Dual Discipline Internship with Employment

Course Type Ski Internship | Snowboard Internship
Dates 23rd Nov-26th March - 4th April
Price From £4900
Venue Canada- Panorama | Hidden Valley
Qualifications CSIA/CASI Level 1 Instructor Certification | Level 2 opt.
Add Flights? Add flights for £650

About the course

A completely unique Canadian winter experience. Combining a ski instructor and snowboard instructor internship. Dual certification to Level 1 standard in both CASI & CSIA governing bodies. A combination of a big mountain training ground; hosted by Panorama in British Colombia taking you to a Level 1 qualification in your stronger discipline and learning to Ski or Snowboard in your weaker or non-existent discipline at a family-based popular Canadian ski hill. This venue will employ and pay you to train for dual certification.

Gaining invaluable knowledge in all areas of the ski resort, incorporating lift attendance, boot fitting, ski and snowboard rental and of course lots of on-slope experience as an incredibly well-paid Ski & Snowboard Instructor.

A “breeder & feeder” for the bigger resorts, this all-encompassing true Canadian experience will not only leave you with good savings but the credentials and experience to work in any big mountain resort the following year.

Add on a Level 2 training program to strengthen your resume and finish your ski season at the mighty Panorama Mountain resort.

Features

Level 1 WSC training with CSIA exam and membership.

Shared Accommodation and meal package while training.

Guaranteed Ski & Snowboard Instructor job once you pass your Level 1’s.

Level 2 training bolt on

Avalanche Skills  Level 1 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.

2  Instructor Qualifications

Strong future employment

Click to see what the fuss is about!

Slope-side Accommodation

Accommodation is included with your internship during the initial training phase. We use slope-side apartments with comfortable surroundings. They are an ideal base for training during the internship and have everything you need to make it a home-from-home. In addition, the resort is a lively place with a central hub around the bar & eateries of Altos, Jake Pine, T-bar, Grand Hall and Fireside Cafe.

Accommodation is based on 2-3 sharing, but single rooms are available on request for a supplement.

Meals

During your initial training, you’ll receive four dinners and breakfast per week, leaving time to concentrate on skiing or riding. You’ll get many options to keep you full and satisfied. Our accommodation all has kitchenettes, spacious lounges and dining areas as a minimum. This means for lunch or during the rest of the week. You can quickly cook for yourself in the self-catered apartments.

Huge Vertical!

The mountain is nestled in the Purcell Mountain range in British Colombia. It is fiercely independent and growing in popularity every year. Now hosting Red bull events in the summer and the Junior World Championships last winter, it will not be long before this venue overshadows its neighbours and becomes a #1 big mountain resort.

Powerful snow-making facilities with overwhelming statistics guarantee a snow-sure venue for our interns and international race teams that occupy its slopes. Our intern’s training starts before the resort officially opens as the push is on to qualify their staff and make a strong instructor tribe for the winter holidaymakers.

With the biggest thermal hot pools in a BC resort and a 2 min walk to the bar, it’s quite a special set-up. There are various degrees of accommodation,  3000 beds in total vs 3000 acres of incredible skiing terrain, we’ll let you do the maths, but that’s a lot of space per person. This is a perfect training ground for our interns, for the international race scene and for anyone wanting something a little different.

Elkwater Accommodation

You’ll live in the small community of Elkwater. Staff houses allow each instructor the luxury of their own room for very low monthly rental or for more privacy and an entire 1-bed apartment for a monthly supplement fee. 13 weeks of consistent work, a minimum of 24hrs per week, will provide more than enough to pay for your very affordable accommodation, allow you to comfortably shop in the city of Medicine Hat, Alberta and still take home a healthy saving.

Elkwater has a simple cafe, a restaurant in the hotel, a convenience store,
and a village hall with a Pool table and Fuzzball.

Transportation is provided to and from the resort and into Medicine Hat weekly.

Road trips to other resorts-With this being a popular pastime, there is frequently an opportunity to visit the big Mountain of Castle Mountain, Norquay and Lake Louise on your time off through a car share agreement with your fellow instructors.

The Resort

A small resort in the Cypress Hills Provincial Park near Elkwater, Alberta, this is a local’s ski hill. You’ll live and work with like-minded people. Since the resort is closed 2 days a week, you’ll have the chance to explore as a group in other areas, such as Castle Mountain, to get that big mountain fix.

Hidden Valley employees benefit from a higher wage and regular hours. You can expect 24-30hrs per week. You will also enjoy benefits such as reciprocal  lift passes for other resorts (Castle Mountain, Norquay, Lake Louise)

Part of Alberta Parks and the only government-owned resort in Canada, this comes with its perks and thrives on giving eager individuals the opportunity to train and be paid to gain the 2nd qualification in another discipline. Whilst dual certification is not compulsory; it is encouraged.

