SNOW SCHOOL TRAINING
Elective Training (Unpaid)
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Elective Training (Unpaid) 〰️
Full Day Sessions
We offer many different types of full day skiing or riding sessions to help you develop toward your goals.
To find out what is being offered, you can consult Proconnect (Training Clinic Sign up) or view our Training Calendars.
For a description of snowboard sessions, click here
For a description of ski based sessions click here
Our Full Day Skiing & Riding sessions start at different times and on different mountains. Please sign up for each session and read the clinic notes carefully.
Please adhere to the following guidelines. Failing to do so will jeopardize your ability to participate in future sessions.
1 Full day session per person per week. That means between Sunday and Saturday of a given week, you only sign up and attend 1 full day session. With a staff of close to 1500 people, this allows for a more equal opportunity for everyone to participate.
If you are a Part Time employee, please do not exceed 12 full day elective training sessions in a given season.
If you are a Casual employee or from another Vail Resort, please wait to sign up until 24 hours before the clinic start time and do not exceed the amount of work days you have completed in that season (to a max. of 12 full day elective sessions)
Wearing your uniform on session is discouraged, but allowed if you are called off work and join up with a session.
If you are going to be late, please call the scheduling team and they will try to forward the message on. It is likely that the session will start and leave without you so please leave LOTS of time to get to your location and be EARLY.
If you are not going to be able to attend a session, please REMOVE yourself from the session with 24+ hours notice so that others may take your place.
Elective Training Session
Descriptions for Skiers
Free Lessons with Snow School - Adult Group Lessons
Everyday! (except blackouts)
Build your confidence, advance your skills, and have fun with experienced staff. A great way to learn from your peers and establish relationships with fellow staff that can help advise in many areas.
These are FREE lessons when space allows. Register using the QR code and then show up on a given day to see if there is space. Beginner levels 1-3 meet at the Base of Whistler or Blackcomb. Intermediate/Advanced levels 4-6 meet in the Alpine at the Snow School huts.
These are for you if you:
You want to get better at skiing or teaching. You may also be training towards your level 1 or 2.
You may need an introduction to skiing off piste or skiing bumps - levels 5 and 6 are great for this.
Level 2 Prep
Tuesdays & Fridays
For those who have their Level 1 CSIA/PSIC or equivalent and would like to continue improving their skiing or teaching skills. This session is aimed at helping people prepare for either CSIA or PSIC level 2.
Advance Your 2
Fridays
For those who have completed a Level 2 PSIC/CSIA or equivalent and would like to keep improving their skiing or teaching skills but have no immediate plans of sitting a Level 3 Exam.
Rob Davis creates a fun, warm and engaging atmosphere with lots of time to discuss your thoughts about skiing.
Skills & Race Training
Wednesdays
A must do for everyone! Skills & Race Training is aimed at increasing agility and skillfulness regardless of level. No prior race training experience required and open to all levels and abilities!
Ian and Leslie will be there to set fun and engaging environments to help you break bad habits and learn new and helpful motor patterns. Training will take place in the School Yard on Whistler and occasionally on Ptarmigan - read clinic notes for weekly details.
This session is the exception to the 1 session per week per person rule, so come on out!
Terrain, Tactics and Technique
Sundays
Go on an Adventure with these amazing pros and learn to pair tactics and techniques with the terrain you are skiing.
We'll ski the whole mountain and help you develop both your skiing and teaching skills in all terrain. Please wear the ski for the day - if it snows lots overnight, you'll likely venture off piste. This session will help you prepare for CSIA/PSIC levels 2, 3 or 4.
With 3 trainers per week we can divide groups into abilities, goals and interests, so all are welcome.
Bumps/Advanced Terrain
Mondays
Mogul Mondays are here! Come learn from the best how to ski and teach in the bumps! With 3 trainers most weeks, we'll be able to separate into groups where you will feel comfortable learning and having fun with your peers. If we don't have bumps, we'll play in other advanced terrain (where suitable). Great session for those preparing for level 3 or 4.
Come learn to LOVE bumps with us!
Advanced Skiing / Teaching
Tuesdays and Fridays
Aimed at those training towards Level 3 or 4 Courses/Exams. Content of the sessions won't be course specific, but we'll help you become a better skier and understand skiing better so that you can add your knowledge to your teaching.
On the teaching specific sessions, we'll walk through the elements of good teaching. Please be prepared to add your thoughts and work in small groups.
Intro to Steeps
Fridays
For skiers that are interested in learning off piste terrain and the tactics to feel comfy in this environment. A great session to take before taking a Teaching Steeps 1 internal training day, or your Big Mountain Level 2 with PSIC.
We do advise that you have spent a little time off piste before joining this session. Taking a level 5 or 6 Adult group lesson can help you prepare for this.
A mid fat ski (at least 84mm or wider) is necessary for this session.
If you are unsure if you should do an Intro or Advanced Steeps session, please come to the Intro session first and a trainer will let you know if you are ready for the Wednesday Advanced session.
Advanced Steeps
Wednesdays
For Advanced skiers who are comfortable in double black terrain. This session will help you get to know expert terrain - how to navigate it safely for you and your guests (and have a lot of fun doing it). Those wanting to take a Teaching Steeps 2 internal training day or pursue the Level 3 or 4 Big Mountain certification with PSIC will find this session valuable.
