8 Weeks Fast Track Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor Course

Course Type Career Break | Ski Instructor
Dates 19th Nov - 13th Jan | 13th Jan - 10th March
Price From £6550
Venue Canada - Panorama
Qualifications CSIA Level 1 & 2 Instructor Certification
Add Flights? Add flights for £650

About the Trip

This intense, 8-week ski instructor course is the fastest way to complete your Level 1 and 2 CSIA instructor tickets.

Panorama has some of the most advanced terrains in Canada. It is also home to not one but numerous “Hall of Fame” Level 4 instructors. Panorama Mountain Resort boasts the best snow-making equipment in British Columbia. With virtually guaranteed snow early in the season thanks to the insanely powerful snow-making facilities. Panorama is frequently the host for all the international race teams arriving every year for pre-season training. It’s the only mountain in British Colombia that can be “race ready”  and go from green to white in under 72 hours.

A perfect course and venue for those short on time, short on funds, or the more advanced skiers with the skill set to push themselves.

You’ll receive over 120 hours of dedicated Winter Sports coaching during your course, only four days less than the 11-week program! Also included are all CSIA modules and exams for levels 1 and 2, meaning there are no extra costs.

Additional days are included for shadow teaching with the ski school; you can also Bolt On the Tree Wells & All Mountain course as well as your AST  Level 1 Avalanche Awareness course, which helps provide you with the skills to go off-piste safely, venture into the Taynton Power Bowl and ride the Monster on your days off.

At the end of the course, you can either head over to Revelstoke for some steep and deep conditions or join an incredible 3-run x Heli Day to experience untracked deep powder skiing and put your new skills to the test.

If the Junior World Championships & Red Bull have endorsed this stunning resort, then it’s certainly good enough for us.

Features

Over 110 hours of intense training!

Level 4 “Hall of Fame” instructors.

The 4th biggest vertical in Canada.

Home of the 2022 Junior World Championships.

Biggest slope-side hot pools in BC.

Best accommodation on our books

Guaranteed job interview for the following winter

Benefits

Gain your Level 1 & 2 in the shortest time possible, from some of the best instructors in the game.

Streamline your costs, no nonsense training package = More money in your back pocket to Bolt-On another resort or some back country training.

You’ll be pushed to your limits by varied & challenging terrain.

Plush apartments to relax in

No Visa Required.

Click to see what the fuss is about!

Invermere Inn & Apartments

Both residences are located in the Canadian working town of Invermere, not far from the Lake, which is host to the largest ice skating rink in the world, according to the Guiness 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 amongst Invermeres town centre.

There are spacious two-person rooms as standard in apartments or hotel rooms with large double beds. For those wanting more privacy, it’s also possible to get a single room with or without cooking facilities for a relatively affordable amount. Book early, though, as places tend to go quickly.

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 largest 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 is all double black diamond terrain, with tight trees and big 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.

Cater for yourself in Invermere either in self-catered apartments or choose from one of the eateries in town. As well as a 10-15% discount at all resort-owned restaurants, bars and cafes. A great mix of takeaways and restaurants can be found in Invermere to keep you well-fuelled up for the following days. In addition, group meals will be arranged for big get-togethers in the resort, town, or at the Grey Wolf Lodge.

Mike O Shea

Absolutely mega, do it !

I just returned from a mega seven weeks with Wintersport’s in Canada! I have held the ambition of being a ski instructor since the first lockdown of doom. As soon as I chatted with Rik on the phone, I knew Wintersports was the company to go with, his warmth and enthusiasm were infectious. I am convinced Emma is bionic; her organisational skills were superb. All the dross of booking flights and sorting the correct travel documents were handled by her with ease. On these sorts of trips, you always expect to get a few problematic folks, but everybody on the course was fantastic. The group was small enough to get to know everyone really well but large enough to do your own thing if you wished. Before going to Canada, I thought I had matured into a sensible drinker who knew his limits. Sorely mistaken was I; the T-Bar and Ullabar were watering holes that were frequented often. The spacious rooms meant I could always find my time when the social battery drained. Now onto the skiing; it was fantastic. The snow is better than in the alps. Period. The instructors were balletic in the masterful control of their skis. It was inspiring to watch. All of them were super friendly and genuinely interested in making our skiing as good as possible.
Mike O Shea
Accommodation
About the Location
Meal Plan
Testimonials

Training Package

Level 1 and 2 Training

120 hours of on snow training is provided by CSIA level 3 & 4 instructors. Level 1 and 2 course conductors mentor the programme, take training and provide tailored one-to-one feedback as you prepare for the exams.

CSIA Level 1 ski instructor exam

The level 1 CSIA course and exam is included in the price. The course runs for 3 days with the first 2 days dedicated to instruction and the final day put aside for the on snow assessment.

CSIA Level 2 Development Modules and Exams

There are 2 separate 2-day modules to complete before taking the L2 exams. Each module is provided by the CSIA and helps to fine-tune both your skiing and teach technique, and are fantastic non-assessed courses. The 2-day CSIA L2 exam is scheduled for the final week. Both modules and exam are scheduled into your 8 weeks and included in the price, they can be removed should you wish to just train ($935)

Revelstoke

You can Bolt On this exciting venue after your course to trial your newfound skills in the big powder venue of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The biggest vertical in North America. Averaging 9-13m of snow per season. I assume that’s enough for you?

