The Hybrid Internship

Course Type Ski Instructor | Ski Internship
Dates 25th Nov - 5th April
Price From £9900
Venue Canada - Various
Qualifications CSIA Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor
Add Flights? 650

Instructor Training or Internship?

To be honest. It’s both! A brand new programme unique to the Wintersports Company. Designed with efficiency in mind and making the most out of your season in the resort. The Hybrid Internship is filling a gap in the market which provides more training in one season than any other internship. Perfect for those who either have the budget, want more training to bolster their existing skill set, or want a more structured programme for their winter ski season. Time management at its best.

The fact is, every resort experiences lows and highs in the season, and we, are going to utilise them. Think of a perfect ski job where you work a third, free-ski a third and train a third. Quite frankly a perfect blend for an imperfect world.

When you realise what is included, you will wonder how we can do this so affordably! Places are limited and rely on eligibility for a visa.

Features

Flights & Visa Assistance

Over 37 days of instructor training

Level 1 & 2 exams included

Off-Piste & Powder Training

Full Season accommodation included

35-45 days of part-time work

Benefits

Effective use of your time in the resort.

Produces stronger skiers.

An affordable full season in Canada.

More time to do Bolt-ons and free-ski.

No accommodation costs or concerns.

Your wage covers your food costs.

Click to see what the fuss is about!

Where am I staying?

You’re going to love this. You stay in double accommodation either slopeside or in town in very comfortable surroundings. There are no cramped dormitories, no hostels, just two per room and depending on which resort you go to, you will be pleasantly surprised to hear that we are providing all of your season’s accommodation within the course price!.

All you need to spend your money on is your food for the final 15 weeks. Not bad when you think about it? Ask for more details on your living conditions as each venue is quite different, but they will all exceed your expectations. Decide if you prefer the idea of living in a resort or a Canadian working ski town.

Which ski resort is best for me?

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. With one of the most significant vertical drops in North America and the powder heaven Taynton Bowl, it’s an incredible resort. Home to the Junior World Championships in 2022, Red Bull’s choice for summer and winter events and has the biggest thermal hot pools in a resort in BC.

Sun Peaks has 3 mountains, all leading into the resort, with over 4200 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, a 10 acre terrain park and backcountry options, add to this over 2000 hours of annual sunshine, and champagne powder and it’s a truly world-class ski area.

Fairmont Hot Springs A really beautiful resort 30 mins away from Invermere. Small in stature but quite stunning and has the added advantage sharing a season lift pass with Panorama, so in our opinion you get the best of both worlds. Blessed with thermal hot pools and visitors from around the world this has so much going for it and job opportunities carry on through the summer months.

Meals

So each venue has a different arrangement, but to summarise, the money you earn throughout the season from paid work will go towards covering your food bills. Depending on your culinary skills or your bar bills, it may even stretch further.

Sun Peaks has a meal plan option for the full 18 weeks, so for 4 breakfasts and dinners per week, you get the choice of the menu at 4 different restaurants or takeaway venues. Outside of that, you can either eat at a different restaurant for even more variety or grab a takeaway and chill out in front of a movie.

Panorama & Fairmont Hot Springs We provide the first 3 weeks’ meal plan for these venues. Once you move into your luxurious apartments, life can only get better. The food situation, however, then depends on your culinary skills! But you will be presented with full kitchens with all the amenities required.

How much work is there?

Once you have passed your Level 1, we have 100% pass rate at Level 1 (in case you ask). Then you are given a part-time contract with the Snow school. Utilising the busy and quiet periods of the snow school, you will immediately receive staff training to prepare you for the few weeks of work over Christmas.

As the holiday period ends, the WSC will return you to a Level 2 ski and/or snowboard training programme with days off and time to do more Bolt-ons. You will soon appreciate the extra Level 2 training in preparation for the busy February holidays. With some busy work days ahead, you will collectively earn enough to pay for your food for the remaining 15 weeks in the resort.

Freetime and Level 2 modules and exams are also included in your package amidst more days of work in March. You will be paid for a total of 35-45 days of instructing throughout the season. Giving you a healthy supplement to your spending money.

Accommodation
The Location
Meal Plan
Guaranteed work

Training Package

Level 1 Training

On Snow Training is provided four days a week by CSIA level 3 & 4 instructors, with extra days 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 as a part-time instructor. Working as a ski or snowboard instructor, you will receive a full uniform, a staff season pass, stay in private 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

You will also receive 11 days of advanced Level 2 training and four days of off-piste & powder training. You also have the opportunity to join the dedicated training sessions on some mornings with the sports schools. Quite easily the most Level 2 training that you will ever experience within an internship.

CSIA Level 1 & 2 ski Instructor exam

The level 1 & 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 licensed 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 to shadow instructors on more advanced lessons to enhance their understanding of the higher Level two or three syllabi.

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 Sun Peaks, Fairmont Hot Springs or 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 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.

Weeks 4-6

Ski school enrolment, staff orientation, & move to allocated staff accommodation with your new besties! Solid work over the Christmas period and well into the New Year.

