Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses
Winter Skills Instructor Internship Program
The Winter Skills Instructor Internship Program is an excellent way to train to become a professional ski or snowboard instructor. This winter long program blends a variety of skills based training, industry certifications, practical paid work experience and academic coursework related to conservation, guiding leadership, Indigenous relations and risk management.
Highlights of this program include CSIA/CASI Level 1 & 2 certifications, paid work experience as a professional instructor, group expeditions and other certifications related Avalanche Safety Training 1, Wilderness Advanced First Aid and guiding leadership.
*Students are also able to put their training to use while working as paid ski or snowboards instructors in Banff throughout the winter season.*
* International Students enrolled in this program are eligible for a Student Work Visa. This visa allows you to fulfill your paid work component of the program while also being eligible to work an additional 20 hours a week off-campus. No Working Holiday Visa required.
** Graduates of this program are NOT eligible for a post-graduate work permit.
SAFETY & RISK AWARENESS
Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy strives to deliver high quality learning experiences in outdoor settings. All of our instructors are highly certified and experienced in their respective disciplines. The goal of our program is mitigate risk of bodily injury as much as possible but the nature of learning in these environments means that risk can never be fully eliminated. Participation in any program at Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy comes with inherent risks and injuries can happen. Therefore, every student or participant should attend programming knowing that reality that accidents can occur.
Application Status
OPEN
2024 Session
From October 17th, 2024 - April 30th, 2025
The Program
Getting Started
Curriculum
Extra Perks
Available Add-Ons
* Employment in conditional upon CSIA/CASI Level 1 training attendance and successful Level 1 Exam.
** October accommodation is included. Students pay rent on a month-by-month basis afterwards. This allows students the flexibility to stay in our accommodation throughout the summer. Banff has a 0% vacancy rate year-round making it extremely difficult to secure summer housing.
*** A season’s ski pass to your home resort is included. An upgrade to include all three resorts can be made for a deeply discounted rate.
Fees
Tuition
$15,450CAD + 5%GST
Deposit
$500CAD + 5%GST
Total
$15,950CAD + 5%GST
Admission Requirements
18 years of age at start of program
Some ski or snowboard experience
Resume detailing education and work experience
High school diploma or equivalent at start of program
Application Process
Next Steps
- Contact the admissions team to setup a 30-45 minute phone call to go over the details of the program, answer any questions and make sure it is a good fit.
- Submit cover letter & resume
Once enrolled:
- There is a $500CAD + 5%GST application fee payable to secure spot in program.
- International students can then begin the study permit application process with our assitance.
CAPACITY:
- At Timberline we are proud of the quality of our programming that comes with small groups. We accept 56 students into the Winter Skills Instructor Internship Program every year.
Student Supports
The Town of Banff is an incredibly vibrant and inclusive community. One of Banff’s greatest strengths is the international presence of new Canadians and temporary workers who make Banff home. At Timberline we take great pride in supporting our international students as they make Banff their new home for study and work. To that end, Timberline provides adequate, comfortable accommodation for 100% of our domestic and foreign students. Upon arrival to Canada Timberline staff greet all international students at Calgary International Airport, support them in setting up Canadian bank accounts, healthcare and social insurance numbers. Throughout their studies international students have access to ongoing mental health supports and career guidance.
Learning Spaces
Students have a blend of classroom based and practical learning in the mountains. Indoor training typically takes place at 333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB or 100 Norquay Road, Banff, AB. Outdoor training takes place at a variety of locations in Banff National Park, Kananaskis Provincial Park, Jasper National Park and Kootenay National Park.
Accommodations
All of our students live in fully furnished housing where they are able to practice healthy independent living with their peers from all over Canada and abroad.
Community
Banff is a very progressive, open and welcoming space. There are frequent events and volunteer opportunities for students.
Healthcare
Banff has a main hospital, 7-day a week walk-in doctor’s office, pharmacies and several physiotherapy practices.
Ongoing support
We have great mental health and career guidance supports at Timberline Academy for young people making the transition to a new community and culture.
Social Life
Banff has a vibrant nightlife with great bars, restaurants and pubs. There is also a strong arts and music culture in the community. The legal drinking age is 18 years old in the province of Alberta.
Want to learn more about our international student programs?
We look forward to speaking with you
Contact Us!
