Summary
A place on the 7 week CSIA Level 1 and 2 ski instructor course, living in a shared room with up to three other people. The accommodation is either catered or self-catered and will be confirmed when you book.
Programme location
Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, Canada
Length of programme
7 weeks.
Group/individual basis
Group – you will meet on arrival in Whistler.
Support
Help and advice from our UK office throughout. Local support from our partners in Whistler.
Includes
- 7 weeks of instructor training
- CSIA Level 1 and 2 exam fees
- CSIA Teaching Children Module
- Avalanche Skills Training 1
- Whistler Blackcomb season ski pass
- Over 20 hours of training per week from Level 4 instructors
- Shared accommodation
- 6 dinners and breakfasts per week (if on catered option)
Not included
- Flights
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
- Airport transfers between Vancouver and Whistler
- Travel insurance (covering winter sports/backcountry)
- Food costs (if self-catered)
- Lunch costs
Accommodation
Shared chalet accommodation with other people on the course. Expect to share a room with up to 3 other people.
Travel arrangements
Organising own flights to Vancouver and transfers to Whistler. We suggest using Ridebooker.com.
Pre-departure briefing
You will receive thorough documentation covering course expectations, preparation, health and safety, responsible travel and arrival arrangements at least 4 weeks before departure.
Medical
Vaccinations may be required. We recommend that you visit your Doctor or Travel Nurse as soon as possible to discuss what you might need to have.
Please be aware that Oyster staff are not able to give advice on your medical background or the type of vaccinations that you might need.
You can get useful medical advice relating to your destination on the ‘Fit For Travel’ website – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/.
You must inform Oyster of any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Oyster staff may ask for you to provide a letter from your Doctor before continuing with your booking.
Insurance
You must take out a full travel insurance policy as soon as you can before departure. This must cover you for personal accident, medical, cancellation, emergency evacuation, lost luggage etc. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance upon booking your place. We can introduce a policy with Global Travel Insurance to UK citizens, details of which can be found in your MyOyster account, once you have completed your booking. If you are not eligible for this insurance, please read through it to have an idea of what you need to be covered for. Make sure that you are covered for winter sports for the duration of your stay in Canada.
Any risk factors
This region of Canada has low crime rates and good safety standards in all areas of life. Obviously, winter sports carry a risk of injury. Participants might have to use equipment as part of the course, but will be trained appropriately.
Downtime
Participants will be able to travel independently during their time off, as long as they accept that they will be outside Oyster’s jurisdiction, make appropriate insurance provision and inform others.
Accessibility
Due to the nature of the terrain in the ski resort, this project would not be suitable for someone with mobility problems.
Financial security
When you book with Oyster, you can rest assured that your money will be protected and you will not be stranded abroad in the very unlikely event that our company becomes insolvent. If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your whole trip will be subject to ATOL protection. If we have not booked your flight then your trip will be just as safe, since it will be insured through International Passenger Protection Ltd.
