Ski Patrol Course, Panorama BC, Canada

Course Type All Mountain | Career Break
Dates 13th Jan - 8th Feb | 31st March
Price From £6800
Venue Canada - Panorama
Qualifications Ski Patrol Modules | NUEC Level 3
Add Flights? Add flights for £650

About the Trip

Ski Patrollers are part of an elite management team, and employees must be well prepared and trained to a very high standard. It’s not for the faint-hearted and requires a good level of skill to get around the mountain in all conditions. You learn to rescue and administer first aid on the mountain, as well as avalanche control, rope rescue and lift evacuation. It’s full-on but extremely rewarding.

You’ll be first on the mountain, preparing the slopes for the day, looking after injured guests and ensuring everyone gets down safely when the mountain closes. You’ll learn about and get certified in outdoor emergency patient care, avalanche control, air rescue, helicopter orientation, toboggan handling, mountaineering and many other essential and fascinating skills that will help you find work within the Ski Patrol Service. Ski Patrollers require a lot of specialist equipment you will receive on loan during your course, ensuring you get real hands-on experience with patroller-grade avalanche safety gear.

Features
  • CPR – BLS for Healthcare Professionals
  • Advanced Protocol Training
  • Aerial Lift Evacuation & Self Evacuation
  • Avalanche Skills Training, Level 1
  • Incident Investigation
  • Helicopter Orientation, Air Evacuation, Air Rescue
  • Mentoring
  • Non-Urban Occupational Emergency Care, Level 3
  • Rope Rescue
  • Patient Extrication &
    Evacuation
  • Risk Management
  • General Patrolling
  • GPS & Compass Orientation
  • Snow Ready Fitness Programme
Benefits
  • Qualified to work anywhere in the world
  • Guaranteed job interviews for the top achievers
  • Safety skills to progress into the back-country
  • Improved risk management awareness
  • One-to-one mentoring with the Mountain Ops Team
  • Gateway to vocational employment options
  • Strong first aid skills to apply to any industry
Click to see what the fuss is about!

Horsethief Lodge & Toby Creek Lodge

Located in the heart of Panorama Resort, Both Lodges used by WSC are an excellent base for a ski instructor course. With all the amenities you require, but with the benefits of staying in a hotel, you have the comfort to make the most of resort living.

Horsethief Lodge is a cosy home with easy access to the mountain up the Toby Chair or Village Gondola.

Lodge Amenities

  • Adjacent to the Toby Chair and steps from the free Village Gondola
  • Outdoor hot tubs in the courtyard
  • Common BBQ
  • Shared laundry facilities in the parking garage

Backing onto the waters of the Toby (a glacial river), Toby Creek Lodge is connected to the village by a free gondola and is just a short walk to the Toby chairlift.

Lodge Amenities

  • Close to the free Village Gondola for access to the mountain
  • Indoor hot tubs
  • Joint BBQ in the Horsethief Lodge courtyard
  • Shared laundry facilities on each level
  • General Store and located in the lodge

Panorama

Panorama is a hidden gem of a resort – an Alpine-style, ski-in-ski-out hideaway nestled deep in British Columbia’s Purcell mountains. Panorama has a village feel, but it’s far from sleepy.

With a vast ski area and choice of terrain on offer – including one of the largest vertical drops in North America and the powder heaven that is Taynton Bowl – there’s enough to keep your adventure going for months, no matter what your level.

If the Taynton Bowl isn’t enough, you can head to the Extreme Dream Zone. This is located on the front side of the Taynton Bowl and is all double black diamond terrain, with tight trees and big moguls. And not forgetting Never Land – Panorama’s longest trail at 5.5km long. It starts at the top of the Taynton Bowl as a double black diamond steep, narrow gully before winding out onto a fast groomed, tree-lined run that leads into the Village.

Then there’s Rockstar Terrain Park, 1km long with over 6 acres of terrain. Rockstar is littered with massive jumps, tabletops, kickers, boxes and rails. The park is located off the Mile 1 express on the Powder trail.

Breakfast and Dinner

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

4 breakfasts and dinners per week are included with your course, meaning you’ve got time to relax and concentrate on what’s important. But the best bit. We don’t use just 1 restaurant. We use 5. With pretty much the pick of the menu, it gives you enough variety every week to not get bored and ensures you’re getting what you need.

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

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

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

“The ski patrol course in particular is a very special opportunity that is hard to be beat. If you are serious about becoming a patroller this is the real deal”

– Roger Gibbon , Panorama 2022

Accommodation
About the location
Meal Plan
Testimonials

What is included

Sun Peaks Skiing

A good snow base falls early in the season, and Sun Peaks continues to receive fresh powder all season. As a result, sun Peaks is an ideal resort to learn ski patrol, making first tracks in the morning and getting the last lift at sundown. There is all the terrain you could want for 3-4 weeks of training. You’ll soon tackle it all, from powder bowls and terrain parks to piste-perfect groomers and mogul fields. Sun Peaks is a vibrant and friendly place, it will capture your heart, and it won’t be long before you return to be a full-time ski patroller.

