I have enjoyed every second of every day of my Nonstop course at Red Mountain. Every part of it has exceeded my expectations. The locals, instructors, and fellow course mates have made this the most unforgettable experience of my life .Personally I cannot fault anything, it’s been AWESOME. Colin Lewis, 40

This has been the best time of my life! Red Mountain is easily the best resort I have ever skied and I will definitely be coming back. If I had to single out the very best thing – it was the people… both my courses mates and our instructors.  Josh Henriques, 18

Amazing – have had the best time of my life. Katherine Purvis, 28

Red Mountain is such an awesome, down to earth ski town… so different to anywhere I had been before. The course has been incredibly fun and I can’t think of any way it could be improved.  Jack Le Seur, 19

Awesome instructors +amazing terrain +great accommodation = best time ever! Might even come back next year! So sad to be going home…  Oliver Hammond, 28

This has been amazing, I have learnt so much and reckon this will prove to be a life changing experience! I can’t thank you all enough for the whole experience from initially contacting you back in 2011, to passing my CSIA level 2.  Jonny Kaye, 24

The 11 week course Instructor course at Red is an unforgettable experience.  I have met some great people, the instructors are at the top of their game and the resort is a one off hidden gem. I would never of dreamed that my skiing would have been transformed this much. Samantha Hunt, 39

Mark and the rest of the Nonstop team have made us feel more than welcome in Rossland, going the extra mile to make sure that we have had the best experience possible. The course has been run very professionally, with top notch instructors, accommodation and social activities and I’m sure I have made some lifelong friends form this experience.  Paul Hodgson, 35

I’ve had the most amazing time, such a great group to have completed a season with. Everything about the course was awesome… especially the instructors!  Flynn O’Leary, 28

Most excellent! Great instructors, superb accommodation and food… but most importantly Red Mountain is an absolutely brilliant resort. If I had to single out one thing it would be the instructors – AWESOME. Jonathon Forbes, 31

I don’t think you could do this course in a better resort; the terrain, instructors and accommodation are all absolutely incredible. I had an absolutely great trip and the best 3 months of my life! There wasn’t a day that I didn’t enjoy skiing and the weekend trips were really well organised. I only wish I had saved more money to do all the weekend getaways as they were some of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences.  Dan Jones, 27

If you are a skier or a snowboarder contemplating becoming an instructor then you simply MUST consider Red Mountain as one of your options… it’s  a big favourite of all the Nonstop team so be sure to ask us about it!

The post Red Mountain 11 Week Instructor Course Testimonials and Reviews appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

When I made the decision to make a break from my university plans, I never imagined that one thought, one little change in my life would bring me right back to where I had left off.

I was 19 in 2007, and had deferred university for a year to work full time. This wasn’t exciting me as much as I had hoped so began researching what else I could do. I’d always wanted to be a ski instructor since my first lessons as an impressionable 5 year old. Having found Nonstop online and spent hours gazing at page after page of great pictures; stunning mountain shots with similarly stunning riders in them! I was hooked.

The next thing I knew I was at the airport. Not knowing anyone, flying solo and, in hindsight, with too much baggage!

That initial winter was a blur of amazing instruction and exhilarating experiences such as cat-skiing, winter camping and snowshoeing. I made more friends in that 4 months than in a year of work. And of those friends I made, I am still close to many of them 6 years on.

I left Nonstop with my CSIA level 1, 2 and CSCF race 1 qualifications and the thirst for more. I came back to Fernie in November of ’08 and moved in with 7 previous Nonstoppers. I had come to Fernie without a job offer but with a visa. I met with supervisors and tagged along at daily line-ups knowing that if my face was seen enough, eventually I would be noticed and given the chance to work. Within 2 weeks this was the case. Interviewed and fitted for uniform I was out there shadowing my first lesson.

Teaching skiing blew my mind! This is a career? I get to teach a sport I love, to instil my passion in others and give people the holiday of their dreams. Since that first winter of teaching, I have had returning clients, bringing with them family and friends to come and relive their fantastic experiences, and I was part of that. It’s a great job with great perks. The number one thing that kept me going back for 6 years was the social aspect. I found myself a support network of like minded souls; a friendship where age has no importance, only your passion for life and what you did with it.

In my years at Fernie winter sports school I have taught kids, adults and entire families! I became a trainer for rookie instructors and been given some of ski schools unique products to run: First trax and Ladies free-ride to name a couple. I have supervised and been involved in employee relations. More recently I have been involved in the media and was asked to feature in promotional material! It certainly was bizarre to see myself skiing across a billboard in Calgary!

I have also worked in NZ, Cardrona more specifically. The ski and snowboard industry is a small one, the more people you meet and work with, the quicker you will come to realise! Managers and ski school directors will more often than not have worked in other countries too. So with a stunning reference from Fernie, I was welcomed to Cardrona, where my referee had previously worked.

Working in Canada has opened my eyes to a whole world of opportunities. I have met people who have inspired me in so many ways. I have made changes, such as how I see and live my life.

