4 Week Level 1 Instructor Course With Guaranteed Job

Course Type Instructor Course | Ski Instructor
Dates 26th Nov - 23rd Dec | +12-14 Weeks Work
Price From £4900
Venue Canada - Various
Qualifications CSIA Level 1 Instructor Certification
Add Flights? Add flights for £700 from London

From Trainee to Paid Instructor in 4 Weeks

This high-intensity, 4-week ski instructor course is designed for skiers and snowboarders who want to qualify quickly and start teaching immediately, no fluff, no internship, just a straight line into the job.

Your journey begins in Calgary, where we whisk you away to Banff for two days to settle into mountain life, do any last-minute shopping, and take in a couple of beers while watching a hockey game. Our next venue is Panorama Mountain Resort, one of Canada’s most respected CSIA training venues. With powerful early-season snowmaking, a variety of terrain, and Level 3 and 4 trainers, Panorama sets the perfect stage for rapid progression. Over four weeks, you’ll train intensively with Winter Sports Company’s expert coaches, covering everything required to achieve your CSIA Level 1 qualification at the end, with all modules and exam fees included.

Once you qualify, you’ll head east to Nova Scotia, where a guaranteed paid job is waiting for you at Cape Smokey or Ski Martock, or both. These community-driven resorts offer hands-on teaching experiences, small-group environments, and the chance to apply your new skills immediately. Ideal for anyone building a ski CV or launching a long-term career. Yes they might not be big resorts, but they pay well and lots of hours! Ensuring you not only cover your living expenses but actually save $$$$ for your new future endeavours.

If you can’t afford an internship but want to escape to the mountains, this is the fastest way to turn your skiing or snowboarding into employment this winter. Do you want to stay at home again or make the most of this fantastic offer and get yourself out to Canada to do something completely different to anything you have done before?

There is an opportunity to save money whilst you work and return to Panorama or a new resort on your travel list, Revelstoke! Either of these venues will provide the opportunity to train and take your Level 2 exams at the end of the season. What a way to finish!

Your Instructor Package
  • Train at Panorama Mountain Resort: Home to the 2022 Junior World Championships, the 2024 North American Championships and the 4th biggest vertical in Canada.

  • CSIA Level 1 in just 4 weeks: Designed for capable skiers and snowboarders ready to qualify quickly and start teaching.

  • Over 80 hours of intense coaching: Performance-focused training with no time wasted.

  • Learn from experienced Level 3 and 4 instructors: Elite trainers with years of exam success

  • Guaranteed paid instructor job: Teach at Cape Smokey, Ski Martock, or both immediately after qualifying. A unique Canadian small ski resort experience.

Train Smarter. Spend Less.
  • Challenging terrain that pushes your limits: Real growth through real variety at a world-class resort
  • Stylish slope-side apartments: The best accommodation setup to recover, relax, and stay focused both in resort and in town.

  • See more of Canada: Train in Panorama, work in Ski Martock or Cape Smokey. Return to Panorama or Revelstoke for Level 2.

  • No hidden costs: All CSIA/CASI Level 1 modules & exams included.

  • Career-focused outcome: Guaranteed job placement and a clear path into the industry, sponsorships considered for non-visa-eligible individuals. 

  • Relax in BC’s biggest slope-side hot pools: Perfect for recovery after high-volume training days

Whats Special About This?

 

A wise use of your limited funds?

It’s by far the most affordable way to get on the ladder and not only earn money but also save money (up to $9,000-$10,000) while working, doing precisely what you were trained for. Trust us, it’s a rare thing to do in your first season!

This is explicitly designed to help you escape your current environment and embark on a new life. Sponsorship will be considered for older clients who are unable to obtain a visa.

 

Whilst your Training

After the first two nights in Banff in your hostel, you are moved to slopeside condos, double rooms and finally plush apartments for those wanting to free ski over Christmas. Located in the Canadian working town of Invermere, not far from Lake Windermere, which is host to the largest ice skating trail, according to the Guinness Book of World Records! It’s also only 25 mins from Panorama and has some excellent accommodation with the bus stop conveniently located right outside. Supermarkets or eateries are evenly spread throughout Invermere’s town centre only a 7-15 min walk.

