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CSIA Level 2 Review – Grant Tipler
Guide Summary
Grant Tipler shares his inspiring story about how he decided to turn his life upside down, changing his career from a plumber to a CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor travelling the world. With a life back home, Grant proves it’s never too late to change and pursue your passions.
Grant Tipler sets out in December to work in Canada as a ski instructor. Having successfully qualified as a CSIA Level 2 ski instructor with the Winter Sports Company, he has bagged his first instructing job at Mount Washington Resort on Vancouver Island. Congratulations.
A Dream Come True – Plumber To Ski Instructor
Grant skied for the first time at eight years of age – he never touched the slopes again until he was in his late 20s. He then went on holiday to Megeve and caught the skiing bug. Grant knew he wanted to be on skis every day but could not move to the mountains as he was midway through his plumbing and gas qualifications at college. However, once qualified as a plumber, Grant went to work his first entire winter season employed as a maintenance man in Val d’Isere. And this is where his ski instructor career began.
Ski Instructor Right From The Start
Grant told us, “whilst helping some of the real novices from the hotel staff in Val d’Isere with their skiing and boarding, I felt that this is something I could do and enjoy, so I went to Sun Peaks with the Winter Sports Company and got trained up.”
Working As A Ski Instructor
Grant (unbelievably) is over 30, so he does not qualify for a working holiday visa. So, how did he find employment in Canada? This is his advice:
“The Winter Sports Company knew I was looking for sponsorship as I was over the age of working holiday visa qualification. I already had a CV drafted up and had been applying for as many jobs as possible beforehand. I got Steve from the Winter Sports Company and Adam from the snow school at Sun Peaks Resort to provide me with some references. I sent a strong cover letter outlining why I wanted to change my career from plumbing to ski instructing and waited for a reply. I got one pretty soon, offering me a Skype interview with the head, Mike, at Mount Washington Snow School on Vancouver Island in Canada.
At first, we had a few issues with the time difference and trying to arrange a time when we were both available, coupled with poor internet connections at the most inconvenient time, but we got there in the end.The interview was great. I had never had one like that before, using Skype, but it was pretty good as a medium, especially since we are so many miles apart.I was offered the job there and then, and I really had to contain my excitement until Skype was turned off. Got the confirmation sent, and that was that.”
Becoming Dual Certified With CASI and CSIA
“I am leaving many friends, a well-paid job, and family for an indefinite period. I’ve chosen to get a one-way ticket, and I hope to travel afterwards, possibly buy a cheap car, make a road trip across America, and visit my cousin in New York ( a place I have never been to yet ), but who knows what will happen. I am taking up Spanish, hoping that I may get a job in South America in Chile or Argentina, and if so, a trip over to Brazil for the World Cup may be on the cards, too. All I can say is, watch this space!”
Grant has enrolled on a short snowboard instructor course with the Winter Sports Company to add to his incredible life change. This means he travels to Canada a few weeks before his job starts to add a Level 1 snowboarding qualification to his list of achievements. Inspirational.
