10 week Big Mountain instructor course
Go BIG with the PSIC Big Mountain Instructor Course
Master Big Mountain Terrain. Elevate Your Skills. Earn Industry-Respected Qualifications.
The Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC) Big Mountain Pathway is a bold new chapter in Canadian ski coaching — and the ALLTRACKS 10-week big moutnain instructor course is designed for skiers who are serious about developing their freeride and big mountain skiing skills.
Whether you’re taking a gap year, enjoying a career break, or pursuing a long-term path in the mountain sports industry, this course is built for those who want to thrive in more demanding, off-piste terrain and want to level up their technique, awareness, and performance in real mountain conditions.
Over the 10 weeks, you’ll explore legendary Whistler zones like Spanky’s Ladder, Sudan Couloir, Horseshoes, and plenty of secret stashes — guided by our expert big mountain coaches, all specialists in helping skiers unlock their potential in steep, variable, and technical terrain. With its vast, diverse terrain and consistently deep snow, Whistler Blackcomb is the ideal home for this course — and by far the most complete big mountain training ground in North America.
The course begins with focused all-mountain technical development and the PSIC Level 1 Instructor Course. From week five onwards, the focus shifts to the Big Mountain Pathway, culminating in the PSIC Level 2 Big Mountain Coach Certification. You’ll also complete the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Avalanche Skills Training Level 1, gaining crucial knowledge in mountain safety and avalanche awareness.
As with all ALLTRACKS programmes, the cornerstone of this course is the quality of coaching. Our elite team — led by one of Canada’s top Level 4 Examiners — delivers the proven ALLTRACKS Training Formula, which blends targeted technique drills, high-mileage skiing, and structured progression with a strong focus on fun, support, and challenge.
Expect detailed video analysis, ongoing constructive feedback, and a group size limited to just six skiers per coach — ensuring you receive plenty of individual attention, while also enjoying the energy and camaraderie of training alongside fellow passionate skiers.
If you’re ready to ski harder, think smarter, and go deeper into the mountains than ever before — this is the course for you!
Dates:
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18th Jan — 27th Mar 2026
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17th Jan — 26th Mar 2027
Location:
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Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Qualifications:
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PSIC Level 1 and Big Mountain
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Avalanche Skills Training Level 1
Price:
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From £9650
Highlights
What's Included
Training
Thorough & Proven Coaching
Our exclusive ALLTRACKS Training Formula was developed by Head Coach Guy Hetherington—one of Canada’s most respected ski professionals. It’s a structured, progressive approach designed to maximise both improvement and enjoyment.
Elite Coaching Team
Train with a highly experienced, personable team of pros. Most of our coaches hold the prestigious Level 4 certification, with a select few top-tier Level 3s rounding out the team.
Small Coaching Groups – Max 6
We cap ski coaching groups at just six participants per coach. This ensures personalised attention, smoother sessions, and faster, more effective progress.
Targeted Skill Modules
Coaching includes focused modules covering instructor training, moguls, all-mountain skiing, freeride, and deep powder techniques.
Level 1 & PSIC Big Mountain Exam Fees Included
The cost of both your PSIC Level 1 and Big Mtn instructor exams—valued at approximately $2,000 CAD—is fully covered as part of the course.
CAA Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1)
Gain essential backcountry knowledge with the Canadian Avalanche Association’s AST 1 course. Learn how to stay safe in the mountains. Taught in groups of 8.
Video Feedback & Analysis
Improve with visual insights. Video review sessions provide detailed analysis of your skiing and highlight areas for refinement.
Lift Line Priority
Make the most of your training time with priority lift access during coaching sessions.
Ski Equipment Maintenance Clinic
Learn how to keep your gear in top condition with hands-on tutorials covering waxing, edging, and overall equipment care.
Accommodation
Stay Your Way
Choose from a range of comfortable and convenient accommodation options to suit your style and budget.
Tantalus Lodge Condos – Central & Comfortable
Located just minutes from Whistler Village and the main lifts, our Tantalus Lodge condos are the ideal base for your course. Each condo features a cosy living room, dining area, and fully equipped kitchen—perfect for relaxing after training. Most bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, and guests enjoy access to the lodge’s hot tub, sauna, and outdoor pool.
HI Whistler Hostel – Great Value
For a more affordable option, we also offer a budget-friendly hostel outside the resort centre. It’s a social, relaxed space with great atmosphere too
Mid-Range Option – Upper Village & Village North Condos
For select courses, we offer a mid-range accommodation option featuring a selection of chalets and condos located in Whistler’s Upper Village or Village North—both well-connected and close to shops, lifts, and amenities. These properties offer a warm, homely atmosphere with comfortable living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and a variety of room types and sizes to suit different preferences. It’s a great balance of comfort, location, and value.
