Instructor training programmes
Welcome to our office
Welcome to The Winter Sports Company The best and most cost effective ski and snowboard instructor training programmes available. Are you an aspiring ski or snowboard instructor? Or a winter sports enthusiast taking a gap year or having a career break? Whether you are looking to launch a career teaching the sport you love, or just want to improve your skills on the slopes, our course is for you. The Winter Sports Company offers a dynamic 11 week instructor training programme designed for skiers and snowboarders to gain internationally recognised qualifications. You will receive 25 hours on-snow tuition a week and vital free skiing time to practice your skills on any of the resort’s picturesque top runs. The course is directed and provided by the most experienced instructor trainers in the industry, based at the world class Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia. Ž
What makes us
Sun Peaks Resort Snow School and The Winter Sports Company Sun Peaks Resort is the place to go for the best in winter sports instructor training. Many of the top instructors in western Canada attend courses here to improve their teaching and skiing abilities, and the snow school attracts a large number of level 4 qualified trainers. “Our standards are naturally high,” says Alain Brunelle, Sports Director for Sun Peaks Resort Snow School. “You can be assured you will receive the best possible training available from some of the greatest instructors in Canada. Our partnership with The Winter Sports Company, offering comprehensive level 1 and 2 training programmes, is a natural extension to our snow school. Furthermore you will find that living and training within a mountain resort is the best possible way to receive an all round mountain education. I don’t believe you will find this anywhere else.”
Alain Brunelle – Sports Director for Sun Peaks Resort CSIA level 4, CSIA level 4 course conductor, level 2 race coach, level 1 CANSI (Nordic skiing).
expect the best
An established partnership breeding success The Winter Sports Company and the snow school at Sun Peaks Resort have developed one of the best instructor training courses in Canada. With 25 hours teaching over a five-day week we are offering more on-snow training than any other company and with unlimited chances to shadow instructors and practice your teaching in the snow school, your opportunities to gain experience and qualifications are unbeatable. This training course will improve your skiing and snowboarding skills beyond all expectations. The Winter Sports Company also offer level 3 training to successful clients, as well as the chance to take qualifications in race and park instruction. In addition we have included a CADS course, which provides an introduction to teaching those with disabilities. And in choosing Sun Peaks Resort snow school to deliver the programme, we are confident in the quality and commitment to supply a world class service. If you love skiing and boarding then this is the resort and course for you. Sun Peaks Resort has masses of terrain and challenges on your doorstep. The accommodation we have chosen is amazing, located right on the slope at the base of the mountain it has excellent ski-in-ski out facilities, so there are no early starts or time wasted travelling.
the perfect choice
Sun Peaks Resort Sun Peaks Resort is located in the middle of southern British Columbia, between the Monashee and the Cariboo mountain ranges. In the heart of the resort is a charming pedestrian village, with many amenities including a supermarket, spa leisure, night club, 22 restaurants and cafés, and 13 shops. It offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding available in the world. With 122 marked trails on 3 mountains, 12 gladed areas and a terrain park, there is certainly plenty of choice for everyone. As Canada’s third largest resort, the extensive terrain is bursting with un-crowded beautiful tree-lined runs and vast open bowls that suit all abilities, and they are all serviced by a highly efficient lift system. With a guaranteed snow record making the best powder in the world, it is the obvious choice for our instructor training programmes. Coupled with the vast amount of additional activities available and the opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of a Canadian mountain range, Sun Peaks Resort is without doubt the best choice for anyone who wants to gain an all round Canadian experience. Feel the thrill of snowmobiling, an adrenaline rush at the world cup velocity challenge, or some plain old fun snowbiking. Or share peace and quiet and see some of Canada’s overwhelming nature while dog sledding, snow shoeing, walking or skiing in the backcountry. Then relax and enjoy the hot tubs, various pools, bars and restaurants dotted around Sun Peaks Resort. However, if you’re looking for more evening entertainment and night life, the vibrant city of Kamloops is just a 40 minute drive down the valley.
Programme content Sun Peaks Resort has high-level instructor training courses running throughout the season and so the best instructors like to work here. And the instructors who you will be working with have outstanding reputations, meaning you can be assured of top quality training.
Group training ratios Our average teaching ratio is one instructor to eight students giving you an outstanding level of personal attention and every chance of success.
Programme outline The Winter Sports Company guarantees 25-hours of on-mountain training over a five-day week. This will give you plenty of time to hone your skills and learn all the techniques of a great teacher.
Skiing/snowboarding techniques We will develop your skiing or snowboarding by first assessing your current ability. We then take you back to basics and introduce good habits to your technique. We build from there, using proven techniques so your ability significantly improves throughout the programme.
