Now, what I am about to say is to be taken only as my advice to anyone working towards their Level 3. It is based on my more than ten years experience as a Level 3 Course Conductor, and is only my observations. Read on…

PREPARATION

No matter who you are (or how strong of a skier you think you are), nothing beats good old-fashioned prep work. Preparation in most cases means getting in (or at least improving) the shape you’re in – which for most of us involves hard work. My Dad (genius) always would tell me “Anything worth having, is worth working hard for”. If most of the people working towards their Level 3 spent some off-season prep time working on their strength, flexibility, cardio and balance during the off-season, it will have huge dividends come the ski-off in March.

Sandy’s check-list for fitness:

- get a gym membership

- develop your strength (especially core strength)

- improve your flexibility and agility

- improve overall cardio & endurance

IN-SEASON TRAINING

What do most people perform poorly on during a ski-off? Well that depends. Here in Ontario we are not blessed with endless mogul fields, bottomless powder or long, steep runs to practice on. I find that most candidates look at the required ski-off runs and just try to emulate them right away, instead of building up to them. Why try to ski advanced level bumps at advanced speed, if you haven’t mastered beginner level bumps at beginner speeds? Why try to do advanced short radius turns when you have yet to master intermediate level short radius turns? This is going to be a process for most people – there is no “quick fix”. Only skiing perfect snow on perfect days won’t prepare you – sticking with a plan that includes skiing on ugly snow in ugly conditions will prepare you both mentally, and physically for exam day.

Sandy’s check-list for training:

- start slow, and work your way up – slowly

- ski in difficult, nasty conditions whenever possible

- take your time – and be patient

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Whatever course I have taken, I was the most successful sharing the journey with my friends who had the same goals. Not good at bumps? Ski with others who are working on bumps. Not confident in teaching? Teach others who are working towards their Level 3.

I truly believe that having the proper guidance goes miles towards being successful. There are a plentitude of qualified, current and active Level 3 Course Conductor’s out there who are keen and willing to help. Getting a group of fellow Level 3 Candidates together to work on your skiing and teaching will definitely pay off – and doing it in groups together makes it much more affordable…

Sandy’s check-list for exam prep:

- find a group of friends who all want to pass this course

- work on your skiing together, AND your teaching together

- find an active Level 3 Course Conductor (or several) to work with you

BE REALISTIC; OVER TRAINING = FAULTY TRAINING

When a Course Conductor tells you “You’re not ready”, listen to them! Every Course Conductor I have ever known only wants you to pass – but it has to be earned. I have been involved with many a Level 3 Course and ensuing exams where people show up that I have personally told to “continue working” on their skiing or teaching only to find them showing up looking for a miracle, and miracles rarely happen. A Course Conductor once told me; “There are no such things as unrealistic goals, just unrealistic time frames.”

Sessioning with a focus is a good thing, however too much sessioning and not enough practice is not a good thing. To make this journey as short as possible, you need to be able to come up with your own solutions to problems – this is the “refinement” level of development. Over-training can often lead to a robotic-style technique, instead of the free, relaxed type of skiing that the Level 3 standard requires.

If your end goal is to be a Level 3, break that into several smaller goals that are more achievable; become a good bump skier, then a better bump skier. Become a good teacher, then a great teacher. Become a good short radius skier, then a great short radius skier etc.

Just like Rome, Level 3’s aren’t built in a day. This standard – for the majority – is a process that takes time. The longer it takes and the harder you work for it, the more it will mean to you in the end.

If you want to talk about how to prepare for your Level 3, please contact me at csiapdp@yahoo.com.

Have a great season!

Sandy Gardner

CSIA PDP Coordinator, Ontario

CSIA Level 1 Program Coordinator, Ontario

csiapdp@yahoo.com

+ 416.996.3039

“IMPROVING UPON PERFECTION – Mount St Louis Moonstone, known for the

best teaching terrain for beginner skiers and snowboarders, is improving it once again. Replacing the Sundance beginner chair, with a new state of the Art “conveyer loading” 4 person fixed grip chair. The carpet style loading facilitates the loading process for entry level skiers and snowboarders. This in addition to upgrades in snow making and hill contouring in the beginner area will make the skiing and riding experience that much better this coming season. Who says you can’t improve upon perfection?”

Blue Mountain

Work is well underway from the base upward as the track of the Mountain Coaster continues to be installed. Three quarters of the track’s build is complete and by the end of October the ascending track will be ready to connect at the top to the track running downhill. While more track is welded and connected together, the crew continues to rely on dry weather to advance on schedule throughout the coming weeks.

We continue to be thrilled with the progress that is developing and we very much look forward to the final stages of track installation. The construction site is certainly buzzing with activity as the crew continues advancements.

Glen Eden

After our most successful season ever in 2009/10 Glen Eden is anticipating reaching even greater heights this year.

We will continue to offer our Value Season Pass options starting as low as $99 which makes us a great option for your mid week need for speed even if your weekends are committed up north.

The biggest news for the slopes this year is the investment of over $50,000 in new terrain park features which will ensure we can continue to improve and expand our park offerings.

Roger Howison continues as our Snow School Manager and is the guy to talk to regarding instructional employment opportunities.

Mt. Chinguacousy Ski/Snowboard/Tubing Hill Closed for the season

The Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park is undergoing a major refresh having received $24.5 million as part of the Infrastructure Stimulus Funding announced in June of 2009. This includes a new ski chalet, rental shop and steepening of the ski hill. Due to this construction our winter ski and snowboard programs will not be running. We will reopen for the 2011-2012 winter season and will be looking for enthusiastic instructors to join us in our new and improved winter facilities.

