WHY CHOOSE NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard? - Em-Online

“NONSTOP is an open proactive company that listens 

to its clients and consistently seeks to develop its 

product. The course directors, instructors, mountain 

and town are jewels that few other courses can hope 

to match. I can only thank everyone for making this 

a fantastic three months off work.” 

Nick Collins, 33, 11-Week Course, Fernie ‘05 

CONTENTS 1 

WELCOME 2 

COACHING & QUALIFICATIONS 3 

11-WEEK INSTRUCTOR COURSES 4 

6-WEEK ‘MASTER THE MOUNTAIN’ COURSE 7 

3-WEEK INSTRUCTOR COURSE 9 

2-WEEK & 3-WEEK IMPROVEMENT COURSES 10 

FERNIE 11 

RED MOUNTAIN 13 

BANFF 15 

WHY CHOOSE NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard? 17 

COSTS 18 

CASE STUDIES 19 

The air holidays and flights in 

this brochure are ATOL Protected 

by the Civil Aviation Authority. 

Our ATOL number is ATOL 5828. 

Order your FREE copy of the 

NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard 

either through the 

website or by calling us 

on 0870 241 8070 

NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard is a 

member of the Year Out Group, 

an association of leading UK 

organisations formed to promote 

the concept and benefits of well 

structured year out programmes. 

We are proud to have passed 

their stringent membership 

requirements which include 

three years’ operating experience, 

rigorous financial assessment and 

a valid ATOL licence. 

PHOTO CREDITS: The photos in our brochure were taken by Henry Georgi, Dan 

Hudson, Chris Marchand, Leslie Prentice, James Walker, Dave Richards and too 

many generous clients to name here. FRONT COVER: Dan Hudson (1st column 

3rd box down), Leslie Prentice (1st column 5th box down), Panorama Mountain 

Village (3rd column 3rd box down), and Red Resort (3rd column 5th box down) 

For loads more information please visit: 

WWW.NONSTOPSKI.COM 

WWW.NONSTOPSNOWBOARD.COM 

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WWW.NONSTOPSKI.COM WWW.NONSTOPSNOWBOARD.COM 0870 241 8070

WELCOME 

INTRODUCING THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME 

NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard is a family-run company with a passion for the 

mountains, snow and adventure. We offer a friendly, personal service and aim 

to provide you with the experience of a lifetime in some of the world’s most 

stunning scenery. 

Based in the Western Canada we offer both instructor courses and improvement 

camps. Our programmes offer the chance to significantly develop your skiing 

or snowboarding, challenge yourself in new environments, experience foreign 

cultures and make a host of new friends. Whether you’re taking time out 

from work or study, or looking for a winter holiday with a difference, we have 

the course for you. 

“EVERYTHING IS AWESOME: 

THE ACCOMMODATION, 

THE INSTRUCTION, 

THE PEOPLE, THE POWDER! “ 

Miranda Akhurst, 19, 11-Week Course, Fernie ‘03 

Our instructor courses will develop your communication and leadership 

skills while offering a range of useful qualifications. Many people choose 

our instructor courses as a focused way of spending their Gap Year or Career 

Break; while others have used their newly acquired skills to create an 

exciting lifestyle instructing at ski resorts around the world. Whatever your 

motivations, our courses will provide you with a productive, challenging and 

life-changing experience. 

We hope you enjoy our brochure and reading about the various courses 

we offer. Our website provides further detail on the coaching, courses, and 

resorts. Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have and we 

look forward to seeing you on the snow. 

Rupert Taylor & Melissa Taylor (That’s us playing on the left) 

WWW.NONSTOPSKI.COM WWW.NONSTOPSNOWBOARD.COM 0870 241 8070 

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COACHING & QUALIFICATIONS 

THE NONSTOP FORMULA 

NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard are proud to work with some of Canada’s 

most experienced and respected ski and snowboard instructors. Over 

the past few years we have formed an impressive team with some of 

the industry’s leading trainers and examiners shaping the structure 

and character of our programmes. Please visit our website for full 

details of our team of staff in Canada and profiles of our instructors. 

The varied terrain and fantastic snow conditions that the Canadian 

Rockies are renowned for result in a rapid rate of progression. The 

coaching will develop your personal skiing/riding technique in all 

conditions including on the piste, in the terrain park, through the 

trees and in the powder. By the time you leave you’ll be skiing/riding 

terrain you would previously only have dreamt of! 

Our courses cater for novice to advanced skiers and snowboarders and 

groups are organised according to ability and experience. The groups 

are small and personal - between five and eight people - guaranteeing 

one-to-one attention. Each week the instructors move between 

groups ensuring you gain from their individual teaching styles and 

the collective knowledge of the whole team. 

Over the past three years our clients and instructors have suggested 

that five days of coaching per week did not allow enough free-skiing/ 

riding time. We have therefore improved our programmes so that, 

while the amount of coaching has not changed, it is now concentrated 

within four days per week, allowing a free day for skiing/riding with 

friends, practising new skills, or having a rest day. The weekends are 

still busy with experiences such as cat-skiing, avalanche courses, 

backcountry touring and trips to other resorts. 

“TO BE HONEST I DON’T THINK I COULD HAVE HAD 

A BETTER SET OF INSTRUCTORS. ALL OF THEM ARE 

EXCELLENT AND HAVE HELPED ME BECOME THE RIDER I 

WANT TO BE. NO IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE MADE.” 

Chris Gibbons, 26, 11-Week Course, Banff ‘05 

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 

NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard provides the opportunity to gain CSIA 

(Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance) and CASI (Canadian Association 

of Snowboard Instructors) qualifications. Both organisations are 

members of the ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association) and 

are highly regarded for their development of innovative and effective 

skiing/snowboarding techniques and instruction methods. 

Canadian instructor qualifications are internationally recognised and 

could see you working in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, USA, the 

European Alps, Japan or South America. 

Working as an instructor : After the course we provide ongoing 

support, contacts and advice for those applying for instructor jobs. 

