Edition of July 2024

by | Jul 11, 2024 | CSIA

CSIA NATIONAL NEWS

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SKI INSTRUCTION : ERIN TOUCHIE’S JOURNEY IN CSIA

ERIN TOUCHIE, CHAIR OF THE TECHNICAL AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Erin Touchie’s journey with the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) began in 2002 when she discovered not only a love for skiing but also teaching. Over the years, Erin has transformed from a passionate ski instructor to a pivotal member of the CSIA’s Technical and Education Committee (TEC).

The TEC is a standing committee established by the CSIA National Board. It contributes to the evolution, auditing, and advancement of ski technique, teaching methodology, educational product development and certification system, and standards for the CSIA. This pivotal committee, led by Erin, as it’s Chair, is made up of 13 members, including 10 volunteers and 3 CSIA staff. The committee currently operationally reports to Nigel Loring (Managing Director) and has a direct liaison to the National board through Eric Bonin (QC Region National Board representative).

Erin’s Skiing and Professional Background

Erin’s introduction to the CSIA came through her husband, Jamie Touchie, a ski instructor himself who encouraged her to pursue her Level 1 certification while still in university. Her immediate passion for teaching skiing led her to a broader teaching career.

She credits her female course conductor Heather Robertson for motivating her to continue advancing within the CSIA. “I remember she told me, ‘Don’t stop at level two. Keep going!’ ” said Erin. And she did as she progressed to her Level 3 certification and has been a course conductor since 2010, teaching alongside Jamie, her other motivator and main support in her CSIA journey.

Erin also earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in science (chemistry) and has so far accumulated 15 years’ experience teaching in the provincial school system. This developed her immense knowledge in teaching methodology and pedagogy.

Current Roles & Responsibilities

This past season, Erin has had the opportunity to engage with different ski communities from Big White in Kelowna, B.C. where Jamie is currently teaching, to Ski Wentworth in Nova Scotia. 

She currently holds the following roles:

  • Chair of the Technical and Education Committee: Since 2021 Erin has been part of the TEC representing the Atlantic region.
  • Curriculum Coach (6-12 Numeracy Coach): Erin helps middle and high school math teachers with curriculum and staying current in teaching practices across southern NB.

Joining the TEC Committee

Erin was happy to join the TEC to bring her educational knowledge to the table and give back to the organization that’s been such a big part of her life. Since joining the TEC, the 2023-2024 season has been the most productive and exciting. After the November 2023 AGM, the committee experienced a renewed sense of purpose. “We felt like we had an army behind us who were ready to show that we’re the leaders in ski instruction in North America,” said Erin.

The most exciting aspect of this year for Erin, other than the sheer number of things the committee has accomplished and still plans to do, is the professional and respectful nature of the committee’s discussions, which have been instrumental in driving change.

“People haven’t always agreed, but everyone is so willing to listen to thoughts and ideas and give their feedback. Even if we don’t agree on everything in the end, we’ve had healthy, positive professional discussions and we’ve come together as a whole group to support our message.”

TEC Committee Initiatives

While working on various projects and getting a lot of smaller items done to get the committee going and working well together, one sub-committee worked on an impactful video resource project:

  • Video library for young instructors: The TEC came up with a plan to produce short tips videos to support new instructors, showcasing practical teaching tactics from CSIA members across Canada in their snow school uniforms. The TEC is also collecting videos for standards to pass each level, featuring members in their CSIA uniforms. You can find details of how to submit in the CSIA Tactics Video Guidelines.

Moving Forward

Erin’s unique chance to be on ski hills at two ends of the country has helped her gather perspective from various members and bring those insights to the committee and its priorities.

Erin is enthusiastic about the future of the CSIA, particularly the increasing representation of women and other minority groups in leadership roles. Many women stop at Level 2 and the committee, working closely with the Women in Skiing committee, is looking into why and how they can encourage upward movement.

“For myself, having a female Level 2 instructor was a huge motivator. I could see that it was attainable.”

Erin encourages CSIA members to actively engage with the Technical and Education Committee, offering feedback, suggestions, and asking questions. Members can reach out via email at tec@snowpro.com to share their thoughts and contribute to the ongoing development of the CSIA.


CSIA MEMBERSHIP PROFILES

Meet three members who became Level 1 certified during the 2023-2024 season in the Eastern part of the country!

ATLANTIC REGION: ROBIN THORSTEINSON

  1. What made you decide to take your Level 1?  I decided to get my Level 1 with my husband Rob Barbara this year as part of our interest in improving our ski ability and as an extension of our ski training. I felt that getting my Level 1 was an important next step in my ski training and with the thought my husband and I might one day spend a winter working at a ski hill as instructors.
  2. How would you describe the overall experience? Getting our Level 1 was a great experience. It is much harder to teach someone how to ski than I expected! Having to break down the steps and explain and/or demo the steps was much more challenging than I thought it would be. I realized I have been lucky to have many skilled instructors over the years!
  3. How do you envision your future in teaching? I envision working towards my Level 2 and possibly Level 3 over time and think it would be very exciting to spend a winter working at a larger ski hill.

QUEBEC REGION : ANABELLE BERNARDIN

  1. What made you decide to take your Level 1? I decided to take my Level 1 to take on new challenges and get out of my comfort zone. What’s more, my father was also a ski instructor in his younger years, so that encouraged me all the more to take it.
  2. How would you describe the overall experience? During my Level 1 course, I really appreciated the interaction I had with the course conductors. They were very generous with their feedback, which enabled me to improve my skiing significantly. During this certification course, I also met aspiring instructors with whom I developed lasting friendships. Becoming an instructor has enabled me to develop self-confidence and acquire solid communication skills in a teaching context.
  3. How do you envision your future in teaching? In the coming seasons, I hope to have the opportunity to take on new challenges by teaching more advanced skiers. Next winter, I plan to pass my Level 2, which will allow me to progress within the CSIA.