Weeks 7-12

We pull you out of the Snow school and give you some awesome Level 2 training. Things start to take off here as your confidence and skillset drastically improve—equal time off and training.

Weeks 13-15

Time to knuckle down as you approach the modules and exams included in your package. More work with the snow school to keep your wallets topped up.

Weeks 16-18

More work over the Spring Bank holidays whilst the resort is busy, yet some of the best skiing and riding to be had with your fellow instructors. Enjoy some quality down time either side of the busy periods. Prepare your next adventure with help from the Summer Sports Company.

Millie joined Sun Peaks ski school once she had her ski qualification Level 1 who were great to work for teaching all ages. I can honestly say that Millie seriously enjoyed her time out in Canada and it was a life time experience being able to meet and make new friends from all parts of the world plus an amazing experience to remember. Hopefully she'll be able to do another ski season with WSC again. I would definitely recommend WSC and give them 5 out of 5 and can't thank them enough.

Lisa Edge - April 2023

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.

Why Bother?

Take a break away from the drizzle and grey of the UK. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with ski culture in Canada, so take the risk and dive into the unknown.

Read More

Charlotte's Experience as a Ski Instructor

Fancy living in the mountains, skiing all day everyday and even paragliding? Charlotte did, and had the best time at Panorama on our internship program.

Read More

Everything Else you Might Need for your Ski Season

Think you’ve got it covered? You’ve probably got the essentials – skis, boots, gloves and a helmet, but what about the rest?

Read More

Why Choose Us?

There’s so many reasons as to why you should go through WSC – the support and reps are unmatched, endless opportunity to improve and the chance to live in real BC ski towns.

Read More

What Is Included?

Panorama | Sun Peaks | Fairmont | Conditions

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.

Fairmont Hot Springs: Positioned only 30 mins away from Invermere and 50 mins from Panorama, this little gem of a resort is not only a stunning venue but is blessed with the same conditions as Panorama. Neatly tucked away in its own little micro-climate amidst a beautiful backdrop.

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.

Accommodation

18 Weeks of accommodation included. Enjoy Ski-in/ski-out accommodation at the Hearthstone (Sun Peaks) or Horsethief & Toby Creek Lodges (Panorama) before moving to Invermere and staying in complete luxury at the condos in town. Bedrooms accommodate from 2 per room and benefit from a shared ensuite, TV, high-speed internet and storage. The communal gym and hot tubs are not far from your residence.

Meal Plan

During your Level 1 training, your meal plan will include four weekly breakfasts and dinners. Once you move into staff accommodation, you will be paying for your food unless you purchase one of our meal plans at Sun Peaks. Fairmont & Panorama are self-catered options only for the final 15 weeks whilst in luxurious staff accommodation.

Training Package

Includes 20 hours of training per week by Level 3 & 4 instructors; some are senior examiners, and a handful are straight from the CSIA “Hall of Fame”! No other internship will offer you this much training within your time in the resort. Expect over 36 days of training within this massive all-inclusive programme.

CSIA/CASI Membership

Regular Members enjoy a wide variety of Member Benefits, including Pro Deals, General Liability Insurance, and Accident, Death and Disability coverage. Upon passing your Level 1 you will be signed up to these governing bodies.

Weekly Socials

From staff parties, Pool competition nights, 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, the usual Ice Hockey matches, and the Bolt-Ons, you will have experiences to remember with new lifelong friends for the rest of your life.

Flights

For maximum flexibility, internships can be booked with or without flights.
Flights normally depart from London, UK and start from £550. Flights from alternative airports can be arranged; please get in touch with us for a quote for this service.

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.

Resort Representative

A rep is in the resort to oversee the course and get everyone settled. Reps are knowledgeable about the resort, qualifications and training and have often taken part in the course previously. There will always be someone to hand to help with any individual issues.

Level 1 & 2 Exams

Level 1 is the first big step to becoming an instructor. The qualification is split into three main components, to simplify; your teaching, your technical ability and your people skills. The exam is three days long, and you are evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Level 2 is a huge step up and requires the completion of a 4-day module and 2-day exam for the skiers and a 4-day exam for the snowboarders. You will be the most prepared individual in the resort to sly through this big milestone.

Not Included

Flights
Meals outside of the stated meal plan
Insurance
Ancillary Bolt-ons
Equipment and rental

Dates & Prices

Location Dates Price with Accom Flights 18 week Meal Plan

Panorama

23rd Nov-5th April

£9900

£700

Not Available

Fairmont Hot Springs

23rd Nov-5th April

£9900

£650

Not Available

Sun Peaks

23rd- 5th April

£10450

£650

£12350

What's So Special?

Blending a perfect amount of time off with extra training and part-time work, this appeals to either those needing more training or maybe don’t want the headache of budgeting or to get some extra free time to ski under their belt. We’ve utilised the quiet periods and allocated extra training so that you really enter the Level 2 exams feeling incredibly confident in your new-found abilities. Enquire now and make use of our secret special offer. Limited places and work visas are required.

Hold My Place

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.

Tyler Bell - April 2023

FAQ

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