course overview
Explore the stages of the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada's certification pathway. Our courses, ranging from Levels 1 through 4, offer a progressive curriculum that equips you with the skills, techniques, and pedagogical knowledge required for excellence in ski instruction. Delve into our course overviews to discover how each level can enhance your expertise and propel your ski instructing career.
level 1 professional ski instructor certification
Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada Level 1 Program. We are very excited that you are interested in stepping into the fun and fulfilling culture that is ski instructing!
Purpose of the Level 1 Program:
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Spark your interest and excitement through a fun and engaging introduction to ski teaching.
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Expose the purpose, potential and responsibility in the role of the ski instructor.
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Provide guidance for creating fun, safe, learning adventures for first timers through green and easy blue run skiers with a primary focus on children.
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Provide you with basic concepts and practical tools to equip you for your first lessons in a snow school.
Duration:
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E-Learning Component — approximately 45 minutes to complete at home, at your own pace prior to the on snow component
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On Snow training is three days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day
Program Summary:
View Level 1 Detailed Program Summary
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level 2 professional ski instructor certification
Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada, Level 2 Program. By now, you are already a member of the PSIC or other organization. We know this next step will be a great one!
Purpose of the Level 2 program:
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To support Level 1 Professional Ski Instructors with next steps, new ideas, concepts and practical tools to increase versatility in their practice.
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To develop confidence and versatility in a variety of teaching and terrain situations.
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To further technical understanding and enhance skiing and teaching skills up to and including moderate, off piste conditions.
Duration:
The Level 2 Program contains three components. The on snow components may be taken in the order that suits you best, however, we encourage you to take the skiing component first if possible.
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E-Learning Component — approximately 45 minutes to complete at home, at your own pace prior to the on snow components
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On Snow Skiing Training is three days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day
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On Snow Teaching Training is three days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day
Program Summary:
View Level 2 Detailed Program Summary
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level 3 professional ski instructor certification
Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada's Level 3 Program! This program is designed to utilize your practical experience and exposure to real-life teaching scenarios at your snow school, with the goal of enhancing the versatility and adaptability of your skiing and teaching skills. It's a fun and high-energy program that focuses on the development of advanced skiing and teaching techniques in advanced conditions and situations.
Purpose of the Level 3 program:
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To hone your understanding and skills to prepare you as a future leader in the skiing industry.
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To provide deeper understanding of the physics behind skiing, as well as the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of advanced teaching.
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To develop advanced skiing skills to demonstrate versatility and adaptability through a range of outcomes and situations.
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To develop advanced teaching skills to develop learning experiences for advanced skiers in on and off piste terrain and bumps.
Duration:
The Level 3 Program contains a five day Training Course encompassing Skiing and Teaching and a three day Evaluation component.
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E-Learning Component — approximately 45 minutes to complete at home, at your own pace prior to the on snow components
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On Snow Training is five days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day
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On Snow Evaluation is three days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day
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NEW - the Level 3 Training Course has changed from two separate Skiing and Teaching components (previously three days each) to one five day component including both Skiing & Teaching.
Program Summary:
View Level 3 Detailed Program Summary
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Licensed Professional Trainer (LPT)
The purpose of the PSIC LPT Certification Course is to mobilize leaders and trainers in the ski industry who will be training and empowering others in snow schools and who may be interested in teaching programs on behalf of the PSIC. PSIC Level 3 or recognized equivalency is a required prerequisite.
Purpose of the LPT program:
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Gain confidence in delivering inspiring, accurate and relevant training to other teachers and trainers in a simple structure that makes your training effective and impactful.
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Acquire essential knowledge and practical skills necessary for setting others up for success in their initial lessons at a snow school.
Duration:
The LPT program includes:
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E-Learning Component — approximately 45 minutes to complete at home, at your own pace prior to the on snow component
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On snow training is three days, approximately 4.5 - 5 hours per day
Program Summary:
View LPT Course Program Summary
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level 4 professional ski instructor certification
Welcome to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada's Level 4 Program! The Level 4 Professional Ski Instructor is the highest certification milestone in the PSIC's four level pathway. The learning outcomes of the Level 4 reflect an in depth knowledge of skiing and teaching science, and an expert level of skill application and lesson delivery up to and including on and off piste black terrain and bumps.
Purpose of the Level 4 program:
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To hone your understanding and skills to prepare you as a future leader in the global skiing industry.
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To provide a deeper understanding of the physics behind skiing, as well as the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of expert teaching.
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To develop expert skiing skills to demonstrate versatility, adaptability, and creativity through a range of outcomes and situations.
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To develop expert teaching skills to develop learning experiences for expert skiers in on and off piste terrain and bumps.
Duration:
The Level 4 Program includes four main components, as well as an e-learning module:
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Online e-learning (approximately 1.5 hours)
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On snow — Start-up camp (4 days)
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On snow — Top-up camp — teaching development (3 days, optional)
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On snow — Top-up camp — skiing development (3 days, optional)
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On snow — Completion camp (4 days)
The Level 4 journey will vary from person to person depending on various factors. Please see the detailed outline for more information. ​
Program Summary:
View Level 4 Detailed Program Summary
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