The Canada Ski Instructor & Snow board instructor courses set you up to make a career in the mountains. Receive intensive personalized training from top ski or snowboard professionals and gain globally recognized qualifications to start your snow sport career.

 

Canada Ski Instructor and Snow Board Instructor Course

This full on course is designed to maximize your potential as a skier or snowboarder as well as nurturing your leadership skills, before gaining your instructor qualifications.

Before you can teach others you will need to become an incredible Skier (or Boarder), even if you are already excellent, learning from the professionals will open up your eyes to achieve new levels of personal ability.

Gain experience from a small team of hand picked coaches

Our coaching and guiding staff are all hand picked and are at minimum CSIA/CASI level 3 (most are level 4) and are all certified examiners. We run small training groups of no more than 6. Our Partners company directors are also on snow coaching everyday! This means you will get personalised attention, and genuinely feel part of the team, rather that a student at the back of the class.

Superb training location

The snow conditions at this location are some of the best in Canada. Mount Washington attracts regular storms rolling in off the Pacific Ocean and is frequently home to the deepest snow-pack in North America.

Teaching Components

what you learn on the slopes will be supplemented with theory sessions, evening workshops and video playback analysis so that you can see your improvement week by week.

Through out the course you will also be involved in real life work experience with the local snow school which will give you invaluable hands on

During the Snow-sports instructor courses, you will master high performance ski or snowboard techniques and tactics in a variety of mountain skills including the following:

  • Powder
  • Bumps
  • Steeps
  • Trees
  • Terrain park
  • Carving
  • Alpine racing

For 12 weeks you will enjoy ski in ski out accommodation at Mount Washington Resort And legendary instruction from some of Canada’s top ski professionals. We include all transfers and transportation within the program; evening meals Monday – Friday & all meals on overnight backcountry trips.

The course includes a full seasons pass (including night skiing/riding and X-Country) at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort So it’s a great idea to take advantage of the additional one-week bonus for only £349.

You can expect coaching, Men touring and guiding in a variety of ski or snowboard disciplines Such as the GS racing and terrain park techniques.

Lessons are delivered with comprehensive video analysis,  dry-land training and evening workshops and tuning clinics.

Gear: You will need to provide some of your own equipment however we can provide:

Backcountry equipment rentals; safety equipment and group gear rentals. All course materials are provided.

Photos

Full Details

Course Curriculum and Itinerary’s

The following is a week by week break down of the course.

Ski Instructor Course

Week 1

  • Arrival & orientation
  • Group split and ski improvement
  • Introduction to CSIA skills
  • Problem solving & team building camp

Week 2

  • CSIA level 1 preparation
  • Demonstrations & leadership theory
  • Communicating with children workshop
  • Fast Track To Parallel progression

Week 3

  • Avalanche Safety Training 1 certification
  • All mountain ski improvement
  • Navigation & mountain weather
  • Winter survival skills out-trip

Week 4

  • CSIA level 1 ski instructor certification
  • Course & exams

Week 5

  • Intro to performance carving & alpine racing
  • Intro to terrain park.
  • Ski tuning & boot balancing workshops

Week 6

  • Alpine race training
  • CSIA Snow Park “Trained” certification

Week 7

  • Wilderness first aid certification &
  • CPR level C course & exams (50hrs)

Week 8

  • All mountain ski improvement
  • Terrain adaptation
  • Snow School shadow

Week 9

  • Steeps & freeride skills & tactics
  • Intro to air / safety considerations

Week 10

  • Glacier travel & rope rescue skills
  • Avalanche Safety Training 2 certification
  • Multi-day back country ski tour
  • Alpine skills training

Week 11

  • CSIA level 2 preparation
  • Demonstrations, assessment & development
  • Tool box & practice teaches
  • Ubertech competition

Week 12

  • CSIA level 2 ski instructor certification
  • Course & exams
  • Graduation party
SnowBoard Instructor Course

Week 1

  • Arrival & orientation
  • Group split & riding improvement
  • CASI standard skills sessions
  • Problem solving & team building camp

Week 2

  • CASI level 1 preparation
  • Teaching progressions & leadership theory
  • Skill development & demonstrations
  • Communicating with children workshop

