Internships

Winter interns are involved in all aspects of our adaptive snowsports program. On the hill, interns learn how to teach adaptive snowsports and are encouraged to take the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Alpine and Adaptive Level 1 exams. Off the hill, interns conduct outreach, fundraising, and other administrative projects. We encourage anyone with an interest in adaptive snowsports to apply. 

Testimonials

Brian, 2007-2008 intern

Hometown: Rock Springs, Wyoming
Current Employment: Firefighter

“I learned that no matter who you work with you will learn something from that person. Every person has something to share and if you keep an open mind and positive attitude you will benefit from spending time with them, and hopefully you might be able to share some tiny bit of information with them too. In my current job I go into everyday knowing that I will gain knowledge and understanding from everyone I encounter and hopefully that will make me better at what I’m doing now.“

Brian tethering a bi-ski on a sit-ski lesson

McKenzie, 2019-2020 intern

Hometown: Duluth, Minnesota
Current Employment: Medical Student

“As an intern with Achieve Tahoe, I learned how to understand and communicate with those around me, especially those individuals with disabilities. I loved meeting all the participants and their families. Often, we worked with the same participant multiple times and were able to build a relationship with them. I am currently in my first year of medical school, hoping to go into Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or Neurology, and I can confidently say that my experience at Achieve Tahoe positively shaped the person and physician that I will be someday.”

McKenzie leading a stand-up ski lesson

Taylor, 2020-2021 intern

Hometown: Flint, Michigan
Current Employment: Program Coordinator at Outdoors for All

“Being an intern at Achieve taught me so many valuable lessons and helped me gain a skill set that has allowed me to continue my journey of having a career in adaptive sports. The knowledge and experience you gain while interning with Achieve is unlike any other internship out there; not to mention you leave with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!“

Taylor leading a snowboard lesson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Achieve Tahoe internship program?

Our internship program is designed to involve our team of interns in all aspects of our adaptive snowsports program. Typically, there will be a team of 4 interns. Interns play a fundamental role in the execution of the day-to-day operations including teaching adaptive snowsports, completing administrative projects, and participating in outreach and fundraising efforts. This program will provide interns with a real-world, hands-on learning experience while expanding their professional technical skills and refining their people skills. This program does NOT fulfill the requirements for a recreation therapy internship; however, it can be used for college credit.

Who should apply to become an intern?

We encourage anyone 18 or over with an interest in adaptive snowsports to apply!

When are internships offered?

Our internships will begin December 1st and last through April 30th. Due to the nature of our business, this commitment will require interns to remain at work during the holidays. Similarly, this internship is a full-time commitment and will not leave time for part-time, or outside work.

What does a typical work week for an intern look like?

A typical week for an intern will include the following responsibilities: teaching adaptive snowsports lessons, participating in on-hill and indoor clinics, assisting at various fundraising events, and maintenance of program equipment and the program center. This placement is a full-time, 40 hour/week internship. Interns will typically have two consecutive weekdays off (TBD). The work day is normally 8 am to 5 pm.

Do interns get paid?

This is not a paid internship. However, interns receive a small reimbursement to assist with living expenses.

Is housing included?

Yes! Housing is provided for the team of interns for the duration of the internship. Living with other interns presents a unique experience for personal growth and team building on a new level.

Are there intern benefits?

Interns at Achieve Tahoe will receive numerous benefits throughout the duration of the season. Some of these benefits include:

  • Support and guidance on your path to becoming a certified ski instructor through an in-house PSIA process
  • Access to equipment and special promotions
  • Clinics to improve your technical skiing knowledge and ability to teach a wide variety of people
  • Adaptive instructor training in multiple disciplines
  • A season pass to Palisades Tahoe ski resort (Includes access to Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows)
  • Unforgettable hands-on experience

Fill out our online application and our team will reach out to you within a week concerning next steps in the application process.

Apply Now

If you have any questions, please contact our program director, Michael Hunter, at [email protected] or (530) 581-4161 x4.

Meet the 2022-2023 Interns!

Christina F.
Hometown: Bellingham, WA

After growing up between the ocean and the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, I moved to Breckenridge, Colorado where I spent a winter teaching skiing before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University. At CSU, I majored in Health and Exercise Science with a Health Promotion emphasis. When I’m not schooling or skiing, you might find me out on the trails riding my mountain bike or hiking. I am thrilled to be back on snow in a new place, working with communities which inspire my passion for skiing and outdoor recreation.

Grant B.
Hometown: Fremont, CA

Before joining Achieve Tahoe, I studied Communication with a minor in Applied Psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara. I learned to three track with Achieve Tahoe some 18 years ago. Learning to ski was a vital step in my athletic career and a core building block for my confidence as an amputee. I’m very excited to expand my knowledge of adaptive sports and assist others in their journey of independence. 

Maggie C.
Hometown: San Jose, CA

I recently graduated college in May 2022, where I studied neuroscience and public health. In college, I was able to carry out research on a few topics, my favorite being looking into the efficacy of disability services on campus. I have played sports throughout my life, even competing with my collegiate lacrosse team over the past four years. Staying active and enjoying the outdoors has been a critical part of my health and well-being, and I cannot wait to be a part of providing a similar experience for other people.

Margaret N.
Hometown: Madison, WI

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021 with a French degree and certificates in African Studies and Health and the Humanities. After college, I began seasonal conservation and trailwork in California and Colorado, and hiked the Arizona Trail before joining the Achieve Tahoe team. I am passionate about increasing access and representation in the outdoors and can’t wait to work with some awesome people with Achieve!