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Winter Skills
Instructor Internship Program

Winter Skills Instructor Internship Program

November 1st, 2019 - May 21st, 2020

The Winter Skills Instructor Internship Program is designed for someone looking to have a fun, team-based experience during their first ski season in Banff National Park, Canada.

Highlights of this program include CSIA/CASI Level 1 & 2 certifications, group expeditions and other certifications related Avalanche Rescue, Wilderness Advanced First Aid and guiding leadership. Students are also able to put their training to use while working as paid interns at ski schools in Banff throughout the winter season.

Timberline Academy is locally owned and operated so our students can expect a positive, team-based atmosphere with a high level of on the ground support from the ownership team. 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.

Getting Started:

  • Student Work Visa consultation
  • Pre-arranged employment as ski/snowboard instructor*
  • Airport pick-up
  • One night’s stay at luxury hotel in Calgary
  • Transfer to Banff
  • Welcome dinner/social event
  • Accommodation**
  • Helicopter tour of the Canadian Rockies
  • Gear orientation/maintenance clinic
  • 15% gear discount 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 Film + Photography Course
  • Risk Management Course
  • Group Dynamics/Leadership Course
  • Indigenous Studies Course
  • Self-Directed Learning 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
  • Family Christmas Dinner

*Employment in conditional upon CSIA/CASI Level 1 training attendance and successful Level 1 Exam.

**The first month of accommodation is included. Students pay a subsidized rent on a month-by-month basis. 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.

 

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.

Available Add-Ons:

  • Avalanche Safety Training 2
  • CSCF Entry Level
  • CSCF Level 2
  • Wilderness First Responder
  • Discounted Heli-skiing
  • Whitewater raft/canoe guide training
  • Ice climbing

Application Process

Next steps:
- Contact the admissions team to setup a 30-45 minute video call interview to go over the details of the program, answer any questions and make sure it is a good fit.

If successful:
- Timberline's immigration team will be in touch to secure a Student Visa for the 2019/2020 season.

Requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age as of November 1, 2019.
- Must be able to write and speak in English.

Capacity:
- At Timberline we are proud of the quality of our programming that comes with small groups. We accept 32 students into the Winter Skills Instructor Internship Program every year.

Price: $12,950CAD + 5%GST

Registrations for the 2019/2020 season are open!

Contact Admissions