Winter Sports Company Avis 

I had a wonderful 18 weeks experience at Sun Peaks, Canada in 21-22 season, accomplishing everything I set out to do. Very big thanks to all the awesome people of Wintersports for making it all happen.

I was primarily aiming for a Lv.2 snowboard instructor but as I come from Thailand, a non-snow country, the opportunity to ride must be sought elsewhere. So to significantly improve my riding, I felt a proper training program was needed.

One of the best things about this program is the variety of trainer from the snow school that we got as our mentor, as each trainer have their strength and style. This, for me, was essential in making you more rounded, and then you apply and adapt their knowledge into your own. Living right in Sun Peaks resort itself is also very convenient, saves time and energy, so you can work hard and play harder.

As I was searching for an organizing agency to further my skills and certifications, I had a lot of questions in mind, and I thanked myself for in-boxing Wintersports. Rik was able to answer my questions, sort out, ease my concerns, and eventually, we came to a solution plan that caters to my interests and needs.

Special thanks to Rob, our Sunpeaks resort representative, who I felt is the gear behind the scene dealing with daily issues and management which is hardly an easy task.

I don’t think there is a ‘perfect’ program or company as there is always going to be uncertainty often time from unforeseeable circumstances. But if you have the right mindset and a trustworthy company you feel you can really communicate with and genuinely have your interest at hand, the sky is the limit.

Wintersports is small enough to cater to your individual needs, you are not just another number or a robot coming out of a factory line; and yet they are big enough to have all resources and professional personnel to organize such an impressive feat. A pretty sweet spot for me.

So my advice to anyone looking for a snowsports program is, don't make a decision until you give yourself a chance to talk to Wintersports. You won't regret it.

The WSC team have been a great company to deal with. They have a great relationship with the resort and everything was very smooth. We felt really comfortable when our son departed on his trip knowing he was in safe hands and there was always someone on hand to look out for him. Needless to say, he enjoyed every minute. We would, and have, recommended WSC to anyone thinking about this experience.

Would 1000% recommend the Winter Sports company!! The quality of the instructors, the atmosphere, the organisation of everything before and after the trip were all fantastic.

Rik and Emma have gone above and beyond to make this happen for us. I first spoke to the Winter Sports Company before covid over 2 years ago. My first attempt at the CSIA level 2 Certificate was stopped by covid mid-way and the trip cancelled the year after again because of covid.

When I called Rik a year ago to say I still want to do it the year after but we have a slight change of plans as I'm pregnant so we will all be coming from the UK to Canada with a 4-month-old baby on my maternity leave he was so incredibly supportive of this idea. He allowed me to wait until after labour to confirm if we will come to make sure both baby and I were healthy and doing well. Before our trip to Canada, he has made all the necessary arrangements, a baby play pen for the room, a big room with everything we might need and arranged for someone to help us with our luggage.

The Winter Sports Company really helped us pull off this idea that we ourselves weren’t sure we could manage! The instructors were so welcoming and helpful and made sure I was prepared for the exams, and I could not have been happier when I passed my Level 2!

I had an amazing time in Panorama while doing the ski instructor course L1&L2.

WinterSports Company’s administration (Rik and Emma) were communicative and helpful throughout the whole journey, and they did take proper care of everyone in the group.

Personally the whole stay felt like a winter sports camp, since you’re training almost every day and later in the evenings just hang out with friends, either chill and watch a movie or go to T-bar for some beers!

Instructors were professional and provided us with knowledge and skills required to pass the exams. Although it sometimes felt like there could be some more than just exam preparation skiing.

Meeting new people and making international friends for life - that’s definitely included!

Overall - really recommend to go with WSC.

In 2022, I got a permission from my company that I could take a 2 month vacation and started to look for the best programs for my skiing appetite. After a long period of research, there remained 2 candidates, one of which was 7 week CSIA Lev. 2 training course offered by WSC. The reason I chose WSC was simple. The way they responded my emails and requests! Emma and Ric were very sensitive, thorough, and best of all comforting. Due to Covid, I had to wait one more year and finally joined the course in the winter of 2022.

It was my first time skiing at Sun Peaks resort, which turned out to be the best place for ski-training. The reasons are following.
- Not so crowded even in the weekends!
- Well maintained and diverse groomed blue and blacks runs!
- Not super steep but still very challenging off piste powder and bumps courses!
- Easy access to backcountry!
- Super convenient ski-in / ski out hotels!
- Great foods!

