video
gallery
related links and resources
instructors
meet Emerson
Lake Louise pro - skimeet Pat
Lake Louise pro - skimeet Jeff
Lake Louise pro - skimeet Alex
Lake Louise pro - skimeet Andrew
Lake Louise pro - skimeet James
Lake Louise pro - snowboardmeet Shaun
Lake Louise pro - snowboardqualifications
testimonials
banff lake louise
2013
3, 11 or 12 weeks
course dates and prices
| Samesun Backpackers Banff | Siding 29 Lodge Banff | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Short 3 weeks Level 1 CSIA / CASI course: 17 Nov - 08 Dec '12 with Lake Louise passes | £2750 | £2950 | |
| 11 weeks Level 1 & 2* CSIA / CASI course: 05 Jan - 23 Mar '13 with Lake Louise season lift & bus passes | £6350 | £7250 | |
| 11 weeks as above but with Ski Big 3 season lift & bus passes | £7050 | £7950 | |
| 12 weeks Level 1 & 2* CSIA / CASI course: 05 Jan - 30 Mar '13 with Lake Louise season lift & bus passes | £6550 | £7550 | |
| 12 weeks as above but with Ski Big 3 season lift & bus passes | £7250 | £8250 | |
| Short 3 weeks Level 1 CSIA / CASI course: 02 Mar - 23 Mar '13 with Lake Louise passes | £2650 | £2850 | |
| Short 3 weeks Level 1 CSIA / CASI course: 23 Mar - 13 Apr '13 with Lake Louise passes | £2650 | £2850 |
The above prices are based on twin share accommodation at the Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge or shared dormitory accommodation at the Samesun Backpackers. Single room prices can be provided upon request.
Click here for details of the packages to see what's included.
unique offer
Enjoy a free day trip to Revelstoke in the 12 week programme if you book by 31st May 2012.
the ski or snowboard instructor training courses
Our ski & snowboard instructor courses have been operating in Banff Lake Louise since 1997. We were the first company to offer programmes in Banff National Park and have developed an excellent reputation with the resort for delivering:
- the best instructor training programme with the highest pass rates
- great accommodation options such as the recently renovated Best Western PLUS Siding 29 Lodge with the best meal plans
- opportunities for IA trainees to either stay on or return to Banff Lake Louise to work as instructors and develop a career
Lake Louise is our flagship programme and we have received excellent comments and feedback from our trainees over the years (see testimonials).
You have the option to do the following courses:
- a 3 week intensive Level 1 programme starting in November or March
- an 11 or 12 week (extra week) Level 1 & 2 programme starting in January
For the longer Jan - Mar programme, the CSIA or CASI Level 2 exam takes place in week 11 so you can either fly back after the Level 2 exam or stay on for an extra week at the end. The 12 week option provides a more relaxing and "fun" way to finish your course.
3 week ski or snowboard instructor course
The short 3 week ski or snowboard instructor course provides opportunities for you to learn all the basic teaching skills, enhance your core technical abilities and gain the CSIA or CASI Level 1 certification. This course sets the foundation and enables you to teach beginners and low intermediates in countries such as Canada, USA, Japan, Australia and other countries.
The November programme provides opportunities for you to watch the world’s best alpine ski racers compete in the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup which takes place in the the last weekend of November. This is Canada’s only alpine skiing World Cup event, and the first Downhill and Super G races of the World Cup circuit.
The November course also provides opportunities for you to work as an instructor at Lake Louise or other resorts for the rest of the season if you have a Canadian work visa:
"Anyone who has trained with our top Pros, skied for weeks at our world class resort, and has committed to living and working in Canada for the season is guaranteed an employment interview. How could we not hire you?!"
Kevin Eaton - Assistant Director Lake Louise Ski and Snowboard School
*** to be hired each successful candidate must obtain their own work permit prior to travel, successfully pass the level 1 CSIA or CASI course - and successfully complete an employment interview.
Canadian work visa's can be applied for through the Government if you intend to do a course and then work as a ski instructor afterwards. You do need to apply early as they are limited and can run out!
The late season 3 week courses which start in March provide an ideal time to visit Banff Lake Louise with excellent skiing and snowboarding. Spring is also party season at Lake Louise with a variety of events, great music and entertainment.
11 or 12 week ski or snowboard instructor course
Our 11 or 12 week courses provide life-changing experiences and the opportunity for you to seriously strengthen your skiing or snowboarding skills! The instructor training will help develop your technique to a much higher level and set the foundation for a new career. You can achieve your CSIA or CASI Level 1 & 2 qualifications in a structured programme and potentially return to Lake Louise Ski School to work the following year - as many former International Academy trainees have done.
If you book our 12 week course starting in January 2013 by 31st May 2012, we will include a free day trip to Revelstoke Mountain Resort to let your hair down in the final week of the programme. Revelstoke boasts the longest vertical descent of any resort in North America (5620 feet), 3121 acres of fall line skiing, high alpine bowls and a superb snow record.
You can view a 12 week ski and snowboard instructor course schedule under related links and resources on the right.
