Internships

Internships
About
Testimonials
FAQs
How to Apply
2023-2024 Interns

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.”

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!“

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 1^st and last through April 30^th. 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 volunteer coordinator, Brendan Kelley, at [email protected] or (530) 581-4161 x5.

Meet the 2023-2024 Interns!

Madeleine T.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Before coming on board with Achieve Tahoe I was backpacking as a wilderness therapy field guide and carrying out salmon research in the Pacific Northwest, which is where I transitioned from snowboarding to skiing and developed an affinity for backcountry. I am elated to employ my love for the great outdoors and bolster accessibility to collectively harness the healing, awe-inspiring and downright fun properties of the mountain through cultivating trust, confidence, and connection.

Melanie S.
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA

I was previously in Alaska kayak guiding for the summer, and spent the fall working a wine harvest in Sonoma. This winter at Achieve Tahoe, I am most looking forward to meeting all the people we teach and seeing them rip down the slopes! I love sharing in the stoke of people overcoming personal obstacles and helping them gain confidence to know they can do it.

Sarah W.
Hometown: Ambler, PA

Before joining Achieve Tahoe, I was working as a UX researcher in the Bay Area after studying product design and education at Stanford. During my time in school, I was a member of the Track and Field team and a volunteer for Kids with Dreams, a student-run organization for children with disabilities. I am passionate about sharing my joy in outdoor movement with people of all abilities and I can’t wait to work with and learn from everyone at Achieve Tahoe!

Yul F.
Hometown: Los Gatos, CA

I’ve been skiing at Alpine and Palisades my whole life, including during my studies at community college and at UC Davis, where I recently finished my Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and was involved with multiple disability organizations on campus. After graduating, I worked on geophysics research with UC Davis. I’m now hyped to join Achieve Tahoe to work and learn with people as they discover and master snow sports. I’m most excited to learn more about the maintenance and mechanics of mono-skis, but I’m very excited to learn more about all the winter sports and athletes at Achieve Tahoe.