Big White Ski Resort hosts the CSIA Level 1 course; a skier’s first step into the world of instructing. Dates and registration details can be found below. Snowboarders wishing to get qualified should visit www.CASI-ACMS.com for more information.
Calling all strong parallel skiers! Are you ready to take your skiing to the next level and become a certified pro? If you are 14 years or older, the CSIA Level 1 course is for you! Participants will be introduced to the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) cutting edge skiing techniques and proven teaching methods. Participants are evaluated on their skiing and teaching skills, as well as their participation on and off the snow. The evaluation is based on ongoing assessment through the duration of the Program. The successful Candidate is certified to teach first-time skiers through Intermediate level students.
Offered fourteen times this season – don’t miss your chance to join!
December 4-5-6, 2026
December 18-19-20, 2026
January 2-3-4, 2027
January 8-9-10, 2027
January 12-13-14, 2027
January 22-23-24, 2027
January 27-28-29, 2027
February 1-2-3, 2027
February 5-6-7, 2027
February 12-13-14, 2027
February 26-27-28, 2027
March 15-16-17, 2027
March 19-20-21, 2027
April 2-3-4,2027
$610
$315
Prices are shown in CAD, do not include tax and are subject to change without notice. Lift ticket not included see Tickets for lift ticket rates. Course participants receive 50% off lift tickets at the ticket window in resort.
Details
Level 1 Courses are 3 days in duration and 4.5 hours if on-snow training per day
Course schedule: AM: 9:00 to 11:30, and PM: 12:30 to 2.30
A Partial Course includes the Teach Component or the Ski Component.
Meeting place: At the ‘CSIA’ sign outside the Village Centre Mall, beside Dizzy’s Ski Shop. Please arrive at 8:50 AM ready to ski with a valid lift ticket.
Helmets are mandatory for anyone 18 or younger and recommended for adults.
Helpful Info
Course participants receive 50% off lift tickets.
For information on Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 1 courses, please visit the CASI website www.casi-acms.com
For Entry Level ski coaching courses with the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation visit the CSCF website www.bcalpine.com.
For Level 2 courses and higher with the CSIA, CASI and the CSCF, more information is available at www.snowpro.com.
SnowSkool have been working in partnership with Big White Ski & Board since 2006 delivering industry leading ski and snowboard instructor training courses and ski instructor internships. In that time, SnowSkool have hosted more than 750 people at Big White on one of our courses … and every one of those 750 people has left as a qualified ski or snowboard instructor and with a hat full of memories from their incredible season at Big White.
Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses
There are many reasons for booking a SnowSkool ski or snowboard instructor training course … you might be on a gap year post-school or post-University; you might be looking for a career break; you might be retired and looking to fulfil that lifelong ambition of doing a ski season; or you might be looking to start a new career as an instructor. Whatever your reasons, the SnowSkool instructor training course at Big White gives you the most comprehensive training programme on the market. Here’s what SnowSkool takes care of …
Flights to / from Canada
Transfers to / from Big White
Accommodation for the duration of your time in Big White
Evening meals
Season lift pass
Training 5 full days per week
CSIA / CASI Level 1 & 2 exams
SnowSkool recruitment service
On the hill, you’ll be in the more than capable hands of the top instructors from the Big White Ski & Board School. With the structure of training refined over 20 years, you’re certain to not only leave with your instructor qualifications but also improve your personal skiing beyond measure.
Off the hill, SnowSkool and our in-resort rep, in particular, will ensure that you feel part of an extremely well-organized programme, ensuring that all you need to focus on is your skiing and having the best season imaginable..
