Instructor courses in world class resorts that will inspire you to teach others. Our 5 to 12 week instructor training courses are run by the resident ski and snowboard schools in the world class resorts of Lake Louise, Whistler Blackcomb, Heavenly and Cardrona (New Zealand). With approximately 20+ hours per week of quality instruction and time to yourself to enjoy the mountains, not only will you see a vast improvement in your own technique, you will also be given the tools to become an effective teacher and share your expertise with others. You will gain an insight into the service side of the industry, how ski and snowboard schools function, lesson planning, and you will also get to shadow instructors. Complimenting the instruction, our programmes also include video analysis and feedback, theory sessions, First Aid course, Recreational Avalanche course and ski/snowboard tuning clinics. Our courses in Canada and the USA are suited to all standards/abilities, so even if you’re an intermediate level, you can become an instructor! If you’re interested in our New Zealand courses over the summer, you will need to be a strong intermediate/advanced skier or snowboarder.
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the qualifications
Your instructors will develop your technical and teaching skills to prepare you for the instructor examinations set by the National Governing Body of the host country. Depending on the course you choose, you have the opportunity to gain the following qualifications:
Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) Level 1 & Level 2
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) Level 1 & Level 2
Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Level 1
American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) Level 1
New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) Certificate of Snowsports Instruction & Stage One
The CSIA, CASI, PSIA, AASI and NZSIA are the most forward thinking and innovative in their field for instruction and certification. They are members of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), the world body for ski and snowboard instructors, and qualifications you can gain through their courses have international recognition.
what's included
The costs of the courses include:
Flights
Airport transfers
Accommodation (shared)
Weekday breakfasts
Weekday evening meals
Resort transfers (if applicable)
Season/lift pass
Services of a representative
Instructor training
Level 1/Certificate in Snowsports Instruction/Stage One course
Level 1/Certificate in Snowsports Instruction/Stage One exam fee
Level 2 course training (12 week courses in Canada)
National Governing Body manuals/materials
Recreational Avalanche Course - learn how to read the snow pack, use a transceiver and how to travel in the backcountry
First Aid Course
Shadowing instructors/work experience
Video analysis and feedback
Theory sessions
Ski and snowboard tuning clinics
Ski jacket
Professional photography – group/action shots
Job search assistance/advice
On successful completion of an International Academy course, the option of winter employment at a Crystal Holidays resort - type of work offered is subject to age and interview
the prospects
Many of our delegates return to the resort where they previously trained to work as a ski or snowboard instructor, as the courses have mutual benefits for both the ski and snowboard schools and your own personal development. After spending up to 12 weeks of training with the instructors, you will be considered a potential asset to the ski and snowboard school, possessing the relevant skills, knowledge and experience of how they operate on a day-to-day basis. Qualifications you gain through our courses can also enable you to work as an instructor in various countries around the world, so you may wish to expand your horizons and seek employment at another resort. We can offer you advice and guidance with this
the word from the snow schools
“Lake Louise has long been considered one of the premier ski and snowboard destinations in the world. It is one of North America’s largest ski and snowboard areas with over 4,500 acres of unsurpassed alpine terrain, magnificent scenery, and one of our country’s finest ski and snowboard schools that has a tradition of excellence going back to the 1950’s. The success of the Crystal International Academy program is very important to us, and each year we put together our very best CSIA & CASI Instructors and course conductors who are committed to helping each delegate achieve their personal goals. Delegates will gain qualifications recognised around the globe and leave Lake Louise with memories of experiences that will last a lifetime. For some this will be a short stop on the way to other careers; for others this will be the opportunity to come back and teach in Lake Louise. Each year we supply work visas to top graduates who show a genuine passion to teach. Regardless of where you find yourself this winter, I’m sure the Crystal International Academy program will be one of your most rewarding experiences”. Mark Ridgely, Director, Lake Louise Ski & Snowboard School “The Crystal International Academy has been working in partnership with Whistler Blackcomb for 6 years to provide internationally recognised ski and snowboard instructor training courses. This is a great opportunity to learn from Whistler Blackcomb’s best and brightest ski & snowboard pros in a spectacular mountain environment”. OttoKamstra, Director, Whistler Blackcomb Ski & Snowboard School “During my two seasons as co-ordinator with the Crystal International Academy, I have witnessed the creation of friendships amongst the candidates that will last a lifetime. Last season, a dozen candidates from the previous season were here at Whistler Blackcomb as instructors. This represents a testament to the success of this Tour”. Francois Sauve, Special Programmes Supervisor, Whistler Blackcomb Ski & Snowboard School "If you are interested in starting an exciting and rewarding career teaching in the mountains, then this is the course for you! I have had the privilege of training ski instructors on courses in Australia, Austria and the USA, with many of the candidates now instructing and training all over the world. I know that this course has all of the benefits of other courses and more. A strong camaraderie and support network is established early on, while high levels of personal development are a daily focus. What a fantastic insight into a rewarding career. Life long friendships and memories are just a small portion of the experiences gained here at Cardrona". Bob Irwin, Head Trainer for the International Academy, Cardrona High Performance Centre, New Zealand
Cardrona
