Ski le Gap

Learn to be a ski or snowboard instructor!

Training to become a ski or snowboard instructor is something that lots of people choose to do on their gap year. You get to go abroad, get a qualification, do some teaching - and have a lot of fun!

Why Ski le Gap? They have a 100% pass rate. What more do you need to know? OK, they also:

Look after gappers properly
Offer both intensive (4-week) and longer (3-month) gap ski instructor programmes
Offer a range of qualifications
Have fantastic instructors who are ex-world cup skiers
Do loads of other activities, like ice-skating, French classes, city trips and parties
Have an excellent reputation and shedloads of glowing reports

The mini-gap programme The mini-gap programme is 4 weeks long. You get:

Accommodation
Food
Ski/snowboard instruction
Lift pass
Airport transfer
Level 1 examination fee

"The instructors were first class and took my skiing to a level I never thought possible. The friendly, close-knit atmosphere, along with the parties, go-karting, tubing and trips made it easy to make friends." Pandora Ryan, who did the mini-gap course, then worked as a ski instructor

The gap programme The gap programme is 12 weeks long. It includes:

Accommodation
Food
Downhill ski/snowboard instruction
Preparation and coaching for all examination levels
Level 1 examination fee
Registration as a CSIA/CASI member
Lift pass
Return flight from London to Montreal

The programme also includes:

Optional French conversation classes
Cross-country skiing
Igloo building (yes really!)
Winter first aid course
Casino night (which raises money for charity)
Karaoke, Valentine's dinner, Beach Party, '70s night...you get the idea

You also get to go on trips to Quebec City, the Winter Carnival, Ottawa, Montreal (where you can see an ice hockey match) and go on an expedition weekend!

What qualification can I get? All certifications offered by Ski le Gap are internationally recognised. They are: CSIA Levels 1, 2 & 3. CSIA stands for the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance. CSIA Freeski Level 1 - this is for freestyle skiing. CASI Level 1 - this is the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors' recognised qualification. CSCF Level 1 - this Canadian Ski Coaches Federation qualification is for race coaching. BASI Level 3 - the British Association of Snowsport Instructors qualification. CADS Level 1 - the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing qualification means you can teach disabled skiers. Canadian Ski Patrol - the Emergency Mountain First Response certification means you can go out on patrol to dig people out of snowdrifts and things.

Still not convinced? Listen to this.. "The instructors can only be described as awesome! The range of qualifications on offer was amazing and unrivalled by any other course. Not only that, but skiing lessons were a lot of fun!" Peter Colledge, Level III CSIA

"Even if you have never skied a day in your life, by the end of three months, you will be able to ski well or even become an instructor." Clare Gilmour, who qualified as an instructor A parent says:

"Ski le Gap was definitely the best part of Holly’s gap year. She made so many good friends and had an absolute ball." Sir Richard Branson (yes, that one)

What's it like over there? Tremblant (which is home to Ski le Gap) has been voted the number 1 resort in Eastern North America for the last five years. So it must be quite nice. Tremblant is in Quebec, which is a province in Canada. Mont Tremblant (where you will be skiing) is 3,000 feet high.

There's bucketloads of gorgeous scenery around - and you get the chance to stay in a lodge by a lake. If you're on the Gap Programme, you'll have trips to cities like Quebec City and Montreal. Quebec is 90% French-speaking, so you'll get a chance to learn and practice some French conversation skills.

There are lots of activities both at Ski le Gap and in Tremblant, with plenty of bars, parties, building of igloos and suchlike. Canadians are known for liking their beer!

More Info:

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