One season with Nonstop meant that I had the tools to get a job I had dreamed about. Each year that I went back for a ski season, I would stay longer until 2011, I just never came home. Winters turned to summers and my Canadian adventure became a year round one.

April 2013 saw me coming back to the UK. I have just started university (I told you this would bring me full circle…) but this time, I am confident in what I am doing. I have a passion and a focus to my learning and that is to continue my travelling and aid me in moving to Canada permanently.

My question to you, if you are thinking about partaking in a Nonstop program is why wouldn’t you? It’s an adventure where no previous experience is necessary but experience is just the thing you will leave with.

Stay up to date with Nonstop’s ski and snowboard instructor trainees of the past, present and future by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.

Check out more of Nonstop’s success stories here.

The post A why, where and with whom story of becoming a ski bum appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

I had the best time of my life; I don’t want to go home and never want it to end! So much fun and there was always really good support from the instructors and the Nonstop team. This experience has made me decide that I definitely want to be part of the skiing industry for the rest of my life. To top it all off I’ve made some lifelong friends. Brad Nauman: 19, Yorkshire

The course is so much fun. I’ve met loads of lovely people and learnt so much about my skiing! Our accommodation was amazing; the staff at Irwin’s Inn are so friendly and the best thing is that it’s in such a great location, it’s so good being so close to the centre of town and having the bus for the resorts pick us up right outside is ideal. Banff is such an amazing town. Abi Staines: 19, London

Thank you very much to everyone for everything! Best time of my life. Nonstop is awesome!! Can’t imagine going home anymore! I loved all the instructors and how supportive they were in getting us all to meet our goals. The management of the course was great, especially Emily (course host) who made sure we were looked after at all times. AMAZING. Dan Hughes: 19, Derbyshire

The skiing was so sick and the nightlife was great. Everybody on the course, from the Nonstop staff to the other participants, were amazing. Don’t think about it, just do it! Adam Norman: 18, Bath

#incredible! Adam Buffery: 19, Shropshire

Brian and Marc (snowboard instructors) are the best instructors possible! This was the greatest experience; I loved meeting loads of people from all around the world! Would recommend the course to anyone and the snow is amazing in Canada. Much better snow than most people will ever experience! And not to forget the nightlife! Ben Openshaw: 19, London

One of the best things I have ever done, I’ve met some friends for life and have learnt so much about my riding with Marc Tanguay and Brian Baker – I couldn’t have hoped for better instructors. Have been on some real adventures and ridden slopes I didn’t know would be possible to ride! Coming from working in an office to riding in the mountains every day has given me a great sense of freedom and a welcome break from my life back home. I’m now hoping to go on and instruct in New Zealand and see where it takes me. James Armstrong: 27, Derbyshire

A very enjoyable experience to say the least! Banff always has something to do and all the extra activities make it a full on course. There has not been a single dull moment and I think the course as a whole has been put together extremely well. Oli Houghton: 19, Cambridge

Absolutely amazing. The AMP programme was incredible – everyone should do it! Chloe Hassel: 18, Bucks

Amazing. Brian and Marc (snowboard instructors) are two of the best people you could ever hope to ride with…. their teaching style is the perfect mix of fun and insightful feedback. Will Barrett: 19, Leamington Spa

The course was an awesome mix of snowboarding and good times off the slopes. Amazing instructors, awesome set up and plenty of brilliant memories. Jay Balmer: 19, Cumbria

This course has easily been the best thing I’ve ever done. I have got loads better at skiing and made some good mates. The best thing about the course has to be the instructors – so much fun to ski with. Max Flynn: 19, Devon

Best three months of my life…again! If I could financially justify coming back for a third year, I definitely would! Nonstop telemark perhaps??! Olive Le Poidevin: 23, Jersey (completed the course as a skier and a snowboarder!)

I’ve had some of the best times of my life and learned so much from the instructors. Good times all around, you can tell this is easily the best course in Banff. Andrew Weinrich: 22, Edmonton

This has been the most life changing experience; I have loved every moment being here. Ben Nicholls: 18, London

Amazing, life changing! Joel Gardner: 19, Brighton

I’ve had a really great time and have had the best experience of my life. The skiing was immense and I’ve never come across such amazing scenery. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. Tristan Burrow: 18, Edinburgh

I’ve had an amazing time on this course…I’m sure you are sick of hearing that but it’s true! It’s been so good meeting so many amazing people and I’ve learnt to be confident in terrain that I never thought I would be happy skiing. I can honestly say I have had more fun in the last three months and met more interesting amazing people than I thought was possible! All the Nonstop staff are so helpful and accommodating, which seems to attract a really special group of people. Loved it! Kate Moloney: 23, NSW, Australia

I thought the course was well organised with plenty happening on and off the snow. The meals were great at El Toro and the instruction was brilliant. Stephen Cousins: Cambridge, 18

It has been the best experience of my life and wouldn’t change a single thing about it! Emily Street: 19, London

