Play the winter away in one of Canada’s best resorts

For starters, you definitely do not need to be an expert to become a snowboard instructor and have a fantastic season skiing on and off the piste. It’s all about motivation and dedication. That’s why we have created an 12-week ski instructor training course in Canada at Sun Peaks Resort that will set you up for a perfect winter season. With personalized and professional training from our all-star coaches, you can quickly achieve your dream of becoming a highly-certified snowboard instructor (Level 1 and Level 2).

The Training

Through a close partnership with the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors and Sun Peaks Resort in Canada, Snowminds now offers you the chance to quickly become a trained snowboard instructor with both Level 1 and Level 2 certification. We have specially designed this course for those looking to challenge themselves and quickly develop their snowboard abilities, with the maximum flexibility to work as a snowboard instructor the following season in Canada or someplace else in the world.

Over our comprehensive 12-week instructor training program, you will receive 200+ hours of personalized training that focuses on improving your technique and development. The first three weeks of the course will begin with pre-training to solidify your foundation and basic snowboard skills. These introductory weeks are intended to make sure everyone is well-prepared and ready to pass the Level 1 exam.

After achieving your Level 1 certification, you will then undergo additional weeks of more advanced snowboard training, where you should expect to develop your snowboard and teaching skills immensely. During this period, we also offer you a 2-day Avalanche Safety Training (AST) Level 1 course, which will provide you with an introduction to backcountry safety. To wrap things up on a high note, the training course culminates with the Level 2 exam and you becoming a highly-certified snowboard instructor in Canada with the opportunity to work in future seasons.

The Social Life

In Canada, you will get the opportunity to train and develop your snowboard technique at Sun Peaks Resort, one of the most renowned ski and snowboard destinations in Canada. Throughout your 12-week course, you will be provided accommodation with all the other course participants and become part of the strong and cozy community that Snowminds is well-known for. Our Team Leaders will arrange a variety of social activities and events to help create closer bonds and connections, and hopefully make the experience of living abroad a little bit homier.

With 200+ hours of instructor training from some of Canada’s best trainers, you can expect to see your level of snowboarding skyrocket during the course. When not training, you will have plenty of time to explore neighboring resorts and other aspects of Canadian culture, such as hockey. Like all other Snowminds courses, we strive to offer a holistic experience that not only prepares you with proper snowboard instructor training, but also offers you more insight into the local culture, the way people live, and how they spend their holidays with families. In this regard, you should expect to receive a 12-week top-notch course in both snowboarding and Canadian culture!

What’s included?

When you travel with Snowminds we take care of all the practicalities. That way you can pack your bags and good vibes and focus on preparing for your next adventure.

With this course package, you can look forward to the following benefits:

• 12-week level 1 and 2 snowboard instructor training course in Sun Peaks, Canada
• Return flights to and from Vancouver, Canada*
• Bus transfer to and from Vancouver to Sun Peaks resort
• 12 weeks of shared accommodation in the village center at Cahilty Hotel or Heartstone Lodge **
• Season lift pass to Sun Peaks Resort
• A total of 200+ hours of training during the program from local trainers, typically 4-5 days a week with blackout weeks.
• Canadian Level 1+2 instructor certifications (including CASI exams, course materials, and instructor certificates)
• Avalanche Safety Training (AST) Level 1 certification
• Snowminds Program Manager
• Social activities during the program
• Black-out days with the opportunity to join our Heli Skiing Camp in Revelstoke.
• Opportunity to finish the experience on our Season Finish Trip to Hawaii
• Help with visa application (if needed) and other practical formalities before departure
• Pro-deals at Snowminds Store
• Preparation material and pre-travel fitness program
• Online kick-off event prior to departure with team building and more
• Invitation to Snowminds Reunion Party after your course ends
• Guidance to secure a job at a Canadian ski school for the following winter season, if desired***
• A strong community with fellow Snowminders
• Confidence in an established travel company that is a member of a relevant Travel Guarantee Fund
• Travel protection with Snowminds Money Back Guarantee

What is not included?

• Extra luggage beyond two (2) checked-in bags included with your flights
• Cancellation insurance, travel insurance, and potential visa fees
• Equipment for the season, such as ski equipment, etc.
• Food, pocket money, and anything else not mentioned above

*Return flights are included from a major international airports including London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen. We will happily arrange flights from other areas, such as Edinburgh or Sydney, upon request and likely extra charges. In all cases, please be aware that there may be additional costs depending on the departure airport, flight availabilities, and price increases! We will notify you before final flight bookings are made in such cases. You are also welcome to book your own flights, in which case we provide a 700 euro discount on your trip. If you have any questions please just reach out to us.

** Our shared accommodations are privately owned units of varying sizes located in the aforementioned hotels. All units have basic cooking facilities, which vary from unit to unit. Some units have bunk, twin, or sofabeds, and others have double beds, in which case the bed is shared with another participant. Please be aware that the accommodation can change from season to season. 

*** If preferred, we help direct you to apply with Canadian partner ski schools and provide you with guidance on the application and interview process for the following season. 

Who can participate?

You don’t have to be an expert on the snow, since we will make sure to tailor training after your level. The most important thing is that you want to learn and are not afraid of being challenged.

To join the course we expect that:

• You have snowboarded a minimum of 3-4 weeks
• You are kind, positive, and respectful to others
• You are responsible and motivated to learn in a serious training environment
• You speak English at a conversational level
• You are 18 years or above
• You are eligible to enter and stay in Canada for the duration of the program (tourist visa)

There is a lot of interest in the course and the places fill up quickly. We only have a minimum of spots on this course, which is the reason we use a “first come, first served” arrangement. This means that the sooner you can reach us, the greater the chance that there is still a spot available for you on the course.

You can sign up via the link here on the page next to the price and start date or through the button in the top corner.