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Info Pack

Essential Pre-Course Prep

Welcome

Everything you need to know, all in one place. This Info Pack covers the essential details to help you get ready for your course — from survey reminders and travel details, to insurance tips and a packing list.

Your Course

Instructor Internship

Location

Fernie, BC, Canada

Duration

Full Season

Date

05 Dec 2026 – 14 Apr 2027

Thanks for joining us – you’re in for an amazing season! You won’t just level up your skiing — you’ll train hard, push your limits, and walk away with the qualification and teaching experience to back it up. Along the way, you’ll meet an incredible mix of people from around the world and form a crew of lifelong mates.

 

To help you get ready, we’ve pulled together this page with everything you need to know — from travel logistics to gear tips and more.

 

Got a question that’s not covered? Fire us an email at snowsupport@nonstopsnow.com — we’re here to help.

Your Course Package

On Snow
  • Coaching
    +
    Professional coaching to get your ready for your Level 1*
  • CSIA Level 1 Exam
    +
    Entry and fees for the CSIA Level 1
  • Season Pass
    +
    For Fernie and other RCR resorts
  • Guaranteed Instructor Job
    Paid instructor job within Fernie Snow School after passing your Level 1
  • Video Analysis
  • Lift Queue Priority
    During Coaching Sessions
Accommodation & Meals
  • Season Accommodation
    You'll be staying in Jones House, in downtown Fernie. See accommodation tab for more information
  • Lodge Access
    +
    All the facilities in the lodge are available to those living in our houses.
  • 7 Breakfasts Per Week*
    +
    Our buffet options include coffee/tea, juices, cereals, toast, pastries, yogurt, fruit, porridge oats, as well as hot items like eggs, hash browns, sausages, beans or bacon.
  • 4 Dinners Per Week*
    +
    Dinner starts with a salad & soup bar, followed by a choice of main courses and a light desert.
*During the first 3 weeks of your course only
Travel
  • Airport Transfers
    Set pick up and drop off on start and end date at Calgary Airport — arrive and depart stress-free. See the Travel section for more information
  • Resort Shuttle
    +
    Daily shuttle to and from resort
Other
  • Hosting
    Your hosts will ensure your course runs smoothly and that your time in Fernie is one to remember.
  • MORE Program
    +
    A handpicked selection of favourite winter activities and experiences, from snowmobiling to avalanche training
  • Tech Sessions
    These range from stretching workshops to learning how to 'working as an instructor advice.
  • Socials
    +
    These include activities such as local hikes and street hockey
  • Store Discounts & Offers
    Exclusive discounts and offers at select local stores
  • 1% For The Planet
    +
    We pledge 1% of revenues to support environmental non-profits
Not Included
  • Flights
    See the travel section for advice on how to book flights that align with our transfers
  • Insurance
    +
    See the insurance section for more information about the insurance cover that you need
  • Equipment
    Bring your own skis, boots and poles or buy in resort. See the Equipment section for more information
  • Lunches & Non-Inclusive Meals
    +
    Make your own or try out what Fernie has to offer
  • Discretionary Spending Money
  • Additional Exam Fees
    +
    You may well decide to get some additional certifications whilst you're working.
Please note — tipping is a cultural norm in Canada, especially for services such as restaurants and bars. You'll be very happy to receive tips when you're instructing so should be prepared to tip when you're spending money too.
Jones House
  • About
    +
    Nonstop rent an 'Intern House' where you will live for the season. It's ideally located, just 5 minutes walk from the main street, opposite The Pub & a liquor store and a short walk from Red Tree Lodge too.
  • Twin Rooms
    +
    Sleeps 2
  • Private Room
    Sleeps 1
  • Free Wifi
    The house has strong Wifi. Perfect for connecting with loved ones back home or for anyone who has to do some work whilst they're away
  • Weekly Housekeeping
    +
    We provide a basic weekly cleaning service that consists of wiping down kitchen surfaces, cleaning your bathrooms, changing linen, and vacuuming etc.
Please note, pets are not permitted to stay in the house during your Nonstop course.

Surveys

Post-Booking Survey

Our post-booking survey provides us with information on you and your ski/snowboard experience. This helps us to select the right roommate and place you in the best-fitting ski group. If you haven't already, please complete this survey as soon as you can.

Complete Survey

Travel Survey

It’s important that we know when and how you are arriving and departing. We run transfers on set days at set times. Please ensure that your flight aligns with these times or that you’re able to arrange other means of getting to and from the resort.

Complete Survey

Insurance

You must have insurance for your trip. Helpful info can be found in our Insurance Guide. Once you've purchased your policy, please forward the policy PDF to snowsupport@nonstopsnow.com, so that we can assist in an emergency.

Read Insurance Guide

Nonstop Waiver

Waivers are standard practice in North America. As per our Ts+Cs, we are unable to deliver our courses to anyone who has not signed one. Please be reassured that we take our duty of care extremely seriously and don't see the waiver as a way out.

Complete Waiver

Optional Extras

Explore the Optional Extras you can add to your trip.

Learn More

Snowshoeing

A slower pace, but still an adventure. Trek through the local forest trail network on a laid-back, sociable mission. Great for active recovery days or nature lovers looking to soak up Fernie’s quieter side.

TBC. We'll add the price here once Fernie Alpine Resort have released them

Learn More

Fat Biking

Switch gears and hit the trails on oversized fat bikes. With a local guide and snow-packed tracks, this is winter riding with a twist — expect climbs, descents, and plenty of laughs.