One of the best experiences of my life! I have had an amazing time…. have made such good friends and improved my skiing to an extent I never thought possible!! I would recommend it to anyone; you’ll have the best time, make lifelong friends and memories! Harriet Berry: 18, Oxfordshire

Have enjoyed the people, the extra activities, and of course the skiing. This has definitely been the best three months of my life!  Izzy Mortl: 18, Tasmania, Australia

The best three months of my life! Awesome people, awesome skiing, awesome nights out and awesome food.  Emily Cook: 18, London

The course was epic fun… the skiing over the past 11 weeks has been absolutely amazing and the nightlife in Banff is so much fun! Absolutely loved the instructors. Alex Campbell: 19, Surrey

I will never forget the instructors; Mark and Brian were so great. Our course hosts Emily and Ryan were always so helpful and kind. Couldn’t have asked for a better season. Unbelievable, unforgettable, have made so many friends that will never be forgotten and memories that will be with me forever. My liver hated it though! Matt Marsden: 21, Nottingham

The recurring word there seemed to be ‘amazing’! If you’re a skier or a snowboarder that wants to find out more about our 11 week instructor course in Banff the be sure to contact us – we can put you in touch with past participants, whilst our course advisors Max and Harriet have both spent seasons there too.

The post Banff 11 Week Instructor Course Testimonials and Reviews appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

Before I went on the Nonstop course I had been living in London for five years and was beginning to feel that there must be more to life than tackling a never-ending pile of paperwork.  A colleague in a similar situation suggested that we should go on a ski course in Canada.  He had seen an advert for Nonstop, so we decided to attend an Preview Day.  Nonstop turned out to be friendly, informative and professional and that made-up our minds straight away!

The Nonstop course we decided to go on was based in Whistler, one of the best mountains I could ever hope to ski.  The course ran Monday to Thursday, leaving the weekends free for extra training, free skiing or resting the legs. The course experience was really amazing, great skiing, fantastic people and something that really stood out for me was the quality of the coaches, they were brilliant – I’m actually still in contact with many of them.

After I had completed my Level 1 and 2 CSIA Exams, I applied for a job at a ski school in Australia.  I was told that I would have to attend a ‘Hiring Clinic’ (essentially an extended ski interview) and thanks to my Nonstop training I was selected to work at the ski school. No more boring job in the city!

I can still remember teaching my first ski lesson. I had prepared and planed exactly what I was going to teach and I was so sure that it would be the perfect lesson. When I arrived at the top of the mountain there was 10cm of new snow, thick fog and howling winds – needless to say, with 10 cold, frightened, screaming children it wasn’t the perfect lesson! I’m pleased to say it only got better after that. A typical working day for me was to take the first lift up at 9am then free ski or train with my fellow instructors for an hour. From 10am-12pm I was teaching, then depending on the work I would either have 30 minutes to an hour for lunch, into which I usually fitted an extra half hour of training or free skiing. After that I’d teach from 1.30pm-3.30pm, then I was done for the day. Quite the life, if I do say so myself!

So, it’s obvious the job was pretty awesome, but the pay is dependent on your qualification and the country of employment. While training towards your full qualifications, money is sometimes tight but it’s definitely worth the hard work once you get there as, once fully certified, you can expect to earn a good wage and not have to work between seasons. But whatever the wage you are still getting paid to do what you love, which is a pretty sweet deal! I spent three years training for my Level 4 exam and since then I’ve found it hard to set the next goal.  I presently work at a skiing academy in Austria where the training and the skiing is fantastic, so I think I’m going to stay here.

Since completing the Nonstop course I’ve been lucky enough to work in Australia, Japan, Canada and Austria.  For me Austria is the best, it combines the fun of Australia, with the mountains of Canada and sometimes the powder of Japan.  My advice would be to travel to a resort that is not so well known by English tourists. Stepping away from typical English resorts like St. Anton or Val d’Isere, and travelling to places like Japan is a real adventure.  If you are going to work in a non-English speaking country then really try to learn the language.  This means learning more than “Guten morgen” or “Une bière, s’il vous plait”.  Once you can laugh and joke with the locals in their own language it’s so much fun, and if you are 0n a gap year, learning another language could really enhance your employability in the future.

Despite what an awesome opportunity it is, initially, starting a winter season can be a bit of a shock to the system, not only working with, but also living with the same people can be an adjustment.  However, it doesn’t take long before it feels totally normal.  The culture of instructors also varies; for some people ‘doing a season’ is a gap year before university or a break from studying. For others it’s a career choice and the chance to become fully qualified in something that they love doing.  Whilst everybody wears the same red uniform, you would be amazed at the variety of instructors out there. This makes for a wide and varied group of friends from all walks of life.

My advice to those thinking about doing a Nonstop course is: do it.  I haven’t looked back since my Nonstop experience, for me it was quite simply the best thing I ever did.

If you’ve decided to take Sam’s advice, take your first step towards becoming a ski instructor and book on to one of our 11 Week Ski Instructor courses.

