FAQs
If you have any questions or queries about ALLTRACKS Academy, our courses, our accommodation, our instructors, our guides, Whistler or Revelstoke, please do not hesitate to contact us directly by phone or email.
WHAT SKI/ SNOWBOARD QUALIFICATIONS ARE ON OFFER?
Snowboard Instructor Qualifications
Here is an overview of the CASI & CSIA qualifiations and others that we offer:
CSIA Level 1
CASI Level 1
CSIA Level 2
CASI Level 2
CSCF Race Coach 1
CSIA Snow Park Certification (Freestyle)
CASI Park Instructor (Freestyle)
Avalanche Skills Training Level 1
DOES ALLTRACKS ACADEMY GUARANTEE THAT I’LL PASS THE EXAMS?
We can never give a guarantee that everyone will pass. However, for Level 1, examiners are really looking for a positive approach, enthusiasm and a willingness to improve. Clearly you will need to demonstrate reasonable technique, but anyone who works hard should be confident of achieving their Level 1 after the thorough instruction Alltracks Academy offers. Level 2 is more difficult, and examiners are looking for a far better execution of the drills and a greater understanding of skiing or snowboarding technique. However, people who arrive as intermediates will stand a very, very good chance of achieving Level 2 at the end of 11 weeks and in the past, the vast majority of people have passed.
ARE THE INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED?
They are to a certain extent but there are limitations and be wary of people who promise that the qualifications will allow you to work anywhere. The CSIA or CASI Level 1 allows you to instruct in Canada and although you occasionally hear of people working abroad with this (we have had a few ex Alltracks level 1 guests working fo ra season in Switzerland), we would not plan for or expect this. With the CSIA or CASI Level 2 (generally available on our 11 week ski or snowboard instructor course), you should be able to work more extensively, including Canada, USA, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and some parts of Europe (although this is limited). Regardless of what anyone claims, it continues to be problematic for foreigners to work within the French system. However, you can be confident that the instructor qualifications you gain with Alltracks Academy are official qualifications and not watered down versions for the gap year or career break market.
DO YOU GUARANTEE PEOPLE AN INSTRUCTOR JOB IF THEY WISH?
if you choose to take the Whistler Internship Course then there is a guarnateed instrcutor job in Whistler for the season (provided you pass the Level 1 exam).
For other courses, we cannot give an absolute guarantee that we will find everyone a job as an instructor after their course. However, we do our utmost to find any suitable past student a job as a ski or snowboard instructor if they wish. Alltracks Academy has excellent contacts with Ski Schools and we can help with CVs, applications and general information as part of the course. Furthermore, we have trained more instructors than any other training company in Whislter sonce we lauched, and as such have a good relationship with the Whistler Ski School. If you are looking for a job, please alert one of the team as early as possible, ideally before the course even begins. We’ll do everything we can to secure your dream job. However, please do bear in mind that it will require a positive & enthusiastic approach from you to be successful. For those wishing to work in Canada, a visa is generally required and we advise you to apply for this as early as possible. Please call us for honest advice if you are interested in doing a course to begin a career as a ski or snowboard instructor.However, we have been able to help people with securing instructor jobs each year. For more information on our recruitment advice and service, please visit SKI & SNOWBOARD CAREER for more information or call one of the team.
HOW EXPERIENCED A SKIER OR SNOWBOARDER DO I NEED TO BE?
ALLTRACKS Academy welcome skiers and snowboarders from intermediate level and above - from people who already done a number of seasons to others that have just been on a few ski or snowboard holidays. As a business, we do not like turning people away but we like to think it is in everyone's interest to expect this minimum level. Thankfully, most of our courses have proved very popular in the past and so we have been able to offer a number of groups so you should ski or ride with people of a similar ability. For more info please visit our ski & snowboard ability chart or email or call us directly if you are concerned whether your ability is compatible.
WHAT ARE THE ALLTRACKS ACADEMY INSTRUCTORS LIKE?
Obviously we are going say that they are all excellent, and they all are fantastically experienced teachers and awesome skiers and snowboarders. However, we do like to point out that our instructors are recruited on the basis of their friendliness and personality as much as their experience. The ALLTRACKS Lead Instructor is Guy Hetherington - an inspiration to ski with. Read more about Guy's qualifications and experience here: Alltracks team profile
DO YOU GET A SEASON PASS?
Yes, everyone on the extended courses (11 weeks) get a full season pass for Whistler and Blackcomb that you can use any day of the week. This also means that if you want to arrive early or stay on after the instructor course, your pass will be valid. Often the 4/5/6 week courses include a seaon pass too. Call the office for details if you wish.
