Eric, you are not required to be a ski instructor. If the pay is bad, do something else, but don't forget that ski lessons aren't cheap either. You seem awfully cranky.

Ski instructors do NOT make a lot of money! Many people think that the instructors get a large chunk of the ski school lesson fee or even a part of the lesson or lift ticket price. NOT TRUE! Instructors generally make only a minimum hourly wage or slightly more per hour if certified. And, they only get paid per hourly lesson. So, if they do not teach all of the day they do not get paid. Many instructors spend extra time with their students taking an extra run or two, or making a special effort to help the student...including helping lifting up your child, multiple times if necessary if they fall, or towing them around because your child cannot keep up with the rest of the group...and so much more. Instructors pay for all their own equipment, maintainance (including getting their equipment repaired because you ran over their skis during a lesson multiple times), uniforms, very expensive dues for their professional organization where they receive excellent training...which they pay for themselves, and more. They do NOT do it for the money...because there really isn't much. They do it for the love and passion for the sport and the desire to share it with others. Instructors truly appreciate tips especially if they "go the extra mile". By all means, yes, tip your instructor. A good instructor will NOT ask you for a tip, or hint at one, but in most cases, it is deserved. Tip appropriately. Spread this word to others.

All these ski instructors registering and posting to ensure their tips. How annoying.

Never considered tipping sports instructors.