Duration: 4 Weeks
This month long course is a guaranteed way to improve your snowboarding skills and introduce you to the world of snowboard instruction and mountain safety. You will gain industry recognized certifications and receive technical snowboard training from top professionals. Weekly video analysis will speed learning and allow you to see your own progress. An introduction to backcountry riding and alpine wilderness skills prepare participants for a wider range of snowboarding 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 candidates to receive paid work for the remainder of the season after completion of the course. The schedule is action packed but to ensure you are never bored we organize many social, recreational and cultural activities on days off.
Course Certifications
CASI Level 1 – 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.
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. Occasionally 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 CASI 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 slope side accommodation, a full seasons pass for Mt. Washington Resort (good for the rest of the season and for night riding and cross-country), evening meals (Mon. – Fri), professional instruction from CASI Examiners, transportation on all training days, CASI level 1 exam and membership fees, Avalanche Safety Training level 1 certificate, evening workshops, video analysis, winter camping and survivals skills instruction, backcountry equipment rental, pick up and drop off at the Comox Valley Airport or Departure Bay Ferry terminal, certificate of completion and written evaluation, snowboard school shadowing & work practicum opportunities.
Course fee excludes: Flights or travel to Vancouver Island, travel medical insurance and cancellation insurance, equipment and clothing, breakfasts, lunches, and weekend meals, organized activities and trips on days off.
