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What To Expect From Your Internship
How does the internship work? The internships are an entire season program, with training and work placement guaranteed. You receive guidance before, during and after the program to ensure you get your work visa, Level 1 qualification, a season of paid work and further Level 2 training. Suppose you decide to further your career, In that case, the Level 2 & 3 internships are more affordable and an accessible option for those seeking work and further training. In our opinion, it’s the best way to rise to the top fast. Train smart, work smart!
The Early Stages: Applications, Visas and Insurance
We will conduct a short telephone interview to assess your skiing ability and suitability for an internship. Applicants who meet the criteria will be offered a place, subject to acquiring a work permit for Canada. Upon accepting a place and paying a deposit, you will receive full assistance from Winter Sports Company through the visa application process. We will help you write your CV. Show you how to obtain documentation such as police checks and advise you on the timing of your visa application. Crucial if you are to get one! We are very good at what we do, and with our help, almost all interns can secure a visa for Canada every year. IEC Working Visa
We can also advise and help you choose the appropriate health and travel insurance. This is an essential prerequisite for entry into Canada and approval of your permit at the border. The Importance of Winter Sports Insurance for Ski Instructor Courses
As we plan and guide you through these steps, there are many moving parts, so it’s important to be organised and start early.
Securing Work And Accommodation
Once you have secured a visa, we will discuss resort options and put you in touch with the ski school. Resort options depend on the internship you’re signing up for. This is when you will have your interviews with ski school management and receive a job offer. We will also set up staff accommodation for the season. Pre-departure information will be sent out eight weeks before travel detailing the immigration process and what to expect when you land in Canada.
Training Towards Your Level 1 Certification
You’ll jump into training towards your Level 1 certification within days of arriving in Canada. For those involved in the Level 3 internship, your training will be included in a schedule that works around your work with the ski school. The training period leading up to your certification is intense, with long and demanding days on snow. It’s essential to take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. You’ll be exposed to a lot of new information and asked to make meaningful changes to your skiing. It can often feel overwhelming in the first few days as you find your feet, but your trainers are very experienced and have the tools and patience to get you to where you need to be. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you progress and develop these new skills. This is also an enjoyable time as you explore your new home, make new friends and experience life in the mountains. We make sure there are plenty of off-snow activities to help you settle in.
Starting Work With The Ski School
It’s like any other employment contract for seasonal work. You are employed directly by the ski school. This is a contract between you and the ski school as you embark on your first season in the mountains. Prepare to receive your contracts from August onwards as the interview process unfolds. Any questions can be directed to the HR team during the interview process. Still, you will be treated like any staff member and be covered under their insurance and Work Safe BC policies. You will receive a thorough onboarding process and staff familiarisation once you have completed your Level 1. This will ensure you are fully up to date with their operations and workplace procedures before starting work as a qualified Ski or Snowboard Instructor. You should conduct yourself in the same way you would with any other employer.
After your Level 1 exam, you’ll soon have your onboarding with the ski school and resort. This is led by senior staff and management, who will familiarise you with the ski school and resort operations. It is an excellent opportunity to meet your new colleagues and make friends outside the WSC family.
In the weeks following, you’ll be plunged headfirst into the busy holiday period, during which you’ll get your first experiences teaching your own lessons. Although scary initially, you’re supported by a ski school full of excellent pros and mentors. There are social events, the holidays, time for freeskiing and many other incredible experiences. We recommend maximising the available work during this busy period as it’s an excellent opportunity to make some extra cash. During quieter periods, there will be plenty of time to explore, ski on days off, etc.
Living Away From Home And New Experiences
We appreciate that for many of you, this internship will be your first time living away from home for an extended period. It can take some adjustment, and it’s ok if you feel homesick in the first few weeks. Lean on others in the group, new friends, and colleagues who may have more experience living away from home. We recommend arriving with some experience in cooking for yourself. Not only does it mean you can eat well, but you’ll also save a lot of money throughout the season. You won’t make it through a training program on fast food and takeout. Other simple things, like keeping the house clean, help create a positive and comfortable living environment. Many groups in the past have made a great effort to cook together, go out for drinks, and have movie nights, among other activities, to help create a family-like environment. We’re also on hand to lend support and guidance.
We also offer additional activities and excursions to enhance your Canadian experience. You may have already signed up for these in your bolt-ons, but we also put together smaller group activities and dinners to support the group. There are also many events and opportunities to get out and enjoy, such as attending local ice hockey matches.
Further Training And Certification
After the busy holiday period transitions into more regular business levels, your Level 2 training will begin and fit to your work schedule. This is the Level 2 training you’ll have paid for as part of your internship. There is also regular ski school training available for you to attend. Morning sessions run every day, Monday to Friday, which help complement the Level 2 training. You must be organised with this and communicate with the ski school about days off to attend training. The Level 2 is a step up from Level 1, requiring more refined teaching and skiing skills and a dedication to your training days. There are blackout periods for the ski school’s busier periods, allowing you to take the extra day or two of work and earn extra cash.
Before the final certification exam, you must book time off to complete the skiing and teaching modules. These are three days along and are delivered by the CSIA or PSIC, depending on who you’re registered with.
Planning Your Next Adventure
Looking beyond your internship, you may hope to secure another job for next season. Whether this is in the same place you did your internship, or if you want to go further afield and try somewhere new. When the season concludes in April, we recommend discussing your interest in returning next year with your ski school management and inquiring about the hiring process, including how and when it will take place. If you’re interested in exploring a new destination, it’s best to start planning early. Most job applications open in the summer months for the following Winter, and it’s advised to begin any visa applications even earlier than that in many cases.
For more information on securing your first job as a ski instructor, check out Getting A Ski Instructor Job After Your Course Finishes
FAQ’s
Yes, shared room accommodation is included during training. Single, double, and triple rooms are available depending on the package. The duration of this accommodation depends on the Level of Internship
Yes, we offer comprehensive advice and assistance when applying for working holiday visas, leveraging our partnerships with sports schools worldwide to support your employment opportunities post-qualification.
Not necessarily, it depends on a few factors. A fully certified snowboard instructor will undoubtedly make more money than a level 1 or 2 ski instructor. The hourly rate would be significantly higher, and an experienced snowboarder will have a book of clients and a packed schedule to earn a solid income. It also depends on where they work and for which ski school. A snowboard instructor who is good at what they do, makes connections with clients and works hard could easily make more money than a ski instructor. The only limiting factor for a snowboard instructor is that they typically receive fewer hours than a ski instructor, simply due to a higher demand for ski lessons. But no, I don’t think it’s fair to say a ski instructor would always make more than a snowboard instructor.
• If you are on a Level 1 only then yes but expect to pay more in resort and also there might be a full group and unable to accommodate you.
• Level 3 Training: Only available on the Hybrid Internship at Big White (9 days included) otherwise you can Bolt On the Level 3 training at Sun Peaks and Panorama.
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