There are plenty of ski instructor & snowboard instructor training courses out there… What makes us think we’re the best?
We are a small Canadian ski and snowboard training company owned and run by passionate, highly qualifed snowsport professionals and educators… we are not a large tour operator running hundreds of courses. Unlike larger companies who pass on their training to to another party… our coaches are all hand picked (to meet them click here). We offer quality individualized ski and snowboard training without the fluff!
Location, Location , Location. Most people don’t think of Vancouver Island as an international ski destination… perhaps that is what makes it so great! We are the first place in North America to receive all the snow when the storms roll in off the Pacific Ocean. This adds up to ludicrous amounts of powder (Bring your snorkel!) and you’ll only have to share it with a few of the friendly locals. There are not too many places in the world where you have a view of the ocean from the ski hill and there are not too many ski instructor courses or snowboard instructor courses that offer surfing on days off. Although you may not find all the glitz and glamour of Banff or Whistler night life… the locals still know how to show you a good time. You will be tearing it up lap after lap with intimate groups and amazing coaches while your buddy who took his gap year in a “mega resort” waits in line with 50,000 tourists for tracked up crud and over priced beer… Section 8 offers the true Canadian ski experience!
We guarantee small groups which means more personal training and less waiting around.
Our coaches are all examiners which means they are the best suited to prepare you for the certifications.
Our “Snowsport Leadership Training” and “Basic Training” programs are not just ski or snowboard instructor training. They are complete leadership courses so you will learn both hard and soft skills that are not only transferable to other areas of the ski industry but other aspects of life.
Our SLT challenges you with a broader range of ski and snowboard disciplines from the terrain park to the race course and the bumps to the backcountry. We cover it all with coaching from top professionals.
A full alpine skills module teaches you everything you need to know to survive in the real world outside the ski area boundary. Some courses offer very basic 1 or 2 day avalanche awareness and first aid courses. We include a full 50 hour wilderness first aid course, advanced level 2 avalanche safety training certificate, winter survival, navigation, mountain weather, rope rescue and glacier travel, minimizing impact, winter camp craft, and multi-day alpine skills/ski touring adventures).
Our SLT – Snowsport Leadership Training program includes CSIA or CASI level 2 certification. Check the fine print when shopping for a course… others will make you pay extra for it. This shows the confidence we have in our coaching!
All these extra certifications and training add up to a better resume and more job opportunities.
Accommodation – Ski in, ski out!
Value! The price of our 12 week SLT is less expensive than many 11 week courses offered by others… and we cram a whole lot more in! Be sure to check out the current exchange rates for the Canadian dollar.
The environment… At Section 8 we are passionate about our natural playground and the creatures that live within it. It is our goal, that through education and experiences in nature our graduates will develop the same respect for the environment and we can minimize our impact upon it. The meadows around Mount Washington Resort are home to Canada’s most endangered mammal the Vancouver Island Marmot. Section 8 Snowsport Institute will donate a small portion of your tuition fees to help assure this amazing animals future. Check out www.marmots.org.