For seven weeks, I enjoyed the best skiing of my life. The course consisted of four weeks of training, one week of free skiing, and 6 days of module and testing for CSIA Lev. 2.

Here are some good things about the ski training:
- Lots of training: 4 days a week, 5 hours a day!
- Being trained by 4 different very experienced and enthusiastic strong Lev. 3 instructors!
- Various Bolt’s-on programs, such as guided backcountry skiing, AST 1 and 2, Steep and Deep, ice fishing, shopping, etc.

However, there is one thing I want to suggest. The contents of the training seemed repetitive. All four instructors focused mainly on one skiing skill, basic medium-radius turn. According to the WSC homepage, each week we were supposed to be trained for different skiing skills, such as short turn and mogul skiing. But I don’t think we had enough training time for those skills. I know that a good medium radius turn is the foundation of all other skiing skills. However, training diverse skiing skills each week can makes the course much more fun, exciting and even educational. Hopping to be helpful, I tried to design a 4 weeks training course!

1st Week:
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days: medium radius turn
- 4th day: short radius turn
2nd Week:
- 1st and 2nd days: medium radius turn
- 3rd and 4th days: short radius turn
3rd Week:
- 1st day: medium radius turn
- 2nd day: short radius turn
- 3rd and 4th days: bumps and Trees
4th Week:
- 1st and 2nd days: carving turn
- 3rd and 4th days:teachings (access and drills)

There were so many good things, such as a superb skiing resort, an excellent training course, a convenient accommodation, great foods, …… The best of all was the people who worked for us and whom I met during the training! Once again, it was the best ski-vacation of my life and I will definitely join again if my company gives me another big vacation!

This company offers you everything you could want from a ski season; incredible options, incredible people, and most importantly incredible skiing… and snowboarding!

I went to Sunpeaks resort in BC, Canada, on the 18-week CSIA levels 1, 2 & 3 ski instructor training program. The opportunities available are endless. I got all the qualifications I’d planned on and more, ending the season on 9 quals. This course and company truly offer you everything you need to get into this industry and thrive.

The resort itself was great with a good variety of shops and restaurants, and everyone around is super friendly and always willing to help where they can. The mountain offers lots of different terrain and difficulty levels as well as the chance to explore Sunpeaks backcountry.

Our training was amazing! I was taught by a variety of instructors, each one with a new perspective and something new to teach. We also had a consistent couple of instructors for our training majority, allowing us to really get to know them and vice versa.

It has truly been an incredible season and I have all intentions of returning to Sunpeaks to continue my training and put my qualifications to use.

There are not enough stars here! We cannot recommend these guys more highly. They have been nothing short of amazing. Right from our initial enquiries they have been professional, personable, quick to respond, and have provided solid and reliable advice and guidance. A week before our son's departure date to Canada our son had a completely unexpected serious health situation which meant he was unable to go on the date, Rik and Emma were outstanding in helping us, including lengthy discussions on Christmas Eve and then throughout the Christmas holiday period. With their help and support our son was able to go out a month later. He has had (and is still having) a fantastic experience - not only gaining valuable skills but experiencing travel, independence and a different culture. Rik and Emma helped us to navigate the tricky path of the Visa process along with the sheer achievement of getting out to Canada during Covid times! Thank you guys and yes we can definitely recommend Wintersports Company.

As a parent I would 100% recommend the Winter Sports Company.

Our son signed up for the 18 week course and went to Sun Peaks in Canada with them in November 2021. For health reasons he had to cut short his trip by 4 weeks, but still managed to have an amazing time…he hasn’t stopped talking about his trip since he got back and was gutted he had to return early. From start to finish (and beyond) the support Rik, Emma and Rob have provided us, as his parents, has been second to none and above and beyond just professional courtesy. The support they provided our son, before, during and after his trip has been brilliant. They are reassuring, helpful and nothing is too much trouble. He is currently in the process of applying for a 2 year working visa to return to Canada next season and Rik has come up with ideas and options to help him gain employment and continue with his ski instructor development whilst he’s there.

Ultimately for us though, the most important thing was knowing the company cared about our son and looked out for him whilst he was away from home and during the times he was struggling. I cannot recommend Winter Sports Company highly enough, thank you Rik, Emma and Rob and everyone else in Sun Peaks associated with the company who provided such an amazing experience.

