Feature image: Rhoda & Rhona Wurtele at Sunshine, Banff, Alberta. – Mt. Assiniboine in background. c. 1946.
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum
CSIA NATIONAL NEWS
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!
Happy International Women’s Day!
Today is March 8, a day where CSIA recognizes and celebrates women, and their contributions and accomplishments that helped shape the landscape of the CSIA and the Ski Industry. Today, we stand united in supporting their achievements, while reaffirming our dedication to promoting an inclusive and safe environment where everyone can shine.
This year, we are honored to celebrate under the banner of Inspire Inclusion, a theme that resonates with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We hope that you are taking part in the various WIS Pro Days and Pro Sessions organized in participating resorts across the country.
It is a chance for women to exchange with colleagues, improve their skiing and teaching abilities, and on a larger scale, contribute to equality though women’s engagement and enthusiasm in our sport. This year’s International Women’s Day guiding theme, Inspire Inclusion, calls us to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and actively work towards gender parity.
The CSIA would like to wish all women an amazing day filled with celebration, reflection, and inspiration!
WOMEN REACHING THE HIGHEST RANKS: CONGRATULATIONS TO 2023 LEVEL 4!
Last season, the CSIA had an impressive number of women obtaining the highest level of certification. It was exciting to see so many talented and dedicated women, from East to West, reaching the top ranks of ski instruction.
Mastering the slopes and teaching others to do the same takes serious skills and determination. And these women are showing us all what’s possible when you put your mind to it. So, here’s to all the amazing CSIA women out there who are leading the way, setting new standards and inspiring others ! It is with pride and great pleasure that we are presenting the women who received their Level 4 pin last season:
Ally Wagorn, Yoshiko Watanabe, Rachel Taylor, Lee Mounsey, Katie Kreczman, Renee Seaman, Maya Kakizaki, Geneviève Boucher, Catherine Gagné, Chantal Ouellet
A few of these new Level 4 women wanted to share some thoughts on how to train and reach your goals:
Katie Kreczman: “I always try to keep skiing fun by skiing all over the mountain in all conditions, and I find that challenging myself to train out of my comfort zone has often helped to extend my capabilities.”
Rachel Taylor: “Surround yourself with the right team of people who will push you to succeed and support you the whole way!”
Ally Waghorn: “Working hard and training are essential but don’t forget to have fun and ski for you too!”
NEWS FROM THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The TEC has been hard at work this winter season on a lineup of really exciting projects to best serve our Members. Following the National Convention at Lake Louise, the TEC was energized by the overwhelming support and feedback from the Membership of the CSIA. Three new members at large were onboarded to the committee that brought the TEC to a full complement of 13 member representatives (6 regional, 1 WIS, 3 staff and 3 at large). We have also been blown away by support from a broader group of nearly 20 project supporters and contributors.
Since the fall of 2023, the TEC has been actively engaged in projects aimed at advancing ski teaching and Member satisfaction for all CSIA Members. These projects include updates to the CSIA’s education pathway, including certification and professional development. For example, the TEC is investigating various aspects of learning and professional development that will shape future of programs available to CSIA Members. These will aim to prepare Members for Certification Courses and enhance their abilities as snow sports professionals. This project also has us working hard to better clarify the performance and certification criteria through all four levels with a proper evaluation rubric. Members can be excited and reassured to know that these developments will continue to enhance and clarify their development and progression as Instructors. As always, the CSIA will strive to ensure that all current Course candidates are considered in any change – as well as those who have not yet started their Certification journey. The TEC is quite keen to work with Members, resorts, and Course Conductor’s feedback to ensure the CSIA delivers an outstanding experience.
The TEC also recognizes the importance of promoting how our certification pathway can align with partner organizations, such as Alpine Canada, CASI and ISIA. These efforts will build stronger industry partnerships for Members and the CSIA as an entity.
We are also dedicated to support education and training through the development of video assets that started to be available to Members; better clarifying standards, sharing teaching tips, and investigating what makes great skiing and teaching. Be sure to stay tuned to social media for some new video content!
As always, the TEC is looking for feedback from Members and we encourage you reach out to us at TEC@snowpro.com. If you live in the Ontario or BC Regions, there will be regional representative seats open for appointment for April 2024. Please keep eyes open for communications from your Region.
Thank you for being a Member, thank you for being passionate Instructors and skiers, thank you for an incredible 85 years! We look forward to shaping the next 85 with you!
-Your CSIA TEC
SHOP AND SAVE AT THE CSIA STORE!
New 85 +Together /Ensemble T-shirts! This is a limited edition of women and men’s CSIA T-shirts (priced at $26.95) on pre-order for delivery as of the last week of March. Also, available on sale are the 85th anniversary water bottles and ball caps offered until the end of March with a 20% rebate off Member pricing.
