Tipping etiquette for your ski or snowboard instructor is a common question and is similar to tipping for other service providers, such as a waiter at a restaurant. All things being equal, the 15%-20% rule applies. The ski areas normally compensate their instructors at an hourly rate that ranges as low as minimum wage to no higher than double the minimum wage. There are a couple of factors unique to world-class resorts vs the smaller, economical-style ski areas.

Note:  If your economic situation does not allow funds for tipping, do not let this prevent you from taking a lesson or having your loved one’s in a lesson. We instruct because we want to share our love of this sport with you and we want you to experience the same joy that we experience from this sport.

Tipping at World-Class Resorts

The rule-of-thumb is 15%-20% of the cost of the lesson. This can be confidently applied to the group and semi-private lessons of which you do not choose your own instructor. If your instructor gives you exceptional service, then a bonus above the 10%-20% level would be a great sign of your appreciation and encouragement to your instructor.

Guidance on tipping for private instruction and to instructors that you request is a bit more dynamic. Since not all instructors are equal, certain instructors are more in demand because they possess quality attributes such as their technical knowledge, teaching skills and experience. In order to arrange these instructors to meet the short date windows of your visit to the resort, the more generous “tippers” and those who book early gain higher priority with these instructors.

Tipping at Economical-Model Ski Areas

Again, the 15%-20% rule applies and the bonus for exceptional instruction also applies. The difference with these areas is that the cost of the lesson can be very low as they often offer 1.5-2.5 hour lessons at very economical prices. In this case a minimum tip of $20.00 can apply and will be highly appreciated by your instructor.