If you are looking to do any of your instructor qualifications & you can’t decide which provider to go with then look no further than Winter Sports, Especially if you are after the CSIA and/or CASI. I did the 7 week course due to my available time and budget. Winter Sports is by far the best package price to get out to Canada and get your instructor tickets. I have worked in the snow industry for the last 6 years with countless instructors that all have different governing body awards and it is well known that the CSIA & CASI are in the group of most universally recognised awards. Going with Winter Sports Company does not make you feel like a number but like you are part of the group. Rik and Emma want to get to know everybody who is on their course, no job is too big or too small for them which makes it all feel a lot more personal and that you are part of a tight knit group. I foolishly caused a very self inflicted injury on a Saturday night after a couple of pops and was in need of a hospital run and Rik was outside the hotel within minutes and made it seem like no issue at all. I was based at Panorama Resort which is beautiful, small town style which works great as you can get to know all the staff in the area. The slopes are quality!! Whilst it isn’t a resort with countless lifts & km of groomed piste it certainly doesn’t lack in great terrain. It is always well groomed and managed, the tayton bowl is backcountry heaven and it has a really good snow park to suit all ability levels. I stayed at a ski in ski out, a stones throw from the main base chairlift. The trainers from the local ski school were real professionals with a massive amount of experience in instructor training, you will be in very good hands. The restaurants in the area served amazing food and quality selection of beer.. what’s really important. After a heavy day on the slopes you can dip right into the hot pools for a soak which is more than ideal. I met a bunch of great top quality folk who were always up for a good time, many I hope to keep in touch with now we have gone our separate ways. It was without a doubt up there with the best 7 weeks of my life. If you have any questions that haven’t been answered through the reviews or the website then get on the phone to Rik and i’m sure he will be happy to talk through everything and get you your spot secured on a course.
Peace & Love ✌️

In Danish
7 Weeks Fast Track Course med WSC har været en fuldstændig fantastisk og uforglemmelig oplevelse. Panorama er et fantastisk og utrolig smukt ski resort. Både sneen, terrænet og instruktørerne er enestående. Gennem mit ophold i Canada har jeg mødt de skønneste mennesker fra rundt om i verden. Tusinde tak til WSC for denne oplevelse og jeres store hjælpsomhed.

In English
7 Weeks Fast Track Course with WSC has been an absolutely amazing and unforgettable experience. Panorama is an amazing and a very beautiful ski resort. Both the snow, the terrain and the instructors are exceptional. Through my stay in Canada I have met the most wonderful people from around the world. Thank you very much, WSC, for this experience and for your willingness to help.

This winter sports company is amazing. My daughter booked on their 7 week ski course in Panorama, Canada this January 2022. It was all well organised with flights, transfers and hotels booked for you. Rik was always available to advise and help if needed. The ski instructors were superb. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her time in Panorama, and would do it all over again if she could. We would totally recommend the Winter Sports Company.
Thank you Rik and Emma.

I went to Canada with winter sports company to do my level 1 ski instructor course on the 6th of January for 5 weeks. I found the course both fulfilling and enjoyable. after completing my level 1, I enjoyed it so much that I decided to extend my stay and complete my level 2. The resort that I stayed in was called panorama and it exceeded my expectations.
The instructors including Wil, Harry, Drew and Cam, were friendly, extremely knowledgeable and patient. I will defiantly be returning to panorama at some point in the future.
Both Rik and Emma were professional, helpful throughout my stay and always on hand to answer any queries that I might have.
I would recommend winter sports for anyone who sees their future in a snow related career.

The programme offered by the Winter Sports company is a fantastic experience which has allowed us to travel and work, wether professionally or simply to develop our skills as ski instructors. Definitely a great blowout after a tense period under cover-19 and all the restrictions it posed. I took part in a team based at Panorama ski resort in Canadian British Columbia which had some of the most dazzling views that never tire. It was certainly a gift to be able to see and ski those slopes everyday for seven weeks. The administrating team worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of our time and to provide us with more opportunities to explore and enjoy the region and its culture. The diverse array of instructors provided us all with an arsenal of skills, methods and techniques to further enhance our ski, rotating through the various personality types helped broaden our understanding of our snow sport, not to mention, they were all extremely friendly and supportive. Would greatly recommend this to anyone of all ages who wish to throw themselves at a fresh pace of life in some of the most beautiful spots on earth.