Fat skis are mandatory.
If uncertain if you are ready for this session, please attended a Friday Intro session first and a trainer will let you know if the Wednesday session is right for you.
Due to regular trainer availability, this session is only offered on Wednesdays.
Intro to Park
Mondays
A fun way to get to build some park skills! Join our trainers to learn in a fun, safe and supportive atmosphere.
Park skis are not mandatory.
Be aware that riding boxes/rails may damage your skis. If you are going to ride these features, you may not want to wear your teaching/performance skis.
Intermediate/advanced sessions may be offered if there is interest.
Share Your Feedback!
We want to hear how your session went.
Got an Idea for Training?
We want to hear how your session went.
Elective Training Session
Descriptions for Snowboarders
Free Lessons with Snow School - Adult Group Lessons
Everyday!
(except blackouts)
Level 2 Prep
Tuesdays & Fridays
For those who have their Level 1 CSIA/PSIC or equivalent and would like to continue improving their skiing or teaching skills. This session is aimed at helping people prepare for either CSIA or PSIC level 2.
Terrain, Tactics and Technique
Sundays
Go on an Adventure with these amazing pros and learn to pair tactics and techniques with the terrain you are skiing.
We'll ski the whole mountain and help you develop both your skiing and teaching skills in all terrain. Please wear the ski for the day - if it snows lots overnight, you'll likely venture off piste. This session will help you prepare for CSIA/PSIC levels 2, 3 or 4.
With 3 trainers per week we can divide groups into abilities, goals and interests, so all are welcome.
Intro to Steeps
Fridays
For skiers that are interested in learning off piste terrain and the tactics to feel comfy in this environment. A great session to take before taking a Teaching Steeps 1 internal training day, or your Big Mountain Level 2 with PSIC.
We do advise that you have spent a little time off piste before joining this session. Taking a level 5 or 6 Adult group lesson can help you prepare for this.
A mid fat ski (at least 84mm or wider) is necessary for this session.
If you are unsure if you should do an Intro or Advanced Steeps session, please come to the Intro session first and a trainer will let you know if you are ready for the Wednesday Advanced session.
Got an Idea for Training?
Build your confidence, advance your skills, and have fun with experienced staff. A great way to learn from your peers and establish relationships with fellow staff that can help advise in many areas.
These are FREE lessons when space allows. Register using the QR code and then show up on a given day to see if there is space. Beginner levels 1-3 meet at the Base of Whistler or Blackcomb. Intermediate/Advanced levels 4-6 meet in the Alpine at the Snow School huts.
These are for you if you:
You want to get better at skiing or teaching. You may also be training towards your level 1 or 2.
You may need an introduction to skiing off piste or skiing bumps - levels 5 and 6 are great for this.
Advance Your 2
Fridays
For those who have completed a Level 2 PSIC/CSIA or equivalent and would like to keep improving their skiing or teaching skills but have no immediate plans of sitting a Level 3 Exam.
Rob Davis creates a fun, warm and engaging atmosphere with lots of time to discuss your thoughts about skiing.
Bumps/Advanced Terrain
Mondays
Mogul Mondays are here! Come learn from the best how to ski and teach in the bumps! With 3 trainers most weeks, we'll be able to separate into groups where you will feel comfortable learning and having fun with your peers. If we don't have bumps, we'll play in other advanced terrain (where suitable). Great session for those preparing for level 3 or 4.
Come learn to LOVE bumps with us!
Advanced Steeps
Wednesdays
For Advanced skiers who are comfortable in double black terrain. This session will help you get to know expert terrain - how to navigate it safely for you and your guests (and have a lot of fun doing it). Those wanting to take a Teaching Steeps 2 internal training day or pursue the Level 3 or 4 Big Mountain certification with PSIC will find this session valuable.
Fat skis are mandatory.
If uncertain if you are ready for this session, please attended a Friday Intro session first and a trainer will let you know if the Wednesday session is right for you.
Due to regular trainer availability, this session is only offered on Wednesdays.
We want to hear how your session went.
Skills & Race Training
Wednesdays
A must do for everyone! Skills & Race Training is aimed at increasing agility and skillfulness regardless of level. No prior race training experience required and open to all levels and abilities!
Ian and Leslie will be there to set fun and engaging environments to help you break bad habits and learn new and helpful motor patterns. Training will take place in the School Yard on Whistler and occasionally on Ptarmigan - read clinic notes for weekly details.
This session is the exception to the 1 session per week per person rule, so come on out!
Advanced Skiing / Teaching
Tuesdays and Fridays
Aimed at those training towards Level 3 or 4 Courses/Exams. Content of the sessions won't be course specific, but we'll help you become a better skier and understand skiing better so that you can add your knowledge to your teaching.
On the teaching specific sessions, we'll walk through the elements of good teaching. Please be prepared to add your thoughts and work in small groups.
Intro to Park
Mondays
A fun way to get to build some park skills! Join our trainers to learn in a fun, safe and supportive atmosphere.
Park skis are not mandatory.
Be aware that riding boxes/rails may damage your skis. If you are going to ride these features, you may not want to wear your teaching/performance skis.
Intermediate/advanced sessions may be offered if there is interest.
Share Your Feedback!
We want to hear how your session went.