CSIA Level 1

The CSIA Level 1 is the first of four Canadian ski instructor qualifications (CSIA) and is often simply regarded as an introduction to ski instructing and a stepping stone to higher certificates, but actually in some ways you are more employable than Level 2 instructors.

• Naturally demand is much higher for beginner/novice lessons, and with Level 2 instructors taking a preference to coaching more experienced students, there are big opportunities for Level 1s to get frequent work.

• In this current climate Ski Schools are feeling the pressure to keep costs down, and being able to pay lower wages to less qualified instructors is becoming ever more appealing. Let’s hope this is only a short term advantage though!

The Canadian Instructor system is widely considered more advanced, modern, client friendly and internationally recognised that any of the other instructor bodies. Level 1 will allow you to work in Canada and the US, it’s focused primarily towards developing teaching and CSIA demos, drills and general technique. You don’t have to be a hugely competent skier to pass, it’s more about developing and then demonstrating your ability to teach beginner to early intermediate skiers through spotting what they need to improve, creating drills for them and then giving them guided mileage.

When you take your CSIA Level 2 you will also have to show that you are a very competent skier in all terrain and snow conditions. It’s arguably the highest regarded Level 2 qualification; you will be qualified to work anywhere in world (with the exception of France, who almost only accept ESF trained instructors).

In the 2007/08 season we had a 44 year old participant called Sean on our 11 week course in Fernie. Opting not to take his Level 2, he managed to get a sponsored Canadian work visa to work the following season at Hemlock Valley BC (near Vancouver) with just his Level 1. He loves it so much he sometimes comes away from lessons “laughing because I can’t believe I’m getting paid for doing something so fun!”

He has been asked to come back to teach this season by the Ski School Director – and has gladly obliged…he’ll be sampling a bit of this in the next few months!

Want to find out more about Hemlock Valley? -> www.hemlockvalleyresort.com

NONSTOP run specifically designed 3 – 11 week Level 1 and 2 instructor programmes in Western Canada. You’ll get coaching from some of the most talented and experienced Level 3 and 4 instructors in country and ski the best of what the Canadian Rockies offer. With the combination of our reputation and your passion you’ll stand a very good chance of getting job offers if you want to instruct in the future. For more info why not check our new websites:

Skiers:                www.nonstopsnow.com/ski-instructor-courses
Snowboarders:     www.nonstopsnowboard.com/snowboard-instructor-courses