CSIA NATIONAL NEWS
IT’S A WRAP FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING!
Dear CSIA Members
Thank you to those who attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in person or via Zoom and may have attended the Member’s Pro Days Camp at Lake Louise last week.
It was wonderful to see the camaraderie between Members on the hill and in the various meetings that took place throughout the week. As well as during the impromptu hockey game on the lake! I’d also like to thank our keynote speaker Allison Forsyth for sharing her powerful story. We did see the same camaraderie at the highly anticipated Pro Days Camp this week at Tremblant!
I’d like to thank a few people for making our AGM a great success, including Lucia Glasse-Davies for providing the land acknowledgement during this AGM, as the newly nominated BC representative on the CSIA Board. The Board is pleased to officially welcome her, as she takes over the position following Paul Sauvé’s resignation. Paul stepped down from his position for personal and professional reasons, and we would like to thank him for his hard work and dedication to the CSIA, both at the national and at a regional level for over 10 years. I would also like to thank all the speakers and Board Members; thank you for your thoughtful and open words. Also, a big thank you to scrutineers Kim Fuller and Rachel Renaud from Phil for helping prepare the leadership team and create a smooth meeting process.
The addition of new technologies like clickers and AI simultaneous translation also helped keep the meeting running well and in a professional manner.
Special mentions go out to Lisa Cambise who was recognized by the Board for her ongoing efforts, patience, and dedication, and to Kirsti Suutari, Chair of the Governance Committee, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Mont Tremblant this week.
Most importantly, I want to thank all our Members for participating and showing the leadership team why the CSIA is such a great organization to be a part of. During the meetings held around the AGM, the spirit of renewal and the motivation to move forward into this new season was truly fueled by you, our Members. I’d also like to thank the Board Members, Regional Chairs, and Committee Chairs for their participation in the meetings last week and for sharing updates, challenges, ideas, and suggestions, as we continue to collaborate in building the community and value of the CSIA.
The transparent and thoughtful conversations, questions, and learning from that week have set the CSIA up for success in this season and beyond. We look forward to continuing to hear from you as we enter a period of learning and adjusting. Your voices will continue to be a guiding force in our planning and programming in the years to come, so please feel free to reach out to the Board and Committees through the emails shared during the AGM.
Beginning in January we will be working on our strategic plan for the next three years so we will keep all communication channels open and lively. We want to greet the next phase of development of the CSIA with all the knowledge and experience our Members have to offer.
Thank you for being a valued Member of the CSIA and for connecting with us in this time of renewal. I will see some of you on the slopes, and I wish you all a great season!
Colin Borrow, CSIA Chair
TAKE PART IN THE 2024 WIS SUMMIT!
Join the fun from January 31 to February 2, 2024, at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Québec! The WIS Summit is open to female identifying Members and anyone else who is looking for opportunities to train in a supportive environment with a fantastic group of Level 4 women coaches! Offered in English and French. Click here to see the Summit program and schedule and to register!
AMAZING DEALS AT THE CSIA STORE
Stay warm in these new Auclair Panorama gloves and add degrees of warmth with the Level Thermoplus 4000 overgloves…Check out these items and many more new CSIA branded items available only to Members on the CSIA snowpro.com online store at fantastic preferred prices.
AUCLAIR unisex Panorama short gloves (black)
Member Price: $120.95
Suggested Retail: $170.00
LEVEL unisex overgloves Thermoplus 4000 (black)
Member Price: $36.95
Suggested Retail: $50.00
TECHNICAL AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Hello Members!
The Technical and Education Committee is excited to open the application process for the three (3) Member at large seats on the TEC. We are actively seeking Members to join the committee who feel they can be an impactful contributor to the development of Technical and Educational Content for the CSIA.
The TEC has recently completed a committee composition self assessment, through which we have identified characteristics we feel would be of significant value to upcoming TEC efforts. These would include:
- Contributions from individuals who can bring forward experience from any of the following skill sets:
- Risk Management
- Educational Systems Development (Curriculum Design)
- Instructional Design (Online Education, User Experience Design)
- Professional Development, Career Development, HR Management
- Video Production
- An increase in diversity, equity, and inclusion:
- Additional female Members.
- Members who identify as being of a minority background.
- Members who can bring a unique perspective based on their life experiences.
- Additional bilingual representation:
- Additional representation from our French speaking Members.
- Bilingualism as an asset.
- Contributions from individuals who can bring fresh perspectives to Technical and Educational developments:
- Members who can bring fresh perspectives based on being newer to course conducting or;
- Members who can share experience from other certification bodies, or training and educational systems.
Candidates who are interested in applying to be considered for one of these seats can review our Terms of Reference here. The minimum requirements for involvement on the TEC are defined within the Terms of Reference.
The Member at Large seats will join the existing term rotation as follows:
- 1 Member at Large seat with term completion April 30, 2024.
- 1 Member at Large seat with term completion April 30, 2025.