I WANT DO LEARN FREESTYLE- WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES LIKE?
We should state that all the ALLTRACKS courses are focused on all mountain riding and are not exclusively freestyle programmes. However, we try and incorporate freestyle training to those who are keen to learn, whether it is learning your first spin or for those who want to include the freestyle/park instructor qualification into their course.
The freestyle facilities at Whistler and the instruction available is as good as anywhere else in the world. If you have not yet cracked your first 360, don’t worry Whistler is the place to learn. There are parks designed purely for people just getting into freestyle- the rails and jumps might not look as impressive, but this is the place to learn in a safe, welcoming and unthreatening environment. When you’re ready to advance- there are plenty of parks where you can go as big as you like. Freestyle is best learnt at a safe, controlled pace from people who know what they’re doing.
Most of you with know that many pro skiers and boarders make Whistler their home, and just chilling out on a Saturday watching them hit the park is one of the highlights of being at this amazing resort. Check out the Whistler Parks website
WHEN DO PEOPLE FREESKI/ FREERIDE?
Lessons take place Monday- Thursday, which generally leave Friday and the weekend to ski or snowboard with friends. On the 11 week ski or snowboard courses, 1:1 private sessions take place on Fridays in the second half of the course. The lessons are deliberately pretty full on and you will be worked hard. They are great fun, but we find that people do also enjoy riding in a more relaxed manner too. Although you are free to ride every day if you wish, most people will generally go up the mountain five to six day each week, leaving a day or two to chill out in the chalet, relax at one of the cafes in town and enjoy everything else Whistler or Val d'Isere have to offer.
WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE?
We offer hearty, nutritious meals. We will happily cater for vegetarians, and others with specific dietary requirements as best as we can but please let us know before the course begins.
WHERE DO I STAY ?
On the ALLTRACKS Academy Whistler courses, you stay in comfortable, well located private chalets or condos. It means you truly have a place to call home, to put your feet up and relax for the duration of your stay. All the accommodation has wifi and most have hot tubs too. In Val d'isere, you stay in the Cretes blanches Hotel which is very central and has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
IS ALLTRACKS AN ATOL BONDED FINANCIALLY SECURE COMPANY?
Yes, Alltracks is ATOL bonded which means that we provide financial security to our customers. Our ATOL number is 9411 and we are one of the very few ski & snowboard course providers to offer this level of security. Although having an ATOL bond does cost ALLTRACKS a significant amount of money, we know our customers appreciate the peice of mind that this financial secutiy gives you. We are delighted to be able to offer this security whilst still keeping our prices really competitive. MORE ABOUT ATOL: You can find out more about ATOL and also check if businesses are ATOL bonded by visiting the ATOL website
ATOL is a protection scheme for flights and air holidays, managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (“CAA”). ATOL protects you from losing money or being stranded abroad if the tour operator goes out of business. All licensed firms have to lodge bonds with the CAA so that if they go out of business, the CAA can give refunds to people who can’t travel and arrange for people abroad to finish their holidays and fly home. There's also a Government-backed fund called the Air Travel Trust that steps in if any ATOL bond isn’t enough to look after everyone affected by the failure.
DO I NEED A VISA FOR THE CANADIAN COURSES?
British Passport holders do not generally need a visa to do the ski or snowboard courses and you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months. Therefore, you should only need a visa if you are planing on working out in Canada or staying for longer than 6 months. We often have people of other nationalities on the course and often they have not required a visa either. However, some other nationalities do, so please check and feel free to contact us too.
If you wish to take the Whistler Internship course and work then you will need a working visa. Be aware that working visas are in demand and often get booked well in advance. The team can happily advise you on how to apply.
Here are some links for appluying for working visas:
For UK citizens, there are two options. They are essentially the same visa. Bunac is an independent organisation which charge you a bit more, but help you with the application process.
Official Canadian Commission Application
Bunac Application
For Australian citizens
Official Canadian Commision Working Holiday Visa
For New Zealand citizens
Official Canadian Commission Working Holiday Visa
For Irish citizens
Official Canadian Commission Working Holiday Visa
Uist Visa - Work Canada
Be aware that many other countrues have similar ways to apply and we have had poeple from all over the world join our courses. Note the the above info may be subjext to change and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have any necessary visas.
Do I need insurance to take A Ski or Snowboard Course?
Yes. It is mandatory for everyone to have comprehensive insurance that covers all aspects and activities of the course. ALLTRACKS does not sell insurance but we can provide a list of some insurance companies people have used in the past.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY?
