One of the things that makes this organization so special is our members and the incredible stories of how they discovered the CSIA.
Mélanie Ouellet has been a CSIA member for 16 years, but her skiing journey started long before that. She took lessons at Mont Orford, and it was her best friend who convinced her that becoming an instructor together would be a fun next step. Little did she know that her decision to take her Level 1 would shape the rest of her life. Inspired by great course conductors and the amazing people she met, she was eager to keep growing within the organization. Years later she fulfilled her High School yearbook dream of reaching the highest level within the CSIA, becoming level 4 certified.
Throughout this journey, she met friends who supported and encouraged her including her future husband. She describes a special energy at the Orford ski school, where instructors push each other to grow within the CSIA and reach new heights. One of her greatest joys has been supporting women who aspire to progress through the levels. With the help of fellow instructors, she created an initiative to do just that. Every Sunday, they organized informal practice sessions, inviting all the female instructors from the snow school. During these sessions, Level 4 women at the school would mentor and help others refine their skills, working toward their next CSIA certification level. This group, called “Ski-Dounes,” is dedicated to encouraging and motivating women to push their limits.
Mélanie says that the communication skills she learned as a ski instructor have helped her not just on the slopes but also in life, particularly in her career. Which she now applies in marketing job. Teaching skiing gave her confidence in speaking in front of large groups and clearly articulating her ideas.
Her dedication to the organization is undeniable. Just three months after giving birth, she was back on her skis, participating in this year’s Interski tryouts at Orford. Now that’s dedication! They say it takes a village to raise a child, but according to Mélanie, it takes a village of CSIA members to make it happen. It may be too soon to tell, but with two ski instructors as parents, we may be welcoming two future legacy members! Mélanie has successfully advanced past the second round and is now preparing for the third. We wish her the best of luck and deeply appreciate her unwavering enthusiasm for the organization.