TBC. We'll add the price here once Fernie Alpine Resort have released them

Learn More

XC Skiing

Low impact, high output. Glide through snow-covered forests on Nordic skis as you work your core and finesse your timing. It’s peaceful, physical, and way harder than it looks.

TBC. We'll add the price here once Fernie Alpine Resort have released them

Learn More

MORE program

Unlock even more from your season with the MORE Program — a lineup of epic extras and adventures to boost your skills, explore deeper, and dial up the fun.

C$ Various

Travel and Visas

The earlier you organise your travel, the better. Flights are typically cheaper when booked in advance, and getting everything sorted means you can relax and start getting excited for your trip.

 

Follow these steps:

 

Step 1: Book any trip extensions — such as additional accommodation or courses. See Optional Extras for details.
Step 2: Read our Fernie Travel Guide, which includes info on travel options and airport transfers.
Step 3: Finalise your travel dates and book your flights.
Step 4: Complete our Travel Survey to let us know your plans. You’ll need your Booking ID, which you can find in your confirmation email.

Where do I fly to? +

How long is the transfer? +

Do I need a visa? +

Fernie Travel Guide Travel Survey

Insurance

Having the right travel and snowsports insurance is essential for your trip — make sure you’re fully covered. You are responsible for purchasing a policy that suits your needs. Be sure to read the policy wording carefully to confirm it includes everything required for your course and travel plans.

 

If you’re travelling from overseas, you’ll need comprehensive travel insurance that includes winter sports. If you’re based in North America, look for a policy that covers trip curtailment, loss or theft of valuables, and medical expenses.

 

We’ve put together an Insurance Guide to help you find the right cover. Once you’ve arranged your insurance, please email a copy of your policy to snowsupport@nonstopsnow.com so we can keep it on file in case of emergency.

 

IMPORTANT

 

If you have secured a working holiday visa in order to join the internship program, then there are a few other factors to take into consideration.

 

The border services officer may ask you for proof of health insurance.

 

You will be refused entry if you do not have insurance.

 

When you arrive at the port of entry, you must have health insurance valid for your entire stay in Canada. Having a valid provincial health card is not enough. Repatriation is not covered by provincial health insurance.

 

If your insurance policy is valid for less than your expected stay, you will be issued a work permit that expires at the same time as your insurance.

 

If this happens, you will not be able to apply to change the conditions of your work permit at a later date.

 

If you want the full 2 year visa then you must get insurance for a full 2 years. There is some really useful insurance info in this Facebook Group — use the search function to find lots of insurance help.

 

As a minimum, your insurance must cover the following to be granted your visa:

  • medical care,
  • hospitalization, and
  • repatriation (returning you to your country in the event of severe illness, injury or death).

 

Popular travel insurance providers for longer policies include:

True Traveller: https://www.truetraveller.com

World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/

BestQuote: https://www.bestquotetravelinsurance.ca

Do I need travel insurance? +

What do I need to be covered for? +

I'm coming from North America and have healthcare, I don't think I need insurance? +

Insurance Guide

Equipment

Packing for life in the mountains can feel overwhelming — especially when you want to be prepared without overloading your luggage. But don’t worry — we’re here to help. And once you arrive, you’ll quickly figure out what works best to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, both on the slopes and around town.

 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a full gear checklist with practical tips in our Equipment Guide — plus a snapshot of the essentials below, whether you’re bringing your own kit or planning to buy in resort.

Ski / Snowboard Kit
  • Skis + Bindings + Poles
    Go for an all-mountain ski or board that leans toward performance and precision — something responsive to support technique development across varied terrain
  • Ski Boots
    Professionally-fitted boots are a priority for both comfort and performance
  • Goggles
    An interchangeable lens system is advised — covering low light, cloud, and bright conditions
  • Helmet
    A must for safety — warm, lightweight, and designed to protect against impacts. Check goggle compatibility for a secure, comfortable fit.
  • Backpack
    For carrying extra layers, gear, snacks, or anything you need on the mountain
Check the Equipment Guide for more detailed tips.
Slope Apparel
  • Base Layers
    Merino wool base layers are ideal — warm, breathable, and naturally odour-resistant
  • Mid Layer
    A light fleece or synthetic layer worn over your base for added warmth
  • Insulating Layer
    A thicker fleece or down puffy — essential for cold days and layering versatility
  • Ski Jacket / Shell
    A waterproof, breathable outer layer to keep you dry and protected from the elements
  • Ski Pants
    Waterproof and breathable pants designed for snow, wind, and durability on the mountain
  • Ski Socks
    Three or four pairs. Go for well-fitting, thinner socks — better than thick, bulky ones. A merino wool–synthetic blend is ideal for warmth and breathability.
  • Mitts / Gloves
    Two pairs are optimal in case one gets wet or goes missing. Mitts are warmer than gloves, but having both gives you flexibility for changing conditions.
  • Liner Gloves
    Thin, lightweight gloves for extra warmth — touchscreen-compatible fingertips make them great for using your phone without freezing your hands
  • Neck Tube
    A versatile, breathable fabric tube essential for cold, windy, or snowy days — great for neck and face protection on the mountain
  • Hat / Beanie
    Essential for keeping your head warm off the slopes — choose something stylish and snug

For a full list of equipment visit our Equipment Guide:

View Equipment

Additional Information

Upon completion of your CSIA Level assessment, you will officially become a member of the Fernie Alpine Resort Snow School — and your coaches who had just been instructing, you will now be your colleagues.

 

Further information on starting work will be provided during the course.

 

Before you start work there are some things that you will need to do in order to get paid:

Bank Account +

SIN (Social Insurance Number) +

Work Uniform +

SIM Card +

More Info on SIN