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Exclusive to Nonstop, we’ve teamed up with Fernie Winter Sports School to bring you this season-long ski instructor internship, featuring expert training, global qualifications, a guaranteed job as an instructor, and accommodation for the season. On the program you’ll spend three weeks training with Nonstop for your CSIA Level 1, before you begin working as a certified instructor within the Fernie Snow School.
This internship is perfect for strong skiers looking for a fast-track into the ski industry. To apply, you will need to have a Canadian working holiday visa and, once secured, you‘ll have an informal phone interview with Nonstop, followed a video interview with the Snow School Director.
Fernie is a ski mecca with cult status for its deep powder, adventurous terrain and authentically Canadian town, just a few of the reasons Nonstop was founded here. Set in southeast British Columbia, it receives mega amounts of annual snowfall and has the biggest vertical in Canadian Rockies.
The ski area is made up of five alpine bowls: Cedar, Lizard, Currie, Timber and Siberia. Each bowl has unique character, with steeps, narrow chutes, gladed trees, open slopes and powder fields to ride between. There are 142 marked runs, with 75 rated as black or double black. Whether you love carving groomers, weaving through the trees, bounding through pow, or navigating steep chutes, Fernie has it all.
With one of the best snow records in Canada, Fernie is an epic place to ride powder. On average, more than 10m falls each winter. And it’s not just the quantity of snow that’s so good, it’s also the quality of it. A combination of the horse-shoe shape of the mountains, local weather systems and Pacific fronts are to thank for Fernie’s frequent dumps and feather-light flakes.
The town is located a short distance from the ski hill, connected via a 10-minute shuttle, and promises a real taste of Canadian mountain life. Downtown has a funky, welcoming and laid-back vibe, with plenty of indie shops, bars, restaurants and coffee stores to stay social on down days. Whether its wild nights, live music or a fresh coffee, every vibe and venue is covered. There’s a cinema, swim centre, gym and climbing wall, beautiful nature and walks, and a rich menu of events through the season.
As part of the program, you’ll receive three weeks of intensive Nonstop coaching, focusing on developing your skiing and teaching skills for the CSIA Level 1 exam. You’ll boost your riding, hone your demo skills and learn about the CSIA framework - all essential for teaching beginner skiers.
Our coaches are committed to your success and adept at upping your skills. For most, passing the assessment is straight-forward. We use a blend of drills, peer-to-peer teaching and guided mileage to prepare you for success.
Once you complete the Nonstop training phase, your journey doesn’t end. While your focus will switch to working and plying your new skills as an instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to join training sessions offered by the Snow School. These sessions will support your ongoing development and help you work toward your Level 2 certification.
Positions on this internship are limited. We’re looking for motivated individuals to join our program. Successful applicants will be selected based on their work and social experience, as well as their skiing background.
To apply, you’ll need a working holiday visa. Start by registering your interest in the course, then prepare your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience.
We’re especially interested in any coaching, teaching, presentation, or leadership roles you’ve held. Additionally, please share details about your skiing experience so we can better understand your background.
Unlike other ski instructor internships in Canada, our program includes accommodation for the entire season. While other companies may only provide lodging during your training, leaving you to cover additional rent afterward, we believe in offering a complete experience.
Each season, we rent a local house in Fernie exclusively for Nonstop internship participants. Balancing location with comfort, our house is just a short walk from both our lodge and downtown Fernie.
You’ll share this space with a small group of like-minded riders, fostering a unique and authentic Canadian experience. Enjoy the charm of living like a local — shoveling the driveway after a fresh snowfall, cooking meals in your own kitchen, and relaxing in the shared lounge.
The house features a variety of room sizes and styles, including both twin-share and private options, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs.
After passing your Level 1 you'll be working at the Fernie Snow School for the rest of the winter as a qualified instructor.
You'll receive 20 hours coaching per week. Our full day coaching sessions are Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri, with Wednesdays and the weekends for free skiing, consolidating what you've learnt and other activities. The maximum group size is 8 people per pro but typically they are even smaller.
You'll stay in a local house in downtown Fernie with other people on the program. During your 3 week instructor course you'll have access to all the Red Tree Lodge facilities, including hot tub, swimming pool & ski tuning room.
During the 3-week Level 1 training course you'll be treated to an awesome breakfast at the Red Tree Lodge five days per week. Options include a coffee/tea, juices, cereals, toast, pastries, yogurt, fruit, porridge oats, as well as hot items like eggs, beans, sausages, hash browns or bacon.
During the 3-week level 1 training course, you can enjoy a nutritionally balanced & filling three course meal at the Red Tree Lodge four evenings a week.
You'll be given a season lift pass so you can ski as much as you please. Come out early or stay on after, your lift pass will cover you.
We provide airport transfers from and to Calgary Airport at set departure times.
We will provide transfers at the following times:
Start date of course: meet the transfer at Calgary Airport at 5pm, opt for a flight that lands before 3:30pm.
End date of course: transfer will arrive at Calgary Airport by approx. 1:30pm, opt for a flight that departs after 4:30pm.
Daily shuttle to and from the slopes.
Included in the course price is your Level 1 exam fee, which is held in week 3.
Your host will ensure your course runs smoothly. They'll be on hand 24/7 for a chat, laugh, or to solve any problems.
Throughout the program our coaches will make the most of technical video analysis to help with your development.
Each week you'll receive a technical talk on subjects like biomechanics, looking after your gear, and injury prevention.
You'll be given an 'Instructor Starter Kit' booklet with a directory of ski school contacts, receive a seminar on 'Working as an Instructor', and be given constant advice from our coaches.
Each week your host will organise team socials and après for all the group to get involved in
You'll be able to get involved with many winter activities and experiences during your time with us, from cat skiing to ice hockey.
You'll have the opportunity to gain the following additional qualifications:
1% of revenues support environmental non-profits, including Protect Our Winters
These things are not included in the package:
We look forward to speaking with you.
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