- 1 Member at Large seat with term completion April 30, 2026.
Does being involved with shaping the Technical and Educational direction of the CSIA sound appealing to you? Are you interested in being an active volunteer and collaborator? We hope you would consider this opportunity and apply today.
To apply, please submit your application to TEC@snowpro.com
Please use “MEMBER AT LARGE APPLICATION” as your subject line and include in your application:
- A brief bio & resume of your experience in the Snowsports Industry.
- An expression of interest that speaks to why you are interested in joining the TEC including what you would hope to contribute to the committee.
Please note: Further to these 3-member at large seats, there will be regional representative seats open for appointment for April 2024. Please stay tuned to communications from your Region.
We look forward to hearing from you,
The Technical & Education Committee
2023 INTERSKI REPORTS
The 2023 Interski Congress took place last March in Levi, Finland. Our CSIA Interski Team came back with loads of technical information and new ideas to share with you. Here is the report prepared by Stéphanie Perras about her experience in Finland. CLICK HERE to read Stéphanie’s report.
Stay tuned next month as we publish more reports from the Team.
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. We have decided to include a new feature called CSIA Up Close in all editions of the CSIA Communiqué going forward. This special section will include answers to our Membership’s most frequently asked or pressing questions. You ask, we answer! Please send your questions to questions@snowpro.com.
Click here to read the Q&A.
CSIA REGIONAL NEWS
WHAT’S NEW IN ATLANTIC?
Happy Holidays to all!
SAVE THE DATE! Following our Atlantic Fall Convention at Mont-Sainte Anne this weekend, we are continuing to plan our Atlantic Skills Camp scheduled for January 22 & 23, 2024 at Ski Martock, Windsor, Nova Scotia. Please watch for emails and check out our CSIA Atlantic Facebook Page for details and registration.
The CSIA Atlantic Region continues to promote on-going education through its Scholarship Program. Click here for more information.
The CSIA Atlantic Board
WHAT’S NEW IN QUÉBEC?
The Skiposium 2.0 held on November 17 at Sommet Saint-Sauveur, Versant Avila, was a great success! 75 people were present for the AGM and 24 people attended in Zoom.
Special thanks to our collaborators Mario Bourrassa, Luc Néron, Roger Castonguay, Eric Bonin, Jean-Pierre Quesnel, Julie Sauvageau et Fred Lépine.
A new committee was appointed at the AGM for a two-year term. Your new committee is composed of:
| Laurentians | Québec | Eastern Townships |
| Mathieu Brosseau Pierre Godbout Caroline Hupé Annie Murray | Alexandra Beaulieu Michel Carrier Alexandra Poulin Dan Renauld (Past President) | Joanie Lamer Stephan Schmekel Valérie Turmel |
Caroline Hupé will act as Committee Chair.
We would like to thank our past members who have given their valuable time to the Quebec Committee in recent years: Dan Renauld, past President, Eric Bonin who is now taking on the challenge of representing Quebec at the CSIA National, Étienne Meunier who has completed 3 2-year terms, Simon Chapleau and Olivier Marcotte.
Past President Dan Renauld and incoming President Caroline Hupé.
2023-2025 CSIA Quebec Board of Directors members and collaborators
Last winter, the CSIA Quebec Committee launched a brand-new program for Members called ” Playing on Snow! It can be learned. It can be taught. The goal of this program is to reconnect with Members, listen to their concerns and interests about the role of Ski Instructor and their development as a teacher. Our Level 3 and 4 Certified Instructors want to present a vision where the pleasure of learning is linked to the pleasure of skiing with learners; A WOW effect!
This program, offered free of charge by the CSIA Quebec Committee, is organized in conjunction with Snow Schools. If you are teaching and would like to take part in these 3-hour on-snow sessions, please talk to your Snow School Director. Snow School Directors, if you’re interested in this program, please feel free to contact our coordinator Yves Trudeau at projetAMSCQC@snowpro.com
Quebec Course Conductors in Western Canada
Five Quebec Course Conductors flew to Lake Louise during the week of November 27 to take part in Course Conductor Training and technical meetings. They’re preparing an amazing season and great training for you, the Members!
The Technical and Education Committee
The Technical and Education Committee is back! Please note that the Quebec Representative on the TEC is Mr. Roger Castonguay. Mario Bourassa and Luc Néron also sit on the Committee as Staff Member. You may reach out to the TEC at tec@snowpro.com
We look forward to seeing you on the Quebec slopes!
WHAT’S NEW IN CENTRAL?
AGM News
Well, December is here, and we are kicking off the season with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Table Mountain, North Battleford, Saskatchewan on December 9th, 2023. Be sure to come out for the AGM and celebrate the CSIA Central Region, along with 85 years of CSIA and our Central Region first Hall of Fame inductee. The CSIA Central Board is looking forward to all Members attending this event!