And here’s some feedback from a recent SnowSkooler …
“I’ve just completed the 11-week SnowSkool instructor training course in Big White, Canada, and I can honestly say it was an incredible experience from start to finish! The organisation, support, and attention to detail from the SnowSkool team made everything so easy, allowing me to fully enjoy the course without any stress. The instruction on the mountain was absolutely brilliant, with top-tier coaching that helped me progress massively in my skiing. A huge shoutout to our Rep, Charlie, who went above and beyond to cater to our every need—always there to help, super friendly, and constantly putting on extra events and activities that made the whole experience even more special! The administration and logistics were all handled smoothly, making the entire process seamless. SnowSkool truly delivers a well-organised and professional program while keeping it fun and engaging. I’d highly recommend them to anyone, with age not even remotely an issue! If you're looking to take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level while having the time of your life, this is the course for you!”
Booking onto the SnowSkool ski instructor internship will give you the opportunity to train to become and work as a ski instructor all in a single season.
Starting at the end of November, you’ll train with the Big White Ski & Board School and sit the CSIA Level 1 qualification in mid-December. It’s then time to be inducted as an instructor into the Ski & Board School, receive your instructor uniform and start paid employment as an instructor for the Christmas and New Year period! After working through the busy Christmas and New Year period, the remainder of the season will be spent working towards your CSIA Level 2 qualification with a combination of training and paid employment as a ski instructor.
Here’s what SnowSkool takes care of on our ski instructor internship at Big White:
Big White Resort has partnered with EA Ski & Snowboard to offer a limited number of ski and snowboard instructor internships each season. This is an exclusive opportunity for skiers and snowboarders to train and work as instructors at Big White. Alongside the internship program, EA also offers a 11 week training program at Big White for those looking for a more condensed experience focused entirely on training.
The Internship
Upon arriving at Big White, you'll spend your first few weeks training towards your Level 1 certification with the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) or Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI). Over 3 weeks, you will have 12 full days of intensive instructor training and 2 days of shadowing a Big White Snow School Instructor. Your Level 1 certification exam will take place over 3 days. Once you have passed your Level 1 certification exam, you will begin working as an instructor for Big White Snow School during their peak season. You as an active staff member can join their ongoing training sessions to enhance your skillset further. After the peak Christmas/New Year period is completed, you blend snow school work alongside ongoing training towards the level 2 certification, and a couple added extras such as an avalanche course and first aid course to round out your skillset.
What's included
EA's Ski & Snowboard's instructor internships are designed to help you fast track your career in the snow sports industry. You'll receive world-class instructor training, gain an internationally recognised qualification, and get valuable work experience as an instructor at one of Canada's leading ski resorts.
Also included is:
Job position guaranteed with Big White in the kids ski school, provided you are able to show the required qualities in a pre season interview, and maintain a professional attitude throughout training.
Accommodation for the season in a shared house with the other course participants, with the cost covered until you finish the level 1 exam and start work in mid December.
Level 1 exam and course material
Level 2, avalanche safety and first aid training
Association membership
Staff season lift pass
Visa support
Exclusive invites to social events
Support from a local EA Program Manager
As well as all the perks that come with being a staff member for Big White.
How to apply
There are limited internship places available. EA is looking for friendly and enthusiastic people who love winter. You must be at least an intermediate skier or rider to be eligible for this opportunity.
To apply, see if you qualify on the EA Ski & Snowboard website: http://bit.ly/2Q0lz6u
Testimonial
"I loved my level one training, without it, I wouldn't be where I am today. It took me from a near beginner skier to pro in under two weeks and has been such a rewarding and beneficial experience. The training blew my mind as to what was possible and how fast I could learn new skills just through applying myself and having the tenacity to succeed. ” I get paid to ride every day! Competing an Internship with EA Ski & Snowboard was a great way to help me get to the ski industry.”
As a first step for anyone thinking of a career in ski teaching and coaching, I genuinely believe there's no better starting point than Big White's EA Internships. You get a real understanding, rather than just theoretical knowledge and as an intern, you also learn from your colleagues and earn a wage instructing while doing so."
Since 2012 Snowminds has certified more than 6,000 ski and snowboard instructors worldwide. Our goal is simple: to share our passion for riding in the snow, and help ski enthusiasts from around the world with an experience for life as a ski and/or snowboard instructor across the globe! Since 2016 we have cooperated with the Big White snow school to deliver a unique ski or snowboard internship.