Teaching and work experience Throughout the training programme you will be shown how to plan your lessons and how to handle your classes effectively. This is essential for any instructor and will be learnt through practical situations when you are shadowing, teaching and dealing with real customers. You are encouraged to shadow an instructor as often as you can in order to gain as much experience as possible. This will be an important part of your CV when applying for instructor positions anywhere in the world.
Customer service training Becoming a good instructor is not just about being a good skier or rider; it is about working with people. Great customer service is vital and will be highlighted throughout the course - particularly during the level 1 and 2 exams.
little details count
Equipment maintenance Maintenance of your equipment is important if you wish to get months of consecutive use out of it. We run a module on equipment tuning delivered by one of the equipment maintenance departments at Sun Peaks Resort.
Qualifications These internationally recognised, professional qualifications are awarded by the Canadian governing body of the relevant sport. They will enable you to find work within the winter sports industry all over the world.
Ski qualifications The Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance The CSIA are the National Governing Body of skiing in Canada. They endeavour to ensure a nationwide ski-teaching standard and are committed to the development of innovative and effective skiing techniques and teaching methods.
Snowboard qualifications Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors CASI are the National Governing Body of snowboarding in Canada. They are responsible for setting high snowboarding standards within Canada, and constantly pursue excellence in its teaching methods and snowboarding techniques.
Included in the price 11 Week instructor training programme • • • • • • •
Full season lift pass for Sun Peaks Resort. 5 hours training per day, 25 hours per week. Level 1 and Level 2 CSIA/CASI training. Level 1 CSIA/CASI exam fees. Training by level 3 and 4 instructors. Average of 8 clients per instructor. Teaching/shadowing work experience.
Extras – included in the price • Personal development programme (free lesson from a CSIA ski development officer) after level 1 exam. • CADS certified qualification. • All mountain terrain coaching – powder, bumps, tree line. • Race training – with opportunity to race. • Coaching in the snow park – helmet compulsory. • Training for ski and snowboard tuning. • Day with snow patrol. • Use of floodlit snow park 100m from your hotel. • Interview for work in Europe (to all level 1 instructors). • Trip out on the piste groomer. • Chance to work with the Nancy Greene race training school.
Travel and accommodation • • • • •
Return flights from London to Vancouver & Airport transfers (in Canada). 79 nights accommodation. Breakfast and evening meals 7 days per week (not self-catered). Hot tubs & Gym facilities. Ski and snowboard storage room in hotel.
value for money
Further support • Our full support and service 24/7 in the resort and in the UK. • Training jacket with a choice of colour. • Arranged discounts in many restaurants, cafés and bars both on the mountain and in resort. • Discounts at equipment and clothing stores. • Opportunity to be selected to work in Sun Peaks Resort as an instructor the following season.
Not included in the price • Your winter sport insurance (we will provide you a list of insurance companies). • Other exam fees such as Level 2 CSIA and CASI, CSCF, parks and level 3 training.
Your security The Winter Sports Company holds all the relevant licences required to act as a tour operator and are members of the appropriate associations. So you can be assured that your investment with us is safe.
Delta Sun Peaks hotel This lavish four-star hotel is just 50 metres from the first ski lift and has breathtaking views of the mountains and village. The heated outdoor swimming pool and three hot tubs also overlook the mountains, and are an ideal way of relaxing after a busy day on the slopes. All rooms are en-suite and based on two sharing a twin room. High-speed Internet connection and cable and satellite TV are available in each room, and those wanting a little extra luxury have access to room service. For anyone with extra energy following a busy day on the slopes can make use of the gym and fitness centre within the hotel. It is fully catered accommodation with coffee/tea making facilities and a beverage cooler in each room. Breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant, and evening meals will be served in Morrisey’s Irish bar, which is also in the hotel, or at one of three restaurants in the town. Skis and Snowboards are kept in the heated storage room by the entrance and there is also an in house ski and snowboard service centre. The Delta is the place to stay if you want to relax in luxury after a long day on the slopes.
Hotel amenities include
Guest suite facilities
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Ski-in / Ski-out Heated swimming pool Sauna 3 hot tubs Business services Bars/restaurant Fitness centre/gym Launderette
En-suite bathroom High-speed internet Cable and satellite TV Twin room sharing Tea/coffee making facilities Beverage cooler
facilities for all
s Hearthstone Lodge catered or self-catered accommodation The boutique-styled Hearthstone Lodge is the perfect home away from home. The beautiful, European designed lodges provide everything you need to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. As a ski-in-ski-out hotel you are just minutes from the Sunburst high-speed quad chair lift in the heart of this picturesque alpine ski village. Guests are provided with a host of amenities and characteristics, giving you all the comforts of a hotel while enjoying all the conveniences of home. The en-suite rooms come with a kitchen containing a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, coffee machine, toaster, microwave, and two burn cooker top, everything you need to feel at home. Free high-speed Internet is available in every room, and for those who don’t have their own laptop you can use the Internet connection in the reception area.
