Canada’s Top Instructors Put To The Test in Sun Peaks

Posted February 7, 2022

Western Canada’s very best ski instructors hit the slopes in Sun Peaks recently, vying for a highly coveted position on the Canadian Ski Instructor’s Alliance (CSIA) Interski Demo Team. Members of the team, which is assembled every four years, will represent Canada at the 2023 Interski Congress in Levi, Finland. The Insterski Congress brings together the world’s top ski instructors to progress the delivery of ski instruction and the profession.

On January 27 and 28, 70 Level 4 certified ski instructors – the highest level of certification in Canada – showcased their skills in front of CSIA judges here in Sun Peaks. The instructors were put to the test on classic Sun Peaks showcase runs like Headwalls and Sting, looking to prove that they have what it takes to be part of the 12 member Canadian team.

Local resident and Sun Peaks Resort instructor Anne Terwiel made sure there was a hometown favourite for the event, and was cheered on by plenty of friends and instructor colleagues during the try outs. Anne is hoping to be just the third Sun Peaks ski instructor ever to represent Canada on the Interski Demo team.

According to Jeff Marks, CSIA’s National Program Director, Sun Peaks Resort’s terrain, consistent snow conditions, and location make it the perfect testing ground for some of Canada’s best skiers.

We're so pleased to be back in Sun Peaks,” said Marks. “The expert terrain accessibility, consistent conditions, and central location in Western Canada make Sun Peaks an ideal venue. We always feel really welcome here and in turn are excited to welcome this year's prospective team members to the resort.

Representation on the national team is the peak achievement in a ski instructor’s career; the Interski Congress is a rare opportunity to be among the world’s best instructors and to participate in showcases of skill and knowledge sharing which help propel all areas of ski instruction, as well as global ski industry best practices. Instructors are usually most excited to bring back fresh knowledge through their interactions with the teams from other countries.

The top 48 selected from the January tryouts in Western and Eastern Canada will proceed to the final step of the selection process, which includes evaluation of technical, teaching, and leadership skills. From there, the final 12 will be chosen. Once the team is announced in April, they will participate in a number of training camps and team building exercises across the country in preparation for the Interski Congress event in Finland. 

Here in Sun Peaks we’re no strangers to the skill and dedication needed to achieve the highest levels of ski instruction certification. As an ongoing host of CSIA Level 4 ski instructor courses in Western Canada we’re proud to play a part in helping Canadian ski instructors reach the pinnacle of their profession. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a ski instructor you can visit the CSIA website for more information on the certification process.