ONTARIO REGION: NATALIE KOENIG

  1. What made you decide to take your Level 1? In early 2023 I became an Assistant Instructor at Hockley Valley. I enjoyed my experience there and decided to take my Level 1 during the March Break of 2023 so I could become a Ski Instructor at Hockley Valley.
  2. How would you describe the overall experience? I really enjoyed the Level 1 course I took at Hockley Valley. The Instructor taught the course very well and gave us helpful feedback throughout the process. I believe that by taking the CSIA Level 1 course I improved both as a skier and as an instructor and developed many skills. These skills include being a better communicator, listening to what everyone has to say, paying attention to detail, and being a good leader and role model to young students.
  3. How do you envision your future in teaching? I would like to teach skiing for years to come. I love to help people and watch people progress. I want to keep developing as an instructor and as a skier in many ways by continuing to practice my skiing and teaching skills.

Join these new members and dare to improve your skiing and teaching skills! Sign up this fall for one CSIA’s many programs!


CSIA REGIONAL NEWS

WHAT’S NEW IN ONTARIO?

Together, we are moving forward!

On June 21, over 100 enthusiastic CSIA Ontario members gathered for the 2024 Annual General Meeting at Hockley Valley Resort. Steven Green, Acting Chair for the AGM presented the Chair’s report.

Attendees unanimously voted in favour of the Amended Articles of Incorporation and By-laws required for CSIA Ontario to be in compliance with the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporation Act that will come into effect in October 2024.

We welcomed new and returning directors: Monica Costa, Bill Hogg, Jim Irving, and Jiao Jiang

Following the AGM the 2024 CSIA Ontario Annual Awards Banquet was held. It was wonderful to see previously inducted Hall of Famers, long-standing and new members connect during cocktails and dinner.  Click here to see the photos! 

All new Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 instructors were recognized for their achievements.

The Award of Merit was presented to exceptional CSIA certified team members from Ontario. Stay tuned as we recognize all these folks in future editions.

Trainer/Course Conductor of the Year was awarded to Stewart Bibb (2022-2023) and JP Sands (2023-2024).

Level 1 Trainer/Course Conductor of the Year Award winners: Jason Massicotte (2022-2023) and Kevin Bulmer (2023-2024).

Rookie – Trainer/Course Conductor of the Year Award winners: Zachary Sills (2022-2023) and Spencer Berry (2023-2024).

Outstanding CSIA Service Award winners who demonstrated unwavering dedication and support of CSIA Ontario: Peter Hardy, Cathy Genge, Dan Genge, AJ Leeming.

Congratulations to our newest Hall of Fame Award recipients; Len Chapman (posthumously) and James Scott.  Len Chapman’s family and James Scott’s peers gave very inspiring and heartfelt speeches. As CSIA Ontario’s highest recognition, inductees have a history of commitment to ski teaching and have been instrumental to the success of CSIA.

On June 22, an all-day Board retreat was conducted to make plans for the upcoming season. Thanks to Diana Deakin-Thomas and Kirsti Suutari for their hard work in organizing these workshops. In addition, a big thank you to Nigel Loring, CSIA Managing Director, James Scott (EPC), Kayla Wickens (RAC), Jason Young (Products and Education Manager) and Gunars Kazaks (National Chair) for their participation.

Congratulations to Kevin Bulmer for being voted in as our new CSIA Ontario Chair.

Have a wonderful summer! Winter is just around the corner!


SKI TIPS AND WELLNESS

AN ACTIVE SUMMER AHEAD

By Frédérick Lépine, CSIA Level 4 Instructor, CSIA Level 4 Course Conductor 

Summer is in full swing, and preparations are underway to make your vacation a success. The coming weeks are a great opportunity to get busy, as the days are longer, and our schedules may be freed up for more leisure time. To get you moving, let me share a few thoughts with you on how to counter the collateral effects of the digital, sedentary lifestyle we lead today!

First, you need to have at least one project that involves a minimum level of physical effort. It doesn’t have to be a competitive one! Here are a few examples: a hiking weekend in a cabin, a canoe-camping trip, a bike tour, a surf camp. Starting with a project is the best way to build an anchor that will motivate you to get ready. To enjoy these moments, you must be well prepared!

Planning ahead is the key to facing life’s unforeseen events and projecting forward into the future. + To achieve this, I recommend that you spend a few minutes at the start of each week, observing your schedule and setting aside time in your day for exercise – ideally between 60 and 90 minutes. It’s also a good idea to schedule this early in the day, to make sure you don’t run out of energy. By prioritizing physical activity, other commitments and responsibilities will move to another part of your schedule.

Having fun is a key element in boosting intrinsic motivation. Pick activities that you enjoy and can relate directly to your project. It goes without saying that project-specific exercises will be highly relevant. To stay motivated, find ways to stick to your commitment. For example, try to find support from friends and family. The support of others is really powerful when you don’t feel like exercising. Challenge yourself to try new things! Novelty and variety stimulate interest in physical activity!

In conclusion, if you want to be active this summer, you need an informed perspective. Summer is the season to be more active – and the key to success is planning and committing to it! The fun factor should not be overlooked if you want to get the most of it.