The post Samuel Tomlin-Kedge – Advice for those considering a career change. appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

I love you guys! Thank you so much for making this happen! In one word,  AMAZING!  Everything I hoped it would be, and more. Such an intense amount of extra activities available to do – I feel like I’m going to need to sleep for a month afterwards just to catch up. Adam and Dave were great hosts, always willing to make time for me with any queries I had – legends! Geoff Abbot: 28, Perth, Australia

It’ll be the best time you’ll have with your clothes on for a long time! A fantastic experience all round that I would gladly recommend to anyone, regardless of age, gender or background! The initial financial outlay may seem daunting but it is great value for money when you consider what you are getting and the life experience attained. Timothy Walton: 22, West Midlands

A truly marvelous experience, there really is no other way to describe it, thanks Nonstop. Matthew Rodger: 18, Edinburgh

Enjoyable, rewarding, enlightening, fulfilling, challenging. I came for two reasons, to enjoy myself and improve my skiing. I have achieved both. I’m very pleased to say overall my experience exceeded my hopes. All the instructors were very helpful, patient and engaging. Martin Smith: 47, Lincolnshire

A hugely enjoyable experience and one I would heartily recommend to others. Jonathon Ralfe: 40, Brussels

This has been an amazingly epic experience – both on and off the mountain. It was awesome to see my riding improve so much as well as my confidence levels; I was riding double blacks within a few weeks which I never thought I would be able to do! I’ve made so many great friends as the social side of the course has been so awesome. Lara Baumback: 26, Mackay, Australia

Absolutely tremendous! Best 3 months of my life. Louis Higgins: 24, Isle of Man

One of the best experiences of my life, only wish I could do it all over again. Ben Simpson: 20, Bath

I was a little scared when I was getting ready to come to Fernie; I was nervous to leave home for the first time and worried about meeting so many new people. To be honest I was unsure if I would be able to look after myself… but after three months here I don’t want to go home! From the minute I arrived I felt welcome and I thought the whole course was extremely well organised. I got all the help I needed when I needed it, along with a great laugh! The instructors improved my skiing more than I could have imagined. Emma Petrie: 17, Aberdeen

I’ve had a fantastic time and made so many friends. Fernie is a lovely place; really friendly people and there’s such a good atmosphere. Therese van Woerkom: 19, Netherlands

Exceeded my expectations. Would do it again and recommend to all my friends. The most dramatic improvement in my skiing since I started the sport over 10 years ago. Made great friends and got to spend a whole season in the most inspiring and beautiful place I can think of – I love Fernie! Kathryn Marlow: 40, Queensland, Australia

Awesome… I absolutely loved it! I have loved our time in Fernie; it is going to be very, very hard not to come back. The course was fantastic and I find it really difficult to think back to how I skied before we started the training. Justinus Adriaanse: 34, South Africa

I’ve had an amazing experience. The staff at the Red Tree Lodge are great and really friendly, the Nonstop instructors are awesome people and the logistics of everything have made living here an absolute treat! What was that quote on the back of the brochure??? “Quit dreaming and do it.” Yes, do it! Nick Hounsom: 22, Hertfordshire

The best thing I have ever done! I’ve met some amazing people; all the instructors and hosts are awesome and really helpful. Fernie is an epic little town with a really good atmosphere… and the mountain is the best I’ve ever experienced. Tom Smith: 25, Lancaster

Fantastic. Nonstop far exceeded my already high expectations. This is a fantastic program. I have met many new friends, skied some of the best conditions and terrain of my life and had the best 3 months ever. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to making this such a great program. Mike Cucknell: 33, Guildford

This has been the absolute best thing I have ever done. I’ve met some awesome people, my skiing has improved beyond my expectations and living in Fernie is something I would recommend to anyone. I couldn’t be happier. Paul Sadler: 29, Manchester

Without a doubt it’s been the best time of my life. I have had fun every minute of the course and Fernie is absolutely amazing. Neil Montegriffo: 22, Gibraltar

We could go on but I’m worried we’re beginning to get a little repetitive! Hopefully you get the gist…

If you’re a skier or a snowboarder and would like to learn more about our 11 week instructor course in Fernie then contact us to learn more! We can talk you through everything about the course from flights to group sizes when you’re in lessons, or we can put you in touch with a past participant. Who knows… maybe this time next year your name will be on the 13/14 testimonials page!

The post Fernie 11 Week Instructor Course Testimonials And Reviews appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

The last course in Banff has finished for the season and it ended with some real on-snow action in the park (and some cheeky surprise pow stash runs at Sunshine Village)! This year’s freestyle course  was taught by Brian Baker (Level 4 instructor enjoying his seventh winter teaching for Nonstop) and Tom Bazley (another Level 4 instructor doing his first Nonstop season – welcome to the team!).

Lessons were all about pops, ollies, spinning, grabbing and sliding, not just on snow but plastic and metal boxes, tubes and rails! Check out the photos to see what the group were throwing down.

