The Rocky Mountains are home to the bowls and tree lines that host the student athletes of the Calgary Academy Ski and Snowboard Club (CASSC). Grade 10 student, Nelson S., hops off the ski lift into the morning sun, making his way to the top of the mountain.
He confidently skis down, carving through the snow on his first run of the day. This has been his average Monday for the past six weeks.
Nelson is one of several Senior School students who recently completed their Level 1 CSIA (Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance) Snow Park Certification Course. Their certification allows them to potentially get jobs working as ski instructors.
Officially trained to teach skiing through the CSIA program, he has spent this CASSC season learning on the mountain.
December to April = CASSC Season
Nelson first hit the slopes with CASSC last year as he settled into his classes, having joined CA that September. His parents encouraged him to join and make some friends in his first year at CA.
He had been skiing his entire life, and this was an easy way to meet other students with a similar passion. From December to April, Nelson and other school skiers load onto an early morning bus and head for the mountains.
CASSC days are some of his favourite days—ones spent with friends at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
“I like being with friends and just skiing all day.”
To help balance between school and snow, Nelson’s teachers provide him with advanced work. He would find time to complete his assignments and review his notes. He’d sometimes sacrifice his lunch hour to study so that he could ski on Monday.
School work doesn’t stop on CASSC days, and Nelson and his fellow skiers are responsible for staying on top of their classes.
CA teacher and CASSC founder Lanny Donde explains that the Level 1 certification goes beyond skiing skills. They had to learn how to teach others and maintain a safe environment.
“Some of these students don’t even have a driver’s license. This certification is like their first little badge of adulthood—a sign of responsibility. Like, if you do get this job, you’ll be responsible for 6 to 10 children. That responsibility kicks in a little bit more when they take the course, finish it, and realize what its implications are.” – Mr. Donde
Learning Skills for Life
The CSIA Level 1 certification is the first entry for skiers into instruction. A three-day course at WinSport taught students everything they need to know to teach new skiers the ropes.
Everyone in the program received coaching on their technical skills and teaching skills in:
- Safe teaching in a terrain park
- Canadian teaching approach
- Switch skiing, boxes, basic airs, grabs and 180° spins
- CSIA technical concepts
- Park etiquette and safety awareness
- Guest service and communication skills
As they prepared for their testing, Nelson found that reminders on his fundamentals helped him.
He felt inspired to pursue his certification because he skis frequently with younger children from his family and friends, and because of the job opportunities.
“It’s just good to put on your resume, and to be able to know what to do on the mountain and how to help people who are skiing.”
Mr. Donde has been proud of all 12 students for their accomplishments this year. Students in CASSC are strong skiers, but working on their skills with coaches each week prepared them for their certificate testing.
He hopes they can use their new certification to enter the workforce or, over time, increase it to levels 2 and 3.
“I’m really proud of the fact that we can give them an employable skill—it’s an amazing resume builder. A lot of these kids have zero experience, so it’s good that they can show an employer that they’ve got something that’s professional and internationally recognized. It could open up a career these students never even thought was possible.” – Mr. Donde
Looking Forward
As Nelson reflects on his recent certification, he hopes to secure a seasonal job with his qualifications.
“I’m going to put it on my resume. I’m doing the WinSport volunteer program in the summer, and I hope to get hired as a ski instructor in the winter.” – Nelson
In the meantime, he encourages anyone who can to give skiing a try.
“There are so many different options, like just learning on the bunny hill, or you can be super advanced. I think it’s good to give it a try—if you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it!”
Learn more about CASSC, and see if it’s right for you or your child.