Don’t miss your chance to showcase your pride and help celebrate CSIA’s 85th anniversary with these special items. Place your order now, as quantities are limited!
Check out these items and many more CSIA branded items available to Members only on the CSIA online store and save!
CSIA OMBUDS OFFICE
As previously communicated, the CSIA has been looking for an independent third party to provide our Members with expert confidential complaint management services. The CSIA is pleased to announce the launch of the CSIA Ombuds Office for the CSIA Members, Course Conductors, Staff and Volunteers. The Ombuds Office will be assumed by JustEquitable, who will strive to promote a fair, respectful, inclusive, and supportive culture within the CSIA.
The Ombuds Office will provide a confidential space for the CSIA community to talk about issues or concerns, explore possible options to facilitate conflict resolution, as well as elevate concerns and changes required to the CSIA’s attention according to policies and regulations of CSIA.
To know more about the Ombuds Office, what they can and cannot do, what services they offer and how to contact them, please click here.
CSIA UPCLOSE
As valued CSIA Members, we want to ensure you feel informed, engaged, and best equipped to take your love of skiing and ski instruction to the next level. The CSIA Upclose section includes answers to our Membership’s most frequently asked or pressing questions. You ask, we answer! Please send your questions to questions@snowpro.com.
| Question: I am a CSIA Course Conductor and worked in 2023. Will the CSIA issue a tax form for my earnings, when can I expect it and how will I receive it? |
| Answer: Yes, the CSIA will issue a T4A and Rel. 1 (Quebec) for Course Conductors’ earnings in 2023. You should receive these by mail in early March 2024. Therefore, if you have worked for the CSIA and received fees from the CSIA between January 1st and December 31st, 2023, you will be receiving a tax form. |
If you have not received your tax form by March 15, 2024, please email Dahlia Mightley or call 1-800-811-6428 ext. 230.
CSIA REGIONAL NEWS
WHAT’S NEW IN QUEBEC?
Your CSIA Quebec Committee is continuing its mission to share the passion of ski teaching through the program Jouer sur la neige, ça s’apprend, ça s’enseigne!
NEW IN MARCH! We’re adding a CSIA 85th anniversary touch, because we think it is important to highlight the contribution of all our Members and all our incredible Instructors who have helped build our organisation over the years.
We still have a few beautiful mountains to visit to celebrate in spring-like conditions! We’ll be visiting Mont Édouard and Mont Orford and other ski areas will be confirmed!
We sincerely thank you for attending our 2023-2024 sessions in such large numbers!
WHAT’S NEW IN ONTARIO?
Yes, it certainly has been a slow winter for snow, but this hasn’t stopped CSIA Ontario from building a base this season with several events and grants.
CSIA Ontario Women’s High Performance (Pilot) Camps:
CSIA Ontario hosted the Women’s High-Performance Camps in January and February at Georgian Peaks. During this 2-days camp, participants were coached by a CSIA Level 4 Instructor on high performance short/long turns and individual goals. These clinics were helpful in preparing females for further certification. CSIA Ontario plans to build from this year’s (pilot) camps so that we can offer unique opportunities next season.
CSIA Ontario & Lakeridge Ski Club Provide Support for Ukraine Refugee:
Andrey, a recent Ukraine refugee who’s father was killed in the war, arrived at Lakeridge Ski Club with the goal of attaining his Level 1 CSIA Certification. Upon arrival the Course Conductors recognized that Andrey would benefit from support. Lakeridge Ski Club provided him with suitable ski equipment and lift tickets. CSIA Ontario assisted with all travel costs. He successfully obtained his CSIA Level 1 and secured employment as a CSIA Ontario Ski Instructor.
CSIA Ontario Snow School & Professional Development Grants:
These Grants aim to support the professional development of Ontario Ski Instructors and promote innovation and collaboration within the Ontario ski instructing community. $20,000 has been set aside and each grant will be up to $4000. For eligibility requirements and registration details please send an email to: info@csiaontario.com. Deadline is March 15th, 2024 (which may be extended).
Northern Ontario Grant Program for Level 1 CSIA aiming for Level 2:
Launching in March, this program has been created to address the higher costs for training and travel in the North. Sign up for a Level 2 Course in the North at snowpro.com.
CSIA Ontario Season End Fun Day:
Get ready to groove and carve your way through CSIA Ontario’s Member Appreciation Fun Day on Saturday March 23, 2024 (Craigleith or Calabogie) or Sunday March 24, 2024 (Laurentian). There will be a 60s, 70s, and 80s theme! Tickets include lift pass, events and free sessioning. Prizes for the best costumes, hair and 70’s skiing style!
