Internships

Internships
About
Testimonials
FAQs
How to Apply
Meet the 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 internship coordinator, Jared Grafenauer; [email protected]; (530) 389-4687.

Meet the 2024-2025 Interns!

Alex N.
Hometown: North Conway, NH

Before joining the team at Achieve Tahoe, I was working as a wilderness educator leading canoe and backpacking expeditions for Outward Bound in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota and the Chihuahuan Desert of far west Texas. Coming to Achieve Tahoe this season, I am most excited to learn about accessibility in skiing and to get to know the Tahoe area. I am also really excited to do fun meaningful work with motivated and like-minded folks.

Cassidy M.
Hometown: Carbondale, CO

Before joining the team at Achieve Tahoe, I was in Maine finishing my bachelors degree in Environmental Studies at Bates College. This winter, I am most excited to spend a lot of time on skis spreading my love for the sport. It will be so amazing to connect with all the athletes over our common interest: skiing!

Coco G.
Hometown: Concord, MA

I just graduated from Boston University this past spring with a BA in Earth and Environmental Science and spent the summer in Alaska participating in the Juneau Icefield Research Program. I am now excited to be an intern at Achieve Tahoe and meet lots of new people and be able to learn as much as I teach!

Iman H.
Hometown: Parlin, NJ

I was a former student at Rutgers University and pursued multiple project management roles, overseeing projects ranging from cosmetics to logistics! I am most looking forward to learning and understanding different teaching techniques and meeting new people!

May L.
Hometown: Calais, VT

Before joining Achieve Tahoe, I was working for the Appalachian Mountain Club at one of their backcountry huts in the White Mountains. During these months I have gotten so many opportunities to share the thrill of the mountains with strangers who often had never hiked before. I’m super excited to learn how to bring skiing to more people and about the possibilities adaptive snowsports offer. I can’t wait to work and ski and learn in Tahoe!

Remy Z.
Hometown: Redwood City, CA

Before this internship, I was studying Communications at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. I am most excited to work with people with disabilities and interview people to write about in the newsletter. As someone who has participated with Achieve Tahoe over the years, I am excited to help other participant’s share their story with the Achieve Tahoe community.

Trey F.
Hometown: Loomis, CA

Before interning at Achieve Tahoe, I worked as a Community Engagement Associate for Keep Tahoe Blue. I enjoy running, hiking, and wake surfing in the pristine environment of the Tahoe basin. This season, I am most excited to learn to ski for the first time, and to share that joy and excitement with others.