New Year Nonstoppers Bid Auf Wiedersehen - Course Diary, Final Week
Final week… surely not?!?! Unfortunately it was upon us already, bringing with it the much-anticipated CSIA and CASI Level 1 Instructor exams, and of course, a lot of nerves amongst the group! While the 3-week improvement camp participants went gallivanting off for another session of personal skill development, for the instructor course participants it was their chance to demonstrate what they’d learnt during the course and hopefully get their Level 1 certification. The CASI and CSIA qualifications open doors in ski resorts all over the world, so for these guys it was a crucial part of their move into the snow industry lifestyle. More on that later as course host Goff talks us through the final week of the New Year courses in Fernie…
Sweet! Newly qualified CSIA Level 1 instructors
Earlier in the week we had a ski and board tuning masterclass put on by the Nonstop instructors, teaching eager participants how to wax and edge their equipment to give the perfect slide every time. DIY equipment maintenance can save heaps of money and time, whilst also giving that satisfied sensation of having nurtured the gear that gives you so much happiness!
A whole lotta love being shown to the skis and snowboards
Our participants also had the opportunity to experience another Canadian favourite – street hockey! After a specialrequest to the city road maintenance crew, the street was looking immaculate and ready for a big-league showdown, and Nonstoppers took to the street alongside their instructors for a fiercely fought battle. Plenty of laughs were had and everyone got a great insight into how Canadian kids while away their spare time.
Celebrating with the newly qualified CSIA and CASI exam students after another hard day on the slopes
Snowboard Tecnhical Director, James Hyland (left) celebrating with Ryan as he achieves his CASI Level 1
Finally, after 3 weeks of pre-training, and 3 days of demonstrating their skills and knowledge in the Level 1 exams, it was time for the much-anticipated results. Breaths were held, edges of seats were sat on, beers were nervously sipped, and the examiners came in with the announcement… that EVERYBODY HAD PASSED! The 100% success rate amongst both skiers and snowboarders was testament to the hard work that everyone had put in during the course, and the quality of instruction from the pros leading the way. Smiles could be seen all around and celebrations kicked off immediately, stretching into the night – with Macklemore even making an appearance!!!
The now legendary Macklemore (with me making a sneaky appearance on the far left!)
Sadly, two days later it was time for the majority of the participants to board the coach to ride home in style. With many promises to catch up ‘back in the real world’, it was easy to see some strong friendships (and even a smattering of romances) had been forged. A few of the gang that are staying on for longer rose early to see them off – and we even had a cheeky visit from the full moon! At the same time Rachel, one of our Level 1 graduates, was already starting her first day of work as an instructor up at Fernie Alpine Resort! The past 3 weeks had been an amazing rollercoaster ride for everyone, and it was a true pleasure to host this group out here and watch them fall in love with beautiful Fernie. I wish you all well with your future snow endeavours and hope to see you all again sometime! Until then, Auf Wiedersehen!
Cheers!
You can book your place now for the 2014/15 New Year courses in Fernie. Whether you want to focus on becoming a ski instructor or a snowboard instructor in just three weeks, or simply concentrate on your own skiing or snowboarding development over one, two or three weeks, there is a course for you in Fernie next winter.
