Pro Start
Getting your Level 1 and 2 certifications is the first big step toward your rookie instructor job — but there’s lots more you can do to become highly employable. To help you go further, our Pro Start program on ski and snowboard courses in Canada equips you with the skills, experience, and insider know-how to stand out worldwide.
Nonstop courses don’t just make you a stronger skier or rider — with the qualifications to prove it — they give you the tools to shine on your CV, impress snow school directors, and land your first instructor job. Respected across the industry, our programs combine world-class coaching with guidance and support every step of the way.
Here’s what Pro Start gives you.
Hands-On Experience
Practical experience on your CV can make you stand out. Shortly after qualifying as a Level 1 instructor, you can volunteer your skills — teaching locals and minorities through our Community Days program in Fernie or our Assisted Teach program in Banff. With your coaches backing you up, you’ll run your own lessons, build confidence, and sharpen your skills. It’s genuine CV gold — and a chance to give back to the mountain community.
Shadowing
As part of your Level 2 training, you’ll be able to shadow seasoned instructors in real lessons at the local ski hill. You’ll see first-hand how pros structure sessions, manage groups, and deliver a great riding experience. It’s the kind of inside knowledge that gives you an edge when it comes time to land your first instructor job.
Specialist Qualifications
On top of your baseline CSIA/CASI Level 1 and 2 qualifications – which enable you to teach around the world – our courses help you stack additional specialist certifications that can give your CV real edge. Skiers can add race or freestyle credentials, snowboarders can go after a snow park cert, and Fernie skiers even have the option to switch to the PSIC Big Mountain Level 2 pathway — built for teaching in off-piste terrain. You’ll also have the chance to boost your mountain toolkit with avalanche safety and first aid training.
- CSIA Snow Park 1
- CASI Park Level 1
- PSIC Level 2 Big Mountain
- CSCF Race Coach Level 1
- Avalanche Safety Training Level 1
- First Aid
Guaranteed Interviews
Due to the high regard of Nonstop’s graduates, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) give our Fernie course participants guaranteed interviews and priority in their hiring process. That means exclusive access to instructor jobs at RCR resorts like Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, and Nakiska. It’s a straight shot from training to the frontline.
Mentoring + Workshops
Your coaches aren’t just here to train you — they’re mentors and sounding boards who’ve been there and done it. They’ll help you carve your path in the snowsports world and back you up with a solid reference when it counts. On top of that, our ‘How to Get Your Dream Job’ workshop brings in snow school directors and past grads to answer any burning questions and share insider tips on breaking into the industry.
Ongoing Support
Once you’re qualified, that’s not the end of the journey — it’s just the beginning. After your course we’re always here for support and advice to help you land a job. You’ll get a ‘Working in the Industry’ pack containing snow school contacts, visa and job application info, and insider tips to make your CV stand out from the stack.
Our Network
With a strong track-record, we’ve developed relationships with a large network of snow schools around the world — from Canada to Japan — and regularly hear about opportunities for instructors. Our alumni are teaching all over the world, and thanks to the reputation of our programs, applications from Nonstop riders are always welcome. Wherever you want to go, our coaches can often point you in the right direction and make introductions — many past riders have landed jobs on the back of a coach recommendation. We also share opportunities in our graduate-only Facebook group, keeping you in the loop on potential roles.
Future Training
For skiers ready to push beyond Level 2, Nonstop runs a Level 3 course in Fernie. While you’ll receive in-house training from your snow school once you start working, our Level 3 program offers a focused, structured 2-week block to sharpen your technical skills and elevate your teaching game.
Start Your Career
Ready to kick off your instructor career? Check out our ski instructor courses / snowboard instructor courses.