Full Season CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor Internship

Course Type Ski Internship
Dates 29th Nov-1st April
Price From £5250
Venue Canada - Sun Peaks
Qualifications CSIA Level 2 Instructor Certification
Add Flights? Add flights for £700

About the course

Give yourself the greatest chance of achieving level 2 by taking part in a level 2 ski instructor internship in Canada.

You’ll have a guaranteed ski instructor job and pre-arranged staff accommodation at one of the greatest resorts in North America, Sun Peaks. With over 4250 acres of skiable area and a top-level sports school, Sun Peaks has the terrain and CSIA coaches perfect for reaching CSIA level 2.

Our CSIA level 2 ski instructor internship is a full-season programme designed for ski instructors already qualified to level 1 in an ISIA recognised body. Places are very limited, so early application is recommended. Successful applicants will join the full-time snow-sports team at Sun Peaks from late December. You will initially fly out with the main group at the end of November and have some time to acclimatise before starting your initial training. During this period your accommodation and meal package are included. Mid-December, you’ll start your work position with the ski school and move into your arranged staff accommodation, just in time for the busy Christmas period. The remaining part of your training is completed after Christmas, with your CSIA modules and exams scheduled for mid-February.

To be eligible for this internship, you must have the right to work in Canada or be able to get your own working visa. Suppose you are between 18-30 and sometimes up to 35. In that case, you can apply for a working holiday visa, depending on your country of citizenship. A visa specialist is available to assist with work permit applications.

Features

Level 2 WSC training with CSIA  modules & exam.

Shared Accommodation and meal package  upon arrival.

Guaranteed Ski Instructor job before you pass your Level 2.

 

 

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.

Full season to do all the bolt-ons you want.

Click to see what the fuss is about!

Slopeside Accommodation in Resort

Accommodation is included with your internship during the initial training phase. In both resorts, we use centrally located hotels and apartments which are ski-in/out. They are an ideal base for training during the internship and have everything you need to make it a home-from-home.

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. You’ll get many options at each resort to keep you full and satisfied. Our accommodation all have kitchenettes as a minimum. This means you can quickly cook for yourself for lunch or the rest of the week.

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 staff housing lined up before the start of the season. The intern pays for staff accommodation, usually bi-weekly, once in the resort. 

 

Sun Peaks Resort

One of the largest ski areas in Canada – second to only Whistler Blackcomb – Sun Peaks is a ski in-ski out resort nestled in the Kootenay mountains. It is considered Whistler’s beautiful sister, yet it doesn’t suffer from the same crowding issues. It’s big enough to party but small enough to get to know the locals – as an intern at Sun Peaks; your workmates will become your second family. Sun Peaks is a great place to spend your first season.

Most of our interns return to work here year after year. Interns at Sun Peaks typically earn around $15-16 per hour and average approximately 15-20 hours of work per week – enough to cover rent and food. Anything leftover is a bonus. Sun Peaks staff accommodation is a 20-minute walk (or a short free bus ride) from the centre of town and the main ski area. Most ski school staff are housed here, making for a great atmosphere. Sun Peaks has a bustling centre. With bars, shops, restaurants, a convenience store, and plenty of things to do – like ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiles and dog sledge tours, to name a few.

The winter community is large at Sun Peaks. With thousands of seasonal visitors, ride-shares to the local city of Kamloops are easy to find for cinema trips, shopping, and ice hockey games. So why not enhance your experience and take one of our Bolt-On trips to Revelstoke and Silverstar?

Accommodation
Sun Peaks

What is included

Sun Peaks Skiing

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

Staff Accommodation

After your first 17 nights in slopeside accommodation, you will move into staff accommodation. Placement in staff accommodation is arranged before the course start date. It is paid for by the intern bi-weekly after working for the sports school.

Meal Plan

During your time in the Hearthstone Lodge, 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 3 Ski Instructor Exam

The exam price is included within the whole course. Your training and hard work will set you up ready for the exam.

CSIA Membership

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

Weekly Socials

Sun Peaks has enough going on in the evenings, either in the resort or down in staff quarters, to keep you entertained. 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 £550)
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

Dates Accommodation Triple Room Double Room Single Room Flights

29th Nov to 1st April

Hearthstone Lodge

£5250

£5650

+£350 per week

+£550

Training Package

Guaranteed Job

After some initial Level 2 training, you will enrol with the Sports School and begin working as a Level 1 instructor. 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).

Level 2 Training

You’ll receive over 90 hours of Level 2 Winter Sports training and over 30 hrs of CSIA separate modular training. The training is provided in blocks so that you will progress throughout the whole season.

CSIA Level 2 Modules

The advanced teaching module and CSIA level 2 training are included in the course price and usually take part in early February. 

CSIA Level 2 Exam

The level 2 exam is included in the price of the internship and takes place in mid-February. Should you fail this portion of the internship, there is a second chance at the end of the season.

Further Training

Sun Peaks interns receive 18 days of dedicated level 2 training throughout the season from the WSC. You also have the opportunity to join dedicated training sessions on some mornings with the sports schools.