* The Level 2 exam fee (CSIA $603.33 or CASI $476.45) is payable separately after successful completion of the Level 1.
what makes this programme so special?
Well, it's the magnificent ski areas of Banff Lake Louise and the social aspect staying in Banff, but most importantly, it's the level of the instruction, the exclusive training programme, and the complete snow sports experience that's delivered by Lake Louise Ski & Snowboard School. The instructors are not only Level 3 or Level 4 certified, but also Level 1 and Level 2 examiners. This provides the best preparation possible for you to succeed in your exams. The pass rates we have on our Banff Lake Louise ski and snowboard instructor courses is phenomenal and speaks volumes for the quality of the training and instruction provided - which is second to none!
Watch our Banff Lake Louise video on YouTube
Click here for the word from the ski & snowboard schools
lift passes
Lake Louise is the largest single ski area in Canada with over 4200 acres of skiable terrain, 139 marked runs and awe-inspiring scenery. You can experience the very best of the Canadian Rockies with your Lake Louise mountain and bus season passes which we include in the package.
You do have the option to buy-up to a Ski Big 3 lift and bus pass which would also enable you to ski or ride at Sunshine Village and Banff at Norquay during your spare time (Fridays to Sundays). These resorts are also renowned for their superb snow conditions and challenging terrain. With almost 8000 acres of skiable terrain, the resorts of Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay make up the "Ski Big 3", Canada's largest ski area!
lake louise resort details
- the "Jewel of the Rockies" located in the heart of Banff National Park - a world heritage site
- A world class ski resort with a phenomenal reputation for its first rate amenities and wonderful light, dry powder snow
- Canada's largest single ski area with infinite and varied terrain
- Breathtaking scenery, spectacular views and inspirational wilderness
- Resort consistently voted number one for scenery in North America by Skiing Magazine
- Four mountain faces with easy and challenging runs down from every chair
- 4200 skiable acres and 139 marked runs
- Limitless off-trail adventures and back bowls
- Super steeps
- Multiple terrain parks tailored to ability levels for maximum fun
- Four conveniently located full service day lodges
- Reliable season from mid-November to mid-May
- Lake Louise, Sunshine Village & Norquay (Banff) are separate ski areas but if combined, they are known as the Ski Big 3 - Canada’s largest ski area
- Town of Banff has a lively social scene with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants
View some awesome Lake Louise scenery photos on our Facebook page
other banff ski resorts
Sunshine Village is the highest ski resort in Canada with over 3000 acres of skiable terrain including some great cruising runs to double black diamonds. Sunshine is renowned for having a reliable snow record with 100% natural snow.
Mt Norquay is the closest ski resort to the town of Banff and is a compact giant. It is home to some steep and challenging terrain, a freestyle park and also offers skiing and snowboarding under flood lights on Friday nights.
Ski Big 3 Resorts - mountain stats
getting to banff
Flights are not included in the prices. You can either book these independently to/from Calgary or we can organise flights for you through our aviation department. Please contact us on 029 2066 0200 for details.
park / race courses
For our ski and snowboard instructor courses in Banff Lake Louise, we do include a snow park training course (freestyle) or a CSCF entry level course (race) as part of the package provided. The freestyle course provides you with some additional training and skills in the snow park whereas the CSCF course focuses on race technique. These courses are recognised favourably by ski schools and they are also plenty of fun!
If you don’t want to do a freestyle or race course, we will deduct £250 from the prices.
additional activities
There are many optional activities you can do in the area including cat skiing, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, dog sledding and more! You can also spend time at the Banff Hot Springs or enjoy a trip to Calgary to watch the Flames play an NHL ice hockey match.
accommodation
Your accommodation will be in the town of Banff, situated in the magnificent Banff National Park. You can choose from:
- the 3* rated Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge with large twin rooms, swimming pool and whirlpool
- the modern SameSun Backpacker Lodge for a lower budget option.
The accommodations are located practically opposite each other with a short, easy walk along Banff Avenue to the centre of Banff.
For both accommodations, breakfasts are provided 7 days a week. At the Siding 29 Lodge, you will be provided with a hearty continental / hot breakfast buffet every day. For the Samesun option, you will receive a basic bread and spreads breakfast although there are kitchen facilities at the backpackers where you can store your own food if you wanted too.
Weekday evening meals will be provided at a variety of different restuarants in Banff where you can sample a range of Italian, Mexican, Greek, Japanese and Chinese food, along with some more traditional Canadian restaurant and bar options.
Go to the Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge in Banff page.
Go to the SameSun Backpacker Lodge in Banff page
other ski and snowboard instructor course options
Click the links below for details on the ski & snowboard instructor courses at:
or Summer 2012 ski & snowboard instructor courses at:
or return to the main ski & snowboard instructor courses page
2 week peak performance programme
Our 2 week Peak Performance Programme in Banff Lake Louise offers something completely unique with an emphasis on "fun" and improving your skiing or riding skills on big mountain terrain under the guidance of some of Canada's top pros.
main courses page
Click the link below to go to the main courses page:
Ski, Snowboard, Dive, Sailing and Surf courses
request a brochure
Click this link to request a brochure