It was great to have Ben Simpson, fresh off his season in Fernie, come and sample the delights of the parks in Banff after a season of hucking himself off cat tracks with the crew in B.C.  The large jumps were top of his hit list and it showed he was used to getting a lot of hang time, sending it off the big jumps.  Jamie came out from the UK just for freestyle course after some gap year work in Africa. Spring held off on blessing the group with warmer temperatures and the course got a little on the chilly side at -18 on one day. But along with the cold came a fresh dump of snow – a nice surprise for a spring shred! Jamie, Audrey and Ben received some excellent coaching from Tom and looked comfortable in the air going for grabs and rotating 1s and 3s. I challenged someone from the group to go for a Truck Driver and Ben stepped up to the mark!

The snowboarders also matched the talent of the groups skiers and were spinning and grabbing with style! Luke had the laid back ‘gangsta’ style on lock and with his partner in crime Tony’s board slides, these boys rode smooth like butter! Pat and Will were on a spin to win campaign all of their own. Will was a bit camera shy but I snapped his 3s anyway and Pat really turned it on for the camera with some great shots even to rival Brian’s and his vest! Check out the stump grab! Is it a World first?

The weather warmed up towards the end of the week. Sunny park laps in spring – you just can’t beat it! Hiking a box or jump with friends while the snow softens up in the morning and lapping in hoodies all afternoon is why the spring shred is my favourite time of year. Following it up with some hydration on the sunny deck of The Kokanee Cabin, looking back at pictures from the day and laughing at the comedy bails and you’ve got yourself a perfect day.

We took a hike up Tunnel Mountain on the last evening to say goodbye to the Bow Valley. I am sure it won’t be the last visit for any of us. Until next time…

There definitely will be a next time and if you want to be part of it and learn some new ski or snowboard tricks then get in touch, because we can make it happen!

The post Emily recounts the 1 Week Freestyle Course in Banff appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

What were you doing before the course and why did you decide to take a Nonstop course?

I was working for Mercedes-Benz as a technician; I had been there for three years up until a trip to Bulgaria where I fell for snowboarding and the mountains. I had been starting to think that I needed to take some time away from work as I had left school and gone straight to Mercedes. A friend of mine had previously taken a couple of Nonstop courses and had just spent the season working in Fernie. After a night in the pub chatting about skiing/boarding I set about saving money for the course and applying for a sabbatical year from work. It wasn’t long before I found myself in Fernie for the season.

Tell us a bit about your Nonstop course experience? What are the days or experiences you particularly remember?

The course as a whole had everything. Our accommodation was great, the resort was one of the best in North America, we had lots of different options as far as trips away go (my favourite was the winter camping) and lastly, everyone on the course, and the time I spent with them, really made it a special experience.
One of the best and most memorable days I had in Fernie was towards the end of our Level 2 training. The Whitepass chair had been closed for two days because I believe some small rodent had chewed through some wires and parts needed replacing. It had been dumping the whole time so on the third day of the chair being closed we hiked from the top of Timber chair to the top of Whitepass and got fresh lines down the whole of Currie Bowl. That was easily the best run of the season. Ever since then I go hiking on my days off to find new runs and explore the mountains I’m at.

How did you go about getting an instructing job?

After the course I applied for work down in New Zealand but unfortunately wasn’t able to get an instructing job. Being determined to get over there I bought a season pass for Mt. Ruapehu and later found work with them, although it was only inside. I spent the season in NZ having fun on the board and not taking things too seriously, looking towards the next Canadian winter. I had been sending out my C.V. to snow schools all across Canada and, because it was the Vancouver Olympic year, international instructing jobs were fairly slim pickings. I had a few interviews and finally got offered a job at a small resort in B.C. called Hemlock Valley, which has since become a home away from home. This season was my fourth at Hemlock.

What was that first lesson experience like?

My first lesson was a bit of a shock to the system. I remember my time-keeping wasn’t quite up to scratch, and nothing my evaluators told me had prepared me for a kid in a full-face motocross helmet digging holes in the snow with the visor instead of listening to what we were doing.

What’s a typical day instructing like?

A typical day instructing changes from resort to resort, however, at Hemlock we show up at around 8am to get the bunny hill and lesson area set up in time for opening at 9am. We’d normally get it sorted in about 15 minutes which leaves us time for breakfast and a coffee. Every day we have a session/training from 9am until 10am (if you don’t have lessons). This is always the best time to ride as we normally have the resort to ourselves. We’d then check in at each lessons time slot generally getting around 4.5 – 5.5 hours per day. Any time that we weren’t teaching we’d go riding, build huge snowmen or chill out in the cafe (everyone has their own preference). At the end of the day we’d help out ski patrol by sweeping the hill and making sure that nobody has been left out there after hours. Getting last chair can sometimes be as good as first chair, late in the season watching the sunset before your last run is a pretty special feeling.

What pay, tips, perks, training, etc does the job offer you?