Flexible Dining
Prefer convenience or independence? Choose between catered dinners four nights a week or self-cater to suit your own tastes, schedule and budget.
Learn More
Explore full accommodation details including location here
Included Extras that make the difference
Season Pass Included
Enjoy a full Whistler Blackcomb Season Pass—arrive early or stay longer and ski the entire winter.
Group Airport Transfer
A smooth start: group transfer from Vancouver Airport to Whistler on the official arrival day is included.
24/7 On-Resort Support
Our Resort manager is available around the clock to support you throughout your stay.
Welcome Party
Meet your coaches and fellow trainees with a fun, laid-back welcome event for drinks and pizza on Day 1.
Weekly Social Events
Weekly socials throughout the course.
Stay Longer, Start Sooner
Subject to availability, you can arrive early, extend your stay, or combine with another course.
Job Support
Want to instruct after your course? We offer personalised 1:1 support to help you get started. Please understand that a job in not guaranteed after this course though.
Financial Security
We’re ATOL & ABTOT bonded, so your booking is protected. ALLTRACKS Ltd is debt-free and financially secure.
Not Included
Flights & Travel
Flights are not included, but ALLTRACKS can organise your flights if you wish or provide advice on suitable flights.
Travel Insurance
Insurance is not included, but adequate cover for all aspects of your course and holiday for the entire duration of your trip is an ALLTRACKS requirement.
Course Schedule
Welcome to Whistler
A warm welcome at the airport, and a coach ride to the resort to settle into your accommodation. Next morning, we’ll give you a welcome briefing, introduce you to our instructors and help you choose your ski equipment. We’ll show you around the resort and collect your season pass before bringing the group together for a welcome party with a couple of drinks and some of Whistler’s greatest pizza.
Let's Ski!
Meet at 9 where Guy will oversee the split into coaching groups and you’ll meet your personal instructor. Get ready to explore the whole of the Whistler Blackcomb resort so you know the lie of the land. With loads of miles under your belt in the first few days, your coach will already be able to analyse your technique – whilst you have fun! A always, we will finish the coaching week with group Apres Ski.
Progression
Building on your experiences in week 1, we’ll start coaching according to our Unique Training Formula which splits sessions into Component, Challenge and Free Range tuition. Using regular video analysis you’ll see your progress visually and also receive instructor methodology clinics too. We will also cover ski maintenance one evening so you keep your gear in the best possible condition. And don’t forget the weekly apres-ski socials!
Level 1 exam
Time for your first exam. Our entire coaching team are qualified examiners so you’ll feel confident and well prepared. We’ll be here to celebrate your success on completion too. With the first step under your belt, you’ll get a few days off to free-ski and enjoy Whistler before moving on to bigger things.
CAA AST L1+ and All Mountain Coaching
Now that your skiing skills will have progressed significantly, we want to introduce you to backcountry safety. Despite being an “instructor course”, a large number of students are undertaking the course to improve their all mountain and off piste ski technique. Therefore, it is important to also gain an understanding of the mountain environment and avalanche safety. It is only sensible to couple this advancement in ski ability with learning about the mountains and how to navigate avalanche risk. The Canadian Avalanche Association has an extremely well researched and considered way of teaching this to recreational skiers and this is included in your course.
In addition to the AST L1+, you’ll also continue with your all mountain ski coaching and hopefully enjoy some DEEP Canadian powder.
All Mountain Ski Improvement & Prep for the Big Mountain exam
As we do with all our courses, the training will continue to follow the ALLTRACKS training formula combining high level technical ski improvement with enjoying all types of terrain. We want you to leave a qualified instructor and a skier that can confidently tackle all terrain and snow conditions. Your coaches will always seek out the best snow and ensure that you enjoy lots of Canadian powder and access all the terrain Canada’s biggest resort has to offer – including plenty of secret spots.
We will also continue to run video analysis sessions so you can visualise what is going well, and what needs to be worked on.
Off slope, this 14 week ski course coincides with lots of resort events. So in addition to our weekly socials, there are freestyle competitions with world class skiers to appreciate, the Peak to Valley Race, Martin Luther King Day, Australia Day (lots of Aussie’s in Whistler), Spring Break and lots more…
Big Mountain exam & Goodbyes
Everything that you’ve worked on should ensure you are extremely well prepared for your final exam. The coaches will have done everything possible so that you are set for success. We look forward to celebrating with you with one final Apres!
Next Steps
If you have undertaken the course with the aim of going on to work as an instructor, we want to help you. However, please understand that a job is not guaranteed. We are available to help you move forward in your career, and are best placed to do this if given plenty of time. If you are keen to instruct, please do contact the team (even before your course begins) so we can help begin the process.
