Downhill Ski School takes ongoing training and skill development seriously, both in technical and teaching skills. Our instructors are professionally certified with the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) and the Canadian Ski Coaching Federation (CSCF), meaning you are guaranteed the highest level of instruction.
Downhill Ski School 2022 - 2023 Season
Due to the ongoing pandemic, this season will be different that any we have faced in the past. Our members' safety is of prime concern and we will of course be following public health recommendations. While we will attempt a season as close to normal as we possibly can, there will be some differences.
Many of our instructors have professional certification from both CSIA and CSCF. As part of the Snow School, all instructors must attend mandatory technical training sessions, both on and off the hill. This year due to the pandemic, all instructors will be trained in new safety protocol procedures ensuring the safety of our members.
Overnight trips
We’re offering guiding on overnight drive-up trips; instructors will tour around the hill, members will explore new terrain while learning to conquer it, and receive ski improvement tips (not a formal lesson, so skiers won’t be doing drills the whole way down the hill)
Downhill Skiing - Regular Lessons
Lessons provide the opportunity to have fun, while improving your skills and making friends. High Park Ski Club lessons are modeled after the CSIA STEP program that is used by many resorts in Canada. STEP levels range from STEP 1 (beginner) to STEP 9 (Expert). Lessons are based on the national ski teaching standard, promoting and teaching the importance of ski safety, along with a focus on fun. Regular lessons are offered for all members on each day trip. Classes are organized according to specific levels. If you are new to the club find all the information you need to sign up and what to bring here
Did you want to know what Step Level you are in? Here is a handy chart indicating the basics for each step level and what is required to advance to the next step level. Step Levels Explained. Note that step levels are relative to the mountain that you are skiing on - similar to ski run ratings; Green, Blue, Black are relative to the mountain you are skiing on.
Note: Anyone participating in a lesson must wear a helmet.
You must pre- register for any lesson or program when you sign up for a day trip.
Programs and clinics currently planned for this season are noted below. We will follow all government, resort and club policies. All programs or clinics have a minimum requirement of 3. If less a regular lesson will be taught
Gate Training Program
An excellent way to improve your skill proficiency. Develop more confidence with a little more speed, rhythm, and direction control. Then everything becomes easier. The program will focus on skills and tactics in a variety of course settings (both Slalom(SL) and Giant Slalom (GS) with gates and stubbies) and is open to Step 5 to 9 skill levels. Offered on Saturdays at MSLM, before club races start.
As usual, helmets are required and the morning lesson will run from 9:45 – 10:55 just before the club races begin.
Dates: @ MSLM Jan 7(GS), 14(SL), 21(GS), 28(SL) and Feb 4(GS), 11(SL)
Club Races
We plan to offer 6 club races at MSLM open to all levels. During or after your morning lesson, your instructor for the day will take you to the race course for an opportunity to try the club race. You only compete against other members in your same step level, so there are lots of chances to place. We award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each step level. Challenge yourself to compete in a fun race against your club and classmates! You must wear a helmet to race.
Dates: @ MSLM Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 and Feb 4, 11
  |
Race Results
Click the links below to see all racer times and results in a pdf
IT - Instructor Training - Steps 7+
Are you interested in becoming a ski instructor? A great first step is to take the HPSC Instructor Training (IT) program. IT will prepare you for the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) Level I Certification course, a prerequisite to teach skiing. The program delivers a combination of ski improvement and practical teaching techniques incorporating up-to-date CSIA methodology. If you already have your Level I and are training for your CSIA Level II, IT will give you a great on snow refresher and review. Almost all current club instructors participated in Instructor Training, so this is a great program for members who aspire to teach with the club.
The High Park program is taught by HPSC CSIA Level III instructors who have also completed Level I course conductor training. The program is five days with both morning and afternoon sessions. Candidates are expected to commit to attending all sessions.
Session 1: Led by Mike Romano
Sat Jan 7 (MSL), Sun Jan 8 (Blue), Sat Jan 14 (MSL), Sat Jan 21 (MSL), Sun Jan 22 (Blue)
If interested, please contact Mike Romano at skimike69@hotmail.com for IT Series 1. Space is limited and course leader approval is required prior to attending.
Session 2: Led by Tom Parks
Sun Jan 15 (Blue), Sun Jan 22 (Blue), Sun Jan 29 (Blue), Sun Feb 5 (Blue), Sun Feb 12 (Blue)
If interested, please contact Tom Parks 416-806-8844 / tomparks321@hotmail.com tomparks321@hotmail.com for IT Series 2. Space is limited and course leader approval is required prior to attending.
This program fills up quickly so don’t delay in contacting a program leader.
Mogul Masters Steps 7-9 | 1 day Clinics (mornings only)
This program is designed for a wide range of abilities covering introduction to advanced mogul skiing – lessons are taught in separate groups based on ability. Whether you’re new to moguls and wanting to get more comfortable making turns in the moguls or an experienced pro bump skier looking to improve your control, speed, or line, we’ve got you covered!
Contact Ken Harper for more info harperken885@gmail.com
Dates: Sat Feb 25 (MSL), Sat Mar 4 (MSL), Sun Mar 5 (Blue), Sun Mar 12 (Blue)
Ski the Steeps Steps 7-9 | 1 day Clinics (mornings only)
Are you a Step 7 (strong) to 9 skier who finds skiing the steeps challenging? Learn techniques that will build your confidence on steeper terrain. The following 1 day clinics will help you to build your confidence and Ski the Steeps like a pro!
Dates: Sun Jan 15 (Blue), Sun Jan 22 (Blue) | Sunday Clinic Leader – Jacqui Snyder
Wed Jan 18 (Alpine), Wed Jan 25 (Osler) | Wednesday Clinic Leader – Al Ratcliff
Carving Clinic Steps 7+ | 1 day Clinics (mornings only)
Master the art of carving your skis with exciting precision. There is nothing as exhilarating as leaving a knife edge track in the snow that other skiers can admire from the chair lift.
A one-day clinic that will elevate your skiing to master beautiful pure carved turns at will.
Dates: Wednesdays, Feb 1 @ Alpine and Feb 8 @ Devil’s Glen.
For more information and sign up please call or text RON SABOURIN at 416 258 5858