Our ‘Working in the Industry’ information pack will guide you through 

the process of securing your dream job. Many of our past clients have 

gone on to work in various resorts around the world, and continue 

to develop their skills and experience whilst working towards further 

qualifications. Please visit our website to read case studies on their 

experiences after completing the NONSTOP course. 

WE OFFER THE CHANCE TO GAIN THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS: 

• The Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) Levels 1 & 2 

• The Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors 

(CASI) Levels 1 & 2 

• Canadian Ski Coaches Federation (CSCF) Level 1 (Race) 

• CSIA Freeski 1 (Freestyle) 

“EXCELLENT TEACHERS, TOTALLY COMMITTED TO HELPING 

US IMPROVE AND ALWAYS POSITIVE, ENERGETIC AND 

MOTIVATING. THE BEST INSTRUCTORS I HAVE EVER HAD. ” 

Clare Wilson, 24, 11-Week Course, Fernie ‘05 

• CASI Freestyle Coach Level 1 

• CASI Race Coach Level 1 

• Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers 1 (Red Mt only) 

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11-WEEK INSTRUCTOR COURSES 

AN ADVENTURE, A CHALLENGE, A LIFE EXPERIENCE 

Offered in Fernie, Red Mountain, Whistler and Banff our 11-week courses are an ideal Career Break or Gap Year experience, providing the chance to 

master your skiing/snowboarding whilst opening up exciting opportunities within the ski industry. Qualifying as a ski/snowboard instructor will 

develop communication, management and team-leadership skills, making your CV stand out from the crowd. 

Our 11-week courses offer far more than simply an instructor training programme. Incorporating additional courses, evening classes, weekend travel, 

and regular social events our 11-week courses provide you with a fun, focused and structured way of spending a winter in the mountains. We offer 

the ultimate season experience. 

COACHING 

Whilst each of our 11-week instructor courses is unique, the overall design of each programme 

structure remains the same. In all three resorts we provide the highest standard of professional 

coaching available, developing your own personal ski and snowboard skills whilst preparing 

you for the instructor examinations. 

Throughout the course we focus on improving your all-mountain technique so that you’re 

skiing/riding at instructor level on all types of terrain. Each week you’ll work on your carving, 

freestyle and off-piste skills while learning the instructor techniques required to gain your 

qualifications. These include developing your communication and teaching skills, technical 

knowledge, and detection and correction methods. There are a range of qualifications (see 

page 3) that you can train for, each of which focuses on different aspects and levels of your 

chosen sport. 

After you have gained the Level 1 certification, you can either choose to train for further 

instructor qualifications, or simply concentrate on improving your own free-skiing/riding, race 

technique or freestyle skills. 

In addition to the on-snow coaching, we provide ongoing video analysis and weekly technical 

seminars as well as opportunities to gain work experience in the local ski school, an invaluable 

experience that will facilitate future employment. 

Outside the lessons, skiers and snowboarders are integrated on all our courses except on the 

Fernie 11-week course where the NONSTOP Ski course and the NONSTOP Snowboard course are 

run separately. 

“THE BEST THING I’VE EVER DONE! 

NOT ONLY DID I GET TO SPEND MY 

GAP YEAR WAIST DEEP IN POWDER, 

BUT I MADE SOME GREAT FRIENDS 

AND MANAGED TO GET SOME 

USEFUL QUALIFICATIONS ALONG 

THE WAY! THE INSTRUCTORS WERE 

AMAZING AND I JUST WISH I COULD 

DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!” 

Sarah Good, 18, 11-Week Course, Banff ‘05 

1-TO-1 COACHING 

During the course you will receive valuable 

private coaching sessions. This unique 

opportunity enables us to concentrate on any 

specific technical or instructing skills you want 

to improve. 1-to-1 coaching also provides a 

chance for you and your instructor to discuss 

your goals for the programme. 

WEEKEND TRIPS 

Included in the course cost are a wide selection of 

weekend trips which ensure that you experience 

as much of Western Canada as possible. Our 

‘activity credit’ system allows us to offer new 

trips and enables you to select which ones you 

want to come on. Further details are outlined on 

the resort pages and on our website. 

EVENING CLASSES 

We offer the chance to take a range of evening 

courses including Foreign Languages, Yoga, 

Pilates and Cookery. 


4

11-WEEK INSTRUCTOR COURSES 

(CONTINUED) 

ENHANCING YOUR ALL-ROUND MOUNTAIN KNOWLEDGE 

In addition to developing your skiing or snowboarding and instructor skills our 11-week courses include a wide range of additional training to ensure 

you have the knowledge and experience to push your skiing or snowboarding to the next stage. We believe it is vital you have the skills to make 

safe decisions so that you can fully enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. For those keen to pursue a career in the ski industry the additional 

training these courses provide will help your CV stand out. We use fully certified professional guides and lecturers who have extensive experience in 

the local area. The courses are held on various weekends during the 11-weeks and are good fun as well as useful. 

AVALANCHE COURSE 

Essential training for off-piste skiers and snowboarders covering avalanche theory, routemaking 

decisions, snow stability assessment and search-and-rescue techniques. You will learn 

how to judge avalanche risk and how to use equipment such as transceivers and probes. The 

course involves classroom sessions followed by a day in the backcountry. 

SURVIVAL / BACKCOUNTRY WEEKEND 

This is one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of the course. Having had a 

classroom-based preparation seminar we hike out into the backcountry where we set up 

camp for the night. In groups of between two and four we dig snow caves or ‘quincies’ (Like 

an igloo but easier to build) for the night. The trip is led by an experienced mountain guide. 

EMERGENCY FIRST AID 

A requirement for many ski schools and recommended for backcountry skiing and riding, the 

first-aid course provides practical experience, knowledge and confidence on how to react to an 

emergency. A wide variety of first-aid topics are covered, such as how to deal with frostbite, 

bleeding, breaks, and shock. 

SKI/SNOWBOARD MAINTENANCE 

A comprehensive evening session covering ski and snowboard design and construction 

methods, as well as essential tuning and maintenance techniques needed to keep your skis or 

snowboard performing consistently in all conditions. You’ll learn about base preparation, edge 

sharpening and waxing. 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

This half-day session with a local professional photographer includes tuition on how to take 

the best images on the mountain, from landscape to action shots. All experience levels and 

camera types are catered for and it’s a great opportunity to make sure you have some quality 

shots of yourself and your mates. 

