Ski Instructor Internship with Employment

Course Type Ski Internship
Dates 25th Nov-10th April
Price From £5550
Venue Canada - Various
Qualifications CSIA Level 1 & 2 Instructor Certification
Add Flights? Add flights for £650

About the course

Work and train for an entire season, gain an internationally recognised Ski Instructor qualification with the bonus of a guaranteed job. Head out to Canada to become qualified and working by Christmas. On this internship, you’ll train for your CSIA level 1 at either Sun Peaks or Panorama, before starting work at your chosen resort. Once working in resort, your ski instructor training will continue with the sports school and you will have the option to take CSIA level 2 before the end of the season.

To apply for an internship, you must have the right to work in Canada. Most interns require working holiday visas which are available for many nationalities. If you are between 18 and 35, you may be eligible to apply; a visa specialist is available to assist with work permit applications. Please visit our Visa page for more information or contact us to find out more. You must consider applying 8-12 months in advance to avoid disappointment.

It’s always tricky to decide between a Ski Internship and a Ski Instructor Course. So we’ve put together some helpful information on our Blog that looks at the pros & cons and what’s involved with that guaranteed job.

Features

Level 1 WSC training with CSIA exam and membership.

Shared Accommodation and meal package while training.

Guaranteed Ski Instructor job once you pass your Level 1.

Level 2 training and exam is included.

 

Benefits

7 Day per week visa assistance  with our in-house visa expert.

Guidance from start to finish with insurance, certification, equipment, banking, communication & clothing.

Guaranteed positions BEFORE you have your visa secured.

 

Click to see what the fuss is about!

For the Level 1 3-week training section of our internship, we use centrally located hotels and apartments in the heart of both Sun Peaks and Panorama. The ski-in ski-out accommodation is the ideal base for training and provides all the amenities you require to make it a home-from-home.  All have kitchens, fireplaces and living space and most importantly you can walk right out of the door and up to the lift, no bus needed.

Staff Accommodation

Staff housing is pre-arranged before the start of the internship. Staff lodgings are in high demand in ski resorts and have a long waiting list. As part of your internship, you are at the top of the list and have guaranteed housing lined up before the start of the season.

Staff accommodation is payable by the intern, usually on a bi-weekly basis once in the resort. It ranges in price from $340 – 600 per month depending on your resort. At each resort, the options vary, but all provide you with a shared house or apartment with your fellow instructors.

Panorama is a hidden gem – an Alpine-style, ski-in-ski-out hideaway deep in British Columbia’s Purcell mountains. In 2021 Panorama ranked globally for the most space per skier. Put it this way there are 3000 beds in the resort and 3000 skiable acres (we’ll let you do the maths). Panorama has a village feel, but it’s far from sleepy. The vibrant town of Invermere is only 20 minutes away and with one of the most significant vertical drops in North America and the powder heaven Taynton Bowl it’s an incredible resort.

Sun Peaks has 3 mountains all leading into the resort, with over 4000 acres of terrain of all types. No wonder it’s one of British Columbia’s – and Canada’s – premier winter sports destinations. Sun Peaks boasts the second largest skiable area in Canada. With perfectly groomed slopes, powder bowls, park and backcountry options, add to this over 2000 hours of annual sunshine, champagne powder and it’s a truly world-class ski area.

Hidden Valley is located in Southern Eastern Alberta, close to the border of Saskatchewan and Montana. It is a small, unique, community-focused hidden gem next to Elkwater and close to the city of Medicine Hat. Situated in the Cypress Hills Provincial Park, the resort is currently operated by Alberta Parks and enjoys stunning scenery over the prairies. As a community ski hill, you will meet characters from the local community and be part of the team that is passionate about their ski hill.

Meals

During your initial training, you’ll receive four dinners and breakfasts per week, leaving time to concentrate on skiing.  You’ll get many options at each resort to keep you full and satisfied. Our accommodation all have kitchenettes as a minimum. This means for lunch or during the rest of the week; you can quickly cook for yourself.

Once qualified and in staff accommodation, you are then self-catered in your accommodation. All staff accommodation have kitchens and everything you need. On your staff wage, you should have enough money to cover your accommodation and food costs and hopefully a little spare for the fun things.

On average you can spend between 80-100$ per week and you’ll be eating very well, assuming you’re cooking most of your own meals but with the odd cheeky beer out. You can also do it far cheaper and live off pasta and pesto or blow all your budget eating out. You’ll soon learn what’s the right balance and how much you want to save for other things over the season.