Obviously we hope people avoid injuries but realise that they can happen. There is an ALLTRACKS Course leader for the duration of every course and the duty representantative has a mobile phone on 24/7. If you do hurt yourself, Whistler and Val d'Isere both have advanced medical facilities and the course leader will help liase with the medical centre and your familiy back home if you wish but the course leaders are unable to give medical advice. We hope you will be back on the slopes before you know it!
HOW GOOD TO I HAVE TO BE TO DO AN INSTRUCTOR COURSE?
At ALLTRACKS, we want to welcome as many skiers and snowboarders out to Whistler & Val d'Isere, although there is a minimum standard you need to be at before arriving. Please follow this link to our ABILITY LEVEL page for further information: If you have any other questions about your ability or experience, please give one of the team an email or call.
WHAT’S WHISTLER LIKE?
We find it incredibly difficult to do Whistler justice in words- the place is just awesome. Combine the biggest area in North America, the most sophisticated lift system, huge snowfalls, variety of terrain and a cool, vibrant town and maybe you think you’re a getting a rough picture of the place- but you’re not. It is so much more than the combination of its parts. Regardless of your standard, whether you are a beginner, an intermediate or an expert already, you will have the best mountain experience ever.
In our view, Whistler combines the scale of the European resorts with the snow reliability and functionality of other North American resorts. There are other resorts where you can do an instructor course, and some of them do have some great skiing available but they come up a bit short after a couple of weeks. Going to a resort for a week or two is a different proposition entirely from going for an extended visit.
For further information on Whistler, check out:
Whistler Resort Atmosphere
Whistler Ski & Snowboard Terrain
Whistler Resort Information
Please give us a call if you have any questions on Whistler, the town and the riding. We love talking about it!!!
WHAT DO WE DO AT THE WEEKENDS?
As you will probably have discovered we do not generally run the formal ski and snowboard coaching during the weekends of the courses. This allows time to go free skiing or riding with your mates and also gives you time to get invloved in all the other things Whistler or Val d'Isere and the surrounding area have to offer. The ALLTRACKS team will organise at least one activity per week where people are welcome to get invoved if they wish. In Whistler, This varies from a simple trip to the movies to a weekend down in Vancouver, one of North America's coolest cities. Additionally, there is the new Core climbing centre, a great sports centre with swimming pool and heaps of bars and cafes to chill out in after a hectic week - and North America's best Apres Ski! In Val d'isere, you have great Apres Ski, the brand new Oxygen health centre & gym (which has good extended offers) and a cinema.
We find that virtually everybody, even the super keen ones, will want at least a full day off per week to recuperate, chill out and recharge the batteries. This also gives the opportunity to catch up with emailing friends and familiy back home and get any admin and shopping done too. Additionally, people often might just do a half day on the hills on a Sunday at a more leisurely pace, before the start of another jam packed week.
WHAT DO WE DO IN THE EVENINGS?
After a full day on the slopes, we know people are going to want a filling and nutritious meal. So, after getting showered and changed, we eat together as a group in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the food and listen to each others stories of the day's heroics. After that, people will generally either chill out in their chalet to watch a DVD or enjoy a hot tub, which we have at most accommodation. However, if you are feeling energetic and up for a night out, Whistler & Val d'isere have loads of bars and clubs and arguably some of the best Apres Ski.
DO I NEED MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
Yes, everyone on an Alltracks Academy instructor or improvement camp requires either skis, bindings, boots and poles and snowboarders need a board, bindings and boots. If you are buying new skis/ or a new snowboard for the course, we would recommend ones designed for all mountain use as you will be riding all the terrain available. Virtually all the reputable manufacturers will make a suitable option. If you need further information or have specific questions, please just contact one of the team.
WHAT SORT OF EQUIPMENT IS MOST SUITABLE?
If you are buying new skis/ or a new snowboard for the course, we would recommend ones designed for all mountain use as you will be riding all the terrain in different conditions. Virtually all the reputable manufacturers will make a suitable option. If you need further information or have specific questions, please just contact one of the team.
As part of the course, you will receive discounts at the best equipment shops in Whistler so it is advisable to wait until you reach the resort. However, if you have your equipment already, or you want to buy it in the UK, that’s obviously fine too.
WHAT CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
You will be issued with a full kit list with your joining information pack. All the accommodation has wireless internet connection, so more and more people are bringing laptops. If you do not have a laptop computer, its no big deal - there are plenty of internet cafes where you will benefit from special seasonal rates. Also, please bring a camera. You will make some really good friends on the Alltracks course and every day you will be surrounded by some of the most stunning mountains on earth - it would be a shame not to have a few shots in order to remember it all.