The ski or snowboard instructor internship
You will get a 3-week comprehensive training program with a key focus on your personal development and experiences both on and off the piste. We will work on your technics, understanding of the surroundings, and anything else leading up to a career as a ski instructor. In addition to this, Snowminds also focus a lot on community and team building, which will secure you a lot of snow-minded international friends! The 3 weeks will culminate in the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) Level 1 course/exam, and instructor certificate, and a job at the Big White Ski & Board School.
Upon arriving at Big White, you will move into the pre-arranged season accommodation, receive your season lift pass, and get an orientation to Big White together with the rest of the new Snowminds interns. You will spend your first 3 weeks training toward your Level 1 certification with the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) or Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI). You will have 12 full days of intensive instructor training and 2 days of shadowing a Big White Snow School Instructor. Your Level 1 certification exam will take place over 3 days. Once you have passed your Level 1 certification exam, you will begin working as an instructor for Big White Snow School during its peak season. As an active staff member, you can join their ongoing training sessions to enhance your skillset further.
Job Guarantee
After successful completion of the training program, you will be enrolled as a ski instructor intern at the Big White Ski & Board School. As such you will have the chance to work a full Canadian winter in the world's best job with the world's best office. You will have to work hard to achieve your qualification, but we will support you all the way and are proud that we have a recorded 100 % passing rate in Big White!
How
Everyone with basic skiing skills can be trained to become a ski instructor, the most important thing is that you have the motivation! When you apply for Snowminds, we will call you for an interview where you can hear more about Snowminds, our courses, the whole experience. We will find the right fit for you in our programs, and give you an experience for a lifetime!
Please find more information about the courses in Big White on our website and make an application online to start your adventure.
You have never skied before, or you are learning to stop using a snowplow. Your lesson takes place in the beginner area at Happy Valley.
2
Level 2
You have skied before and can stop comfortably. You are now learning the fundamentals of controlling direction. Your lesson takes place in the beginner area at Happy Valley.
3
Level 3
You are comfortable making snowplow turns on the magic carpet and are ready to navigate busier terrain using our novice lift, Plaza Chair. Your lesson takes place on Plaza Chair.
4
Level 4
You can comfortably follow your instructor’s line and speed on Plaza Chair and are ready to explore green and blue terrain higher on the mountain using a snowplow. You are learning to ski confidently in a parallel stance on green and blue runs.
5
Level 5
You can ski parallel, in control, on groomed blue runs and are ready to increase your speed in ungroomed terrain. You are learning to adapt to changing snow conditions and terrain as you progress.
6
Level 6
You can confidently ski ungroomed advanced runs at speed while maintaining a parallel stance. You are learning tactics to confidently approach challenging conditions and terrain throughout the mountain.
Snowboard Ability Levels All Ages
1
Level 1
You have never snowboarded before, or you are learning to stop and control your speed. Your lesson takes place in the beginner area at Happy Valley.
2
Level 2
You have snowboarded before and can stop comfortably. You are learning the fundamentals of controlling direction. Your lesson takes place in the beginner area at Happy Valley.
3
Level 3
You are comfortable making linked turns on the magic carpet and are ready to navigate busier terrain using our novice lift, Plaza Chair. Your lesson takes place on Plaza Chair.
4
Level 4
You can comfortably follow your instructor’s line and speed on Plaza Chair and are ready to explore green and blue terrain higher on the mountain. You are looking to build confidence and control on novice and intermediate runs across the mountain.
5
Level 5
You can link turns with control on groomed blue runs and are ready to increase your speed in ungroomed terrain. You are learning to adapt to changing snow conditions and terrain as you progress.
6
Level 6
You can confidently ride ungroomed advanced runs at speed while maintaining control. You are learning tactics to confidently approach challenging terrain and conditions throughout the mountain.
Contact us:
Direct: 250-765-8888 Toll Free (North America): 1-800-663-2772
AU: 0011-800-2449-4483 (Charges may apply) NZ & UK: 00-800-2449-4483