Single & double rooms are available. WSC or your employer will organise comfortable accommodation throughout your season.

The Academy

Panorama is a hidden gem of a resort – an Alpine-style, ski-in-ski-out hideaway nestled deep in British Columbia’s Purcell mountains. Panorama has a village feel, but it’s far from sleepy. With a vast ski area and choice of terrain on offer – including one of the most significant vertical drops in North America and the powder heaven that is Taynton Bowl – there’s enough to keep your adventure going for months, no matter what your level.

If the Taynton Bowl isn’t enough, you can head to the Extreme Dream Zone. This is located on the front side of the Taynton Bowl and features all double-black diamond terrain, characterised by tight trees and large moguls. And not forgetting Never Never Land – Panorama’s longest trail at 5.5km long. It starts at the top of the Taynton Bowl as a double black diamond steep, narrow gully before winding out onto a fast, groomed, tree-lined run that leads into the Village.

Then there’s Rockstar Terrain Park, 1km long with over 6 acres of terrain. Rockstar is littered with massive jumps, tabletops, kickers, boxes and rails. The park is located off the Mile 1 express on the Powder Trail.

Feeding Time

To help you during the first few weeks, we offer 15 dinners over a three-week period. Giving you time to get settled, but concentrate on the task at hand and not worry about your catering for yourself.

In Invermere, you are in self-catered apartments or choose from one of the eateries in town. A great mix of takeaways and restaurants can be found in Invermere to keep you well-stoked up for the following days. Additionally, the odd group meal will be arranged for large gatherings at the resort, in town, or at the Grey Wolf Lodge.

After the meal plan, you are responsible for feeding yourselves in Invermere or at your place of work. Yet your wages will easily cover your weekly budget.

Ski Martock & Cape Smokey

Choose which one

You’ve invested a significant amount of money and time to get to this point. Now it’s time to reap the benefits of this investment. You will have a new life in Nova Scotia at one of these community-driven ski resorts. Each one is very different, so you will have the option to choose which resort to work at. Ski Martock, on the edge of Halifax, is ideal for the pay and long hours, but the rural Cape Smokey is by far the most unique Ski resort I have ever seen. With its slopes reaching down to the raw Atlantic Ocean, you will be in awe at its beauty. A truly unique experience for the next 10-14 weeks as you start filling your pockets to save for your next adventure, and for those keen to complete your Level 2.

Accommodation
Panorama
Meal Plan
Nova Scotia

What is included

Banff - Panorama - Nova Scotia - Panorama

Your season takes you on a journey across Canada, starting in the world-famous mountain town of Banff, where you’ll soak up the Rockies’ culture with hockey games, shopping, and nightlife before heading to Panorama, a ski-in-ski-out resort known for its epic vertical drops, powder-filled bowls, and buzzing slopeside village. From there, you’ll settle into Invermere, a lakeside town offering a true taste of Canadian mountain life with free skiing, frozen-lake adventures, and the option to begin your Level 2. Finally, you’ll fly east to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where colourful harbourfronts, lively pubs, and guaranteed paid instructor work at community-driven resorts like Cape Smokey and Ski Martock give you the perfect blend of teaching experience and East Coast charm.

Arrival

Fly into Calgary. Then head straight to Banff to have two days, two nights, getting to know your new ski buddies, getting our shopping done, buying any last-minute items and a few beers in town watching a game or out for a group meal.

Transfers

Outbound and return transfers are included from Calgary Airport as standard with all bookings, subject to arrival times if booking your own flights. Also, your transfers to and from your place of work in Nova Scotia are included.

Guaranteed Job

Upon completing the level 1 exam, you will either have a couple of weeks free skiing over Christmas before heading off to Cape Smokey. Or if you are stationed at Ski Martock, they will need you before the Christmas rush starts. Working as a ski instructor, you will receive a full uniform, a staff season pass, a place in staff accommodation and other benefits such as discounts across the resort as well as discounts and reciprocal lift passes at partner resorts in Canada (varies for each resort).