The Snowboard Instructors internship program at panorama is probably one of the best choices I have ever made. It's a fantastic adventure and experience. I have met so many interesting people and made so many new friends that I don't want to leave. Working as an instructor is probably one of the most fulfilling jobs there is! Even on a bad day you're still outside in the mountains sliding down the slopes witch beats most of my best days at home. The Winter Sports Company has done a great job of taking care of me and the other interns. There have been a few hiccups but overall I'm really happy I chose for the Winter Sports Company and wouldn't change my choice even if I could.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So picture this. Powder days in Tayton Bowl laying down some of the first tracks on untouched runs. People from all over the world brought together by a well deserved Jug of "hit the deck" at the end of the day. Some questionable decisions and late nights on the dance floor ! Breakfast buns and a coffee from the summit hut to keep you going the next day. As Rik would say. Feeling Olympic today !

The Winter Sports Company brought us all together and will always be cherished for inspiring confidence , forming friendships and sharing memories.

Say Cheese and strike your pose. It's your turn next.

- Panorama 2021/2022

My experience with The Winter Sports company was friendly, smooth and comfortable throughout!

I booked with WSC as their personal approach really made me feel valued and I knew my needs would be looked after.

I took part in the 11 Ski Instructor Level 2 Course in Sunpeaks, BC, Canada. The resort was lovely, accommodation was great, skiing area was amazing, great restaurants and amazing people! I achieved my Level 2 thanks to the support of the instructors and peers around me on the course.

If I ever look to train for my Level 3 CSIA qualification, WSC will be the first people I contact!

I would recommend WSC to anyone looking to become an instructor, or just looking to have a great time over a the winter season!

I booked the trip last minute and Rik and Emma were there to help me through visa applications as well as flights and everything in between. They were always happy to call whenever. I was part of the 7week fast track level one and two in panorama resort. I originally wasn’t to only do my level one but ended up staying on for the level two. The instructors were all amazing and taught everyone so much about skiing and the local area. The resort was also really nice we stayed in a hotel just a two second walk down the stairs to the ski hill which was incredibly lucky!! I met so many amazing people and have stayed in tough with majority since leaving the resort. Thank you Rik and Emma for making my trip as smooth as possible and thank you to all the 7 weekers for making my time amazing!!! I highly recommend doing this course with this company you won’t regret it!!!

This was my second time travelling and training with the Winter Sports Company and if I thought the last time was amazing this time was even better. Again we had Wil training us with the addition of Harry, Cam, Jason and Drew we had the best of the best people teaching and guiding us around the mountain.Their knowledge and experience of teaching and skiing, is inspiring and makes me want to keep progressing. Again Rik and Emma were always there to act as Mum and Dad when needed and always up for an update on the gossip too! This year I felt we bonded so much more with the staff at Pano, lots of new friendships were made and with almost all of us applying to go back next season I think it shows how much we loved the place.
Once again thank you Winter Sports company for this opportunity to gain new skills, new friendships and memories!

The Winter Sports company have been great. The company owners are very friendly and attentive, and are always willing to change things to accommodate you and how you want your season to go. I have had the best time out here in Panorama and have received my CASI level 1 and my CSIA level 1 & 2. Both the ski and snowboard instructors the company provide are awesome, I have learnt so much and always felt that the instructors wanted the best for me. Panorama resort as a whole is brilliant, there are a wide range of runs, the weather is great and the resort provides a free shuttle from the town (Invermere) to the mountain, which I have found very useful. The company owners Rik & Emma are wonderful, I have always felt safe and cared for under their support. I have had the best season ever and I have made many life long friends. I would do it all over again, thank you :)

Just got back from spending most of the season in Sun Peaks and Panorama with the WSC. What an incredible experience. Rik, Emma and Rob were brilliant. They were unfailingly helpful and eager to help make the experience the best it could be. Always available when things didn't go right to put them right. This season presented massive challenges to the industry due to Covid, resort staffing shortages and supply issues. I was constantly amazed how WSC team were constantly thrown curve balls, that they took in their stride, making sure every one got the courses and experience necessary to become instructors or ski patrollers and have great time while doing it.
The ski patrol course in particular is a very special opportunity that is hard to be beat. If you are serious about becoming a patroller this is the real deal.