Program Content

12 Week - Ski Leadership Training Program

On this program you will gain industry recognized certifications and receive technical ski training with regards to teaching demonstrations, carving, alpine racing, off piste steeps, bumps, powder, trees and 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

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.

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 completion of the course you will also receive a Section 8 Ski 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 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

Closing Ceremonies – Party – Departure

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

Click here for the 2009 SLT course calendar.

Skiing the deep west coast powder... Section 8 Ski Institute's SLT - Gap year style ski instructor training and leadership courseDigging a snow profile to learn about avalanche contidtions... Section 8's SLT, Gap year style ski instructor training and leadership course.Learn to carve it up on our ski instructor courses.Winter camping during the SLT, ski instructor training and leadership courses.Alpine racingMt. Washingtons snow ghosts... Section 8 Ski Institute's SLT - Gap year style ski instructor training and leadership courseTouring through the old growth.Mt. Cain... Vancouver Island's other funky ski hill.Training at Mount Washington ResortView of the Golden Hinde off in the distance from Mt. Washington
 
 
 

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, weekend surf trip to the Pacific Rim National Park (includes lessons), Program DVD, certificate of comlpetion, and written evaluation.

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.