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.

®

Whatmakesus

Sun Peaks Resort Snow School and The Winter Sports CompanySun 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 thebest

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.

little details count

Included in the price11 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.

value for money

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 • Ski-in / Ski-out

• Heated swimming pool

• Sauna

• 3 hot tubs

• Business services

• Bars/restaurant

• Fitness centre/gym

• Launderette

Guest suite facilities

• En-suite bathroom

• High-speed internet

• Cable and satellite TV

• Twin room sharing

• Tea/coffee making facilities

• Beverage cooler

facilities for all

facilities for all

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• Ski-In-ski-out

• Fitness equipment gym & 2 hot tubs

• Business services

• Launderette

Food and beverage fully inclusive onlyYour 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.

Guest suite features• High-speed Internet

• Cable and satellite TV

• Premium TV channels

• Sofa beds – handy for friends

life changing experience Senator Nancy Greene

Canada’s female athlete of the 20th century1968 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

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“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 2The 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.

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.

what our clients say

Anna Patrickson

Duncan Reed

Rob Finnamore

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.

workwithus

The Winter Sports Company

12 Bread Street

Penzance

Cornwall

TR18 2EQ

UK

+44 (0) 1736 363091www.wintersportscompany.com

Printed on recycled stock. Design by Claire-louise Creative 07973 515672

Photography by: Adam Stein, Paul Morrison, Kevin Hagel, Dom Koric, Matt Crossman

® is a trademark owned by Sun Peaks Resort Corporation and used under Licence

U7350