Lodge amenities include
Guest suite features
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Ski-In-ski-out Fitness equipment gym & 2 hot tubs Business services Launderette
High-speed Internet Cable and satellite TV Premium TV channels Sofa beds – handy for friends
Food and beverage fully inclusive only Your breakfast will be served at a restaurant within the hotel building. For your evening meals there are three restaurants within the town you can use and each restaurant will have a selection of meals to choose from every night. The proprietors are happy to discuss your choices personally and menus will be available weekly.
life changing experience
Senator Nancy Greene Canada’s female athlete of the 20th century 1968 Olympic Ski Champion Nancy Greene Raine, now a Canadian Senator, is one of the most respected personalities in Canada skiing. Nancy and her husband Al Raine have been instrumental in the development of ski tourism in British Columbia and they have made their home at Sun Peaks Resort since 1995. As an enthusiastic supporter of ski racing, Nancy promotes the Friday race series, and hosts fund raising and national championship events. “Sun Peaks Resort is a great place to live, and a perfect place for ski improvement. Our award winning village, the best climate for skiing in North America, and incredible terrain on our three mountains make it the ideal location for The Winter Sports Company’s ski and snowboard instructor training programmes.” “I am sure that the expert training you’ll receive at Sun Peaks will exceed your expectations, and that your Canadian experience will add to your life skills. “I look forward to seeing you on the slopes!” Nancy Greene Olympic Champion
British Columbia “On behalf of the residents and businesses at Sun Peaks Resort, I would like to welcome all guests of The Winter Sports Company and hope you will all quickly feel part of our community. “We are delighted to be hosts of the Winter Sports Company’s instructor training programmes and hope your stay in Sun Peaks will be enjoyable and successful.
“Our extensive terrain and renowned snow conditions have earned international accolades. We hope you will enjoy them.” Christopher Nicolson – Tourism Sun Peaks President
what our clients say
Duncan Reed CSIA Level 2 “I attended a three-month instructor-training course in 2008 when Steve and Karen La Borde were the managers. We all had an incredible, and in some cases, life changing experience. The hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of Steve and Karen were significant factors in the success and enjoyment of the course.”
Rob Finnamore CSIA Level 2
Duncan Reed
“Doing a ski instructor course was brilliant fun and a great laugh, whilst also really improving my skiing. It made me confident to handle leadership and responsibility, which are both skills I can use all the time. Best of all, it allows me to ski during my university holidays – and get paid for it! And I now have the chance to build a career in skiing after finishing uni! With Karen and Steve in charge you can be sure of an awesome time as they are hard working, experienced, and the most passionate people I met about getting us to pass – I still remember the looks of pride on their faces!”
Anna Patrickson CASI Level 2 The Instructor Training programme I completed in 2007 was such a great course and a life changing experience for me. Having had no previous snowboard experience, it was a big step for me to undertake, but the best decision I have ever made. Rob Finnamore
The running of the course was faultless and Karen and Steve were awesome. Not only did I learn a lot from them, they made the whole experience a lot of fun… They also helped me find work in other resorts and for the past two seasons I have been working at Whistler. This qualification has also allowed me to follow the snow and last season I worked in Mt Ruapehu on the North Island of New Zealand. I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering a career in the snow sports industry.
Anna Patrickson
work with us
Employment within the industry There is a huge demand for instructors within the industry and thousands of jobs available. Our website is regularly updated with recent vacancies and we are able to put you in touch with several companies who employ both ski and snowboard instructors. Furthermore, we receive frequent requests for both instructors and guides so if you are serious about working as a ski or snowboard instructor or would prefer to guide we are confident you will be able to find employment. Within a couple of months of completing our programme you could be working anywhere in the southern hemisphere at one of the many resorts in Australia or New Zealand. And the following season you could be working in your dream job anywhere in the world.
Interviews Level 1 instructors will have the opportunity to work in Europe every season – including the season you train in. Toward the end of the course we will conduct interviews with clients who have passed either CSIA level 1 or CASI level 1 and successful applicants will be offered up to four weeks work in Europe. Anyone who completes the level 1 course in February could be working in the Alps at Easter! Upon completion of any courses taken with The Winter Sports Company we will provide you with a letter of reference and will be happy to act as a referee on your behalf for whatever your chosen career is. If you decide not to be involved in the winter sports industry the experience and qualifications gained with us will enhance any CV and be a talking point at any interview.
The Winter Sports Company 12 Bread Street Penzance Cornwall TR18 2EQ UK
+44 (0) 1736 363091 www.wintersportscompany.com
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