5 


THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING RESORTS: 

FERNIE - Page 11 

RED MOUNTAIN - Page 13 

BANFF - Page 15 

WHISTLER - See insert 

PLEASE ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING PAGES: 

WHY CHOOSE NONSTOP? - Page 17 

COSTS - Page 18 

CASE STUDIES - Page 19 

“IT WAS THE PERFECT WAY TO 

SPEND A CAREER BREAK – GAINING 

QUALIFICATIONS, MAKING NEW 

FRIENDS AND HAVING GREAT FUN 

ALONG THE WAY. A BIG THANK YOU 

TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN ENSURING 

THAT MY CAREER BREAK WAS A 

WORTHWHILE EVENT.” 

Paul Egan, 46, 11-Week Course, Red Mt ‘05 

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS 

FERNIE : Located in the heart of downtown Fernie, the NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard course centre 

is the ideal place to relax and hang out with your friends after a day on the mountain. Recently 

renovated, it has a large communal lounge with wood-burning stove, a TV room, games area 

with a pool table and table football, internet access, a ski/board tuning workshop, and a large 

kitchen and dining area (see photos on page 11). 

Seasonaires share twin rooms in houses located just a short walk from the town centre. Each 

house sleeps between 4 and 12 people and has a comfortably furnished sitting room (with TV, 

VCR and stereo), dining area and fully equipped kitchen. Single rooms are also available for an 

additional fee. 

During the week breakfasts and hearty home-style evening meals are served at our course 

centre and popular local restaurants. 

RED MOUNTAIN : Seasonaires share twin rooms in comfortably furnished homes in downtown 

Rossland. Each house sleeps between 4 and 10 people and has a shared sitting room with TV, 

DVD and stereo, as well as a dining area and fully equipped kitchen. Single rooms are available 

for an additional fee. On weekdays evening meals are provided in a popular local restaurant. 

BANFF : Situated just a two-minute walk from the centre of Banff, the comfortable Y Mountain 

Lodge is close to all the action, so the cold walk home from the bar will be kept short. The 

Lodge has a large communal lounge, gym facilities and a popular licensed bistro. Additionally 

our seasonaires have their own building in the lodge grounds which acts as our private sitting 

room for watching videos, playing table-football and hanging out with friends. 

Most seasonaires will share comfortable twin bedrooms, with double beds and en-suite 

bathrooms. Single rooms are available for an additional charge while triple or quad rooms are 

available for a discounted course price. 

Weekday breakfasts will be served before the shuttle bus whisks you away to the day’s chosen 

resort. Evening meals are provided in the Lodge’s licensed dining room and a selection of 

popular local restaurants. 

“THIS COURSE HAS BEEN SO 

BENEFICIAL NOT ONLY TO MY SKIING 

BUT TO LIFE SKILLS IN GENERAL. I 

HAVE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED MY TIME 

HERE AND HAVE MADE SOME GREAT 

FRIENDS. A BRILLIANT TIME! THANK 

YOU ONCE MORE.” 

Russell Coombes, 19, 11-Week Course, Fernie ‘04 

PRE & POST STAYS 

For those who are keen to spend a longer amount 

of time in Canada we offer flexible flight dates 

and additional accommodation before and after 

the 11-week course. By the end of the course you 

won’t want to leave your new home - almost 

90% of past seasonaires chose to extend their 

trips. We now organise a second Level 2 exam 

during this Post Stay so less experienced clients 

have extra time to reach the required standard. 

Please visit our website or call the office for 

further information. 


6

6-WEEK ‘MASTER THE MOUNTAIN’ COURSE 

FOCUSED COACHING, INSTRUCTOR TRAINING, AND OFF-PISTE ADVENTURE 

Held in Fernie, our ‘Master the Mountain’ course will develop your all-mountain skills so that you can ski or snowboard with confidence and style 

both on the piste and in the backcountry powder. Additionally, as part of your ski or snowboard improvement you will be coached to achieve the 

Level 1 Canadian instructor qualification, which subject to obtaining a work visa, could enable you to work as an instructor for the rest of the season. 

This course is suitable for intermediate-to-advanced skiers and snowboarders and, as a minimum, you should have at least five weeks of on-snow 

experience. If you’re thinking of taking time out from work or study, looking for an adventure, and are for a challenge, then our ‘Master the Mountain’ 

course is for you. 

COURSE STRUCTURE 

In order to improve not just your ski or 

snowboard technique but your ‘all mountain’ 

skills the coaching takes place in two mountain 

environments. In the boundaries of Fernie Alpine 

Resort and in the famed Canadian Rockies 

backcountry wilderness. This combination 

allows you to fine tune your technique within 

the patrolled area of the resort and then develop 

your off-piste skills in the untracked powder of 

the backcountry. 

COACHING 

Directed by Jens Mende, one of Canada’s most respected ski pros and instructor examiners, our 

team of ski and snowboard coaches will focus on improving your technique in all conditions: 

on the piste, in the moguls, through the trees, down slalom courses, in the terrain park and 

in the powder. By the end of the course you’ll be able to tackle any challenge the mountain 

throws at you. 

From Monday to Thursday each week you will receive five hours of instruction per day. Fernie is 

renowned for some of the best and most varied terrain in North America; from perfect groomed 

pistes to deep powder runs through gladed trees and down open bowls. The vast majority of 

the terrain within the resort boundaries is regarded as off-piste so your ‘all mountain’ skills 

will constantly be tested and improving. Fernie was voted best North American Resort in 2004 

and is famed for it’s ‘steep and deep conditions.’ 

As part of the programme you’ll train towards the Canadian Level 1 Instructor qualification, the 

assessment for which will be at the end of week five. Training to instructor level will have huge 

beneficial effects on your personal skiing or snowboarding as it provides a technical approach 

to the two sports. This enables you to effectively analyse and correct your own mistakes which 

in turn results in a steeper learning curve. 