Transfers

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

Shared hotel accomodation

Enjoy Ski-in/ski-out accommodation at the Hearthstone Lodge. Bedrooms accommodate 2 per room and benefit from a shared ensuite, TV, high-speed internet and storage.
Once qualified, you will stay in staff accommodation pre-arranged by the WSC.

Meal Plan

Your meal plan will include four breakfasts and dinners per week.

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 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. Reps are knowledgeable about the resort, qualifications and training and have often taken part in the course previously.

Training Package

Ski Patrol training is provided 4-5 days a week, typically Monday-Friday. In addition, mentoring and shadowing the Patrol team is often scheduled for days over the weekend, plus two weeks at the end.

Heli Skiing

Landing on top of the world in a deserted, pristine snowfield with endless untouched slopes will, without a doubt, be one of the best feelings you will ever experience.

Weekly Socials

From Pool comp night, Flood lit riding and Mexican Margarita Night. There’s always something going on in or around the resort. Between these and the Bolt-Ons, you will have some experiences to remember for the rest of your life, with new lifelong friends.

Not Included

FLIGHTS (add flights for an extra £550)
MEALS (lunches and Weekends)
INSURANCE
ANCILLARY BOLT ON COURSES
EQUIPMENT OR RENTAL
BACKCOUNTRY (3-14 day Backcountry experiences are also a possibility at the end of this course.)

Dates & Prices

Course Dates Double Single Flights

Ski Patrol Training, 7 Weeks

13th Jan – 8th Feb

£6,800

£8,700

£650

Ski Patrol Training & Level 1, 11 Weeks

13th Jan – 31st March

£8,600

£11,000

+650

Ski Patrol Training & Level 1, 2 – 18 Weeks

Dates to be decided

Ask for pricing

Ask for pricing

+£650

Training Package

Training covers 13 modules. A full breakdown of module content can be found on our ski patrol qualifications page.

  • Module 1: CPR – BLS for Healthcare Professionals
  • Module 2: Non-Urban Occupational Emergency Care A
  • Module 3: Advanced Protocol Training
  • Module 4: Rope Rescue
  • Module 5: Aerial Lift Evacuation & Self Evacuation
  • Module 6: Patient Extrication & Evacuation
  • Module 7: Avalanche Skills Training, Level 1
  • Module 8: Risk Management
  • Module 9: Incident Investigation
  • Module 10: General Patrolling
  • Module 11: Companion Rescue
  • Module 12: On Hill First Aid Response Scenarios
  • Module 13: Mentoring

Specialist Equipment

All specialist equipment required for training is provided as part of the course.

You will receive a pack with all the essential equipment required to work with the ski patrol. Items include Avalanche safety gear: probe, shovel, transceiver, first aid supplies and medical equipment. Backpacks are on loan and must be returned in good condition. They can be purchased at the end of the course in the resort if requested.

Additional Training Options

Become ultra employable and become a ski or snowboard instructor too. CSIA level 1 and CASI level 1 are available by joining the 11 Week Ski Patrol + Instructor level 1 course starting in January.

Visa Assistance & Job Opportunities

We have partnerships and connections with several sports schools across the world. We can offer guidance to help you to find employment as a patroller once qualified.

We provide comprehensive advice and assistance when applying for working holiday visas.

Snow Ready Fitness Plan

Created for Winter Sports by a personal trainer & instructor, this 8-week pre-season fitness programme targets the muscle groups used in skiing & snowboarding. It will ensure you are snow-fit in time for the start of your course.

Snow Ready Fitness programme

Not included in the course price is the core textbook. Outdoor Emergency Care – 5th Edition costs approx £89.99 and must be purchased before the course start date.

 

Weekly Schedule

Ski Patrol training is provided 4-5 days a week, typically Monday-Friday. Mentoring and shadowing the Patrol team is often then scheduled for days over the weekend, plus a two week period at the end.

Week One

Settling in, resort orientation and acclimatisation. Introduction to general ski patrolling. Rope Rescue.

Week Two

Aerial lift evacuation & self evacuation, introduction to GPS & Compass, Risk Management and Incident Investigation.

Week Three

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 and mentoring with Ski Patrol

Week Four

Non-Urban Occupational Emergency Care, Level 3

Week Five

Non-Urban Occupational Emergency Care, Level 3

Week Six

Advanced Protocol, Patient Extrication Evacuation, Heli-Orientation & Air Evacuation

Week Seven-Eight

On-mountain mentoring with Sun Peaks Ski Patrol,

"What an incredible experience!"

Roger Gibbon - 6th March 2022

"Rik, Emma and Rob were brilliant. They were unfailingly helpful and eager to help make the experience the best it could be. I was constantly amazed how WSC team were constantly thrown curve balls, that they took in their stride, making sure every one got the courses and experience necessary to become instructors or ski patrollers and have great time while doing it. The ski patrol course in particular is a very special opportunity that is hard to be beat. If you are serious about becoming a patroller this is the real deal."

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.

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Do I Need a Visa?

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