Scholarship
The CSIA Central Board is wondering if you are thinking about leveling up or building on your skiing/teaching skills? The Central Region has Scholarship funds, and we encourage all active Members of the Central Region to apply by December 31st, 2023. This is an opportunity to receive funds to apply towards your next level of certification and to build your ski foundation. Email your application to csiacentral@gmail.com as the Central Board will review all applications.
Courses in the Region
Level 1 Certification Courses are posted in the Region, and we are looking forward to bringing on new Ski Instructors, not only to our local hills but to the CSIA. If you know anyone who would be interested in taking the Level 1 Certification Course, be sure to direct them to www.snowpro.com (Search and Register section) for Level 1 Courses near you.
Photo : Diane Pearce
Central Region Hall of Fame
The CSIA Central Hall of Fame has 4 categories to recognize specific areas of contribution.
Founders – This category is intended to honor those that had a significant role in shaping the CSIA during the early years of our association.
Builders – This category recognizes those who have clearly made a positive contribution to the development of the CSIA either from a Regional, National, or International perspective.
Inspirational Leaders – This category honours and awards those individuals that have demonstrated remarkable leadership skills, they are also perceived as a role model thanks to their startling motivational talents; and most importantly, they are a truly inspirational mentor to other Members and their peers throughout their CSIA career.
Contributors – This category is reserved to honour individuals who have made an impact on the Ski Industry through their dedication to the sport. These honorees may or may not be Members of the CSIA. This is to acknowledge and recognize partners in the Industry.
Nominations must be submitted to email: alumnicentralcsia@snowpro.com
WHATS NEW IN BC?
Greetings from the BC Region,
Nothing beats the excitement of opening day. It was great to be back on snow and see so many smiling faces having a fun time on the slopes.
Looking to get back in the groove, ignite your passion and start the season with a bang? Ignition Days are happening on December 17th at Fernie, SilverStar and Mount Washington. Sign up today!
Northern Festival is returning to Troll and Smithers. This two (or one) day Pro Days Camp provides a great training opportunity for skiing and teaching development. Come and experience the best of Northern hospitality and catch-up with friends and fellow ski professionals in the Region.
Other Events like Regional Pro Days and City Lights are coming soon and will be added to the website as location and dates are confirmed.
The BC/Yukon Region is continuing to support professional development and ongoing education through our Scholarships and Bursaries. This year, we have increased the number of bursaries to reflect the different regions within BC and the Yukon.
One of the strengths of the BC/Yukon ski community is that strong sense of togetherness. A group that bands together in times of need. The CSIA BC/Yukon Region supports and advocates for a healthy community and is creating the Community Chest to honour and promote this strong sense of community that currently exists. Through member assistance or a request for funds for an event, how can the BC/Yukon Region be of assistance?
Who doesn’t like a Contest? Follow us on @csiabc for more info about some great contests that are coming soon.
Be sure to check the website for all the latest information.
The BC/Yukon Regional Board is excited to introduce Lucia Glasse-Davies as our Region’s representative on the National Board. Lucia brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Board, and we look forward to working together on future projects.
Stay safe out there and see you on the slopes soon!
SKI TIPS AND WELLNESS
GETTING READY FOR A NEW SKI SEASON
By Roger Castonguay
CSIA L4 Instructor and Course Conductor, Snow Park Certified Instructor
The upcoming ski season is just around the corner. Some of you may have ripped down a ski hill already, but here are a few things to consider as you embark on your season.
What to expect?
Most of us have not clipped in our bindings in the past seven months and for the mortal ski enthusiasts that we are, we can’t expect to carve and leave two fine lines right away, as we did last March. Just like golfers can’t expect to hit the ball as far and as straight as their last day of the previous season! They will be practicing their swing, follow through, ball contact and then their accuracy.
Things to consider
At the beginning of the season, we all are excited and anxious to get to the mountains, slide down the ski hills and practice the sport we all love.
Consider this… High volume, or quality skiing on minimal terrain?
Review your environment: weather, snow conditions and traffic. Adapt your approach to these uncontrollable factors, adjust, and reassess constantly. Weigh in the previous factors and decide on your TSR. Terrain that you will be skiing on, Speed throughout the run and Radius. Having a clear and simple objective as these, will be beneficial on your future technical development.
Then you could move to identifying what shape of letter you’re leaving on the snow.
Z shape turn = abrupt movements, uneven speed and unrhythmical effort from the legs and most likely, rotation. Revise your TSR.
C shape turn = most likely to control the speed but lacking on a smooth gliding from turn to turn. Look further ahead to find your trajectory and revise your TSR.
S shape turn= this is the one you want. As symmetrical in longitude and latitude, this will allow for effortless skiing, therefore, renewing with ski feelings you had on those sunny spring days last March!
Final note
Use these simple, but efficient tactics to improve your gliding experience and will be a stepping stone to successfully developing new or old feelings you enjoy.
As ski professionals, lets lead by example to maintain a fun and safe environment for the skiing public. Have a great beginning of the season and SKI U LATER!