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES A SEASON PASS SO 

THOSE WANTING TO STAY IN CANADA CAN SKI 

FOR UP TO FIVE MONTHS. 

7 


THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING RESORTS: 






BACKCOUNTRY TOURING 

AVALANCHE COURSE : Close to the start of the course you’ll take a two day Recreational 

Avalanche Course which provides essential knowledge and skills to confidently enjoy the 

pleasures of off-piste skiing and snowboarding (see page 5 for further details). 

GUIDED OFF-PISTE TOURING : During the third week you will experience off-piste touring with 

professional mountain guides, a great chance not only to practise the skills you learnt on the 

avalanche course, but also to concentrate on your powder technique. These trips will give you 

a good understanding of touring equipment, help develop your fitness, and prepare you for the 

cabin-based touring trip held in the sixth week of the course. 

CABIN-BASED TOURING ADVENTURE : After five weeks of coaching your skiing/snowboarding 

will be much improved and you’ll be pushing yourself on terrain you perhaps previously 

avoided. After the Level 1 instructor course we head out on a four-day off-piste experience at 

Rogers Pass, one of North America’s better known powder destinations. Staying in a remote 

log cabin you’ll experience a true Canadian backcountry experience and be able to enjoy some 

of the best off-piste skiing/snowboarding straight from the front door. 

“THE COMBINATION OF A FANTASTIC LOCATION, A 

HIGHLY INFORMED AND SKILLED STAFF AND A BIG 

FOCUS ON FUN EQUALS A FANTASTIC 6 WEEKS. MY 

ONLY COMPLAINT IS IT WENT TOO QUICKLY” 

Neil Gamble, 6-Week Course, Fernie ‘06 

WEEKENDS 

Your weekends are a chance for a well earned 

break after a week of challenging yourself on the 

snow. However some people can’t bear to miss 

a day on snow. Additionally we arrange a trip to 

nearby Castle Mountain, one of Canada’s more 

challenging resorts and renowned for its powder 

conditions. A memorable day cat-skiing can also 

be arranged. 

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS 

Located in downtown Fernie close to the shops, restaurants and bars, our houses offer a convenient base for the duration of your course. Each house 

sleeps between 4 and 8 people and has a comfortably furnished sitting room (with TV, VCR/DVD and stereo), dining area and fully equipped modern 

kitchen. Most participants share a twin room although there are a limited amount of single rooms. We also have a course centre which has comfy 

sofas, a wood burning stove, pool table, table football, movie room, ski/board tuning workshops, internet stations, wifi access, and a dinning area. 

Healthy, hearty and tasty weekday breakfasts and evening meals are held in local restaurants and are a good way of socializing together. Please 

turn to pages 11-12 for details about Fernie. 


8

3-WEEK INSTRUCTOR COURSE 

A SHORT BREAK WITH A PURPOSE 

Held in Fernie, our three-week course provides the perfect opportunity to push your skiing 

or snowboarding to that next level whilst also gaining the CSIA or CASI Level 1 instructor 

qualification. The course is ideal as a break from work or study and for those who want to gain 

the instructor qualification and spend the rest of the season instructing.* 

The course takes place over the New Year when traditionally the snow in Fernie is deep and 

light. You’ll improve your off-piste technique while learning useful instructing skills that will 

progress your skiing or snowboarding and give your winter break a focus and a challenge. 

* Please note that in order to instruct in Canada you will require a working visa. Please call us for more information. 

“WORLD-CLASS COACHING, UNTOUCHED POWDER 

BOWLS AND ADRENALIN-PUMPING TREE RUNS.” 

Jonathon Curtin, 20, 3-Week Course, Fernie ‘05 

ALL THE 2-WEEK AND 3-WEEK COURSES ARE HELD IN: 



COACHING & QUALIFICATIONS - Page 3 




“I LEARNT MORE ON THE 3-WEEK INSTRUCTOR 

COURSE IN FERNIE THAN IN THE 26 YEARS OF 

EUROPEAN INSTRUCTION I HAVE HAD SINCE I 

STARTED SKIING.” 

Robert Turner Cain, 31, 3-Week Course, Fernie ‘04 

THE COACHING 

Designed for intermediate-to-advanced skiers and snowboarders, the coaching follows a 

similar structure to our 11-week instructor courses, concentrating on your technique in a 

variety of conditions, as well as the skills required to gain the Level 1 instructor certification 

- see page 3 for details of the qualifications. There are five hours of coaching, four days a 

week. In preparation for the Level 1 exam, held at the end of the 3 weeks, you will develop 

your technical knowledge, communication and teaching skills, and detection and correction 

methods. Training towards instructor certification significantly benefits your own skiing or 

snowboarding as it provides a technical approach enabling you to effectively analyse and 

correct your own mistakes. 

The coaching will include regular video analysis and improve your skiing and snowboarding on 

the piste, through moguls and crud, down tight tree runs, and in the famous Fernie powder. 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION APPLIES TO ALL OUR 

2-WEEK & 3-WEEK COURSES 

MOUNTAIN SAFETY TRAINING 

In addition to your on-snow coaching you will learn essential backcountry 

techniques including safe off-piste travel, avalanche awareness and searchand-rescue 

techniques. This CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) affiliated 

course includes evening theory sessions as well as backcountry field days. 

Although dependent on the weather, there may be an opportunity to take 

our winter survival course, camping out overnight in a snow cave that you 

will build yourself. 

9 

CAT SKIING 

One of the highlights of the course is a day cat skiing. Held on the final 

weekend this experience provides the perfect opportunity to test your 

newly developed skills in the untracked powder of the Fernie backcountry.

2-WEEK & 3-WEEK IMPROVEMENT COURSES 

PICTURE THIS... 

You’re standing at the top of an untouched tree run with fresh powder up to your knees. The 

sun is shining and the trees around you are heavily laden with fresh snow… How will you fare? 

After skiing or snowboarding with our professional coaches in the Fernie powder you’ll be 

tearing through conditions and terrain you previously thought IMPOSSIBLE! 

