psic 2025/26 season in review
Ontario Highlights
The 2025/26 season marked a significant step forward for the PSIC, defined by growth, innovation, and a continued commitment to raising the standard of ski instruction. With courses and events going from November to late April across Canada, it was an exciting and busy season. A huge thanks to all LPTs, members and partners, without you we would not be here. Below are some regional updates!
Ontario opened the season with strong momentum, highlighted by a sold-out December event that brought together over 100 participants for early-season programming. That energy carried through the winter as PSIC marked its third year of operations.
A key milestone this season was the successful launch and integration of CARV programming. From introductory experiences to full certification pathways, CARV introduced an objective, data-informed layer to skier development—strengthening our commitment to measurable progress and evidence-informed training. The program attracted new members while re-engaging existing instructors, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.
The LPT Certification pathway was another standout, achieving a 66.7% completion rate with a 50/50 split of male and female candidates—reflecting both strong performance standards and continued progress toward inclusivity.
We’re proud to recognize our newest LPTs: Katie, Angela, Andrew, and Mark. Their achievement reflects not only technical proficiency, but the ability to deliver meaningful, student-centered learning experiences aligned with the PSIC’s philosophy and standards.
We’d also like to recognize Greg Roe (U12 Coach, Alpine Ski Club) on successfully completing his Level 4 Ski at Mt. Norquay. This milestone reflects a significant long-term commitment, and we’re excited to see his dedication and persistence come to fruition.
We closed the season with our “One More Turn” event at Blue Mountain—bringing members together to celebrate progress, connection, and the shared energy that defines the PSIC. Building on this momentum, both our season Kick-Off and “One More Turn” events will return next year.
Central Highlights
In January, the PSIC delivered the first-ever Level 1 Certification Course at Blue Ridge Mountain Resort (BRMR) near La Crete, Alberta. The following weekend, with four newly certified instructors, Dave Schellenberg and his team at BRMR officially launched Snow School lessons at the resort—an exciting milestone in expanding access to quality instruction in the region. The PSIC looks forward to continuing this momentum in the north next season.
Program expansion across Alberta, Northern and Eastern BC, and the Prairies continues to build, with new locations set to be announced as the PSIC releases next season’s schedule.
In February, the PSIC partnered with CADS National to pilot an Advanced Terrain Guiding program at Sun Peaks. Grounded in a shared commitment to delivering fun, safe, learning-focused experiences, the program was developed collaboratively with the CADS leadership team. The PSIC extends its thanks to the trainers who joined from Sun Peaks, Silver Star, and Mount Washington for contributing to this important initiative.
Participation in Level 3 and 4 programming continues to grow across Alberta and Eastern BC—an encouraging trend as more ski professionals progress toward trainer roles within snow schools and future LPT certification pathways with the PSIC.
BC Highlights
The PSIC had a full and active season across British Columbia, with programming running steadily from December through April.
The season began with LPT training at Whistler and Sun Peaks, with Mount Washington’s intake shifting later into the season. A key evolution this year was the introduction of a pre-Christmas Big Mountain Level 4 training course—providing candidates with the full season to refine their skills ahead of evaluation.
Following the holiday period, delivery ramped up significantly, with more than 140 courses running across the province. Northern BC remained a major area of growth. The PSIC delivered Level 1 courses at Powder King, Purden, and Hart Ski Hill, alongside a Level 2 at Shames and Level 3 training in Smithers. Special recognition goes to Pat Bell for his leadership and ongoing contributions to program delivery and coordination in the region.
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In April, the PSIC conducted Big Mountain and Alpine Level 4 evaluations, welcoming nine new Level 4 certified instructors—three in Big Mountain and six in Alpine—marking a strong outcome at the highest level of certification.
The PSIC also partnered with the World Women’s Snowsport Organization (WWSO) to launch the inaugural Built to Last Leadership Conference at Whistler Blackcomb. This collaborative event brought together leaders from across the industry to explore and evolve approaches to the sustainability and growth of women and girls in skiing. Building on its success, planning is already underway for the second annual event in early March 2027 (dates TBC). It’s not a women-only event—it’s for the whole ski community. Come one, come all.
The season concluded in Whistler with the inaugural PSIC Spring Festival. The three-day event brought together 90 participants from across Canada and the U.S., alongside coaches from around the world, for on-snow sessions, evening keynotes, and community-building après. The success of this event marks an exciting addition to the PSIC calendar moving forward.
