3-5 Week CSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor Course

Course Type Ski Instructor
Dates 25th Nov - 16th Dec | 16th Jan- 11th Feb
Price From £4250
Venue Canada - Sun Peaks
Qualifications CSIA Level 1 Certificate
Add Flights? Optional for £650

About the Trip

Become an instructor on one of our 3-5 week short ski instructor courses. This course is an entry-level lifestyle holiday leading to the CSIA Level 1 qualification. The programme is designed to improve your skiing ability across all-mountain terrain or give you that first leg up to becoming a professional instructor.

You’ll be a certified ski instructor by the time you go home. The 3-week program starts in November, and the 4-week program runs in January. Short courses are ideal for good intermediate skiers. You can extend the introductory 3-week programme by 1 to 2 weeks either before or after the start of the course.

Please get in touch with us for availability and prices.

Features

Level 1 WSC Training Program

CSIA Level 1 Exam and Membership.

Ski In/Out Accommodation

Breakfast and Dinner

Season Lift Pass

Resort Rep on site 24/7

Benefits

Early and late start dates.

3-5 week options.

Guidance with insurance,  equipment, banking, communication & clothing.

Support with visa applications and future job opportunities.

Further bolt-ons available.

Click to see what the fuss is about!

Cahility Lodge

Located in the heart of Sun Peaks Resort, the Cahilty Lodge is the perfect base for a ski instructor course. Forgot your goggles or want to head back for Lunch? The Cahilty is ski-in/ski-out and only a short walk from all the shops, restaurants and ski lifts. Based on the alpine style with spacious rooms, it has everything you need to make it a home-from-home.

The studios and 1-bedrooms suites are well set up for short and long stays. All Murphy rooms feature a kitchenette, gas fireplace, dining area and free wireless internet. The dining room table seats four people, and there’s a flat-screen TV and comfy sofa for relaxing when the room is set up for single or double occupancy. Otherwise the non kitchenette versions are a standard double Queen hotel room with basic facilities comprising, kettle, microwave, and fridge. Rooms are set out in blocks, so you’ll be next to all your fellow instructor mates.

There is a double share or a single room availability, and the price is reflective of this difference.

Guest amenities include a fitness room, outdoor hot tubs, ski storage and a laundry area.

Facilities: Ski-in, Ski-out | Outdoor Hot Tubs | Gym | 24-Hour Reception | Lockable Ski Storage | Wifi | Fireplace | Kitchen | Ensuite

Resort

The resort of Sun Peaks is nestled snuggly in the valley between 3 mountains spanning 4200ac of fantastic terrain,

Take the lifts to the Top of the World, and breathe in the expansive vistas as the snow ghosts bow to the Bluebird mornings. Catch one of the 13 lifts, get immersed in one of the 137 runs, and disappear into 16 gladed areas.
Finding some of the best-untouched powder amongst tree-lined runs to the 10-acre terrain pack is a treat for anyone wanting to get the most out of this fulfilling venue. Avoid the white-out days, the chaos and long lift queues that plague some of our neighbouring resorts.
Offering some of the best conditions that BC offers and officially the sunniest resort in BC, it’s no surprise that people flock from around the world to see what the fuss is about. Maybe that’s why the Interski trials are held here.
Back it up with enough hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and amenities to make it the 2nd most extensive resort in Canada, and you’ve got a world-class venue to keep the most discerning characters grinning from ear to ear. Prepare to be astounded.

Breakfast and Dinner

If it’s one thing we want you to do. It’s to stay fuelled up.

Four breakfasts and dinners per week can be included with your course, meaning you’ve got time to relax and concentrate on what’s important.  With pretty much the pick of the menu across 3-4 restaurants, it gives you enough variety every week to not get bored and ensures you’re getting what you need. However, if you have special dietary requirements or prefer to cook for yourself, then some of the rooms have kitchenettes, allowing you to take more control over what you eat.

Special nights are arranged during the course when everyone can get together for something a little different. Mexican Margherita night, anyone?

As great as it is being catered for, there’s plenty of time to cook for yourself back in your studio. We get it. Sometimes it’s nice to relax, order a pizza, make a bowl of pasta, and catch up on Netflix. Regardless of your culinary skills, there are plenty more places to eat in Sunpeaks Village. Whether you’re a vegetarian*, meat fiend, spice lover, or want something simple, there’s something for everyone.

*Please say if you have dietary requirements, as we can advise what is possible or even suggest self-catering if that works better for you. We’ll also give you plenty of advice on how much to budget for all your extra costs, plus that odd cheeky beer!

Accommodation
About the Location
Meal Plan
Testimonials

Training Package

Level 1 Training

5 days a week, provided by CSIA pro-instructors Level 1 course conductors will take training and provide one-to-one feedback as you prepare for the level 1 exam.

CSIA Level 1 ski instructor exam

The level 1 ski instructor course exam is included in the price.

CSIA Membership & Instructor Licence.

As part of your course we enroll you with the CSIA. Membership for the year is included and you will be provided with a login to the CSIA website where you can sign up for further training and exams if required. Upon completion of level 1 you will be a licenced instructor.

Shadow Teaching

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

Additional Training Option

Further certifications are available during extra weeks at the end of the programme.
Including Avalanche Skills Training, Adaptive Ski Instructor Qualification, Race Coaching certification and Park course.
Many clients extend their stay by a week to take full advantage of the additional training options.

Visa Assistance & Job Opportunities

We have partnerships and connections with several sports schools across the world, and can offer guidance to help you to find employment as instructor once qualified.
We provide comprehensive advice and assistance 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

Click to Open

Professional coaching is provided 5 days a week, typically Monday – Friday. Days off and weekends can be spent shadowing snowboard lessons & free-riding.