If you’re looking for a winter holiday with a difference, want to focus on really improving 

your skiing or snowboarding in a fun and sociable environment, then our ski/snowboard 

improvement courses are for you. After feedback from our past clients who wished they could 

have stayed in Fernie for longer we now offer two-week and three-week options. 

THE COACHING 

Our improvement courses will significantly develop your skiing or snowboarding whilst 

teaching useful mountain safety skills enabling you to ski/snowboard off-piste with confidence. 

You will receive five hours of coaching per day, four days per week. Our instructors are carefully 

hand picked for their coaching experience and knowledge of the local terrain. They will develop 

your all-mountain technique, teaching you on the piste, through moguls and crud, down tree 

runs and in the powder. 

During the coaching you will be videoed skiing in all conditions and over après-ski drinks, 

your coach will provide helpful analysis and feedback. We arrange a boot-fitting evening and 

a ski/snowboard tuning seminar which ensure that you get the best out of your equipment. 

By the end of the course you’ll have made a load of new friends who share your passion, and 

developed the skills necessary to ski or snowboard off-piste with confidence and style. 

“THE COURSE COMPLETELY EXCEEDED MY 

EXPECTATIONS, WITH GREAT INSTRUCTION AND 

A PACKED AGENDA. THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO 

BACKCOUNTRY TOURING AND CAT-SKIING SHOULD 

NOT BE MISSED. HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR PEOPLE 

WHO CLASS THEMSELVES AS ‘I CAN GET DOWN ANY 

PISTE BUT MY OFF-PISTE NEEDS A BIT OF WORK.’ 

ALL IN ALL, GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY AND THE 

BEST SKIING HOLIDAY I’VE HAD TO DATE.” 

Emma Roche, 27, 2-Week Course, Fernie ‘05 

“AN AWESOME TWO WEEKS, GREAT PEOPLE 

AND WELL ORGANISED. THE INSTRUCTION WAS 

BRILLIANT, I LEARNT LOTS AND LOVED THE CAT- 

SKIING. FERNIE IS A FANTASTIC TOWN WITH LOTS OF 

GREAT PUBS FOR EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS!” 

Clemmie Innes, 20, 2-Week Course, Fernie ‘04 

ACCOMMODATION 

Located in the heart of downtown Fernie, the NONSTOP course centre is 

the ideal place to relax and hang out with your friends after a day on 

the mountain. Recently renovated, it has a large communal lounge with 

wood-burning stove, a TV room, games area with a pool table and table 

football, internet access, a ski/board tuning workshop, and a large kitchen 

and dining area. 

We offer twin rooms in comfortable homes located in the heart of 

downtown Fernie. All houses have communal kitchens, dining areas and 

comfortable living rooms. A limited number of single rooms are available 

at an additional cost. Weekday breakfasts and evening meals will be served 

in a popular local restaurant (more info on pages 11-12). 

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 

We organise a top bash including a 3-course meal, dancing and the 

obligatory post-dinner snowball fight. 

10

FERNIE 

‘RESORT OF THE YEAR’ GOOD SKI & SNOWBOARD GUIDE 2004 

Renowned for its powder, fantastic ski terrain and community atmosphere, Fernie has recently undergone an explosion in popularity and is fast 

becoming one of North America’s most highly rated resorts. However, Fernie is not your typical tourist destination. There’s a distinctive friendly, 

laid-back culture, leading Rolling Stone Magazine to vote it “North America’s Coolest Town.” 

Since the start of NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard Dave Richards has been instrumental in the development and character of our programmes. Having 

worked as a ski instructor and now a local ski guide and college lecturer on mountain activities, Dave is the perfect person to help you make the 

most of your time in Fernie. 

THE MOUNTAIN 

Highlighted in Explore Magazine as “one of Canada’s best communities to live and play”, Fernie 

is a place that residents and visitors alike are happy to keep a secret. Although unspoilt by 

mass tourism and package holidays, Fernie is in fact the fourth largest ski resort in Canada and 

is rapidly becoming the place to spend a season. 

Locally referred to as ‘Snow Valley’, the area boasts an incredible average annual snowfall of 

over 29ft (875cm) and regularly has the deepest snowpack and biggest powder dumps in North 

America. Renowned for its ‘steep and deep’ conditions, Fernie has varied terrain to challenge 

all abilities, from demanding chutes and tree runs to mellow gullies and perfectly groomed 

pistes. The terrain park has recently been expanded and boasts a wide range of features from 

beginner kickers and rails to a wall ride and a wide variety of tabletops. The resort spreads over 

five large bowls, at the base of which lies the resort village with some great restaurants and 

bars perfectly situated for an après-ski beer. 

“THE BEST SKI TOWN IN CANADA.” 

Ski Canada Magazine 

THE TOWN 

Fernie is famous not only for its powder 

conditions but also for its exceptionally friendly 

atmosphere and welcoming locals. Popular with 

travellers lured to the area by tales of the epic 

powder Fernie has a vibrant cultural scene with 

regular arts and music events. A few minutes’ 

walk from our accommodation downtown Fernie 

offers an excellent selection of restaurants, bars, 

nightclubs, coffee shops and ski/snowboarding 

shops. There is also a swimming pool (with huge 

hot tub for an après-ski soak), ice skating rink, 

gym, and cinema. 

11 


THE FOLLOWING COURSES ARE OFFERED AT THIS RESORT: 

11-WEEK INSTRUCTOR COURSE - Page 4 

6-WEEK ‘MASTER THE MOUNTAIN’ COURSE - Page 7 


2-WEEK & 3-WEEK IMPROVEMENT COURSES - Page 10 





WEEKEND TRIPS 

While on our courses we want you to experience as much of Canada as 

possible. All of our course directors are local to the resorts we use and 

are keen to show you the best that the Rockies has to offer. Weekend 

trips are included in the 11-week course. 

SKI & SOAK 

A two-night trip to Banff visiting natural hot springs, experiencing the 

lively Banff nightlife, and skiing at Lake Louise and Sunshine. 

GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY SKIING 

A chance to apply the skills learnt on the Avalanche course exploring 

the pristine wilderness of the Fernie backcountry. 

OVERNIGHT TRIP TO CALGARY 

An action-packed weekend watching NHL ice hockey and experiencing 

true ‘Western’ style nightlife! 

BIG MOUNTAIN (USA) 

An overnight trip across the border to Montana. Experience Big 

Mountain ski resort and the traditional bars of Whitefish. 

DAY TRIP TO KIMBERLEY 

Experience the extensive pistes of neighbouring Kimberley Resort. 

HELI / CAT SKIING 

A highlight of your season. Test your powder skills in the untracked 

bowls and tree runs of the backcountry wilderness. 

SNOWMOBILING 

Travelling deep into the backcountry led by professional guides, this 

exhilarating half-day tour will teach you the skills to operate your 

own snowmobile. 

DAY TRIP TO CASTLE MOUNTAIN 

Push yourself on the empty runs of one of the Rockies’ most 

challenging resorts. 

“GREAT TOWN, 

FANTASTIC PEOPLE, ROCKING NIGHTLIFE... 

I’LL BE BACK.” 

Nicola Hughes, 19, 11-Week Course, Fernie ‘05 


12

RED MOUNTAIN 

A BIG MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE WITH A SMALL TOWN VIBE 

Red Mountain offers world-class skiing and snowboarding with no lift queues, empty pistes, and a fantastic friendly atmosphere. Rated by National 

Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of North America’s “10 Great Adventure Towns to Live and Play” our Red Mountain course offers a true 

Canadian Mountain experience. 

We are delighted to have teamed up with Mark Impey and Dawn Manning to offer this exciting season experience. Mark and his wife Dawn have been 

running ski improvement and race camps at Red Mountain since 1996. Mark is the former Western programme director for the CSIA; he is a current 

member of the CSIA ambassador team and represented the CSIA at Interski. Mark and Dawn bring the NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard course extensive 

experience in organising improvement programmes, the highest standard of instructional staff, and an extensive knowledge of the Red Mountain 

winter scene. They look forward to hosting you and showing you all that Red Mountain has to offer. 

THE MOUNTAIN 

Although virtually unheard of in Europe, Red Mountain enjoys a legendary status among 

North America’s dedicated skiers and snowboarders. Opened in 1947, Red is one of Canada’s 

oldest resorts and has a reputation as a powder heaven with some of Canada’s most exciting 

terrain. This is a mountain that will push even the most experienced skiers and riders – Red has 

produced more national team racers than anywhere else in the country! 

The resort incorporates two mountain peaks, Red and Granite, both skiable 360 degrees around, 

offering an awesome variety of lines down gladed tree meadows, wide open groomed pistes 

and award-winning steeps. The skiing and snowboarding here is fun – there are banks, gullies, 

trees and cliff drops all over the resort as well as a terrain park and a friendly laid back 

mountain restaurant. In full view from the mountain summit extensive backcountry options 

offer easily accessible fresh powder when the resort has finally been tracked. 

THE TOWN 

The attractive town of Rossland lies just three 

kilometres from the resort and at an elevation 

of 1023m is one of Canada’s highest settlements. 

Once a booming gold mining centre, in winter 

Rossland is a characteristic ski town whose 

resident population of 4000 is supplemented 

by travellers from all over the globe who come 

to ride its infamous ‘steep and deep’ terrain. The 

town has a relaxed, laid back scene and you will 

quickly find yourself feeling part of this active ski 

community. There are several quality restaurants, 

bars and cafés as well as some excellent ski and 

snowboard stores, gift shops, library, gym and 

local swimming pool. 

Although renowned for its steeps, Red also has a mellow side, with half of its terrain ranked 

as intermediate, and has plenty of open bowls ideal for perfecting your technique. Because of 

Red’s location in central British Columbia the mountain is renowned for its crowd-free pistes, 

which means on a powder day there are always plenty of fresh lines to enjoy. 

“RED MOUNTAIN IS AN AWESOME PLACE: DEEP 

POWDER, GROOMED RUNS, TREE RUNS AND 

BACKCOUNTRY. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED...?” 

Shane Sanders, 31, 11-Week Course, Red Mt ‘05 

13 








WEEKEND TRIPS 





FIRST TRACKS 

Catching the last chair of the day you’ll spend the night with six 

others in a cosy, log-heated cabin at the summit of Granite Mountain. 

You’ll wake to enjoy fresh tracks before the resort has opened. 

SKI & SOAK WEEKEND 

An overnight trip to the City of Nelson, skiing at Whitewater resort 

(famed for its annual snowfall of 40ft!) soaking at natural hot springs, 

and enjoying Nelson’s nightlife. 

OVERNIGHT TRIP TO SPOKANE (USA) 

The city of Spokane, Washington, is just over two hours south of 

Rossland. We arrive in time for shopping opportunities and later take 

in a hockey game and some Spokane nightlife. 

SNOWMOBILING 

A full day of action with High Mountain Adventures, experience the 

exhilaration of operating your own snowmobile through the stunning 

Monashee Mountain Range. 

GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY SKIING 

A chance to apply the skills learnt on the Avalanche course exploring 

the pristine wilderness of the local backcountry. 

SNOWSHOEING 

A spectacular tour through the Nancy Greene Provincial Park. 

Your guides will take you along the remote trails of the Canadian 

wilderness and across the frozen Nancy Greene Lake. 

HELI / CAT SKIING 

A chance to put your powder skills to the test in the untracked bowls 

and tree runs of the backcountry wilderness.. 

“ROSSLAND IS A TRULY LOVELY, DISARMINGLY FRIENDLY 

PLACE AND GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY.” 

Tony Stronell, 38, 11-Week Course, Red Mt ‘05 


14

BANFF 

SKI THE BIG 3 - LAKE LOUISE, SUNSHINE AND NORQUAY 

Banff is a world-famous, lively and bustling ski town and is the gateway to three world-renowned resorts; Lake Louise, Sunshine and Norquay. You 

will live in this fun, energetic party town whilst training at not just one resort, not two, but at all three resorts! We are the only improvement and 

instructor course provider with the ability to instruct at all three of the Banff ski areas. You’ll have a massive 7,558 acres of ski area to train and play 

in, making our programme offer more variety than any other available. 

