Career Break
What better time to get away from the economic problems the world is facing and head to the mountains for a while to live the life you normally only enjoy on a week's holiday? Our courses provide a structured way of learning new skills and improving your skiing or snowboarding. Each winter our courses are the perfect sabbatical for many people wanting some time out.
Many of our clients come on our ski and snowboard instructor courses simply because they have been working flat out for years and now need to recharge their batteries, have a change of scenery, get some fresh air into their lungs and some colour in their cheeks! Others have been in the same dead-end job for too long and feel that their career is getting them nowhere. Whatever your reason for needing a break you will return fit, healthy, feeling refreshed, revitalised and energised.
Why take a career break?
A lot of people tell us that they chose to take a career break or gap year from work because they needed time out to revaluate their career. Taking time out gives you a chance to think about your priorities in life and to refocus on what you want to achieve.
After a time living in the mountains you will return for work fitter, healthier and more 'up for it' than ever before. You will feel recharged and invigorated and this will significantly affect your work – in a good way! You know how good you feel when you return to work after a 2 week holiday, well imagine how you will feel after 11 weeks off!
Course options
Our snowboard and ski instructor courses offer the chance to live and travel in the Canadian Rockies developing your technique, gaining professional qualifications, enhancing your CV, meeting people from all walks of life, and making life long friendships. Whether you're looking for a short 3-week break with a purpose, a 6-week trip to master the mountain, or to spend a whole season living and travelling in the Canadian Rockies, becoming an expert skiier or snowboarder, there is a course for you.
Just passed your instructor exam!
Career breakers loving the Whistler course
Career change case studies
Although taking a ski or snowboard instructor course is an ideal career break, many people go one step further and treat it as a career change.
Paul Cooper left his accountancy career in 2004 to train and work as a ski instructor and hasn't looked back! Read about his experiences here.
Spike Lupton exchanged his flegling career in graphic design a couple of years ago to become a snowboard instructor. Read his story here.
Become an instructor
Ski the powder like a pro!
6 Week "MTM" Off Piste Camp
Held in Fernie, our six week 'Master the Mountain' course is all about improving your technique as much as possible, both on the piste and in the powder. There is a chance to gain the level 1 instructor qualification but the main focus is to ensure you can ride anything the mountain throws at you with confidence and style.
11 Week Instructor Courses
The ultimate career break experience! Spend 3 months living and travelling in the Canadian Rockies, become an expert skier or snowboarder, gain useful instructor and coaching qualifications, and make a bunch of new mates who share your passion. Doing a season in this way will be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of your life! We offer a choice of three world-class resorts and the chance to stay for anywhere between 3 and 5 months.
Find out more:
11 week ski instructor courses
11 week snowboard instructor courses
3-5 Week Ski & Snowboard Instructor course
'A short break with a purpose.' Held in Fernie, this instructor course involves focused coaching in preparation for the Level 1 instructor qualification. You'll need to be an intermediate (6+weeks) to advanced skier or snowboarder. If you have arranged a work visa prior to arrival you could get a job after the course and spend the rest of the season working as an instructor.
Find out more:
3-5 week ski instructor courses
3-5 week snowboard instructor courses