Week 3

  • Avalanche Safety Training 1 certification
  • All mountain riding improvement
  • Navigation & mountain weather
  • Winter survival skills out-trip

Week 4

  • CASI Level 1 snowboard instructor certification
  • Final preparation, course & exams

Week 5

  • Introduction to terrain park
  • Teaching progressions for park
  • Airs, rotations, boxes & rails

Week 6

  • CASI Park Instructor certification
  • Terrain park skills & teaching development

Week 7

  • Wilderness first aid certification &
  • CPR level C course & exams (50 hrs)

Week 8

  • Level 2 skills concept
  • Introduction to race/carving board
  • Riding & teaching development

Week 9

  • Race/carving board improvement
  • Carved turn teaching development
  • Equipment tuning

Week 10

  • Avalanche Safety training 2 Certification
  • Multi-day Backcountry trip
  • Glacier travel & rope rescue skills
  • Alpine skills training

Week 11

  • CASI level 2 final preparation
  • Carving board improvement
  • Riding & teaching practice
  • Ubertech competition

Week 12

  • CASI level 2 snowboard instructor certification
  • Course & exams
  • Graduation party

Accommodation

During the Ski or Snowboard instructor course you will be housed in clean and comfortable shared accommodation. Picture cozy warm chalets located in the picturesque village at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

This is a great location, ski in ski out, a world apart from the usual cramped “student Accommodation” used on many Snow sports courses.

The Chalets have all the mod Cons with large kitchens, spacious common areas, WiFi internet access as well as plenty of character and charm.

Standard rooms are are shared between 3 – 4 people, however if you are looking for a little more privacy, it is possible to upgrade to a private or twin room.

Canada Ski Instructor and Snow Board Instructor Course Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose the Xtreme Gap snow sports instructor courses over others?

You will notice a lot of training organisations offering ski instructor courses. These companies only include CSIA/CASI level 1 in the actual course fees… But if you read the fine print anything beyond that is at an extra cost. (CSIA/CASI LEVEL 2 is usually required if students want any chance to obtain a working visa sponsorship the following year).

Some try to fluff up their programs by including a very basic avalanche day or a 1 day first aid course but these for the most part are not accredited courses. With our course, we include all the training fees, and provide you with a 40 hour wilderness training course. Our students come away more highly qualified and ready to hit a competitive snow sports instructor jobs market.