I guess everybody takes something different from the job; the main things for me were finding a resort that wanted me to return year after year and gave me the support and opportunity to progress in both my riding and a career. In my four seasons at Hemlock I’ve gone from being an instructor to a Snow School Director as well as gaining my CASI Level 3 and becoming a Level 1 evaluator. During this time I also worked for Mount Baw Baw in Australia where I am the head snowboard trainer and run Level 1 pre courses for the APSI.
I think the greatest thing I got from instructing was confidence; if you believe in yourself nothing is unachievable.

Do you have any particularly special stories from your seasons instructing?

I taught one kid called Beren, he was from a school group that do lessons each week. He took to his board faster than anyone else I have taught. Within three hours (two lessons) we were riding tree runs and doing some basics in the terrain park. After our last lesson I received an e-mail from his parents saying how grateful they were and how much fun he had had and that he was writing his next school paper on his snowboard instructor. That is probably one of my fondest memories.

What’s it like “doing seasons” – community, culture, sport etc

You get to meet so many people that, whereever you decide to travel to, you are more than likely going to have a couch to sleep on. You’ll experience so many exciting new things that you’ll barely be able to wait for the trip to the next place.

The reason we do this is to ride and it never gets old. After my seven seasons I still get butterflies as the first snowflakes fall, or when I’m standing at the top of a run I just spent two hours hiking for. The sport will take you places you never saw yourself going and everything else stems from it.

Tell us about the resort(s) you worked at – any tips or advice?

I’ve worked at three resorts Mt Ruapehu, Hemlock Valley and Mount Baw Baw. I found that each resort has it’s own perks whether that’s the amazing views or bottomless pow. My big tip would be: speak to and ride with as many people as possible because, in the end, the people around you will make your season one to remember.

What are your plans for the future?

Plans for the future are always tough when doing seasons but I’d like to say that one day I’ll go for my Level 4 and direct a snow school at a larger resort. Between now and then my goal is to ride and visit as many different countries and places as I am able to.

And finally what advice do you have for people thinking of taking a course?

Heading to Fernie with Nonstop was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made. Everything about my experience there was amazing, from the people, to the town, to the riding. It was everything Nonstop said it would be and more. The course also opened pathways for me to get to where I am now. So if you have any doubts about it I believe taking a chance will pay off no, matter what your reason is for wanting to do it.
Without Nonstop I would not be running the Snow School at Hemlock, or heading back over to Australia, so thank you to everyone that worked at Nonstop and made this possible for me.

If Adam’s story has inspired you to widen your horizons then find out how to become a snowboard instructor with Nonstop.

The post How Adam Became a Snow School Director After his Nonstop Course. appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

‘Level 2 Instructor Course’  – March 25-29^th

Lessons took a little bit of a different tone for people this week. The big event of the week was the Level 2 instructor course. The guys and girls have been working very hard all season and this week they put that in to practice. The results were very good with a very high pass rate. Everybody learnt a lot from the course and it just goes to show that CSIA and CASI course are as much about learning and developing as they are about getting a qualification.

For those not taking the Level 2 this week their lessons went on as normal. Many of them will be taking their course in a couple of weeks. Krissi and Michelle took their groups jumping about the resort hitting some drops and cat tracks getting some big air.

The weather has been unbelievable this week. Temperatures have risen close to 15 degrees Celsius making for some great spring skiing and wicked goggle tans! The instructors thought it was so nice they’d have a picnic on the hill. Everybody packed a picnic lunch and sat up on the hill enjoying the sun. Not everyday you can say you had a picnic in the snow and yet still sat around with only t-shirts on!

‘Bonefire Night, Canada Style’ – March 29^th

Tonight was a very cool Canadian experience. Dave and Myself went on a bush-wacking drive to find a nice open area for a Bonefire Bush Party – a very Canadian experience that one must do before leaving Canada. We found a great spot with plenty of wood to fuel the fire and an amazing view across Lizard Range. We drove the group out in the buses close to sunset. They enjoyed nice clear skies as the sun set over Lizard Range and once the fire was in full swing the stars were out in force. The night sky was beautiful – a rare treat for the city-slickers to see the stars without any light pollution. We had some cool tunes playing, fireworks in the background and a bonfire is no bonfire without smores! A very tasty treat of chocolate, marshmallow and biscuits!

‘Another Group Takes on the Winter Camping Challenge’ – March 30^th

Group 2 headed out this afternoon with Dave Winter Camping. Again, another beautiful night under the stars and a warmer one too so they didn’t get too cold. Winter Camping takes place up on the hill. They get the Timber Chair up, ski for a little ways and then a small hike along the boundary line only this group nearly missed the last chair up Timber. But it was all for a good cause….

‘Guiness World Record Attempt for the Biggest Shotski!’ – March 30^th

Today saw another great event hit Fernie. Two of our very own Nonstop Instructors got married today… ON THE HILL! It was a sunny bluebird day and Lu and Jeremie tied the knot up on White Pass side of the hill. Having the the wedding on the hill wasn’t extravagant enough so Jeremie decided to make the Wedding toast a shotski. But not just any ordinary shotski, he wanted to break the Guiness World Record for the most people in one shotski.