Grant Trammell has lived and skied in Banff for over 20 years and, as host of our Banff programmes, is the ideal person to show you all that the area 

has to offer. Grant oversees the running of our programmes and will be not only a great source of local knowledge but a support when you need 

help or advice. 

THE MOUNTAINS 

LAKE LOUISE : Lake Louise is world renowned for its extensive skiing, dry powder, modern 

services, and stunning scenery. The vast ski area is spread over four mountain faces to give a 

massive 4,200 acres of trails and pistes. The wide, well manicured pistes and the challenging 

opportunities off piste make it a resort for everyone. Louise has one of the largest terrain parks 

in North America including a competition-standard super-pipe. 

SUNSHINE : Sunshine is renowned for having some of Canada’s best and most reliable snow 

conditions. So good in fact that there’s no need for snow making! On average Sunshine 

receives a staggering 33ft of the white stuff a year! The resort has a huge range of terrain from 

wide groomed pistes to the recently opened ‘Delirium Dive’, an awesome double-black extreme 

ski/snowboard area that will push experienced skiers and riders to the limit. 

NORQUAY : Located just outside Banff, Norquay is the smallest of the three resorts but offers 

a wide variety of terrain, including challenging lines on some steep pitches. It is a quieter 

and more laid-back resort and when it snows this is one of the best places to get fresh tracks 

without long lift lines. Norquay has a well-maintained half pipe and terrain park as well as 

weekly night skiing. 

“BANFF IS AWESOME, THREE 

RESORTS ALL WITH VARIED TERRAIN 

PLUS GREAT NIGHTLIFE. AS FOR THE 

COURSE, WHAT CAN I SAY OTHER 

THAN SIX CLASS INSTRUCTORS AND 

AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME FOR AN 

AMAZING ELEVEN WEEKS.” 

Phil Throup, 23, 11-Week Course, Banff ‘05 

THE TOWN 

Situated in the heart of the National Park and 

surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, 

Banff is one of Canada’s best-known party 

towns and has an incredible selection of bars, 

clubs, restaurants and cafés. The town has a 

huge seasonaire scene, and with skiers and 

snowboarders from all over the world, the bars 

are always lively with regular live music. Banff 

has a huge selection of shops and clothing 

stores, several museums, art galleries, a cinema, 

theatre and natural hot springs, which offer the 

perfect après-ski relaxation. 

15 








WEEKEND TRIPS 





JASPER NATIONAL PARK 

An overnight trip to the stunning Jasper National Park, skiing at 

Marmot Basin resort and enjoying the laid-back mountain town 

nightlife. 

HELI-SKIING/RIDING 

Experience the trip of a lifetime! Flying high above the Bugaboo 

mountain range of British Columbia you’ll enjoy several exhilarating 

descents of unparalleled powder. 

PANORAMA, BC 

A day trip to Panorama Mountain Resort, two hours south of Banff, 

exploring the famous Taynton Bowl, formerly heli-ski terrain. 

SNOWMOBILING 

Travelling deep into the backcountry led by professional guides, this 

exhilarating day tour will teach you the skills to safely operate your 

own snowmobile. 

KICKING HORSE, BC 

A day trip to Kicking Horse ski resort, renowned for its uncrowded open 

powder bowls and steep chutes. 

JOHNSTON CANYON ICE WALK 

A half-day hike through the spectacular and eerie Johnston Canyon. 

Travel through prime wildlife habitat to the breathtaking icefalls that 

the area is famous for. 

TRIP TO CALGARY 

A chance to watch an NHL ice hockey game and experience true 

‘Western’ style nightlife! 

“I’M AMAZED AT HOW MUCH MY RIDING HAS DEVELOPED 

IN JUST ELEVEN WEEKS. FANTASTIC INSTRUCTORS, 

BEAUTIFUL BANFF AND LOTS OF SWEET SNOW.” 

Paul McClelland, 30, 11-Week Course, Banff ‘05 


16

WHY CHOOSE NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard? 

WHAT MAKES US SO SPECIAL 

We recognize that choosing how to spend your Gap Year, Career Break or 

holiday is a huge decision. Here’s why we believe our courses and holidays are the best available: 

WORLD-CLASS LOCATIONS We believe your Gap Year or Career Break should be about experiencing new and interesting places 

as well as learning new skills. Not content to follow the crowds, we offer courses at exciting, unexploited ski areas, all of which have phenomenal 

powder conditions, uncrowded pistes, vibrant local communities and the typical friendly atmosphere of the Canadian Rockies. 

PROFESSIONAL COACHING 

We have proven programme designs, an impressive 99% pass rate, and one of Canada’s most 

experienced and qualified team of instructors. Our technical directors represent the Canadian instructor organisations at an international level. 

VALUE FOR MONEY 

Offering return flights, superior accommodation, a wide range of additional courses, varied weekend trips, 

experienced staff, and a high staff-to-client ratio, we offer great value with no hidden costs. 

FINANCIALLY SECURE Unlike many of our competitors, we have secured an ATOL licence from the CAA. The bank guarantee, which 

backs up the licence, provides you with financial security for your investment – an important consideration given the fact that the course fees are 

payable several months in advance. 

KNOWLEDGEABLE 

LIFE EXPERIENCE 

We provide more than simply a training programme. Incorporating additional courses, evening classes, weekend 

travel, and regular social events we offer the ultimate winter experience. 

FLEXIBILITY 

FAMILY COMPANY 

All our course directors are experienced local residents who will inspire and show you all that the area has to 

offer. We do not employ young British reps to oversee our courses. From the team in the UK office to the residential staff in Canada, all our staff are 

certified instructors and have each spent extensive time at the resorts we use. 

We offer extended stays, including a five-month option, flexible flights, and a wide range of optional extras. In addition we 

are happy to organise customised training programmes for couples or groups. 

