SNOW SCHOOL TRAINING
FULL DAY SESSIONS
Elective (Unpaid) Training
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Elective (Unpaid) Training 〰️
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 check out the Flaik website to see the calendar and sign up.
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
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
Thursdays (moved from 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
Skiers and snowboarders are welcome to this informative day. Navigate the mountain with Sandy Ward of the Lil’wat nation as she shares traditional place names and stories about the land we literally work and play on.
Indigenous History on the Mountain:
The name says it all! Session leaders will guide you to “conditions appropriate” terrain. Refine your skills to navigate chutes, glades, and cliffs. This session is for riders comfortable on black off-piste terrain. Travis Rice showcases this session well (spins optional). This session is recommended for riders considering their preparedness for the Steep’s Internal Designation Level 2-3
Steeps, Trees and Drops! (STD)
A session for instructors (skiers also welcome) interested in touring. You’ll learn how to set up your equipment, important mobility techniques and practice by going for an inbounds tour in the Flute zone. This session does NOT cover avalanche skills training. Participants should bring: Split-board (or skis) touring skins, poles and lunch. Be prepared for a full day out.
Split-Boarding curious:
Start here for coaching to tackle features (maybe for the first time). Beyond riding in the park, some skills development will take place in “all- mountain freestyle” terrain to showcase the building blocks to more complex tricks. This session is a great way to prepare for the CASI Park 1 module or build your riding confidence by getting guided park mileage. Attend this session if you are considering if your skills match the Park Safety Internal Designation
Park (Small):
Yearning 4 Turning (Y4T):
This is a radical turning session. Combining carving and buttering, accentuated by terrain; Learn to make sweet “esses” on corduroy and/or pow. This session is inspired by the youtube video series that shares its name, make sure to check WB snow school shredders Aari and Terra in this clip!
All Mountain Freestyle (AMF):
Make the entire mountain your park! This session will explore creative use of terrain for freestyle expression. From gapping natural features to tail tapping a tree, these sessions will help unlock the terrain’s infinite possibilities. Check out how Arthur Longo plays on some familiar WB runs...
CASI 2/ CASI 3/ CASI 4:
These sessions are to prepare you for your next course or exam. Progress your riding, teaching and/or pedagogy in preparation for the next step in your instructor training. Foreign cert instructors looking to broaden their skills are welcome as well.
Park (Medium-Large):
Refine your tricks or learn new ones. This Session is for advanced park riders who are already comfortable riding the medium (or large) features in the Blackcomb terrain park. The CASI Park 2 standard paints it well.
Intro to STD!:
This session is to ease riders into off-piste riding. You’ll learn to safely navigate trees and alpine terrain and discover new (to you) zones. This session is recommended for riders inquiring about their preparedness for the Steep’s Internal Designation Level 1
This session is for instructors (Ski or Snowboard) who have the AST 1 cert who would like to practice their backcountry skills in a safe controlled environment (INBOUNDS Flute zone). The session will cover: Trip planning and Interpreting the Avalanche Forecast. Identifying Avalanche terrain and safe travel habits up & down. Companion Rescue (transceiver use). Participants should bring: Touring gear, Transceiver, Shovel, Probe & lunch. Be prepared for a full day out.
Avalanche Skills Training refresher (AST):
Advanced Competency Workshop
(Adv Comp):
These advanced riding sessions typically focus on one of the CASI advanced competencies featured in Levels 3 and 4 -strength and flow -arc to arc -steering versatility -loading and deflecting. You’ll develop your riding in various terrain and snow conditions while improving your understanding of these great A&I concepts.
Got an Idea for Training?
Share Your Feedback!
We want to hear how your session went.
Free Lessons with Snow School -
Adult Group Lessons
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 Group 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 snowboarding or skiing. You may also be training towards your level 1 or 2.
You may need an introduction to riding off piste or bumps - levels 5 and 6 are great for this.
Make sure to book ahead of time 24-72 hours in advance
Everyday! (except busy periods)