The Shotski had over 500 people with over 100 skis all attached (exact numbers are still to be confirmed).  The event was also to raise money for the Emily Brydon Foundation. And, it’s not a shotski without a fun liquor to warm the belly. Jagermeister were kind enough to sponsor the event ensuring all shot glasses were filled to the rim!

Today was a pretty cool and unique experience that the Nonstoppers got the chance to share with one another. Many actually scored an individual shotski to take home as a souvenir.

‘CADS (Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers) Course’ – March 30^th and 31^st

A real bonus of doing a Nonstop Course is that we have the resources to get extra things organised for the group. This year we were able to get a CADS course up and running. CADS is another great qualification that will really standout on any CV.

The group got to test out the sit ski and work with a number of other CADS equipments. We also had a 100% pass rate for the course so congratulations to everybody who took part! We are looking forward to running this course in future years.

Stay tuned for the next update from the Fernie 11 week crew, featuring the legendary Hot Dog Day!

The post Spring time in Fernie – 11 week course diary appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

So hopefully (please dear God, otherwise they’re going to start wondering why they pay me) you’ve all read my Fernie blogs. I consider myself hugely lucky to have been able to go on such a wonderful trip to such a fantastic resort but my good fortune did not end with the Fernie 2 Week Improvement and Performance Camp. After I completed my Level 1 exam (I am now a fully qualified Level 1 CSIA ski instructor, big smiles all round) I jumped in the car for the four hour drive to one of the titan resorts of Canadian skiing, Banff.

Now, I’m a small town girl and I’d had such a lovely time in Fernie, so I was pretty sad to be leaving, but as Nonstop snowboard instructor, Kyra, and I drove further away from Fernie I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the Canadian landscape. I spent the whole time starring out of the window, marveling at my surroundings, the like of which I’d never experienced before. Until, of course, it got dark – then I fell asleep on the window and broke my glasses.

Lake Louise

The next day Banff Course Host, Emily, picked me up bright and early and drove us to Lake Louise, where I discovered the real meaning of the word “cold”. To be fair, I’d stupidly forgotten my face mask, so part of the problem was that I thought my face was actually going to come off. Luckily, one of the terribly chivalrous 11 weekers lent me their spare mask, so after lunch the state of my face dramatically improved. Apart from wondering whether I’d have a chin for much longer, I spent the morning marveling at how the snow could be so light and fluffy whilst being so grippy. I spent the afternoon loving the feeling of my skis simultaneously floating on, as well as tightly gripping to, the snow as I carved them across its surface – that’s right, I can carve.

Unfortunately the weather was just a little cloudy so I could only see glimpses of what looked like a truly spectacular view (I have since seen postcards that have confirmed this). On the bus on the way home, the 11 weekers were debating about which resort (of the three that Banff is home to) they liked the best. A debate which they were pretty lucky to be having as Nonstop is the only company of its kind allowed to operate in all three resorts, meaning Nonstoppers have a unique amount of terrain on which to train and have fun.

Sunshine Village

My second day in Banff was filled with glorious sunshine so it was only fitting that I spent it at Sunshine Village. Again, the cold! Even the people who had been laughing at me for being chilly (understatement) the day before were now saying “yeh, actually, it is pretty cold today” (again, understatement). However, the clear blue skies did mean I was treated to a rather awesome panorama of views. With a top elevation of 8,954 feet I was in the perfect position for pretty much 360 degrees of pure breathtaking.

I spent the morning skiing with Anna and her group, who were all preparing for their Level 2 exams and the afternoon with Kelly and her group, who had all decided to do the All Mountain Pro (AMP) course instead of the Level 2. It was great to experience both courses and understand what each has to offer, all in all there seems to be something for everyone, just depends on what you’re after!

With the varied terrain, wonderful views and Poutine (my first) for lunch, Sunshine Village turned out to be a great day on the snow as well as exactly what it said on the tin!

Norquay

I know this blog is called ‘Three Resorts in Three Days’ but I have a little confession to make – I didn’t actually manage a whole day in Norquay. At 11am I had to rush off to grab some lunch and get to Calgary Airport for my flight home – I was determined to fit in every bit of skiing I could possibly manage into my time in Canada. However, Norquay is Banff’s most local hill (just 15 minutes drive from the town) and quite a bit smaller than Lake Louise and Sunshine Village, so, whilst a morning wasn’t quite enough time to see the whole skiing area I did get a fair idea of the general terrain.

In some ways Norquay was actually my favourite resort, for starters it’s much lower than the other two resorts so I was actually warm! The wonderful spring sun may have helped with that a bit. Despite the sun, the groomers were firm and grippy and the terrain was perfect for practising and honing all the new techniques the Nonstoppers were learning in preparation for their Level 2 or AMP. Secondly, Norquay had a certain quaint charm about it that I loved, the surrounding also made me think of the native culture and history of the country – bright white hills that jutted out of the landscape, spotted with a thick lushness of fir trees and set against a rolling blue sky.