We reserve your place on our internship from the moment you book. With all our internships you have a guaranteed job placement once you have completed a successful interview with ourselves and finally the ski school.

We are careful to select only the right candidates for the position and should your chosen ski school feel you’re not quite the right fit, then we work to offer you another placement or refund your money.

Once working for the ski school you will earn between 15-16$ per hour. Both Panorama and Sun Peaks Resorts aim to give you a minimum of 20 hrs work per week averaged over the season with some weeks being busier and some a little slower. It’s enough to cover both rent and food.

At Hidden Valley, which is owned by the Canadian government you will earn as much as 18-20$ per hour, it’s one of the best pays in the industry for a Level 1 instructor. Interns can look to work a minimum of 24hrs per week, often with options to work more. This means at Hidden Valley you definitely save up the money over the season that can be put towards travelling in the summer.

Accommodation
The Location
Meals
Guaranteed Job

Training Package

Level 1 Training

On Snow Training is provided four days a week by CSIA level 3 & 4 instructors, with an extra day scheduled for shadow teaching with the school. In addition, Level 1 course conductors will provide one-to-one feedback and training as you approach the exams.

Guaranteed Job

Upon completing the level 1 exam, you will enrol with the Sports School and begin working for the rest of the season. 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 pass at partner resorts in Canada (varies for each resort).

Further Level 2 Training

Panorama interns receive eight days of dedicated Level 2 training throughout the season from the WSC. In addition, sun Peaks and Hidden Valley students receive five extra days from WSC. You also have the opportunity to join dedicated training sessions on some mornings with the sports schools.

CSIA Level 1 and 2 ski instructor exam

The level 1  and 2 course exam is included in the price.

CSIA Membership & Instructor Licence

As part of your course, we enrol 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 exams. Upon completion of level 1, you will be a licenced instructor.

Shadow Teaching

Shadowing real lessons is integral to training as an instructor and helps prepare trainees for exams. Working closely with the sports school,
participants can use free-ski days during training and once working: shadowing instructors.

Additional Training Option

Further certifications are available during the internship. Additional courses vary depending on the resort and include Avalanche Skills Training and Adaptive Ski.
Instructor Qualification, Race Coaching certification and Park course.

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 Canada and Japan. In addition, comprehensive advice and assistance are 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.
Snow ready fitness programme

Weekly Schedule
Click to Open

Professional coaching is provided 4-5 days a week, typically Monday – Friday.
Securing a Visa: Comprehensive visa application advice & support from a Working Holiday Visa specialist

Before you depart: We put you in touch with the resort to get your official job offer & accommodation in place before you travel.
This schedule is a guide and may change. Full support and guidance are provided during immigration and 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 1

Settling in, activating work permit & Social Insurance Number, and set up a bank account. Introduction to ski instructing. Calming any egos and getting rid of any bad “holiday skiing habits”

Week 2

Ski improvement and technique the CSIA way – including video analysis. Looking after your kit – Ski Tuning workshop. Consolidating the new technique.
Avalanche Skills Training Level 1

Week 3

Final week level 1 training. Making the drills and technique consistent strengthens the building blocks for Level 2 preparation. Then, follow the CSIA Level 1 exam before starting work for the Snow School.

Week 4

Ski school enrolment, staff Orientation, & move to allocated staff accommodation with your new besties!

Week 5-18+

Work for the ski school, additional Level 2 training & an option to take CSIA Level 2 modules & exams towards the end of the season.

Winter Sports are Legendary

Tyler Bell May 2023

The housing that Winter Sports provided in Panorama were luxury apartments, very spacious and comfortable. Another bonus is that the apartments were a 1 minute journey from the shuttle bus stop. The price of the package is very reasonable. Winter Sports I believe have the best value for your experience. Having met other instructors and staff who worked at Panorama, Winter sports 100% provided the best experience for the price (accommodation, transfer, training, qualification etc etc..) Many companies charged more with less benefits included. Not also to mention, the other activities Rik did for us out of his own pocket. I’ve had a great 5 months away and visting Canada was always a dream. If you’re interested in doing a ski season or travelling during your gap year, the Winter Sports Company are the people to go with. Hats off to Emma and Rik for all their efforts and I wish them all the best in the future !

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.

