Ski Instructor Course Banff Lake Louise 2012 | Snowboard Instructor Course Canada

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"10/10. I had a great time!" Adam Newbold, Lake Louise 2011

"I had a fantastic time on the course and would certainly recommend it to another person". Andrew Bell, Lake Louise 2011

“I loved the trip, met so many great people and had much fun indeed. The ski instructors were great, had us all in stitches, were very respectful of individual skiing abilities and showed us all a good time. I was very sad to leave!” Sara Jakubowicz, Lake Louise 2011

"I am now back home and getting ready - reluctantly - to resume work on Monday after a year off. By now I have had a chance to reflect a bit on the program and what it has meant to me. For the past 10 years, I have been a regular weekend skier at my local hill here in Saskatchewan. I first learnt about IA last year while I was doing my re-test in Lake Louise. At that time, it became clear to me that the IA program could provide an excellent opportunity to spend 3 months doing nothing but skiing in the big mountains under the direction of some of the best ski instructors in our country. I did check other programs, but IA seemed to offer the best arrangements. This is how I came to enroll in the program. I must say that I have truly enjoyed every aspect of the program and will recommend it to others without any hesitation. I liked the diversity among participants (in terms of age, life experiences, backgrounds, etc) and the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the training. The instructors were phenomenal - they made the program what it is! All arrangements were great and it was quite easy to fall into a routine. In fact, I am experiencing a bit of a "withdrawal syndrome" as I try to get used to being home and not skiing." Giovanna Pirro, Lake Louise 2011

"I just want to thank you for an amazing time, I have had the time of my life out in Banff, and its horrible being home! I have got myself a job instructing down in Italy for the next 2 weeks until their season ends. I got my CASI 1, 2 & my park, and I've got my visa for next winter and hope to be instructing in Lake Louise providing there are jobs available and the instructors are going to give me some good references. I can definitely say I made the right choice in choosing IA. Everything was made so easy for us out there, great communication, restaurants to eat in, accommodation and the people. Even speaking to people on other courses out there, they wish that they had booked with IA." Callum Snape, age 18 Lake Louise 2010

“The level of tuition was far more than I was expecting and I had the most amazing time”. Annabel Morgan, age 25, Lake Louise 2008

“Lake Louise is a skiers dream with all the terrain you could ever ask for. Conditions were consistently amazing.” James Hopkins, age 19, Lake Louise 2007

“I would advise anyone who is thinking about doing this type of course to go for it! You will love it! General tuition and improving my own skiing ability has been fantastic.” Kate Royle, age 19, Lake Louise 2007

"I am very pleased to have done the course and am very much in love with skiing and instructing. I now work at Lake Louise Ski School, I am going back for my fourth season. It is a great place to learn and an even better place to work! If you are an outgoing sociable person with a passion for snow and all things that go with it you really should give this a shot!!!" Onnor Collister, Lake Louise 2002

"I think that the International Academy is a great scheme. It gives you an opportunity to try something different. Something that, growing up in London, you think you could never achieve. The course is well thought out, set up and a great experience for all those taking part. I am now beginning my fifth season at Lake Louise, I have a house in Banff, a beautiful Canadian wife, a gorgeous nine month old son and a lifetime of skiing ahead of me". Jon Abrahams, Lake Louise 2001

banff lake louise

2013

3, 11 or 12 weeks

course dates and prices

	Samesun Backpackers Banff	Siding 29 Lodge Banff
New 3 weeks Level 1 CSIA / CASI course: 10 Nov - 01 Dec '12 with Lake Louise passes	£tbc	£tbc
11 weeks Level 1 & 2* CSIA / CASI course: 05 Jan - 23 Mar '13 with Lake Louise season lift & bus passes	£6150	£7050
11 weeks as above but with Ski Big 3 season lift & bus passes	£6850	£7750
12 weeks Level 1 & 2* CSIA / CASI course: 05 Jan - 30 Mar '13 with Lake Louise season lift & bus passes	£6350	£7350
12 weeks as above but with Ski Big 3 season lift & bus passes	£7050	£8050

The above prices are based on twin share accommodation at the Siding 29 Lodge and shared dormitory accomodation at the Samesun. Single room prices can be provided upon request.

* The CSIA or CASI Level 2 exam fee is payable separately after successful completion of the Level 1.

Flights are not included in the prices. You can either book these independently to Calgary or we can organise flights for you through our aviation department. Please contact us on 029 2066 0200 for details.

unique offer

Receive a FREE pair of Salomon skis & bindings while stocks last. This free equipment will be sent to you upon full payment of the course.

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 Ski Big 3 lift and bus passes 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!

Please contact us on 029 2066 0200 for details.

the ski or snowboard instructor training courses

Our ski & snowboard instructor courses are well established as we have been operating in Banff / Lake Louise since 1997. You have the option to do:

an early season 3 week intensive Level 1 programme in November
an 11 or 12 week Level 1 & 2 programme starting in January

For the longer programme, as the CSIA or CASI Level 2 exam takes place in week 11, you can either fly back after the Level 2 exam or stay on for an extra week at the end. The 12 week option enables you to have some more time with the instructors and provides a more relaxing and "fun" way to finish the programme.

3 week ski or snowboard course

The short 3 week ski or snowboard instructor course provides opportunities for you to learn all the basic teaching skills and enhance your core technical abilities. 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. Over the 3 weeks you will:

have a fantastic introduction to snow sports instruction
see vast improvements to your own skiing or riding skills
have the opportunity to gain your Level 1 certification.

If you have obtained a Canadian work visa and successfully complete the November programme, you could possibly work as an instructor for Lake Louise resort after the course:

"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 for 2011/12 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!

11 or 12 week ski or snowboard course

The longer 11 or 12 week courses provide a 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 other International Academy trainees have done. This course is tailored for someone looking for a fun and valuable gap year experience, a career break/change or simply a long deserved holiday.

For weekly details of the ski and snowboard instructor training courses, please download the Lake Louise 12 week schedule pdf under the related links and resources heading on the right. If you are interested in the 5 week programme, please refer only to the first 5 weeks of the schedule, and likewise if you are interested in the 11 week ski or snowboard instructor course.

What makes this particular resort and instructor training programme so special? Well, it's the town of Banff & the National Park, the magnificent ski area at Lake Louise, 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 speak volumes for the quality of the training and instruction provided, which is second to none!

Click here for the word from the ski & snowboard schools

2 week peak performance programme

If taking a course and training towards an instructor certification is not for you, we do offer short 2 week programmes with an emphasis on "fun" and developing your skiing skills on big mountain terrain - under the guidance of some of Canada's top pros at Lake Louise.

Please click the link to our 2 week Peak Performance Programme if you are interested in a ski development course, short ski camp, or a unique ski holiday experience!

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

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.

park / race courses

For our ski and snowboard instructor courses in Canada, 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 order to teach beginners in the snow park whereas the CSCF course focuses on race technique. These courses are recognised favorably by ski schools when it comes to their recruitment and they are also plenty of fun!

If you don’t want to do a freestyle or race course, we will deduct a further £250 from the prices shown in the table.

Click here for details of the packages.

additional activities

There are many optional activities you can do in resort including 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