the word from the ski & snowboard schools

ski school teams

Our ski and snowboard instructor courses operate under the management of two of the best ski schools in Canada and the best instructor training centre in New Zealand.

At Whistler Blackcomb, the programmes are overseen by Wade Sutton, Gap Programmes Supervisor of the Ski and Snowboard School. In Lake Louise, the courses are managed by the two Assistant Directors, Kevin Eaton and Dave Gilbert. In New Zealand, Bridget Legnavski, Technical Director of the NZSIA and Snowsports Manager of Cardrona, co-ordinates our courses.

With over 75 years of experience between these three leaders, we pride ourselves on having the highest quality ski and snowboard instructor training courses on the market.

the word from the ski schools

"The success of the 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 International Academy program will be one of your most rewarding experiences."
Mark Ridgely
Director, Lake Louise Ski & Snowboard School

The Winter Olympic Games are now in the rear view mirror for Whistler/Blackcomb & the word is out there that the skiing and riding at Whistler Blackcomb has always been about stepping it up to the next level, whether it is learning new ski or riding skills or seeing how the big boys & girls do it on the elite World competition stage. Along the way our top Ski and Snowboard Pros will guide you through to your International Academy goals on the snow. I have lived and worked for the Whistler Blackcomb Snow School half my life and once you are here, once you experienced what Whistler Blackcomb has to offer, you will see why we get ranked #1 again and again.

Wade Sutton
Gap Programmes Supervisor, Whistler Blackcomb Ski & Snowboard School

Hello prospective instructors! Cardrona has a reputation of being friendly, honest and fun. Our trainees and staff work hard and play hard on and off the snow as part of the Cardrona family. We have been training instructors in fulltime, professional programmes since 1995 with a fantastic success rate.

Consider our key points of difference:

  • The Cardrona Instructor Training Centre has the most motivated, qualified and experienced NZSIA qualified trainers and examiners working full time for you. This includes five current or ex New Zealand Demonstration Team members and a number of senior ski and snowboard examiners.
  • As part of the largest and most diverse Ski and Snowboard school in New Zealand, we offer unparalleled service, training and future work opportunities. As our clients say: "You’re simply the best".
  • We have a great reputation for professionalism, quality of work and continued training opportunities. Over the last decade many of our staff have come from our own instructor training programmes. Ask around! They are at every level of our operation and working all over the world. We are happy to include instructing references at the end of the course to help you find work in the northern hemisphere.
  • Cardrona has the best Pipe and Park facilities in New Zealand. We are the home of Freestyle with some of the biggest events in the Southern Hemisphere – with great work opportunities in that area as well. All of our training programmes include elements of freestyle and all terrain riding as a way to develop your skills.

Cardrona is the place to be this winter and I look forward to meeting you all.

Bridget Legnavsky
Cardrona Snowsports Manager
NZSIA demonstration Team since 1996 – current author of the NZSIA SKI Division manual.

"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. Lifelong friendships and memories are just a small portion of the experiences gained here at Cardrona."
Bob Irwin
Head Trainer for the International Academy, Cardrona Instructor Training Centre