Banff Ski Instructor Course – Final Week

After a pre course CSIA revision quiz in the hotel, with Alex the standout winner with a perfect score, the Peak Leaders Banff crew started their CSIA level 2 ski instructor exam.  There were clearly a few nervous trainees as breakfast was a very quiet affair; or maybe the quietness was because of the 7.a.m breakfast to get the early bus up to Sunshine?!

CSIA, ski instructor course, Sunshine Village, gap year, Canada, Banff

The first chance for the trainees to meet their CSIA examiners

Once we got up the hill we were greeted by what can only be described as amazing conditions, with perfectly groomed slopes and fresh tracks to be cut in the untouched powder. The 5 days of the exams were underway.

Sunshine Village, Banff , Canada, corduroy piste, groomers

Pistes don’t come more perfect than this!

With our crew divided up amongst the 3 course examiners they worked on piste performance, off piste skiing and how to teach and analyse theirs and others skiing technique. Along with video analysis and feedback from the examiners the guys worked on getting their ski technique to the standard required to be a level 2 Ski Instructor.

CSIA level 2 exam, snowplough, Canada, ski instructor exam

Pizza and chips…..pizza and chips……pizza and chips!

After a tense wait on the last day almost everyone passed both the technical and teaching parts of the exam! ‘Shout outs’ must go to Geordie Alex and Herbie who were well above the standard required in several elements of their skiing. Rest assured there was a lot of Facebook updating being done on our return to the hotel! After a group curry the crew hit Banff to celebrate long into the night.

CSIA, ski carving, trainee ski instructor, Canada

Herbie showing the examiners how it’s done.

Well done to everyone for all the hard work they put in to achieve the level 2 standard.

Meanwhile, Course leader Tony was renewing his love of the 80’s at Norquay…. Due to a foot injury he has to relax in a deckchair on a regular basis to rest it!

course leader, Tony Hadwin, Canada, Banff, Ski, 80's outfit

Tony in his office!

Once the level 2 was complete it was time for the trainees to enjoy some time in the park and a few beers in the sunshine!

Sunshine Village snowpark, Freestyle ski, Banff, Canada

What better way to celebrate……

rail riding, skis, sunshine Village, snowpark

The moment when all the edge tilt and movements you’ve learnt during training go out the window.

beer, gap year, canada, fun times, celebration

Time for a well deserved brewski!

You must be logged in to post a comment.