Panorama Resort
Panorama Mountain
Accommodation
Hidden Valley

Training Package

Level 1 Training

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

 

Guaranteed Job

Upon completing the level 1 exam, you will transfer to Hidden Valley, enrol with the Sports School, and begin working for the rest of the season. Working as a ski or Snowboard 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).

 

Further Training

During your time in Hidden Valley, you will be paid to train towards Level 1 in your 2nd discipline.

Hidden Valley interns receive eight days of dedicated level 2 training throughout the season from the WSC if bought as a Bolt-On. This is spread across both venues. The cost for this training & self-catered accommodation is £900 for the final two weeks at Panorama.

 

CSIA & CASI Level 1 instructor exam

Your first level 1 course exam at Panorama is included in the price.

A nominal fee of $150CAD is required by each student who wants to go for their second optional exam. This is paid directly to the Ski School.

 

CSIA & CASI Level 2 instructor exam

Your CASI Level 2 exam is approximately $600CAD

Your CSIA Level 2 exam is roughly $1040CAD

 

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 other 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 on 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, a Physical therapist, nutritionist & snowboard 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 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 is 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 setting 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. Strengthening the building blocks for Level 2 preparation. Following into 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.

My experience with the Winter Sports Company

George Bates- June 2020

My experience with winter sports Last November I joined winter sports on a journey to Canada. I got my level 1 at panorama ski resort then headed over to hidden valley ski resort in Alberta Medicine Hat. Winter sports not only not get you your skiing qualifications they basically set you up in Canada. I am still living in Canada and now have a guarantied job back at the hidden valley ski resort for next season. If you want the coolest 5 months of your life a recommend you stop what your doing and book on with winter sports. Thanks Rik and Steve you have turned my life around!

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.

What is included

Panorama & Hidden Valley 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. 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!

Hidden Valley: It gets the cold winter systems rolling across the interior and giving Hidden Valley a generous blanket of snow that gets topped up throughout the season until the end of March. It has 65 acres of terrain, 17 runs and 2km being the longest run, it’s certainly not the biggest on the scene, but the charm of the place is enough to bring families, school groups and interns returning for the following season.

Flights

For maximum flexibility, internships can be booked with or without flights.
Flights normally 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 Calgary 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 and return to Panorama to complete your level 2 and stay till the end of the season for some continuous Spring blue bird big mountain days, then your lift pass will be valid.

Lift pass benefits include discounts up to 20% in selected shops and restaurants as well as on some activities, equipment rentals, maintenance and repairs.

Shared Hotel Accommodation

Enjoy Slopeside accommodation at the Horsethief & Toby Creek Lodges (Panorama). Bedrooms accommodate 2 per room and benefit from a shared ensuite, TV, high-speed internet and storage. You have access to the large thermal hot pools and all restaurants.

Staff Accommodation

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

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 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 better understand CSIA technique and methodology and the role of ski teaching within the ski industry. This is available back at Panorama at the end of the Hidden Valley season and can be purchased as a Bolt On

CSIA Membership

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

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1)

Learn and equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to understand the conditions ahead and to make that often critical decision.

Cat Skiing

Cat skiing is a mechanical 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 with the Monster X Cat.

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 friends for the rest of your life.

Medicine Hat is a small city 40 mins away from Elkwater and has a cinema, a few cool bars, an excellent brewery and plenty of shops to fulfil your needs.

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 £600)
BACKCOUNTRY (3-14 day Backcountry experiences are also possible at the end of this course.)

Dates & Prices

Location Level Dates Accommodation Price Flights

Panorama/Hidden Valley

Level 1 Dual Instructor

23rd Nov to 20th March

HorseThief / Elkwater 

£4900

+£650

Panorama/Hidden Valley

Level 1 Dual Instructor &

Level 2 Ski or SnB

23rd Nov to 4th April

HorseThief / Elkwater

£5800

+£650

Book Your Course Today

If you are wanting a big mountain experience or partying every night then this isn’t for you. Whilst you will be starting and potentially finishing in Panorama the majority of your season will be at Hidden Valley working with a small group of your team mates and Alberta government employees. You will have a completely different experience, something that you will fondly remember. Our Interns make the season what it is, some return the following year and some chase that next step up the instructing ladder. We guarantee you, this will virtually give you carte blanche around any Canadian resort on your next position the following year. With a character reference from the WSC and a glowing reference from the Ski school director you will come to realise how valuable your season really was. Leaving you with a new found confidence and a glowing start to an instructors career.

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FAQ

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