Accomodation

Plush apartments, communal hot tubs, 2 bedrooms, 2 per room maximum. Fully equipped kitchens, conveniently located.

 

Meal Plan

Meals are not included, but discounts are readily available throughout resorts with the WSC card. Budget approx CAD$150-250 per week depending on your culinary skills and bar bills.

Season Lift Pass

Your lift pass is season long. This means if you decide to add additional weeks, your lift pass will be valid.

Lift pass benefits include discounts in selected shops and restaurants and on some activities, equipment rentals, maintenance and repairs.

Resort Representative

A representative is on site at the resort to oversee the course. Representatives are knowledgeable about the resort, qualifications, and training, and have often taken part in the course previously. There will be no rep available at your place of work, which is one reason why this course is so cheap!

Training Package

Includes 20 hours of training per week for 3 weeks for your Level 1.

CSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor Exam

CSIA Level 1 is the first big step to becoming a ski instructor. The qualification is split into three main components; your teaching of skiing, your own technical skiing and your people skills. The exam is three days long, and you are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

CSIA Level 2 Development Modules and Exams

The Level 2 ski instructor certification is designed for advanced skiers who have completed the Level 1 certification. The course enables ski instructors to enhance their situational teaching skills and gain a deeper understanding of CSIA technique and methodology, as well as the role of ski teaching within the ski industry. This is available as an extra and not included in your basic package. This can be taken at Revelstoke or Panorama. Giving you the choice of a new, exciting venue or seeing your old course buddies.

CSIA Membership

Regular members enjoy a wide variety of member benefits, including Pro Deals, General Liability Insurance and Accident, Death and Disability coverage.

Social Life

The social side of the course is just as memorable as the skiing. From group dinners and nights out in Banff to hot tub sessions at Panorama and lakeside gatherings in Invermere with BBQ on the lake and winter festivals, you’ll be part of a tight-knit community of like-minded skiers and snowboarders. There’s always someone to ride with, train with, or celebrate a powder day alongside, making friendships that often last well beyond the season.

 

Visa & Work Interview Assistance

We have partnerships and connections with several sports schools worldwide and offer a guaranteed interview with Ski Martock for the rest of the season after the successful completion of your Level 1 (and/or 2). We also provide two further guaranteed interviews at resorts in Canada. Additionally, comprehensive advice and assistance are provided to all Winter Sports clients when applying for working holiday visas. Secure your place with us first, then get your visa.

Snow Ready Fitness Plan

Created for Winter Sports by a personal trainer & instructor, this 8-week pre-season fitness programme targets the muscle groups used in skiing & snowboarding and will make sure you are snow-fit in time for the start of your course.

Not Included

FLIGHTS (add flights for an extra £700)
MEALS
INSURANCE
ANCILLARY BOLT-ON COURSES
EQUIPMENT OR RENTAL
HELI SKIING (Add Heli Skiing for approx £750)
BACKCOUNTRY (3-14-day Backcountry experiences are also possible at the end of this course.)

Dates & Prices

CSIA Qualification Training Dates Accomodation Work Dates Double Room Single Room Flights

Level 1 & Cape Smokey

27th Nov to 12th Jan

Condos & Apartments

12th Jan to 30th March

£4900

£5800 

£700 return

Level 1 and Ski Martock

27th Nov to 22nd Dec   

Condos & Apartments

21st Dec to 30th March

£4600

£5500

£700 return

Level 1 & 2 with Cape Smokey 

27th Nov to 6th April

Condos & Apartments

12th Jan to 30th March

£6800 

£8000

£700 return

Level 1 & 2 with Ski Martock

27th Nov to 6th April

Condos & Apartments

21st Dec to 30th March

£6900

£8000

£700 return

Who’s This For?

This course is ideal if you’re young, adventurous, and keen to make the most of a winter in Canada. It suits those who want more than just a ski holiday. People who are ready to train hard, meet new friends, and gain proper work experience on the slopes, whilst getting paid!

  • 18-25 year olds with an IEC Working Holiday Visa

  • Gap year students or recent graduates looking for adventure

  • Anyone who wants to train, earn, and explore Canada in one winter

  • Not for those without a visa or anyone after a short break on the snow

Why Choose This Course?

