Join Our Training Program!
Ready to take your instructing to the next level?
Start preparing to become a trainer at Meadows for the 2022-23 season!
Introducing The MLC Training Program
Becoming a snowsports trainer is one of the most rewarding aspects of the Meadows Learning Center, but it also comes with additional expectations and responsibility.
The application process is meant to be a fun and engaging way to develop your skills as a trainer. Your fellow trainers, coordinators, and training management team are here to support you and give constructive feedback, so please ask for help if you have questions.
This new program was created to ensure that all instructors have equal access to information and resources. Creating parameters provides organization and structure for those working to reach the pinnacle of Meadows instruction.
This process is for guidance and development, and is not a restrictive elimination process.
Opportunities In Training
- Become part of a motivated and engaged team committed to training excellence
- Participate as a clinician for early season training and ongoing seasonal clinics
- Help give constructive feedback and answer questions from instructors on their skills
- Eligible for full or partial coverage of PSIA-NW member dues
- Eligible for full or partial coverage of PSIA-NW Tech Series season-long program fees
- Opportunities for continuing professional and personal development and training at Mt. Hood Meadows
- Leadership opportunity to influence positive change within the Learning Center
- Other perks for leading staff trainings
Requirements For Training
While this process is meant to be a developmental program, there are some minimum requirements:
- Alpine: PSIA Level 3 Alpine Certification
- Additional accreditations can assist selection
- Snowboard: AASI Level 3 Certification (preferred)
- Minimum Level 2 with either CS2, FS2, SS2, or Adaptive Level 1 Certification
- Adaptive: PSIA or AASI Level 2 or higher with 2 or more Adaptive certifications
- Commitment to attending divisional training events for personal growth
- NW Trainer Series Participation 2 of 4 clinic each year
- Commitment to participating and leading online discipline Movement Analysis clinics
- Commitment to leading evening on-snow clinics; possible early load and midday
- May be accepted based on other contingent or applicable items:
- Weekday evening and midday availability
- Willingness to work low end training (New Hire, Level 1, Beginner Devo)
- Specialist focus (Freestyle, Children’s Seniors, Racing)
Getting Started
First, get permission from your training supervisor or manager to view the “What It Means To Be A Trainer“ e-learning course. This will introduce you to the training program at Mt. Hood Meadows.
Next, view the Meadows Training Application and let’s get started!
Find a Mentor
Training Apprentices (TAs) are required to find a training mentor who can work with them through the season to develop their skills and deepen their understanding within the training realm.
Find more information on the Mentorship Program here.
Mentors will be helpful to navigating the process and understanding feedback that you give and receive following every clinic.
Pick someone that:
- Can guarantee time to meet with you regularly
- Inspires and engages you on and off snow
- Has a relatable communication style (text/phone/zoom/etc.)
Trainer Development
Training Apprentices will be responsible for maintaining a training log for:
- Takeaways from 6-8 clinics audited (attending an experienced trainer’s clinic)
- Takeaways from 3 clinics lead (with experienced trainer attending)
- Attaching 3 outlines created using this template to help organize your clinics
This training log will help gauge the level of technical understanding and skills development the TA acquires through the process. The training mentor along with trainers who audit the the TA’s clinics will be submitting and verbally relaying feedback that should be a resource for you. Your training management team will also use these resources to delineate your ability to “train” versus “instruct”.
Instructors will also be able to submit feedback about your clinic, like for any trainer, and this will be key to helping you develop tools for success. Likewise, we will be developing a feedback form for you to complete about your training apprentice process, so look for that in the future to help us develop our program.
Transparency is key in this process as well as two-way collaboration. If you have any questions or concerns about this brand new program, reach out to your training supervisor or your discipline coordinator.
Ready To Apply?
Once you have met the requirements set forth in the application process, you should submit your cover letter and two letters of recommendation to your training management team: Tyler Barnes, Kelly Howle, and your discipline coordinator, Jenn Lockwood or K-Rae Running Wolf
Meet with your Training Mentor one last time to summarize your process and disseminate any remaining feedback received. Once the application has been received, your training management team will setup a meeting with you to go over your application and determine your readiness to become a trainer.
Once you become a trainer, you should continue to check in with your training mentor to ask questions and garner feedback. Like all trainers, your clinics may be attended by a coordinator, supervisor, or manager at any time, similar to our process for Ride-Alongs for instructors, so that you may receive feedback and ask questions.