CSIA Park Level 1

The CSIA Park level is a 3 x day-long course that covers the teaching and technical aspects of switch skiing, snow-park awareness, boxes/rails and air. You will learn the teaching principles and safety needed for instructing in the park. You will learn development strategies and teaching approaches, how to navigate students in the park, communicate clearly, and spot hazards in the park. In the end, you will be assessed, and you must be able to show clear park demonstrations and teaching abilities. CSIA SnowPro

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to Expect?

Let’s run through how the internship works, from applying to training to working for a ski resort. We’ll be there every step of the way.

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A Ski Season Gap Year

A working holiday is where it’s at – riding all day whilst being paid to do it. So become a certified ski bum with our help!

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A Day in the Life of a Ski Instructor

Thinking about becoming a ski instructor – this will help you make up your mind. Think first tracks, après and 24/7 mountain views.

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Why Bother?

We’re sure you’ll fall in love with ski culture in Canada, so take the risk and dive into the unknown.

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From Rookie to Instructor

Sean had an incredible gap year as a ski instructor – from skiing to teaching to becoming a die-hard ice hockey fan.

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Why Choose Us?

The support and reps are unmatched, endless opportunity to improve and the chance to live in real BC ski towns – we’re the best choice!

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Are You Convinced Yet?

Let’s walk through how to do a ski season in your gap year – it’s pretty simple with our help.

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Is it Worth it?

But you’re still unsure if a career as an instructor it’s worth it – let’s talk prospective wages in the industry.

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Don't be a Sheep

There’s so much more to skiing in Canada than Whistler, trust us. Spend less time in lift lines and more time cruising fresh lines.

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What is included

Panorama & Sunpeaks Skiing

Panorama enjoys regular snowfall over four months, which delivers light, dry powder. As a result, skiers and snowboarders can ski extensive vertical, tree-lined areas and powder bowls from early December to mid-April. Guests in Panorama enjoy 3000 acres of varied terrain, which isn’t bad considering there are 3000 beds in the resort! That includes beginner and intermediate trails, epic double-black diamond zones, and the Rockstar terrain park. If it’s good enough for RedBull and the Junior World Championships, it’s good enough for us!

Sun Peaks: It gets the same weather systems as Whistler. Yet as these systems move inland, it gets drier and colder and inevitably dumps on Sun Peaks. Giving plenty of powder days across 3 Mountains, 4200ac of skiable terrain, but without the crowds and, as the name suggests, plenty of Bluebird days. With one of the largest terrain parks in western BC, you can’t help but feel it’s a giant fun park for everyone.

Flights

For maximum flexibility, internships can be booked with or without flights.
Flights normally depart from London, UK and start from £450. Flights from alternative airports can be arranged, please contact us for a quote for this service.

Transfers

Outbound and return transfers are included from Calgary or Kamloops Airport as standard with all bookings with flights. Bookings without flights are subject to arrival times and departure times.

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 Hearthstone (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.

Staff Accommodation

Upon completion of level 1, interns move into staff accommodation. Placement in staff accommodation is arranged by WSC before the course start date. Staff accommodation is paid for by the intern on a bi-weekly basis once working for the sports school.

Meal Plan

During your Level 1 training, your meal plan will include four breakfasts and dinners per week. Once you move into staff accommodation, you will be paying for your food.

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 by Level 3 & 4 instructors; some are straight from the CSIA “Hall of Fame”!

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

CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor Exam

There are no hidden extras in your package so you have the 4 day CSIA Teach and Ski modules along with the 2 day exam included as standard. However should you want to remove this from your package this can be done given enough notice

CSIA Membership

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

Weekly Socials

From Pool comp 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 experiences to remember with new lifelong friends for the rest of your life.

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

 

Dates & Prices

Location Dates Double Room Single Room Flights

Panorama 

23rd Nov to 10th April

£6850

+£1,400

+£650

SunPeaks 

23rd Nov to 10th April

£6850

+£1,900

+£650

Panorama With Hidden Valley 

23rd Nov to 4th April

£5,500-6,450

+£1,400

+£700

Panorama With Fairmont Hot Springs

23rd Nov to 4th April

£5,500-6,450

+£1,400

+£650

Book Your Course Today

MOVING ON UP IN THE SKIING WORLD?

Quite frankly, the best way to spend a winter season in the Rocky Mountains. Make this one of the best experiences of your life, with a guaranteed job, internationally recognised qualifications and some memories that will be hard to forget. Make sure you book in time. Over 80% of our internships are usually booked for the following winter as early as January. Avoid disappointment and enquire to see what’s left on our books before the visa office reopens!

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