It was with sadness that I left the slopes to catch my shuttle to the airport, but I feel very lucky to have seen all three resorts Banff has to offer. I feel hugely lucky to have spent almost three weeks in Canada! It is a beautiful, quirky, magical, covered-in-snow, truck-filled country (the west of it is anyway) and I can’t wait to return there next year!

If you also harbour ambitions to go on a Canadian ski camp next year, or any other year in fact, we can make that happen (not if it’s a year in the past though, we can’t make that happen, you should have booked sooner).

The post Milly – three resorts in three days, my trip to Banff appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.

Before I went on a Nonstop course I was a thermal insulation engineer, I was bored at work and looking for a long holiday. I decided to go with Nonstop as they offered the best quality courses and were very professional when I showed initial interest. So I went off to Whistler, Canada on the 11 Week Instructor Course!

One thing I particularly remember about the course was how easy Nonstop made living nearly 5000 miles away from home, everything was taken care of and they made the group feel like a big family very quickly. Our trainers were also absolutely fantastic, they are unreal skiers and teachers. They also were role models and mentors to many of us on the course. I specifically remember the first few days of the course, we all thought we were great skiers but oh how wrong we were! My trainer, Tim Creek kicked our butts for that whole first week and really made us eat humble pie. In hindsight these were the most influential days of skiing I’ve ever done.

The freeskiing days were also some of the most memorable, especially after the first few weeks when my skiing was better. The hikes out into untracked runs safe in the knowledge that I was with one of the best trainers on the hill was a great feeling. Powder skiing is still something that brings out the kid in me.

After the course was over, some of my Nonstop friends got jobs instructing in Falls Creek, Australia, through one of the Nonstop trainers. I, however, went back to London to my normal job and within days I was yearning to be back on the snow. As soon as my friends got back from Australia I asked them where they were heading for the next northern winter, turns out they had been offered jobs in Japan via a supervisor in Falls Creek. So I sent my C.V. off to the same ski school with a reference from my friends and got a job!

One thing I love about ski instructing is there’s never really a typical day at work, the beauty of the job is that every day is so different from the last. The fact is the guest(s) you teach today might react totally different to the same exercises/terrain/tactics that you taught your other guest(s) the day before. A good instructor will be able to adapt to suit the guests needs, I believe this is the art of ski instructing.

Salary also varies hugely, depending on your qualifications and in which country you work. For example, ski school pays more in Australia compared to Austria,  but the tips are very good in Austria and in Australia tips are very rare. Generally the pay is good enough if you are sensible and as your qualifications improve so does your pay, substantially.

If you really want to take your skiing to the same level as the demigod-like trainers working for Nonstop, then working at a ski school is where it will happen. Most ski schools will allocate regular training for their instructors and take huge steps in helping them achieve their next qualification. Ski instructing also brings you into contact with some of the most amazing people. I have taught a huge variety of people from surgeons, lawyers, small business owners, big business owners, celebrities, millionaires, athletes, the list goes on and on! I always try to learn a little from everyone of my guests.

The social side of the job is a real perk too. It’s a really tight nit group of people and you are instantly accepted because you all have the same passion. You can party every night if you want to, or go sledging, cross country skiing, ice skating or curling and there’s normally always a gym. The whole quality of life is much better than the U.K. – the atmosphere is much more positive and happy. The only down side is that because I do back-to-back winters, I always miss out on summer!

Last year was a particularly special season for me because I passed my APSI Level 4. That’s the Aussie equivalent of the Canadian Level 4. Just three years after I was on the Nonstop course I’ve become a fully certified instructor, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a walk in the park; thousands of hours training in the snow, fog, rain, sleet, you name it, but it was all worth it for that certificate.

Working in Kitzbühel, Austria is great fun (but if you want to work in Austria, you need the Austrian qualification), it’s got everything you would want, picturesque town, well prepared pistes, good off-piste and it’s not expensive to live there. The altitude is an issue though, because it’s not the highest place to ski the seasons are short, so if you are after a six month season, then you may be disappointed.

Falls Creek in Australia is a really cool place to ski and work in the summer. It’s has by far and away the best teaching terrain I’ve ever seen. This makes our lives as instructors a lot easier! There is a great community in Falls Creek and even though I’m on the other side of the world it always feels like home there.

I am currently looking to become an Level 1 and 2 APSI trainer/examiner. I should hopefully achieve this in the Summer. It is also a goal of mine to go full circle and work for a gap year/career break programme such as Nonstop, as they have given me so much and opened up another world that I never thought would be attainable. I see ski instructing as a career and have no intentions of stopping any time soon.

If you are thinking of taking a course for a break from the real world like me, or are looking for a genuine career change, just do it! You will never regret it, like I said earlier, I only went on the course for a long holiday and it ended up changing my life in the most extraordinary way. I hope this happens to you too, we need all the passionate ski instructors we can get!

If you’d like to answer Jack’s call to instruct and become a ski instructor, don’t waist anymore time, change your life today, why not?

The post Jack – how to become a ski instructor appeared first on Nonstop Ski & Snowboard Blog.