On this program you will gain industry recognized certifications and receive technical snowboard training in a variety of disciplines from on piste carving to free riding the steeps and trees. You will also learn to ride the rails and air it out in the terrain park. Top certified coaches and weekly video analysis will speed learning. Backcountry travel and alpine wilderness skills are an integral part of Section 8 programs and will prepare participants for a wider range of industry professions. Leadership and teaching skills will be practiced in the field and supplemented with evening workshops and theory sessions. Throughout the program there will be optional work practicum opportunities with the Mount Washington Snow School where you can gain valuable experience. The schedule is filled with action but to ensure you are never bored we offer many social, recreational and cultural activities on days off.
Certifications
CASI Level 1 - 3 days -CASI is the governing body for snowboard instruction in Canada. During the level one course you will be introduced to the skills concept, work on improving individual riding skills and gain theoretical and practical knowledge of teaching progressions. The course also covers creating a positive guest experience and teaching children. Candidates are required to pass riding and teaching evaluations on the final day.
CASI Level II – 4 Days – This course requires a higher standard of snowboarding and focuses on the development of intermediate riders. It also covers effective analysis and development, techniques and strategies for effective communication, group dynamics, lesson planning and alternate teaching methods.
CASI Park Instructor - 2 Days - This course certifies you to teach in the terrain park a develops your personal freestyle skills. Park etiquette and safety will also be covered.
Avalanche Safety Training 1 & 2 - Advanced - Endorsed By the Canadian Avalanche Association this course is run in two parts. The basics AST 1 portion takes place over 3 days during your winter survivals skills training. The more advanced AST 2 portion is integrated into your five day mountain skills trip. These courses will cover traveling safely in backcountry terrain, snow pack evaluation, rescue skills and risk managment.
Essential Wilderness First Aid – 5 Days (40hrs) – This intensive course teaches you how to manage injuries and illness in a remote wilderness setting. You will learn how to improvise treatments and evacuations with limited supplies. It is jammed packed with realistic simulations.
Upon completion of the course you will also receive a Section 8 Snowboard Leadership Certificate, a written evaluation and in many cases we will act as a reference future employment
  
Course Syllabus
Weekly schedules vary throughout the 3 month program but during the average week we spend four to five full days training on snow with a couple of evening workshops. On weekends you have the option of participating in a work practicum, free riding, or other planned group activities.
Below is a brief outline of the program. Please keep in mind that the curriculum will be adapted to meet the needs and comfort levels of each individual as well as to snow and weather conditions.
Arrival and Welcome Party
Week 1 - Introduction to Mtn/Organize Groups. Level 1 CASI Standard Riding Improvement Sessions
Week 2 - Teaching Theory. CASI Level 1 Teaching Progression Introduction and Development
Week 3 - All Mountain Rider Improvement Session/Map & Compass Workshop
Navigation Exercise/Trip Preparation and AST Workshop
Avalanche Safety Training 1 Certification/Winter Survival Skills Trip
Week 4 - CASI Level 1 Final Preparation and CASI Level 1 Instructor Course.
Week 5 - Introduction to Terrain Park
Teaching Progressions for Park (including: airs, airs with rotation, boxes and rails). Work Practicum
Week 6 - Terrain Park Riding Development. Terrain Park Teaching Development
CASI Park Instructor Course
Week 7 - Wilderness First Aid Certification
Week 8 - Level 2 Skills Concept Introduction. Race/Carving Board Introduction
Riding Development of Intermediate to Advanced Sliding Turns. Teaching Development of Intermediate to Advanced Sliding Turns. Work Practicum
Week 9 - Race/Carving Board Improvement. Riding Development of Beginner to Intermediate Carved Turns. Teaching Development of Beginner to Intermediate Carved Turns. Work Practicum
Week 10 - Multi-Day Ski Tour / Winter Alpine Skills / Avalanche Safety training 2
Week 11 - Race/Carving Board Improvement. Level II CASI Final Preparation – Riding and Teaching
Final Work Practicum
Week 12 - CASI Level II Instructor Course
Final Graduation/Graduation Party - Departure
    
Check out some of the extra curricular activites available on weekends.
Click here for the 2009 SLT course calendar. |
