Duration: 4 Weeks
This month long course is a guaranteed way to improve your skiing skills and introduce you to the world of ski instruction and mountain safety. You will gain industry recognized certifications and receive technical ski training from top professionals. Weekly video analysis will speed learning and allow you to see your own progress. An introduction to backcountry travel and alpine wilderness skills is included to help prepare participants for a wider range of ski adventures. There will also be opportunities to gain valuable experience by shadowing working instructors with the Mount Washington Snow School. It is even possible for successful graduates to receive paid work after completion of the course. The schedule is action packed, but to ensure you are never bored we organize social, recreational and cultural activities on days off that can only be experienced on Vancouver Island.
Course 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 it’s 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.
AST 1 – Avalanche Safety Training 1 - This three day course endorsed by the Canadian Avalanche Association is a great introduction to traveling safely in the backcountry. The course covers the basics of terrain evaluation, snow pack evaluation, and rescue skills.
Course Structure
During the week we spend most of our days training on snow until just before the lifts close at 3:30pm. A couple times per week we hold indoor theory sessions in the evenings. During the AST 1 course and introduction to backcountry travel skills we will be camping out and the days schedule becomes considerably more demanding. You can also expect fairly long days during the final CSIA Level 1 course and exams. Please see our course syllabus for an idea of how the curriculum is laid out.
Course fee includes: 4 weeks shared ski in ski out accommodation, a full seasons pass for Mt. Washington Resort (good for the rest of the season & includes night skiing and cross-country skiing), evening meals (Mon. – Fri), professional instruction from CSIA examiners, transportation within the program, CSIA level 1 exam and membership fees, Avalanche Safety Training 1certificate, evening workshops, video analysis, winter camping and survivals skills instruction, backcountry equipment rental, pick up and drop off at Comox Valley Airport or Departure Bay Ferry terminal, some extra curricular activities and road trips, certificate of completion and written evaluation, ski school shadowing and work practicum opportunities.
Course fee excludes: Flights or travel to Vancouver Island, travel medical insurance and cancellation insurance, personal ski equipment and clothing, breakfasts, lunches, and weekend meals, some optional activities and trips on days off may have added costs.