What kind of jobs can I get after completion of the course?
With all the certifications and experience you gain on this program you really should not have any difficulties finding work as a ski or snowboard instructor at resorts all over the world. Some graduates may be eligible to return to Mt. Washington Resort for employment the following year. We will often act as a reference for alumni looking for employment in the industry. For those looking to pursue a career guiding in the backcountry this program will give you many of the prerequisites required for further training.
Do I need a visa to enter Canada?
Luckily for most, especially people from the UK and European countries, all you need is a valid passport and you will be permitted to enter Canada for a period of six months! People from some countries may need to apply for a Visitors Visa in advance.
Check the following link to to see whether or not it is necessary for you. Canada visa information
Do I need to be a good skier or boarder to take part?
Well you should be at an “intermediate” level or higher, if you want to start the course. You should be comfortable on blue runs (which confusingly are Red runs in Europe).
How much spending money will I need?
You will need money for breakfasts, lunches on the hill and meals on weekends. Most people also like to go for a few drinks at the end of the day or out to movies etc. Furthermore if you wish to take part in some of the extra curricular road trips and adventures there will be additional costs. The amount you spend can vary greatly and although many people can get by on much less, an average budget is between $100 – $250 CAD per week, which is around 60 to 160GBP. The biggest expense for some people is beer in the pub about 5 to 6.50CAD for a pint. And for food anywhere from 25CAD (eat in on the cheap) to a maximum of 125CAD (eat out) per week.
What kind of insurance will I need?
If you are not covered by Canada’s health care system, you will need travel medical insurance (this is mandatory). Make sure your insurance covers you for adventure sports. You may also wish to purchase trip cancellation insurance in case of sickness or injury, which prevents you from completing the course (optional).
Am I guaranteed to pass all the exams?
There are no guarantees. The certifications such as the CSIA level 2 ski instructor certification, CASI level 2 snowboard instructor certification and the Wilderness First Aid course have quite high standards. We do, however, promise to provide the best possible training for you to be successful. We exams are achievable by most people who apply themselves and train hard. In some cases it is possible to be re-examined at a later date although additional exam fees may apply.
Is there skiing on days off?
Does a bear poop in the woods? Yes. So ski through them a little quicker in Canada. The course cost covers a full season pass for Mt. Washington Resort, which is also good for night skiing/riding and the resorts world class cross-country ski area. You will also have the opportunity to visit North Vancouver Island’s great little community ski hill… Mt. Cain.
What about the night life?
There will be plenty of opportunities to party! Although we try to focus a little more on ski and snowboard training and leadership development than some other “gap year” programs. We still know the value of being able to let loose.
Are you guaranteed a job after the course?
No company can actually guarantee a job (although some claim to). Provided you are successful on the course and present with a good working attitude, then we will recommend you for employment with the Mount Washington Snow school for the following season. So far everyone who we have ever recommended has been employed. The snow school will then sponsor you for a working visa to come back to Canada and there is no need to apply for one. Graduates of our 12 week course are generally hired on full time for the following ski season (December to April) although shifts can vary.
Can I get recommendations if I apply somewhere else?
If you would prefer to try somewhere new, then we are happy to act as references. Our graduates are working in the industry all over the world. Having all seven certifications included in the course will give you a distinct advantage. (Much of our competition actually offer the equivalent of our 4 week basic course in an 11 week package to make it look comparable. But if you look at the fine print they are not).
What are the wages for a ski and snowboard instructor in Canada?
Starting wages in Canada are pretty low compared to some skiing nations. It will be around $12 per hour, but increase significantly with experience, further qualifications and the ability to gain return clientele. Request lessons pay significantly more.
What other activities will we be doing?
We organize free or inexpensive activities on weekends, but we also organize some optional extra curricular trips. For example going to Vancouver for an NHL hockey game and usually costs around 250 to 300CAD. You can also do bungee jumping costs around 100CAD. Sounds expensive but most other stuff we do is cheap or free.
What does the equipment costs in Canada?
Used equipment will costs between 250 and 450CAD. New equipment between 500 and 1400CAD. (Depending on his tastes and what you actually need). We do get 25% discount at the local ski shop.

 

Price

  • 12 weeks Standard shared £7898
  • 12 weeks twin share £8299
  • 12 weeks private room £9459
  • additional bonus 13th week £349

 

Seen a like-for-like course cheaper? Let us know we will beat the price or give you your 13th week for free.

Included

  • All instruction and exams (see below)
  • Shared Accommodation
  • Food (see below)

Certifications Included

We include the following certifications in the course fees:

  • CSIA/CASI level 1, CSIA/CASI level 2,
  • CSIA/CASI Snow park Accreditation,
  • Avalanche Safety Training level 1,
  • Avalanche Safety Training level 2,
  • 40 Hour Wilderness Training
  • First Aid Certification,
  • 10 Hour CPR level C certification.

Food

We know gaining your instructor qualifications can be a considerable expense, so we include a meal plan that covers many of your dinners through out the course! (Monday to Friday)

All meals on scheduled overnight backcountry trips will also be supplied. This gives you the weekends to explore the many restaurants and cafes of the Comox Valley.

If you want to cook your self it’s no problem, you will also have access to a full kitchen to prepare any meals not provided, allowing a variety of options for all budgets.

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Costs for working holiday visas if required
  • Spending money
  • Ski or Board Equipment

Dates

January 11th- April 4th 2015

“Thanks to you for the good times I had in whistler…I’m still making everybody soooo jealous here telling about the powder I had in the beginning of the season!!!…. I miss the powder runs and jumps! See more reviews here.”
Isabella Riley
” Im stoked, absolutely stoked about the experience I have had…Was better than I could have dreamed of. Learnt so much and the group as just fantastic, i’ve made life long mates.”
Toby White