Background information on
International Academy
Known in short as the IA, the International Academy was one of the first companies based in the UK to offer ski and snowboard instructor training courses, and the first in the Canadian Rockies.
Ten years on, we continue to offer high quality instructor programmes in selected world class ski resorts:
Winter:
- Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
- Banff / Lake Louise, Canada
- Sun Peaks Resort, Canada
- Castle Mountain, Canada
Summer:
- Mt Hood, USA
- Cardrona, New Zealand
Become a ski instructor
Through a quality ski instructor training programme in Canada, USA or New Zealand, our courses give you the opportunity to become a certified ski instructor. You will be able to:
- develop your skiing skills, knowledge and technique
- become an effective teacher and share your expertise with others
- gain an insight into the customer service side of the industry and how ski schools function
- gain internationally recognised ski instructor qualifications
- have plenty of fun at the same time!
Become a snowboard instructor
Our snowboard courses provide the perfect opportunity for you to:
- travel to magnificent resorts in Canada, USA or New Zealand
- receive quality training to develop your riding skills
- become a qualified snowboard instructor
The best ski & snowboard instructor training
We have a proven track record and excellent reputation of running instructor courses as the standard of ski and snowboard training provided is extremely high.
Take Lake Louise for example, where the instructors are not only Level 3 or Level 4 certified, but also Level 1 and Level 2 examiners. This provides the best preparation possible for you to succeed in your exams. Due to our dedicated and highly qualified instructor teams, we are proud to have a very high success rate on our courses. Our 12 week ski programme at Lake Louise 2009 recorded a 100% pass rate on the CSIA Level 2 exams - a phenomenal result!
The ski or snowboard instructor qualifications
Depending on the course you choose, you have the opportunity to gain the following qualifications:
- Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance (CSIA) Level 1 & Level 2
- Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) Level 1 & Level 2
- New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) Level 1 & Level 2
Starting in June 2010, we are also offering CSIA & CASI Level 3 courses which will take place at Mt Hood in the USA over the summer.
The CSIA, CASI and NZSIA are the most forward thinking and innovative in their field for instruction and certification. They are members of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), the world body for ski and snowboard instructors.
Many people who have completed our ski or snowboard instructor courses as part of their gap year skiing or career break have either stayed on or returned to the resort they trained to work as an instructor. Others have used their qualifications to work in different resorts or countries around the world.
The right ski or snowboard qualifications for you
The International Academy has been running ski and snowboard instructor training courses in partnership with Whistler Blackcomb, Banff / Lake Louise and Cardrona for many years. You can experience world class resorts in Canada, USA or New Zealand, receive quality training to develop your technique, and qualify as a ski instructor or snowboard instructor.
Now part of the TUI Travel PLC Group of Companies, you can travel to resort safe in the knowledge that you have the backing and support of a leading international leisure travel Group with full ATOL bonding and financial protection.
The benefits of doing an IA ski or snowboard course
For some, our ski and snowboard instructor courses will enable you to develop and improve your skills in skiing or snowboarding and gain internationally recognised qualifications. For others, the instructor courses may be the catalyst for an exciting new career.
In short, you will reap the rewards from a high quality ski or snowboard instructor training programme. You will also get to meet a diverse range of people and probably make friends for life. Whatever your motivations may be for choosing an International Academy course, you're sure to benefit from a memorable, rewarding and potentially life-changing experience.
Don't just take our word for it ...
"Definitely better than I expected - IA offers a lot better product and level of service than other providers in resort."
Neil Dugan, age 18
Cardrona 2008
"In one word, immense! I had the best three months of my life doing what I love every day in one of the world's most prestigious resorts. Everyone's skiing improved in all aspects of the sport; on piste, in powder, steeps, moguls or in the park."
Toby Read, aged 19
Whistler Blackcomb 2007