12 Week - Ski Leadership Training Program

On this comprehensive ski program you will gain industry recognized certifications and receive technical ski training with regards to; teaching demonstrations, performance carving, alpine racing, off piste steeps, moguls, powder, trees, and terrain park. You will learn from top certified CSIA examiners and specialty coaches. Weekly video analysis and performance evaluations will speed learning. Backcountry travel and alpine wilderness skills are also an integral part of this course 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 hands on experience. The schedule is action packed but to ensure you are never bored... we offer many social, recreational and cultural activities on days off.

The following certifications are included in the course fees.

CSIA - Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance – Founded in 1938 the CSIA is the governing body for ski instruction in Canada and has over 20,000 members. The CSIA is recognized by the ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association) and its four levels of certification are highly regarded.

CSIA Level I – 4 Days – This is an introduction to CSIA skiing and teaching methodology. It enables you to develop skiers from beginner to an intermediate parallel level.

CSIA Level II – 5 Days – This course requires a higher standard of skiing and focuses on the development of parallel skiers. It also covers effective analysis and development, techniques and strategies for effective communication, group dynamics, lesson planning and alternate teaching methods.

Terrain Park Module - Trained Status - 3 days - This course will give you the skills and knowledge to safely teach students in the terrain park and will cover etiquette and teaching progressions for switch skiing, boxes, rails, and jumps.

Avalanche Safety Training 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 finishing the course you will receive a Snowsport Leadership Training Certificate of Completion, a written evaluation and a letter of reference for future employment.

Weekly schedules vary, 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 skiing, 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 – Orientation - Party

Week 1 - Group split – Introduction to CSIA skills / Problem solving camp / Ski improvement / Team building

Week 2 - CSIA Level I Instructor preparation - Demonstrations / Leadership theory / "Fast Track To Parallel" progression / Communicating with children workshop

Week 3 - Avalanche Safety Training 1 / All mountain ski improvement / Navigation & weather / Winter Survival Skills Trip.

Week 4 - CSIA Level I Instructor course & exams.

- Optional work practicum available from this point.

Week 5 - Alpine race training / Carving / Ski tuning and boot balancing.

Week 6 - All Mountain Ski Improvement / Introduction to glacier travel theory / Rope rescue

Week 7 - Wilderness First Aid course & exams.

Week 8 - Off-piste steeps and freeride skills & tactics / Introduction to air / Safety considerations

Week 9 - Terrain park etiquette and freestyle skills / Trampoline sessions.

Week 10 - Avalanche Safety Training 2 / Multi day ski tour - Backcountry alpine skills training.

Week 11 - Level II Instructor preparation / Demonstration maneuvers / Practice teach / Tool box / Uber-tech Competion

Week 12 - CSIA Level II Instructor course & exams

Week 13 - (Adtional option) Free ski & surf trip to the Pacific Rim National Park.

Closing Ceremonies – Party – Departure

Check out some of the extra curricular activites available on weekends.

Click here for the 2010 SLT course calendar.

Visit our photo gallery.

Included in the costs: 12 weeks shared accommodation, transportation within the program, weekday evening meals, full seasons pass at Mt. Washington Resort (good for XC and night skiing), equipment locker, all coaching, guiding and training fees, CSIA level 1 & level 2 exam and membership fees, Advanced Avalanche Safety Training 1 and 2 certification fees, backcountry safety equipment rentals and group gear, 40 hr Wilderness first aid certification fees, video analysis, evening workshops, all course materials, optional work practicum oportunities, some organized activites and social events, Program DVD, certificate of comlpetion, and written evaluation. (Optional bonus 13th week includes: free skiing days and surf trip to the Pacific Rim National Park with accommodation, rentals and lessons)

Addtional Costs: Transportation to Vancouver Island, Travel medical insurance (manditory) or trip cancellation insurance (optional), breakfast lunches and weekend dinners, personal ski and camping equipment, Addtional organized road trips and extra curricular activities, spending money.

Click here for dates and prices.

Click here to register.