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Working to promote adaptive participation in snowsports in Canada, the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) trains and certifies instructors in adaptive ski and snowboard teaching. Their purpose is “to give people living with disabilities the opportunity to eliminate barriers that have prevented them in experiencing the Joy and Freedom of Snowsports”
Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) is a national organisation with 12 divisions across Canada. CADS is recognised nationally and internationally for its leadership in adaptive snowsports. CADS provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the joy of participating and competing in skiing and snowboarding. CADS does this by developing and promoting adaptive snowsports through partnerships, training, and instructor certification programs.
The CADS Instructor Certification Program sets the standard for safe, effective technical instruction, and to provide opportunities for more people with disabilities to safely experience adaptive snow sports to the best of their abilities.
The Winter Sports Company work with Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks to ensure all participants on our courses have the opportunity to complete a CADS level 1 instructor certification. Once qualified as CADS level 1, participants are able to volunteer with Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks on days off from training. Sun Peaks Ski Resort
Canada Adaptive Snowsports Level 1 certifies instructors to teach skiers and snowboarders with disabilities. Over the course you will use the specialist equipment provided by Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks to get hands on experience of both the instructor and student side of teaching. This training provides life skills with benefits far beyond the slopes that are appreciated by employers and universities. Certification allows you to volunteer as a CADS instructor with Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks.
The length of the certification is one evening theory session followed by two days on-snow.
Skills covered in level 1:
For more information about CADS please visit the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports website.
The Canadian Adaptive Snowsports utilises a four level system, similar to that used by ISIA members. Each level equips candidates with tools to deliver lessons across all four disciplines, those being:
Levels 3 instructors can train and certify to become CADS Level 1 and 2 course conductors.
The CADS Ski level 4 certification is an extensive education program with strict evaluation ensuring the highest standards of adaptive instruction. The role of a level 4 is to train and evaluate instructors at most levels including CADS level 3 and Course conductors.
If you’re a Winter Sports Company client on a course or internship in Canada and are interested in becoming certified as a CADS instructor, reach out to us or speak to your ski school manager to find out where the nearest CADS certification program is taking place.
Once a ski instructor is certified with CADS, they can work with adaptive ski clubs in Canada and provide adaptive lessons in their ski school. Ski instructors holding a regular ski instructor certification, such as the CSIA or NZSIA, and a CADS certification increase their employability significantly with ski schools worldwide. Ski schools value having instructors who can work across multiple disciplines, particularly adaptive. Holding additional certification may also increase your earning potential as an instructor, as many ski schools offer incentives for those with additional qualifications.
Do not expect to make lots of money; the riches are achieved through the relationships you make, the skills you obtain through consistent training and the confidence you gain from teaching your profession to those in need. Working outdoors amongst your peers in often breathtaking scenery is an incredible experience and should be experienced once in your lifetime.
By enrolling on a snowboard instructor course with one of the UK leading providers like the Winter Sports Company. Canada is the most affordable country to accomplish this by training and enhancing your riding and teaching skills to the introductory level 1 standard. You can acheive this through a snowboard internship if you have some existing riding skills which will combine your training, certification with a guaranteed seasonal job or a snowboard instructor course if you are a complete beginner. Either method will allow you to become a snowboard instructor.
To become a ski instructor in Canada you must successfully pass the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) Level 1 instructor course as a minimum requirement. To increase your employability and work internationally, you need to obtain your CSIA Level 2 after further training. Similarly you can achieve a secondary pathway through the newly formed Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC). Both governing bodies’ qualifications and prior training programmes are available through the Winter Sports Company. Getting a ski instructor job in a resort will be achievable with these certifications and guidance.
To Get A Level 1 Ski Instructor Qualification?
1. Practice your skiing to a level in which you can consistently demonstrate the skills of a Level 1 instructor. You can find more information on this training pathway can be found on the Winter Sports Company Qualifications page
2. Attend and pass the Level 1 instructor course with one of the popular governing bodies in your region. These can be achieved through governing bodies such as the CSIA, PSIC, BASI, PSIA, and NZSIA, to name a few.
Not necessarily more pay per hour but it cant hurt to be dual certified which will help give you the opportunity to gain some more hours per week and allow the snow school to take more bookings. Its a win-win situation for all involved and a great course to have on your CV.