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This season-long internship program allows you to train in Fernie Alpine Resort to become a snowboard instructor and start working immediately after you qualify. With a guaranteed job as an instructor and accommodation for the season, all before you have even left home, this is the ultimate fast track intro the industry.
I had an amazing time! Fernie is an incredible place and the coaching is second to none.
Ruth Ijspeert
3 Week Instructor Course, Fernie
Loved the course!! Instructors were excellent. Tuition was precise and focused and I gained so much out of it.
Kate Joyce
3 Week Instructor Course, Fernie
With five large alpine bowls, gullies, awesome off piste, epic tree runs and lots of natural lips and jumps to huck off - it's the ideal training ground and office! Fernie's snowfall record is the envy of other resorts. It regularly tops the charts with the amount of snow it receives; you'll experience more snorkel deep powder days in Fernie than any other resort in Canada.
If you're successful in applying for the guaranteed job program - once the CSIA Level 1 training is complete, you'll be joining the winter sports school for the remainder of the season.
You'll take part in our 3 week instructor course in Fernie before you start working as an instructor. Our team of high level instructors will refine your technique, while introducing you to the epic freeride terrain! By the end of the course you'll be riding like a pro, with a comprehensive bag of teaching techniques.
We've been running instructor courses in Fernie since 2002 and dozens of the instructors who have qualified with us have worked and progressed as part of the snow school there.
We'll secure your job for the season before you even come out and qualify as a snowboard instructor. After gaining your CASI Level 1 during the initial three week course in Fernie, you'll be enrolled straight into the Winter Sports School.
There are limited places on this program and successful applicants will be selected for their work and social experience, as well as snowboarding ability. Every year dozens of our graduates are employed by RCR across Fernie Alpine Resort and their other resorts. So it is still be possible to get work after taking our other courses.
If you're interested in joining this program, please register your interest with us via email. We'll then contact you shortly requesting a CV and covering letter for the position, so start preparing that as soon as you can. Make sure that you include any previous coaching, teaching, presentation or leadership experience, as well as the amount of snowboard experience you have.
Having good accommodation can really make a difference to your season. Often first-season instructors share dorm-style rooms, but with the Fernie program you’ll stay in a twin room in a really comfortable house and it will be yours from the beginning of December until the middle of April.
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:
During the 3 week training course course you'll be treated to a hearty breakfast at the Red Tree Lodge five days per week. Options include 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 course, you can enjoy a 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.
During the 23/24 season, 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
We make your trip carbon neutral by offsetting emissions we can't reduce, including flights
On behalf of all participants, we offset the measurable carbon emissions of your trip based on the duration, location and type of course, as well as the journey you’re taking to reach your course. Through our partnership with Climate Impact, we contribute to effective carbon reduction projects.
These things are not included in the package:
We look forward to speaking with you.
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