As a family-run business, our aim is to provide the highest levels of service, support and care. We believe the 

close-knit atmosphere of our courses is one of the most important factors of your experience. 

ACCOMMODATION We realise the importance of having a base you can call home during your stay in Canada. All our accommodations 

are centrally located, comfortably furnished, and provide the independence you require to fully integrate into the community. 

“I CHOSE NONSTOP BECAUSE IT’S A SMALL AND FRIENDLY COMPANY, THERE ARE LOTS OF EXTRAS ON OFFER, IT’S GOOD 

VALUE FOR MONEY, AND THE RESORT LOOKED AND SOUNDED AMAZING.”Y.” 

Lucy Steele, 23, 11-Week Course, Fernie ‘04 

17 


COSTS 

11-WEEK INSTRUCTOR COURSE 6-WEEK COURSE 3-WEEK INSTRUCTOR COURSE 

2 & 3-WEEK IMPROVEMENT 

COURSES 

FLIGHTS (AIR CANADA) Y Y Y Y 

TRANSFERS Y Y Y Y 

DAILY SHUTTLE TO RESORT Y Y Y Y 

24-HOUR STAFFING Y Y Y Y 

ACCOMMODATION Y Y Y Y 

COURSE CENTRE Y (FERNIE & BANFF) Y Y Y 

WEEKDAY BREAKFASTS Y (FERNIE & BANFF) Y Y Y 

WEEKDAY EVENING MEALS Y Y Y Y 

LIFT PASS SEASON PASS SEASON PASS SEASON PASS Y 

UP TO 25 HOURS/WEEK 

PROFESSIONAL COACHING 

Y Y Y Y 

1:1 PRIVATE COACHING Y N N N 

WEEKLY TECHNICAL SEMINARS Y Y Y N 

LEVEL 1 CSIA/CASI EXAM FEES Y Y Y N 

WORK EXPERIENCE IN LOCAL 

SKI SCHOOL 

Y Y Y N 

INSTRUCTOR CAREER ADVICE Y Y Y N 

RECREATIONAL AVALANCHE COURSE Y Y Y Y 

SURVIVAL / BACKCOUNTRY WEEKEND Y Y N Y 

WINTER FIRST AID COURSE Y N N N 

SKI/BOARD MAINTENANCE TUITION Y Y Y Y 

SELECTED WEEKEND TRIPS Y N N N 

HELI OR CAT-SKIING Y N Y Y 

WEEKLY SOCIAL EVENTS Y Y Y Y 

FAREWELL PARTY Y Y Y Y 

FOR PRICES AND DATES PLEASE SEE OUR BOOKING FORM OR CALL US ON 0870 241 8070 

NOT INCLUDED (APPROXIMATE COSTS): 

• Insurance (£80 - £250) 

• Ski or snowboard kit (£500) 

• Weekend meals & lunches (£5 each) 

• Spending money (£80/week) 

• Additional instructor level exam fees (£80 - £250) 

• Foreign Language classes (£50) 

• Cookery classes (£60) 

• Yoga course (£50) 

WWW.NONSTOPSKI.COM WWW.NONSTOPSNOWBOARD.COM 0870 241 8070 18

SIMON SMITH, 18, 11-WEEK COURSE, FERNIE ‘04 

“The course with NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard has changed my life. I have wanted to be a ski 

instructor since I was a kid and this course finally gave me the chance to do a career I never 

thought possible. After the course I went to New Zealand and instructed at Coronet Peak and 

then went on to instruct back in Fernie. With a lot of hard work and determination throughout 

the season I then went on to get my CSIA Level 3 qualification. It all began with a kick start 

from NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard who have helped me now travel the world doing a job I love.” 

HERMIONE TAYLOR, 18, 11-WEEK COURSE, FERNIE ‘03 

“I had an amazing Gap Year with NONSTOP and it has really influenced what I’ve been able 

to achieve in the last few years. During my first university summer holiday I instructed in 

New Zealand for 3 months. At uni I’ve worked at the local dry slope and am involved in the 

snowsports society, recently competing at BUSC, the British Universities Ski Competition.” 

SPENCER FROST, 34, 11-WEEK COURSE, FERNIE ’03 

“The NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard course, and the opportunities it opened, has certainly changed 

my life. The Fernie Snowsports School is a great place to work. It has a lot of characters and 

some great stories go around. Only when you come home do you realise how privileged in life 

you really are and NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard has the talent for making that happen, so all I 

can say is thank you.” 

STUART BACK, 29, 11-WEEK COURSE, BANFF ‘05 

“As an Army Officer in the Royal Engineers for eight years, I chose to take the 11-week ski 

instructor programme in Banff as part of my resettlement into civilian life. The vibrancy of the 

town, the great friends that I made and the quality of the course and instructors combined to 

make this an unforgettable NONSTOP experience.” 

STUART FYFE, 33, 11-WEEK COURSE, FERNIE ‘04 

“In January 2004 I left my job and went to Canada with NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard. It was one 

of the best decisions I have ever made. I have some amazing memories of a fantastic 11 weeks. 

As well being taught by some brilliant snowboard instructors I spent a night in a snowcave and 

did my first day’s backcountry boarding. At the end I passed my CASI Level 2 and went on to 

get a new job working for a charity that does outdoor activities with young people. Sometimes 

in life you have to go out and make good things happen for yourself, and NONSTOP Ski & 

Snowboard is a fantastic way to do just that.” 

DI MACK & SIMON GAINS, MID 20’S, 11-WEEK COURSE, FERNIE ’04 

“We’ve really enjoyed our first season working as snowboard pros at Silver Star, BC, and are 

looking forward to many, many more! Many thanks to NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard for putting 

together an excellent programme, I highly recommend it to my friends and customers.” 

NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard Limited 

Shakespeare House 

168 Lavender Hill 

London 

SW11 5TF 

TEL: 0870 241 8070 

WWW.NONSTOPSKI.COM 

WWW.NONSTOPSNOWBOARD.COM 

The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. 

Our ATOL number is ATOL 5828. 

This brochure is printed on Recycled Paper containing a minimum 80% post-consumer waste.

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