Winter Skills
Instructor Internship Program

Winter Skills Instructor Internship Program

October 17th, 2023 - April 30th, 2024

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, 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.*

Timberline Academy is locally owned and operated so our students can expect an inclusive, team-based atmosphere with a high level of on the ground support. We make the extra effort to engage our students in the community through weekly group activities, like hockey, family dinners and by participating in local volunteering initiatives.

* 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.

Getting Started:

  • Pre-arranged employment as ski/snowboard instructor*
  • Airport pick-up
  • One night’s stay at hotel in Calgary
  • Transfer to Banff
  • Welcome dinner/social event
  • Accommodation**
  • Gear orientation/maintenance clinic
  • Gear discounts at select shops in Banff

Curriculum:

  • CSIA/CASI Level 1 Training
  • CSIA Level 1 Exams
  • CSIA/CASI Level 2 Training
  • CSIA/CASI Level 2 Exams
  • Ski pass***
  • Wilderness Rescue First Aid Certification (40 hours)
  • Avalanche Safety Training 1 Certification
  • Wilderness Photography Course
  • Risk Management Course
  • Group Dynamics/Leadership Course
  • Indigenous Studies Course
  • Conservation Leadership Course
  • Group trips to Kickinghorse Ski Resort
  • Group trips to Panorama Ski Resort

Extra Perks:

  • Weekly social events
  • 24/7 support and guidance from local owners
  • Hockey games
  • Curling
  • Holiday banquet

*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.

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.

Accommodation

All of our students live in fully furnished apartments in the town of Banff. It is important to us that all of our students are able to cook and live independent, healthy lifestyles. No hostels, no hotels.

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.

Available Add-Ons:

  • Avalanche Safety Training 2
  • Terrain Park Certification
  • Discounted Heli-skiing
  • Guiding Ski Touring Days
  • Wilderness First Responder
  • Whitewater raft/canoe guide training
  • Ice climbing

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.

Fees

Tuition: $15,450CAD + 5%GST

Deposit: $500CAD + 5%GST

Total: $15,950CAD + 5%GST

Tuition is due in full upon the start of the program

Application Status: Limited Spaces

Contact Admissions