Section 8 Snowsports

Section 8 Snowsport Institute

Section 8 Snowsport Institute is an elite ski and snowboard training company run by CSIA and CASI examiners Tobin Leopkey and Mike Bray. The company is based on beautiful Vancouver Island, on Canada’s west coast. One of the few places you can ski and surf on the same day.

Snowsport Leadership Training 12 Week Course

Section 8’s signature 12-week course, the SLT (Snowsport Leadership Training) programme combines comprehensive ski or snowboard instructor training with mountain leadership and backcountry skills.

SLT course students are challenged in a wide variety of ski or snowboard disciplines with coaching from top CSIA/CASI examiners and mountain guides. Training is comprehensive and includes performance carving, moguls, steeps, trees, terrain parks, alpine racing, technical demonstrations, backcountry touring and alpine wilderness skills. Leadership and teaching skills are an on snow focus throughout the program and supplemented with evening theory sessions, video analysis and work practicum opportunities.

Many social events and extra-curricular activities are also organized on days off allowing you to fully explore this unique region. The SLT 12 week course is ideal for adventurous souls looking to drastically improve their skiing or riding skills in all terrain and conditions while gaining a number of internationally recognized snow sport qualifications.

Snowsport Leadership Training Course Certifications

Seven certifications are included in the 12-week SLT course:

CSIA Ski Instructor or CASI Snowboard Instructor – level 1
CSIA Ski Instructor or CASI Snowboard Instructor – level 2
CSIA or CASI – Snow Park Instructor
AST – Avalanche Safety Training – level 1
AST – Avalanche Safety Training – level 2
50 Hour Wilderness First Aid Certification
CPR level C Certification

Course fees also include: Slope side ‘ski in ski out’ accommodation, a full season’s lift pass, evening meals 5 days per week, all training materials and exams…. as well as some serious fun! To take full advantage of our location on Vancouver Island we even offer graduates an optional bonus week of surfing after the course.

Basic Training 4 Week Course

For those short on time Section 8 also offers Basic Training, a 4-week introductory ski or snowboard instructor course with some entry level backcountry skills training thrown in for good measure. This is a great opportunity for those wishing to teach beginners and children.

Basic Training Certifications

Two certifications are included in the 4-week BT course:

CSIA Ski Instructor or CASI Snowboard Instructor – level 1
AST – Avalanche Safety Training – level 1

Free-Ride Courses

Section 8 also offers a selection of free-ride clinics ranging from 2 – 4 weeks for advanced to expert skiers and boarders.

Course Location

Trainees are accommodated in the quaint village at Mount Washington Alpine Resort near the Comox Valley. This location off the beaten path from the major tourist resorts offers an authentic Canadian coastal mountain experience, with 2,200 acres of great in bounds terrain and quiet slopes ideal for instructor training and free-ride programmes. Mother Nature provides an abundance of all natural snowfall as Mount Washington regularly competes for North America’s deepest snow pack. On course Students also have the opportunity to visit the community ski hill of Mount Cain in the remote northern part of the island which provides easy access to some spectacular backcountry skiing and riding.

Getting to a Section 8 Course

Many major airlines have direct flights into Vancouver, British Columbia. From the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) there are several flights a daily to the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) aboard Pacific Coastal Airlines and Central Mountain Air. Another option is to hop on BC Ferries regular service between Vancouver and Nanaimo, which is 80 minutes south of the Comox Valley. West Jet Airlines also has direct flights from Calgary, Edmonton and other major Canadian cities. Section 8 will arrange to pick you up from the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo or the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ).

Accommodation & Food

Course accommodation is provided in ‘ski in ski out’ chalets outfitted with all the modern conveniences such as a full kitchen, laundry facilities, televisions and free Wi-fi internet access. Evening meals are served 5 days per week at the local pub where they have developed a special menu for Section 8 Students which changes on a daily basis. From time to time we also have large cook ups or barbeques at one of the chalets or head into town for an evening out.

Why Choose Section 8 Snowsport Institute?

Great value training in small groups
More certifications included at a lower price than other providers
More diverse training including comprehensive alpine skills
Advanced avalanche training and remote wilderness first aid
Every ski and snowboard discipline imaginable
Ski-in, ski-out accommodation in a unique location
Laid back Island Lifestyle with ridiculous amounts of powder!
Run by passionate ski and snowboard professionals… not a tour company
Lots of personalized attention from highly certified CSIA/CASI examiners.
One of Canada’s best kept secrets!

Contact Us

Section 8 Snowsport Institute
18 – 255 Anderton Ave.
Courtenay, BC,
Canada V9N 2G9

Tel: +1 250 702 7548
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.section8ski.com

For more information and to check course availability and prices without obligation please complete the quick enquiry form below:

Section 8 Snowsport Institute
18 – 255 Anderton Ave.
Courtenay, BC, V9N 2G9
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.section8ski.com
Tel: +1 250 702 7548