By the CSIA Ombuds
This time of year, the CSIA community is buzzing with training, courses, and on snow activities. People show up in many roles—students, instructors, course conductors—all part of a close-knit industry.
In these settings, power imbalances can naturally show up. Instructors and course conductors set the goals, pick the drills, set the pace, give feedback, and evaluate results. That’s simply how the learning structure works.
A power imbalance is just an unequal distribution of authority—like a coach and athlete, or a doctor and patient. And let’s be clear: power imbalances are normal. They’re part of most instructional relationships. They only become a problem when that power is pushed too far or misused. The presence of a power imbalance alone does not mean harassment has occurred.
Still, it’s worth staying aware. Instructors and course conductors often don’t realize how much influence they carry—or how their actions might be perceived.
How do you know if there is a power imbalance?
Through silence: a student feels they are not able to question an exercise or speak up if they are uncomfortable with an activity. When a student feels that they have to stay quiet in order to get a good result, or that, by speaking up, they will be treated differently (negatively).
Through subtle questions or comments: a student may have said something but not feel that their concerns or comments have been taken seriously. Perception matters: regardless of outcomes, students will remember how they were treated by their instructor.
What can you do to find the right (power) balance?
For students:
If you are participating in a program or training, and the instructions provided by the instructor or course conductor do not make sense or decisions feel unfair, ask the instructor or course conductor for clarification or more information as soon as possible… Small conversations can avoid bigger problems later.
For instructors and course conductors:
If you are a course conductor on a CSIA program or are an instructor leading training at the snow school, it is important to set clear expectations, give respectful feedback, and check in with students or participants often to ensure proper understanding.
The CSIA Code of Conduct (Sections 23 and 16) reminds instructors to act fairly, stay professional, and avoid using their authority in hurtful ways. Good practices include:
- keeping coaching and evaluation separate;
- timing feedback (where and when) appropriately;
- being careful with jokes, tone, and innuendo;
- keeping relationships focused on learning;
- and welcoming questions without judgment.
If you want to talk through a challenging situation? The CSIA Ombuds Office is available for all members of the CSIA community: we are confidential, impartial, and independent.