If you’re torn between ski training, travelling, or seasonal work, this course combines all three into one unforgettable package. You’ll qualify, make friends, and explore two very different parts of Canada, all while building your CV and skills as an instructor.

  • balanced mix of ski training, paid work, and travel

  • big social group of 30+ people flying out with you

  • Experience both the Rockies and the East Coast in one season

  • Gain hands-on ski instructor experience, not just a certificate

  • Option to finish the winter with your CSIA Level 2 qualification

Weekly Schedule

This schedule serves as a guide and is subject to change. Full support and guidance are provided throughout the immigration process and for setting up documentation to work in Canada. Training is provided by experienced level 3 & 4 CSIA instructors who work closely with each individual and tailor the programme to the group. Video analysis is provided throughout the course.

Week One

Banff, then Panorama, settling in, exploring and an introduction to being a ski instructor. Start of your Level 1 Training. Breaking down bad habits. Building new skills.

Week Two

CSIA Standards – Ski improvement and technique – including video analysis. 5 days of back-to-back training. Intensifying as time progresses.

Week Three

Continued improvement & CSIA Level 1 course and exam prep.

Week Four

Level 1 Exams, then enjoying the last few days in Panorama with your cohort, before prepping to head off on new adventures.

Week Five-Seven

Possible departure to your work venue for the season or free skiing over Xmas, depending on your employers. Settling into your new work environment at Ski Martock & Halifax in Nova Scotia. Or spending a week or two more in Panorama before a Cape Smokey departure.

Weeks Eight-Eighteen

Living it, working it, and doing exactly what you came here to do. A brand new experience in a new environment on a new continent. The weeks will fly by in your new role. You’ve achieved so much in a short space of time. It’s almost time to return home or head back to your Level 2 in Panorama or Revelstoke.

Week Nineteen-Twenty

Been offered another role in resort at Ski Martock or Cape Smokey? Possibly, if you have impressed them, then they will be keen to find Spring and Summer employment for you. Otherwise you can return home, head back to Panorama to enjoy your season lift pass and see your course friends again or try a new resort at the mighty Revelstoke.

For those who choose to return and further their careers to gain their Level 2 certificate, a journey back to either Panorama or Revelstoke will be included, along with approximately 2 weeks’ accommodation, 7 days of training, and 6 days of modules and exams. Finishing the season with a Level 2 cert, a massive sense of achievement and some money in the back pocket to decide on what to do next.

Level 1 & 2 At Panorama

Sam Ezekiel- 2024

"When considering WSC, you might initially wonder if it’s worth the cost. The answer is a resounding yes. Not only is WSC more affordable than many other companies, but it also offers exceptional value by ensuring you receive a comprehensive and enriching experience.".... Thanks Sam you took the words right out of our mouths!

Bolt On Courses

The Bolt-ons are the point where you can turn your already stellar winter season into something truly unforgettable. Whilst some are devised to improve your CV, some enhance your smile. The Heliski experience will have you grinning from ear to ear all the way back home through your front door. So decide what is critical for you, an adrenaline ride, gap year, career-breaking, mid-life crisis-soothing adventure? Or something that will put another few dollars on your wages and make your instructor resume stand out?

These are ancillary offerings to our clients once onboarded. It is a simple, transparent method so you can cherry-pick what you want and, more importantly, not be forced into paying over the odds for something you do not want.

Monster Cat X

Cat skiing is a form of backcountry exploration, taking you away from the borders of controlled ski areas to ride through untouched powder. Take a ride to the top of The Taynton Bowl at Panorama Mountain Resort.

Sled Mobile

Enhance your CV and give the resort director another reason to hire you. Opportunity to gain your BCSF smart sledding course certificate and use it for future employment, or just enjoy a great day out on the neighbouring mountain getting to grips with your sled and enjoying aBBQ lunch up on the mountain lodge.

Nordic Skiing

The silence of the wilderness and the almost spiritual experience of gliding through a winter world leaving nothing but tracks in the snow is an irresistible combination.

