Charles Martin, CSIA Education Program Coordinator for the Atlantic region will be leaving his role at the end of the 2024-2025 season. Charles has been with our organization for several decades, serving as an instructor, Course Conductor, and more recently as an EPC. We asked Charles a few questions about his tenure at the CSIA. Find out below what he had to say.
Thank you, Charles, for the tremendous work you have accomplished and for all those years of dedication!
How did your experience start with CSIA and when?
In 1974, I took my level 2 course which back then was called Assistant Ski Instructor (ASI). The Course Conductors were sharp, very inspiring and motivating, so from that moment on I felt inspired and have remained so ever since. In 1977, I took my level 3 in Sutton Quebec and the following season, in 1977-1978, I was offered the position of level 1 Course Coordinator and eventually the PDP Coordinator (Professional Development Program) when the program was introduced nationally.
What is your fondest memory at the CSIA?
Passing my level 4 was a rewarding experience for me. It felt like I was only beginning to learn, which made the future seem very interesting and exciting. However, I believe that achieving the Level 4 Course Conductor status was the fondest one. Sharing knowledge and experience with all the staff was amazing, motivating, and very satisfying.
How did being a CSIA Course Conductor and working as an EPC shaped your life?
It shaped my life not only during my experience as a Course Conductor and as an EPC but throughout my career, the CSIA has been a life enriching experience. It taught me leadership skills, communication skills, general life skills and the list goes on!
Working as a Course Conductor alongside my EPC and RAC colleagues, as well as with all the staff, was a pleasurable and enriching experience. To see the commitment and passion from across the country is very reassuring and promising for the future of the organization. Passion is contagious and all those amazing people have so much of it to share.
Are you going to be actively skiing /teaching going forward?
Skiing has been such a big part of my life; I will continue to do it until life decides otherwise. I plan to remain a Course Conductor and to continue doing my best to inspire instructors and skiers, both seasoned and new while sharing my passion with as many people as I can.
What tips do you have for future and current ski pros that aspire to have long career such as you had?
If you are passionate about skiing and love it, ski teaching is simple. Just try your best to relay that passion onto others. Keep it safe, fun, inspiring, motivating and you’ll do a good job. Don’t be too hung up on technique, just make sure you make it FUN.
Improving your skiing is a valuable personal objective, as it keeps your demonstration skills relevant and serves as a source of motivation. More importantly, work on becoming a better teacher. As guest service personnel at the mountain, your role is to help drive the growth of our sport and ensure returning business.
The experience of our visitors is directly linked to the people they interact with. Keep your approach centered around the student’s needs and expectations.
Ski instructors have an opportunity to impact someone’s first experience and make it a memorable one. This is a MOMENT OF TRUTH when clients will form an opinion and decide whether they want to return and, hopefully, become lifelong customers.