Youth Spotlight: Naia and Ivan – Snowboard Bums or Professionals?

Your February ‘Youth Spotlight’ will be engaging the full spectrum of the term ‘youth’ as today we had the pleasure to sit down with two young adults in the valley to hear about their experience, growth, and development. Welcome to the February Young Adult Spotlight with Ivan Hu and Naia Montilla- two rad humans who came out to the valley some time ago and have found a home and community in their job and hobbies. 

Naia, originally from Telluride, and Ivan, from San Diego, both had unconventional career aspirations in high school. However, their shared passion for snowboarding led them to pursue their dream of becoming snowboard instructors, or “snowboard bums.” Six and three seasons ago, they each made their way to the Vail Valley, and since then, their journey has been nothing short of transformative.

For Naia and Ivan, these years have not only been about riding the slopes—they’ve been about building lasting networks of friends and clients while growing both professionally and personally. They’ve learned that when you’re truly passionate about something, it’s possible to turn that passion into a fulfilling career. Today, both are recognized figures at the resorts in our Valley, with clients returning specifically to ride with them and witness their development as instructors.

Their paths have been shaped by a blend of determination, skill, and continuous growth. Naia originally envisioned himself as a mechanical engineer, but with time, he’s come to embrace the rewards of building relationships and creating a career out of snowboarding. His advice to his younger self? “Socialize more, and take people up on their invitations—you never know where it might lead.”

Ivan, who once dreamed of becoming an investment banker, now has a singular goal: to make a living doing what he loves most—snowboarding with friends. His advice to his younger self? “Always be mindful and apply yourself toward achieving your goals.”

Both Naia and Ivan have turned snowboard instruction into not just a job, but a professional path that’s rewarding on multiple levels. Just by getting to know these two over the hour, I could tell how much passion they have for snowboarding as a sport, how much they enjoy riding with their friends, and how much excitement they get from helping others learn. When they arrived in the Vail Valley, neither had certifications in teaching, but they’ve since earned vital credentials that have paved the way for their success. Vail Resorts offers a unique opportunity, covering exam fees for employees who pass certification tests—a valuable perk that has enabled Naia and Ivan to advance in their careers.

To date, Naia has achieved his ASI 2, CS 1 & FS1, and is now preparing to take his ASI Cert 3 at the end of this season. Ivan has earned his ASI 1 and is currently working toward his ASI 2 in preparation for next year (or this summer?). These certifications set a bar for skill and ability, and allow those with the certification to teach more advanced clientele, get paid higher, and opens the door for opportunities beyond.  Both hope to broaden their skill sets by teaching technique and tricks at other resorts during this summer, and they’re excited about the possibility of taking their expertise to international slopes in Japan or New Zealand.

Naia and Ivan’s journeys are a powerful reminder that professional development doesn’t always follow a traditional path. With passion, persistence, and an openness to learning, they’ve shaped their own success in a field they love. They continue to grow—both as snowboard instructors and individuals—and are proof that with the right mindset, the opportunities are limitless.