Shadow Teaching

All participants have the opportunity and are encouraged to shadow the sports school on days off from pro-coaching. Shadowing real lessons helps prepare trainees for exams and provides observational experience in a mountain environment.

Heli-Skiing

After the level 2 exams, an optional guided heli-skiing trip (approx cost £750) is arranged with RK Heli-ski at the end of the course. All heli-skiing equipment is provided (powder skis/poles) and powder-pack including transceiver and other back-country equipment.

Cat Skiing

Take the easy trip up to the T bowl, for your first off-piste and powder run.

Visa Assistance & Guaranteed Work Interview

We have partnerships and connections with several sports schools across the world and offer a guaranteed interview with Panorama for the following season after the successful completion of your Level 2. We also provide two further guaranteed interviews at resorts in both Canada and Japan. Comprehensive advice and assistance is given to all Winter Sports clients when applying for working holiday visas.

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.

Weekly Schedule
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Professional coaching is provided four days a week, typically on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Wednesdays and weekends can be spent shadowing ski school & free skiing. However, you will receive a training guide in the lead-up to the course.

Week One

Settling in, exploring and introduction to being a ski instructor

Week Two

CSIA Standards – Ski improvement and technique – including video analysis.

Week Three

Continued improvement & CSIA Level 1 course and exam

Week Four

Tree wells, AST or Off Piste & Powder Bolt ons and L2 Teaching experience, bumps and medium & short radius turns

Week Five

Level 2, all-mountain, freestyle and intermediate parallel

Week Six

Teaching practice for bumps and L2 Module

Week Seven

Level 2 Module, exam and Heli Day

"Panorama 2022-7 Weeks of action packed fun"

James Kempa 2022

"The resort itself was brilliant offering a large variety of terrains to improve your skills on, also a large powder bowl great for weekend shredding. there are good facilities on the resort with a few options for food and drinks and well as outdoor hot-pools great for relaxing in after a long day of training. I am hoping to return this season to work at Panorama!"

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.

How to Become Certified to Teach in Canada

Let’s go through the steps to becoming a certified ski instructor in Canada…

Read More

The Ultimate Snow Guide to Panorama

Our seasoned skiier Harry will run through how to make the most out of every vertical foot at Panorama – get excited, there’s a lot to cover.

Read More

Rookie to Instructor

Now you’re qualified, how do you start work as a ski instructor and start your career?

Read More

Is it Worth it?

But you’re still unsure if a career as an instructor it’s worth it…

Read More

Mastering Short Turns

A key skill for wannabe certified ski instructors – a guide to short turns so you can master the mountain.

Read More

What is included

Panorama Skiing

Panorama enjoys over four months of regular snowfall, which delivers light, dry powder. From early December to mid-April, skiers and snowboarders can ski big vertical, gladed areas and powder bowls. Guests in Panorama enjoy 3000 acres of varied terrain that includes beginner and intermediate trails, epic double-black diamond zones, and the Rockstar terrain park.

Transfers

Outbound and return transfers are included from Calgary Airport as standard with all bookings, subject to arrival times if booking your own flights.

Accomodation

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

Single room: £7450
Double room: £6550

Meal Plan

Meals are not included, but discounts are readily available throughout Invermere and the resort 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 rep is in the resort to oversee the course. Reps are knowledgeable about the resort, qualifications and training and have often taken part in the course previously.

Training Package

Includes 20 hours of training per week

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 for advanced skiers who have passed the Level 1 certification. The course enables ski instructors to improve their situational teaching skills and to better understand CSIA technique and methodology and the role of ski teaching within the ski industry.

CSIA Membership

Regular Members enjoy a wide-variety of Member Benefits including Pro Deals, General Liability Insurance and Accident, Death and Disability coverage.

Cat Skiing

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.

Not Included

FLIGHTS (add flights for an extra £650)
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 Dates Accomodation Meal Plan Double Room Single Room Flights

Level 1 and 2 Complete

19th Nov to 13th Jan    |     13th Jan to 10th March

Invermere Apartments

Self Catered

£6550

£7450

+£650

Level 1 and 2 Complete

19th Nov to 13th Jan    |     13th Jan to 10th March

Invermere Apartments

Catered

£8050

£8850

+£650

Level 1 Only

13th Jan – 2nd Feb

Invermere Apartments

Self Catered

£3500

£3950

+£650

Level 2 Only

9th Feb – 15th March

Invermere Apartments

Self Catered

£4450

£4850

+£650

Book Your Course Today

The only complaint we had last year was that they wanted to stay out longer. So we listened and made this 7-week success into an 8-week programme giving you more time to rest, free ski or sign up for more Bolt-ons. We are constantly tweaking and improving. With a 100% pass rate last year at Level 2, excellent accommodation, fantastic mountain terrain and competitive prices this no-nonsense course is proving hard to compete with.

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