CSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor Course

Spend 4 weeks on the beautiful Pacific Coast of Canada and train to be a qualified ski instructor. Based on Vancouver Island, you’ll work towards the CSIA Level 1 Qualification, with an additional course in Avalanche Safety Training, allowing you to spend 4 whole weeks enjoying the snow and après ski of this unique part of North America.

This programme is ideally suited to individuals looking to train and work in the winter sports industry, especially those who are short on time/money for the more comprehensive 12-week programme. If you are not looking to pursue a career, but would still like to have something to show for 4 weeks of skiing and fun on the snow, then this programme is perfect for you too!

The course will equip you with the necessary qualifications and put you into contact with employers, so you will have work options as soon as you are qualified.

Participant Requirements
This programme requires all participants to be active, so students need to ensure they feel relatively fit and able to join a programme of this nature. You should be at least an intermediate skier/rider.

Programme Age Limit
Minimum age 18, maximum age decided upon potential participant’s health.

Instructor Training Programme
This programme is one of the best opportunities to gain your CSIA (Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance) Level1 qualification, allowing you to teach up to advanced beginner students. The programme has time dedicated to working on your own technique, ironing-out any flaws or bad habits. However, the course is quite intense to make sure that you reach the correct standard in time for the exam.

The Qualification
The main qualification you will be looking to complete during this ski instructor programme is the CSIA Level 1. This is the entry-level of the Canadian equivalent of Ski Instructor qualifications and is recognised worldwide, allowing you to seek employment in ski schools in Europe, North America and Australasia.

CSIA Level 1:
The CSIA is an entry-level qualification that permits you to teach novices to advanced beginners. The course takes 4 days to complete and requires you to demonstrate the ability to teach basic principles, analyse individual ability and technique i.e. strengths and weaknesses, class handling, safety and to be able to deal with both children and adult beginners. During the course, the following subjects will be covered:

You will be assessed on both your technique and teaching skills throughout the exam, which will be conducted on the snow and off the snow.

Avalanche Safety Training Certification
This is a 3-day course with all training and assessment in the field. Not normally included in other ski instructor programmes, this certification is really useful for instructors if they wish to train as a guide and is equally important for those who wish to do backcountry or off-piste skiing.

The course is endorsed by the Canadian Avalanche Association and covers the following main areas:

Accommodation and Meals
All accommodation is included in the programme, in a pleasant hostel in the Comox Valley. You will stay in shared dormitory-style rooms with other students from your course. The hostel is fully furnished, with cooking and washing facilities and all of the necessary mod cons. Some meals are included. On scheduled training days, you will receive an evening meal. Students are encouraged to cater for themselves for lunch and on non-scheduled days, budgeting approximately £30-40/week self-catering or £50/week, for a combination of eating out and self catering.

Daily Transport
Because you’ll be accommodated a short driving distance from Mt Washington ski resort, you’ll be driven to the mountain on each scheduled training day. Although transport is not officially provided for non-training days, the course coordinator always does their best to provide extra transport where possible.

Programme Support
Throughout your programme, you will have the support and supervision of our Instructors. Each are fully qualified and experienced, and are able to provide you with all the instructional and safety support necessary on a programme like this. They will also provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The Academy staff will be on hand throughout the day and the Academy Director will be available to you 24 hours a day if you have any serious problems or emergencies.

In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

Orientation
At the start of your programme you will receive a local orientation, to go alongside your predeparture handbook. This orientation will be conducted by our local programme coordinator (your course instructor) the day after you arrive and will cover the following areas:

If you are interested in booking or require further information, contact a Real Sport Experience Adviser: Alicia.Hunt@realgap.co.uk or call on 01892 516164.