Level 1 FAQ

Q: Who is this course for?

A: The Level 1 ski instructor certification is for any skier at least 15 years of age that is a competent parallel skier. You can be expected to be exposed to a variety of terrain, snow conditions and terrain features.

Q: What’s the course about?

A: The Level 1 course is an introduction to ski teaching, CSIA technique and methodology and the role of ski teaching within the ski industry. It combines the basics of practical ski teaching methods, technical understanding and development of guest service skills and age specific approaches to dealing with customers, particularly with children.

Q: What can I expect from my Course Conductor/Coach in the course?

A: All Course Conductors are minimum CSIA Level 3 and have gone through intensive training in the content and delivery of the program. Candidates will receive coaching on their skiing, teaching and people skills with the goal of reaching the Level 1 standard. They will also receive suggestions and strategies for long-term development.

Q: Is the course hard to pass?

A: No, the course is not hard to pass. There are two components, which you will be evaluated on; your skiing (demonstration) ability and your ability to teach the fundamentals of skiing. All of these aspects are trained to each candidate during the course, and the evaluation of your skills is on going. The “lower end” skiing (snowplow turns etc.) is all taught to you on the course and serves as a great foundation for you to improve your skiing skills.

Q: How much do I have to know about teaching skiing to be successful?

A: Everything you will be expected to know will be taught to you during the course. You will have several opportunities to teach to your peers in a relaxed environment.

Q: How do I know if I am ready for the course?

A: It is recommended that you have your skills evaluated by a current Level 1 Course Conductor. You can contact your local Ski Area to find out if a Course Conductor is available at that particular Ski School. Another great way to find out if you are ready and to prepare for the course is to attend a SKILLS DEVELOPMENT DAY - please visit that tab for all of the information on these free sessions.

Q: Once I am successful, are there many Ski Instructing jobs out there?

A: Yes there are! Virtually every Ski School is in dire need of having more certified instructor’s on staff, so finding work will not be a problem.

Q: Is there a lot of classroom time on the course?

A: The Level 1 course is a total of 25 hours long, of which 5 hours are spent indoors reviewing what has been done on snow and developing understanding about ski technique, teaching approaches and safety.

Q: Once I am a certified Ski Instructor, are there any benefits to me?

A: There are lots of benefits to being a certified Ski Instructor. To begin with, your skiing will improve greatly just by taking the course. Getting involved with a Ski School is a great part or full time job and will provide you with skiing privileges at the ski area you are working at (in fact, many ski area’s offer discounts to visiting instructors). There are also several benefits that you are entitled to from the CSIA as an organization - you can check out some of these benefits by going to http://www.snowpro.com and clicking on the “Membership Info” tab.

Q: Does it matter where or when I take the course?

A: Not at all - there are over 60 courses scheduled in Ontario this year alone. Whether you take the course at your local ski hill or in Whistler B.C., the course curriculum and passing standards are the same. The Ontario schedule has been created to offer potential participants with lots of options.

Q: What happens of I don’t pass? Do I need to take the whole course over?

A: No you don’t. If you are unsuccessful on either the skiing or teaching portion, you have up to two years to come back and be re-evaluated. You will only need to come back for two days of the course for the portion that you were unsuccessful on.

Q: I have some specific questions pertaining to my own situation - is there anybody who I can speak to directly about the Level 1 program?

A: Yes there is! You can contact Sandy Gardner, the Ontario Level 1 Program Coordinator, by e-mailing him at , or by calling him at (416) 996-3039.