Registration is free for CSIA Members residing in Ontario. Click below to sign up:
WHAT’S NEW IN ALBERTA?
The Alberta Region would like you to save the date for our Annual Spring Fling in Jasper this season on April 13-14. Spring Fling will be held at Marmot Basin starting at $50 per person per day and will be live on the CSIA website soon! Also, join us for a weekend warm up evening in Jasper on the night of April 12.
Day 1 events include fun racing, synchro competitions and expression sessions. We will be holding our AGM both virtually and live at the Forest Park Hotel in Jasper on the night of our Spring Fling Banquet on April 13. Day 2 events will include exam preparations for Level 3, Member engagement and ski improvement sessions.
We are looking forward to our 85th annual Pro Day Sessions. These sessions will include outreach to some of our Prairie based hills like Kinosoo Ridge, Sunridge, Hidden Valley, Pass Powderkeg, and the mountain resort of Nakiska.
WHATS NEW IN BC/YUKON?
Ski-Town 2024 Contest – Deadline for entries is March 10, 2024
Does your ski community, resort and Snow School have what it takes to be crowned BC/Yukon’s Ski-Town 2024? Show the Region why your Snow School/resort stands above all others by submitting a video that shows what makes your resort unique and how your Snow School, resort and ski community come together to share the passion and spirit of skiing. For more details, check out our website.
Regional Events
-Northern Festival at Troll has been re-scheduled to March 23-24, 2024.
-Save the date – Spring Fling at Big White, April 13-14, 2024. Details coming soon.
-City Lights and City Sessions – Cypress on March 14. Looking to add more dates as conditions improve.
-Spring Pro Days coming soon.
For the latest information check the Events section of the website.
Harper Mountain Celebrates 50 Years!
Located outside Kamloops, Harper Mountain has been family owned and operated since 1973. Learn more about the history of Harper Mountain on our website.
Welcome to the Board
The BC/Yukon Region welcomes Charlotte Judd from Mount Washington to the Board. Meet Charlotte and the rest of Board in the About Us section of the website.
SKI TIPS AND WELLNESS
ALIGNING WOMEN-SPECIFIC TRAINING GROUPS WITH BUSINESS OBJECTIVES IN SNOW SPORTS SCHOOLS – PART 1
By Christine Davidson, CSIA Level 4 Instructor, CSIA Level 3 Course Conductor, ACA DL, Interim Chair Women in Skiing Committee (WIS)
Navigating Perceptions and Stereotype Threat
Across the country women identifying Ski Instructors are making strides in professional development by establishing informal women-specific training groups.
While these grass roots training initiatives are wonderful to see they are limited in scope by the capacity of the women who volunteer to organize them. However, the inception of formal women-specific training groups in Snow Sports Schools is not without its challenges, often stirring debates around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) best practices.
This is the first of a two-part article that will explore the impact of gender imbalance in Snow Sports Schools and a potential solution that is showing real promise, women-specific training groups.
One prevailing concern is the notion that women-specific training groups might inadvertently exclude men.
At their core, women-specific training groups are not about sidelining men but about fostering an equitable learning environment. These groups aim to correct longstanding gender imbalances by providing tailored support that recognizes the distinct challenges faced by women.
This approach aligns with the broader principles of equity over equality—instead of offering the same resources to everyone (equality), these groups provide specific resources and opportunities needed by women to ensure they have the same chances for success as their male counterparts (equity).
By dedicating efforts to afford women equal chances for growth, these groups not only tackle the issue of inclusivity head-on but also confront stereotype threat—a phenomenon where individuals who are a minority in a group underperform in areas where they fear their actions might confirm negative stereotypes about their social group.
Women-specific training groups serve as a strategic response to this issue by creating safe, empowering spaces that mitigate the effects of stereotype threat. In these settings, women are liberated from the pressure of conforming to or combating stereotypes, enabling them to focus purely on their development and performance.
In part two we will look at the business case for women-specific training groups and the role of male colleague allyship in fostering their success.
NEW CSIA SKI TACTICS VIDEO SERIES
An initiative of the CSIA Technical Education Committee
The CSIA is announcing a fresh Ski Tactics Video Series brought to you by Ski Schools across Canada! Our goal is to offer valuable tips and tricks to all Members nationwide, pooling our expertise to enhance the experience for our clients. Join us in contributing your videos to the TEC committee. Please consult the guidelines for recording and submitting your tactics video in the Resources section of snowpro.com. Let’s unite and elevate our skiing game together!
Click below to see the first Ski Tactics videos featuring Roger Castonguay from the Tremblant Ski School in Quebec and Tom Klingspohn from Fernie Alpine resort in BC.