chairlift with an adult.

-A willing and capable adult can assist with one child

-You as an instructor can only take 2 kids with you (one for each hand).

-If you are riding a bigger lift you can find capable and willing adults to ride with you.

-Explorer is generally the most challenging because it is a two seater. You will need to find an adult who appears capable and then be sure to ask them if they are able and willing to ride with a child. Let them know they need to make sure the bar goes down.

-Any kids you are not riding the lift with will go ahead of you, make sure they know where to wait for you at the top.

-The best way to request time off is in ProCard. Your time off requests should be submitted at least 48 hours in advance; however, the earlier you request, the better chance of your time off being approved.

-On your days off. 

-If you get “cut” early from work you can go free-ski but you will need to change your own jacket. You cannot free-ski in your uniform unless you are Level 3 certified instructor.

-See the full policy in the instructor manual.

-Follow the full intent of closed signs and rope lines. Remind your buddies of the real potential danger of making a poor choice.

-Ski and ride in a manner that greatly reduces the chance of falling. 

-Wait in the normal tram line when taking a scenic ride.

-Only file a work comp claim for an injury that happened while working.

-Kids Lunch: If you are teaching children’s group lessons all day then you will attend kids' lunch in the Huntley dining room (Mountain Village) or Pavilion (Madison Base) with your group. Lunch will be provided.

-Vista Hall: Cafeteria style lunch options that include burgers, pizza, ramen, and sandwiches. You get an employee discount (just for our meal!) and you can charge food to your Pass. 8am-6pm.

-Yeti Dogs: Hot dog shop right above the locker room. Has great specialty hot dogs and gives instructors a discount (not owned by Boyne). Outdoor seating only. This is a popular place for instructors to gather after work. 11:30am-4:30pm.

-Hungry Moose Market and Deli: Hot and cold sandwiches, salads and soups. Grocery items. Resort employees get a small discount (not owned by Boyne). 6:30am-10pm.

-Montana Jack: Located in the Exchange, this is a sit-down restaurant with American food. The wait times can be long and it is not a viable option for between lessons. There is an employee discount. 11am-10pm.

-Westward Social: Located in the Exchange, they call their fare “elevated comfort food.” The wait times can be long and it is not a viable option for between lessons. There is an employee discount. 12pm-11pm Th-Su.

-Scissor Bill’s: This has a local's bar vibe and they have bar food and great nachos. Located in the Arrowhead Mall on the third floor. You can ski to it from the Silverknife run. Not enough time to grab a quick lunch between lessons but a popular apres spot. 11am-9pm.

-The Cabin: Locally owned and across the hall from Scissor Bill’s. Fully sit down and always busy. Great spot for lunch with clients and also a great dinner spot. They have an awesome game burger and bison chili. 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm.

-Everett’s 8800: Fine dining restaurant located at the top of the Ramcharger lift. Reservations required. 11am-3pm.

-Headwaters Grille: Located in the Madison Base, the Headwaters Grille offers great grilled options, along with salads, snacks, soups, and much more. Opening TBD.

-Always pay for your food and drinks and only use your discount for yourself (not your clients).

-Big Sky Tune shop: In the Exchange, located below Big Sky Sports. They have a full-service shop and provide an employee discount.

-Madison Base Rentals: In the Madison Base Area.

-Christy Sports: Located in the Arrowhead Mall across the parking lot from the Exchange. Full-service shop.

-Gallatin Alpine Sports: An outfitter specializing in backcountry and technical gear. They generally have smaller alpine brands. Located in Town Center.

-Grizzly Outdoors: In addition to tuning, they have a large selection of outdoor gear. Located in Town Center.