CSIA Membership & Instructor Licence

As part of your course, we help to enrol you with the CSIA as an affiliate member, but you pay all membership fees. Upon completion of level 2, you will be a licensed CSIA Level 2 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 or Freestyle course.

Visa Assistance & Guaranteed Work Interview

We have partnerships and connections with several sports schools across the world and offer guaranteed interviews for the following season after the successful completion of your Level 2. We also provide two further guaranteed consultations 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. It will make sure you are snow-fit in time for the start of your course.

Weekly Schedule

Professional coaching is provided by long-term Level 3 & 4 instructors. Your training will be interspersed with working for the Snow School during typical busy periods and training towards your level 2 on quieter weeks. Conveniently it works for everyone and gives the students time to absorb what they have learned and put it into fruition in sizable chunks.

Week 1 & 2

During week one, you will settle into your new home for the season, discovering the resort and where you will live, work, and socialise. You will go on a resort tour, be enrolled on snow school, move into staff housing, activate your work permit & Social Insurance Number, and set up a bank account.

December

Work for the ski school, teaching various lessons in an all-mountain environment. Self-development through mentor relationships, peer-to-peer improvement and attending staff training. As families flock to the resort, you will be busy over the Christmas period.

January

Training is provided in blocks, so you have time to go away and practise and build on your experience.
Throughout the training, you will improve your technique on and off-piste. The Level 2 CSIA modules are usually towards the latter part of this month.

February

Throughout the training period, you will have worked on your mogul skiing, teaching, Short radius turns, advanced parallel movement, and everything you need to know to pass your CSIA level 2. In addition, you will be constantly assessed within the training with feedback and video analysis to help you improve.

CSIA Level 2 Exam

Once you have completed your modules in January, the exam will take part a couple of weeks later.

Level 2 exam

The level 2 exam is included in the price of the internship.

You will participate in the CSIA Level 2 course Exam Modules, a 5-day pre-requisite course conducted by the CSIA Level 2 course examiner. This will then be followed by your CSIA Level 2 exam. It may seem daunting. However, all the hard work you put into training has set you up for this, so just enjoy it.

Final Weeks

Should you not complete your exam successfully the first time, there is a second possibility of retaking your Level 2 exam at the end of the season. Then finally, everyone will celebrate your fantastic achievement and say goodbyes before heading back home 🙁

"Sun Peaks 2019/20"

Steve D - 8 Apr 2020

"I went out to Sun Peaks to participate in the the Level 1 skiing internship and I couldn't be any happier with the time I had. Winter Sports Company were fantastic the whole way through the season, from all the assistance at the airport on our way out to all of the hard work that Rik, Emma, and Rob had to put in to get everyone home amongst the Covid chaos."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 way all the way back home through your front door. So decide what is critical for you, an adrenaline ride?  A 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.

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1

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

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Level 1 certifies instructors to teach skiers and snowboarders with disabilities.

CASI Park Level 1

Candidates on the course will spend time exploring snowboarding techniques and teaching methods as they relate to introductory terrain park and freestyle snowboarding.

Tree Wells & All Mountain Safety

An absolute must-do! A one-day course for all skiers and snowboarders who venture off the groomed runs.

Introduction to Back Country Touring

New to backcountry touring, looking to escape the crowds, this is the course for you!

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of safe backcountry travel. This will include terrain assessment, hazard analysis, companion rescue, equipment familiarisation, and backcountry touring techniques.

Basic First Aid Course

For the 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work Course, attendees are taught a mixture of both practical and theory. You’ll learn how to examine a casualty, familiarise yourself with essential life support and learn how to control bleeding and trauma.

Off Piste & Powder Training

It offers a blend of coaching geared toward boosting your technique in deep snow, giving you the ability to charge through powder with confidence.

Revelstoke Steep & Deep with Heli

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE – Book early to avoid disappointment. Make the Pilgrimage, learn to ski deep on the most vertical mountain resort in North America, with over 1,700 metres of elevation, filled with pure heaven to enjoy. A genuine bucket list item. Cat Skiing is included at an additional cost.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is a real experience – there is quite simply nothing like the sensation of being in control of your dogsled and husky team, putting your trust in your dogs and earning their friendship in return.

Trip to Silverstar

Trip to Silverstar Resort. Enjoy the laid-back mountain, have a change of scenery, and see what all the buzz is about.

Ski & Board Tech Tips

This course covers routine tuning, maintenance, fitting and essential repair work.

Guided Backcountry

Explore Sun Peaks backcountry beyond Gil’s with a local professional guide.

Ice Hockey Night

Watch the Kamloops Blazers in action. Great night out.

Book Your Course Today

Fancy the season of a lifetime and a chance to become a certified CSIA level 2 instructor, then join us for a soon out in the beautiful Sun Peaks resort. An opportunity to make friends for life and improve your skiing for the better!

The CSIA recognise the international equivalency of most national Level 1 qualifications. So if you have Level 1 in BASI, APSI, NZSIA, IASI or any other equivalent certification, then you can join us.

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FAQ

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