Week One

Introduction to ski instructing. Calming any egos and getting rid of any bad “holiday skiing habits”.
Getting the correct skiing fundamentals in place, setting you on the best path from straight from the start.

Week Two

Skiing improvement and technique the CSIA way – including video analysis. Looking after your kit – Ski Tuning Workshop. Consolidating the new techniques.
Bolt Ons introduced at the weekends.

Week Three

Final level 1 training & CSIA Level 1 exam

Optional Week Four

Optional extra week – additional courses available (AST, Park Course 1, Canadian Adaptive Snowsports, 5 day Revelstoke Steep & Deep with Heli)

Optional Week Five

Optional extra week – free-skiing, additional training available (intro to level 2).

"Winter 2018 - Sun Peaks"

Scott Howitt - 6 Apr 2020

"Winter 2018, I got involved with the Winter Sports Company. I did the Level 1&2 Course at Sun Peaks and passed both! I had such an amazing time and loved every minute of it . Go forward just over two years, and I am now a CSIA Level 3. I wouldn't be where I am now without the support and guidance from the Winter Sports Company. So thanks for everything!"

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.

Tree Wells & All Mountain Safety

An absolutely serious must-do, one-day course for all skiers and snowboarders who venture off the groomed runs. In our opinion, everyone should do this course; they are some of the closest dangers and yet the most overlooked. Learn about how tree wells form and safe riding through the trees.  What action to take if you fall into a tree well, and how to rescue someone. Additionally, this course will introduce you to often overlooked hazards that one may encounter, such as cold exposure injuries, variable snow conditions and more.

Dog Sledding

The resort and nearby terrains offer an exhilarating dog sled adventure. You will meet the team and learn everything you need to know about dog sledding tours in Canada before heading out for a thrilling experience across beautiful landscapes. All sleds are guided, and the tour allows 30 to 40 minutes of sled time through majestic lodgepole pine trees. In return, you will get to thank the dogs by giving them lots of cuddles and snacks.

Intro to Backcountry Skills

During this 2-day course, you will spend time doing both on & off-piste technical training. You will develop a strong understanding of advanced technical concepts and learn about tactics and tools for developing off-piste skiing/riding skills in various environments. You will ski steep terrain, deep snow, glades, un-groomed conditions, bumps, and low visibility, to help gain knowledge in terrain adaptation and awareness in a changing mountain environment. Over the course, you will become familiar with your equipment and will be assessed in terrain analysis, hazard analysis, and trip planning to ensure safety when skiing the backcountry. Equipment (powder skis, skins, snowshoes, split board) are not included. You must have also completed the AST 1 & Companion rescue to take part in this.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is Included

Sun Peaks Skiing

A good snow base falls early in the season, and Sun Peaks continues to receive fresh powder all season. Sun Peaks is an ideal resort for a short ski instructor course; with a vast area across three mountains and a pro sports school, there is all the terrain you could want for 3-4 weeks of training. You’ll soon tackle it all, from powder bowls and terrain parks to piste-perfect groomers and mogul fields. Sun Peaks is a vibrant and friendly place, it will capture your heart, and it won’t be long before you return to get your level 2.

Flights

For maximum flexibility, internships can be booked with or without flights.
Flights depart from London, UK. Flights from alternative airports can be arranged; please contact us for a quote for this service.

Transfers

Outbound and return transfers are included from Kamloops Airport as standard with all bookings, subject to arrival times if you book your flights.

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 up to 20% in selected shops and restaurants and on some activities, equipment rentals, maintenance and repairs.

Shared Hotel Accommodation

Enjoy Ski-in/ski-out accommodation at the Cahility (Sun Peaks) or Horsethief & Toby Creek Lodges (Panorama). Bedrooms accommodate 2 per room and benefit from a shared ensuite, TV, high-speed internet and storage.
Once qualified, you will stay in staff accommodation pre-arranged by the WSC.

Meal Plan

4 Breakfasts and dinners are provided every week of your stay. Using 3-4 different restaurants within the resort. You can add this for an additional £110 per week or simply add breakfast only for £36 a week, or dinners only for £75 per week.

Training Package

Includes 20 hours of training per week by Level 3 & 4 instructors.

CASI Level 1 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 technical skiing and your people skills. The exam is three days long, and you are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Weekly Socials

From Pool comp night, Floodlit riding at night, Campfire socials, or Ice skating on the largest Ice skating trail in the World to the often hilarious and infamous Music Bingo night at the local watering hole before busting shapes on the dance floor, there’s always something going on in or around the resort. Between these and the Bolt-Ons, you will have some experiences to remember for the rest of your life, with new lifelong friends.

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.

CASI Membership

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

Not Included

FLIGHTS (add flights for an extra £650)
MEALS outside of the Meal Plan (4 breakfasts and dinners)
INSURANCE
ANCILLARY BOLT-ON COURSES
EQUIPMENT OR RENTAL
HELI SKIING (Add Heli Skiing for an extra approx £660)
BACKCOUNTRY (3-14 day Backcountry experiences are also possible at the end of this course.)

Dates & Prices

Dates Accommodation Double Room Single Room Flights Extra Weeks

25th Nov – 16th Dec

Cahility Lodge

£4250

£5440

+£650

+£550 for any extra weeks added on

16th Jan to 11th Feb

Cahility Lodge

£4250

£5440

+£650

+£550 for any extra weeks added on

Book Your Course Today

Achievement, fun and ski improvement condensed into a 3-4 week schedule. This programme is designed for skiers who want to make the most of their limited time off. To become a ski instructor in a short time requires a degree of dedication and commitment to the course. With your fellow trainees, you will work hard and play hard. This is the holiday of a lifetime and is a great way to improve your skiing across all the terrain in an open mountain environment.

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FAQ

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