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:
- Course outline – structure of programme
- CSI Level 1 and 2 exam criteria
- Local area: Comox Valley, Mt Washington resort and it’s various amenities
- Safety: how to remain safe during the course; ski areas to avoid; how to read threat of avalanche and signs etc. More detail regarding mountain safety is covered in your course.
- Expected behaviour and course commitment
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 modern conveniences.
Some meals are included. On scheduled training days, you will receive a hearty evening meal. Students are encouraged to cater for themselves for breakfast and lunch and on non-scheduled days, budgeting approximately £20-30/week self-catering or £50/week, for a combination of eating out and selfcatering.
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.
Programme Age Limit
Minimum age 18, maximum age decided upon potential participant’s health.
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.
