From Zero to Instructor

The thought of becoming an instructor in just 3 weeks may raise a few eye brows... really, three weeks? There is no doubt this is an intensive course. Two weeks of coaching prepares you for the introduction to ski and snowboard teaching entry level exams in Canada - Level 1. Both ski and snowboard instructor certification in Canada has four levels, level four being the highest. This course is also very well suited to more experienced snowboarders and skiers who want to get back to the fundamentals and increase their technical knowledge of their sport.

Both ski and snowboard Level 1 exams are three day courses. To pass the exams participants must meet or exceed the Level 1 standard in both their riding skills and the ability to teach to their piers. Since the Nonstop coaches that prepare you for the exams are fully certified and "current" to teach the Level 1 course (minimum Level 3 Canadian certified) you are getting accurate and up to date coaching. The Canadian ski (CSIA) and snowboard (CASI) systems are heavily based on professionalism and continuing education. Instructors that are certified examiners go through an extended process to become examiners as well as attend annual training to maintain their "current" status, otherwise they would not be allowed to exam on courses.

Time for a little myth buster episode 1. In Canada we don't use the term "Examiners" due to the fact our entry level courses (Level 1 & 2) don't actually have "exams", thus we don't "examine". We use the term "Course Facilitators" due to the fact that the "exam" is an evaluation of your performance over three days. The Course Facilitator, facilitates learning on the Level 1 course. The advantage of this approach is twofold. First, participants continue to learn both teaching skills and personal riding skills. Second, such an approach may reduce stress or anxiety about having an exam and allow participants to perform at their best over the full three days of the course. Bringing out the best in everyone is one of of the fundamental goals of the Level 1 course, it is designed around success. The Level 1 course is about improving, having fun and engaging with your piers. Certainly there is a standard that must be met to achieve the pin and that's where the two weeks of coaching prior sets you up for success. The Level 1 course is simply an extension of the coaching and training you receive to go from zero to instructor in three weeks.

The two weeks of coaching leading up to the Level 1 course comprises of the following key elements. Personal riding development in as many varied situations as is deemed safe. The mountain is one of our greatest teachers and one of Nonstop’s teaching philosophies is based on utilizing a whole mountain experience to improve your skills. As you are developing your own riding skills, you will be learning basic teaching elements on how to organize a group, keep them safe and have fun. Canada has developed a simple skill based system to analyze and develop skiing and snowboarding. The provided training teaches what these skills are and how to demonstrate the skills at the entry level up to intermediate level. Weekly video feedback is utilized to develop your own improvements as well as train your detective skills so you can identify how your coach is seeing what they are seeing. We advocate sharing our vast experience and knowledge with you.

What you will take away from this course is:

• Greatly improved personal riding skills.
• The ability to organize, keep safe and manage a group of people in practice instructor lead scenarios.
• Be able to demonstrate a progression from entry level to intermediate level within the frame of the Canadian system.
• Greater technical knowledge of your chosen sport.
• An amazing three weeks in the Canadian Rockies!
• Life long friends! Possibly life changing!

Do It

If you want to take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level and become a certified Level 1 instructor in just three weeks, check out our 3 week ski instructor courses or 3 week snowboard instructor courses.