Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose the Xtreme Gap snow sports instructor courses over others?

You will notice alot of training organisations offering ski instructor courses. Most other companies only include CSIA/CASI level 1
in the actual course fees... but if you read the fine print anything beyond that is at an extra cost.
(CSIA/CASI LEVEL 2 is usually required if students want any chance to obtain a working visa sponsorship the following year.)

Some try to fluff up their programs by including a very basic avalanche day or a 1 day first aid course but these for the most part are not accredited courses.
With our course, we include all the training fees, and provide you with a 40 hour wilderness training course. Our students come away more highly qualified and ready to hit a competitive snow sports instructor jobs market.

What kind of jobs can I get after completion of the course?

With all the certifications and experience you gain on this program you really should not have any difficulties finding work as a ski instructor or snowboard instructor at resorts all over the world.

Some graduates may be eligible to return to Mt. Washington Resort for employment the following year. We will often act as a reference for alumni looking for employment in the industry. For those looking to pursue a career guiding in the backcountry this program will give you many of the prerequisites required for further training.

Do I need a visa to enter Canada?

luckily for most, especially people from the UK, all you need is a valid passport and you will be permitted to enter Canada for a period of six months!

People from some countries may need to apply for a Visitors Visa in advance. Check the following link to to see whether or not it is necessary for you. Visa Info.

Do I need to be a good skiier or boarder?

Well you should be at an “intermediate” level or higher, if you want to start the course. Comfortable on blue runs ( which confusingly are Red runs in Europe).

What type of equipment will I need?

You will need equipment, so please download get trip notes to receive an equipment list.

How much Spending money will I need?

You will need money for breakfasts, lunches on the hill and meals on weekends. Most people also like to go for a few drinks at the end of the day or out to movies etc. Also if you wish to partake in some of the extra curricular road trips and adventures there will be additional costs. The amount each individual spends can vary greatly and although many people can get by on much less, an average budget is between $100 – $250 CDN per week. If you plan to party every night and buy lot’s of toys than you may need to budget for more.

What kind of insurance will I need?

If you are not covered by Canada’s health care system, you will need travel medical insurance (this is mandatory). Make sure your insurance covers you for adventure sports. You may also wish to purchase trip cancellation insurance in case of sickness or injury which prevents you from completing the course (optional).

Am I Guaranteed to Pass all the exams?

Some of the certifications such as the CSIA level 2 ski instructor certification or CASI level 2 Snowboard instructor certification and the Wilderness First Aid course have quite high standards and there are no guarantees. We do, however, promise to provide the best possible training for you to be successful and we feel these are achievable goals by most people who apply themselves and train hard. In some cases it is possible to be re-examined at a later date although additional exam fees may apply.

Is there skiing on days off?

Does a bear poop in the woods? Yes. So ski through them a little quicker in Canada.

The course cost covers a full season pass for Mt. Washington Resort which is also good for night skiing/riding and the resorts world class cross-country ski area. You will also have the opportunity to visit North Vancouver Island’s great little community ski hill… Mt. Cain.

What about the night life

There will be plenty of opportunities to party! Although we try to focus a little more on on ski and snowboard training and leadership development than some other “gap year” programs, we still know the value of being able to let loose.

Are you Guaranteed a job after the course?

No company can actually guarantee a job (although some claim to), but provided you are successful on the course and present with a good working attitude, then we will recommend you for employment with the Mount Washington Snow school for the following season. Thus far everyone who we have ever recommended has been employed. The snow school will then sponsor you for a working visa to come back to Canada so there is no need to apply for one. Graduates of our 12 week course are generally hired on full time for the following ski season (December to April) although shifts can vary and how much you make really depends on how good of an instructor you are and how well you convince people to request you for lessons. Starting wages in Canada are pretty low compared to some skiing nations at around $12 per hour but increase significantly with experience, further qualifications and the ability to gain return clientele. Request lessons pay significantly more.
 
If you would prefer to try somewhere new, then we are happy to act a references... our graduates are working in the industry all over the world. Having all seven certifications included in the course will give you a distinct advantage. (Much of our competition actually offer the equivalent of our 4 week basic course in an 11 week package to make it look comparable... but if you look at the fine print they are not.)
 

Additional Costs involved on the course

How much extra will you need? This is very difficult to say as people have very different spending habits.
Flights: ??? Depends where you are travelling from.
Insurance: About $300 if you buy in Canada: https:www.bcaa.com/Apps/Travel/VisitorToCanada/
- Equipment  - Used: $250 – $450     New: $500 – $1400 (Depending on his tastes and what you actually need. We do get 25% discount at the local ski shop)
- Weekend food/weekday lunches and breakfasts – depends whether you eat out or cook in the chalet – Anywhere from $25 (eat in on the cheap) to a maximum of $125 (eat out) per week...
- Spending money – Varies greatly depending on spending habits. We try to offer free or inexpensive activities on weekends but we also organize some optional extra curricular trips that have an expense. (Eg: going to Vancouver for an NHL hockey game is the most expensive weekend option and usually costs around $250 to $300... bungy jumping costs around $100) Most other stuff we do is cheap or free. The biggest expense for some people is beer in the pub... about $5 to $6.50 for a pint.... much cheaper from a store.