Entry Level Race Coach

ACA-CSC coach education program links directly with Alpine Canada's Long Term Athlete Development stages of growth and skill development. At each program level, coaches acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the athlete's growth and skill development needs. During the course, you will learn how to reduce the risk of accidents and how to coach ski racers. This course promotes continuous improvement and life-long learning for coaches and coaching excellence at every level in the Canadian development system. Race Coaching ACA-CSC.

NUEC I (Level 2)- Emergency Response First Aid

The two or four-day first aid course will provide the necessary training for those working in remote areas giving them the knowledge and skills to evaluate medical emergencies, decide the best course of action and triage, treat and evacuate the patient. Perfect for those working as instructors, guides, safety patrollers, and forestry. Topics will include but are not limited to life-limb-threatening injuries, CPR, survival skills, critical decision-making, stretcher use and other common scenarios experienced in these industries. Great to have on your CV and a fantastic introductory skill set for becoming a ski patroller or backcountry guide aiming for their NUEC Level 3.

Paragliding

We offer a serene experience; you'll get to experience Panorama from a completely different perspective. You can take off from 2 different spots (depending on the weather conditions). Summit takeoff gives you an 1110 m or 3650 ft flight height difference, and Champagne Express takeoff is 770 m or 2560 ft flight height difference. You will then land at the bottom of Little Dipper, where your pilot will teach you how to roll the Parachute back up safely. They also provide a camera you can hold to film your adventure, so bring a storage chip to put in it!

Sled Mobile

With over 32,000 acres of terrain, experience the exhilarating feeling of driving a sled mobile. Make your cv shine & take your BCSF certification online prior to taking the experience if you want to gain a certificate. Practice handling your new sled in the snow field, then you head up to the Silver mining town remnants at 8000ft up at the top of the mountain, stunning views of Panorama, old-growth forests, spectacular icefalls and lots of free time blasting around the open bowl with your friends. Fuel up with a mountain-size lunch in the cosy cabin and then head down back to base.

Banff Blow Off

It's not Ibiza, admittedly, but it's a great vibe and the best that the infamous Banff can offer. One night and two days on the slopes of the big mountains surrounding the iconic Banff town. Includes accommodation, transport, and lift passes. Relax and take some time out from Panorama, do some shopping, and get up on the big mountain of Sunshine, Lake Louise or Norquay. Then put your party face on and have a big night out with your mates before calling it a day and heading back to HQ. This either happens after your exams or at the end of your winter season.  

Ice Skating the Worlds Longest Trail

Enjoy a skate with your pals on the Biggest Lake trail in the World, according to the Guinness Book of Records! Armed with a bbq, burgers, beers,  tunes, hockey sticks and a bunch of your friends. A great day out just cruising around doing something different for the day, or for those wanting a more physical challenge, then why don't you attempt the full 35km skate ring around the lake?

Ice Hockey Match

Watching ice hockey is a must for anyone spending significant time in Canada. As the national sport, you'll be hard-pressed to avoid it. It is on screens in bars and restaurants everywhere you turn! So, as a group, we will take a bus trip down to watch the game and get a bite to eat. It will be a fun night out that you won't want to miss! This is organized in the resort, and if you are in Panorama or Revelstoke, it's a weekly event. If you are at Sun Peaks, it's a once or twice a season event. Check out a previous Ice Hockey trip. 

Heli Ski Trip

Heli-skiing is, quite simply put, the ultimate off-piste experience - perfect for freeskiers/riders, thrill-seekers and powder lovers. The adrenaline rush as you board the helicopter is nothing compared to the breathtaking views as you fly over the mountains. 3-5 runs into pristine powder fields. It's enough to put a grin on your face for months. Ultimate bragging rights. Make sure you take a Go-pro or pay for extra footage. Equipment is included, but make sure you have insurance to cover you. Extra insurance can be arranged. Sun Peaks clients must do the Revelstoke trip to do this.

First Tracks & Best Bits

You could spend all season in the resort and still miss these little gems. Your guide for the day knows every nook and cranny of the mountain. This is a non-training day, but by the end of it, you will know all the local knowledge on every section of the mountain. Knowing which slopes are best in certain conditions. Knowing what the local dangers or difficulties are in each area of the mountain. Finding the best runs through the trees. It's best done early in your programme so that you can get the most out of your time in the resort armed with a new sense of your surroundings. There is no better way to start the day than as VIPs and being the first ones up the lift for some First Tracks.

Ski & Board Tech Tips

Learn how to get the most out of your equipment from the pros. An evening in the workshop. Makes a great present for someone and gives them the knowledge on how to look after their equipment, tune it for the conditions and cover the overall safety aspects of your settings.

Steep n Deep at Revelstoke

Please take a peek at one of the world-class resorts in our books. Revelstoke is a monster of a resort and a pilgrimage everyone must make in their lifetime. It has the highest vertical in Canada and is consistently voted in the top #3 as the best resort in Canada. A must-see alternative for all those wanting to experience industrial amounts of snow, steep exciting terrain and incredible backcountry terrain. It's hard not to fall in love with the place; we will think you'll agree. It is a great place to spend with your feet up and relax on those days off, with grand entertainment areas, comfortable bedrooms, spacious bathrooms, a jacuzzi on the balcony, log fireplaces and plenty of storage. Choose between the lodge or the hostel. Either way, it's a real once-in-a-lifetime venue. Includes accommodation for three nights, three days. Transport to and from Revelstoke & Lift passes for three days of some unforgettable skiing/riding.  

Off-Piste Tactical Training

This course offers a blend of coaching geared towards boosting your technique off-piste, allowing you to charge through the conditions and terrain confidently. It includes a basic understanding of the terrain's pitfalls and how to choose a successful track, taking into account the local dangers. You will also understand how to alter your stance and commitment when carving a path off the beaten track. We try to run this on a powder day but cannot guarantee this. This often books up early.

CASI Park Level 1

In this 2 days long park course, you will explore snowboarding techniques and teaching methods, as they relate to introductory terrain park. Allowing you to gain an understanding of basic freestyle techniques, as well as lesson planning and effective communication skills. During the course, you will receive coaching, feedback and strategies for long-term development.  Course candidates will be assessed and updated daily on their performance and progress and by the end of the course, you will have the skills necessary to safely introduce students to the terrain park and freestyle snowboarding. CASI Park  

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports

This certifies instructors to teach skiers and snowboarders with disabilities personal ski/snowboard improvement. You will develop skills to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to experience adaptive snow sports safely. You will learn how to use teaching aids, adaptive equipment and carry out basic safety procedures. Depending on which resort you go to, this will increase your hourly wage at your next chance of employment as you will be considered a Dual Instructor. The most affordable and effective course to enhance your pay rate. Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Level 1

AST Level 1: Avalanche Skills Training & Companion Rescue

Do you enjoy backcountry skiing or heading off-piste? If so, AST level 1 & Companion Rescue are a must! During the course, you'll learn to recognise avalanche terrain, understand the avalanche forecast, plan your trips, and perform a companion rescue with a variety of search and rescue techniques with single or multiple casualties. Understanding the landscape, especially as a backcountry skier, is essential to support yourself when skiing, to stay safe, and to avoid danger. Three days of vital learning to understand how to be a valued member of your group when things go wrong. Check out our AST page to find out more.

Find Out More

A winter in the mountains is an exciting opportunity, and we want to best prepare you for what’s to come. Our blog details past experiences of clients who have qualified as instructors and those who have continued to work in the industry. We also dive into how to best prepare for a season and what to expect when you arrive. After reading, there are so many facets to a season, and we’re sure you’ll want to become a certified ski bum.

Book Your Course Today

We listened to those yearning for a season in Canada but struggling to afford the hefty price tag of an internship. Some of you are already worldly wise and can stand on your own two feet, so we stripped this course down to the bare basics, covering our time and efforts; we’ve left the rest for you to sort out on your own. We are not making money on any other elements but your course. Giving you the best bang for your buck but helping you get from A to B to C, so you can at least concentrate on the task at hand….Getting qualified, getting a job, getting a new career!

From your couch to your course with as minimal fuss as possible. The mountains are for everyone to enjoy.

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