Mount Pakenham

The addition of a new Compac Carpet Lift brings Mount Pakenham’s lift total up to 7 lifts and expands their beginner terrain.

Kamiskotia

900+ passes sold during the summer sale. Fantastic. This is more than three times the number of pass holders from last season. To be ready for the influx of new families, individual skiers, boarders and freestylers…we are gearing up to be much busier. What are we doing?

New management…Lorne, Resort Manager, Roddy Outside Operations Manager, Neilan Head Lift Mechanic and grooming, Dennis, Tube Park Supervisor, Natalie, Administrative Assistant, Ivan Head Cook, Carole, Bar, Justin, Assistant to Roddy, Adam, Snow School….and more. What a TEAM we have assembled for you during this summer. We can’t wait to begin.

Centennial Park & Earl Bales Park

The Toronto Ski and Snowboard Centres are open again for the 2010 – 2011 season!!! Last year over 125,000 skier/snowboarders visited our two locations; Centennial Park located in Etobicoke and Earl Bales Park, located in North York. Both facilities are accessible by TTC and for more information go to www.toronto.ca/ski

Sir Sams

Sir Sam’s Ski and Summer Resort will now be able to better service the needs of entry level and beginner skiers/snowboarders of all ages. They have replaced the original 45 year old T-Bar with a state of the art covered surface lift.

This unique first of its kind in North America lift, manufactured by COMPAC of Italy, will allow this family friendly resort, to focus on the beginner market and to improve access to “Banana, Heartbreaker, Cash Register and Lovers Lane” runs. The lift will be in two stages one being 450 ft in length and the second stage at 650 feet. The lift capacity is 2000 people per hour.

What makes this lift unique is the domed Plexiglas cover. It will protect customers from harsh winds, cold and snow and offer a climate controlled and peaceful environment. An existing handle lift has been relocated to further enhance the learning experience.

The chalet has also been expanded creating space for 100 new lockers and sun deck that now seats up to 250

This year’s feature presentation will be on the Demo Team Tryouts for the 2011 Canadian Interski Team.

Only 10 members from across the country make the team every four years. It’s an intensely competitive process and some regard this as the “Olympics” of Ski Teaching and Ski Demonstration. Representing your country and our association in this international format is among the highest achievements an instructor can achieve.

Ontario’s own Steve Young along with the demo team coaches and other team members will take you through every step of what it takes to make the cut.

PD Day will also feature several other individual interactive sessions from some of the best in our industry including:

• John Gilles = Eastern Program Director
• Warren Jobbitt = Western Program Director
• Chris Broadhurst = Toronto Athletic Club
• Paul Polacek = The Sign of the Skier on boot fitting
• Scott Kress = Everest Summit training
• Andy Ciotti
• Jeff Sinclair

The day will also feature over 15 exhibitors showing off the latest gear available in the ski world.

Pricing info:

Early Bird special- $45 (until November 1st)

Student – $35

At the Door – $60

Guests – $65

Coffee breaks, lunch and parking included.

Click here to register now for PD day.

Miranda Sorenson filled a board opening part way through last season. She has now technically started her first term and brings a valuable Snow School Directors point of view to the board. Ed Young has also begun his first term while bringing his skill set as a financial expert to help us improve financial practices and retain more earnings by fiscal year end. Tim VanWinkle has served on other not-for-profit boards in the athletic community and brings fresh ideas and implementation plans. Tim has many thoughts on how we can improve as an effective and efficient board and I look forward to his continued input.

Together the Ontario Board has re-evaluated our direction and selected three core values to concentrate on this year. We will also adjust our programs and/or events to reflect and align with the following values.

• Training and Development

• Member Engagement

• Sense of Community

With these values in mind we will continue to deliver a great Level 1 product and invest in staff, candidate and potential candidate development. Selection of the best staff possible will ensure a great atmosphere for a learning environment with-in all of our training or development programs. We will continue to work in a transparent nature to ensure members can be involved and provide feedback on issues that are of interest. We can use this magazine and our website as a vessel to keep the information flowing.

It is a privilege to serve our membership and it would be hard to find a more fervent group of volunteers to act on behalf of you, our enthusiastic members.

I hope to see you on the snow soon.

Jim Peever

CSIA Ontario Chair

If you are doing anything more strenuous than taking a leisurely walk outdoors in order to get a bit of fresh air and sunshine, let alone sending yourself rocketing downhill, the damage created when you exercise can outweigh the benefits.

Exercise hurts.

The very nature of exercise is to break down tissue in the body and our body responds by building muscle tissue that can respond to greater forces. However, the problem with this is the body also produces oxidation with this increased metabolism, which results in damaged molecules seeking out healthy molecules to steal back its missing electrons. To add to this, living in an environment that is less than pristine having exposure to toxins and chemicals, plus the manifestation of day-to-day emotional and mental stress adds to the damage of our cells, tissues, and organs. This also is what gives rise to aging characteristics such as wrinkles, inflammation of joints, vision deterioration and decline in cardiovascular and brain health.

What does it mean to “eat right”?

Ideally, we would consume for the most part a whole foods, plant based diet rich in a wide spectrum of fruits, berries, vegetables and grains, avoiding all preservatives, sugars and non-essential fats. It is the phytonutrients and naturally occurring antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that neutralize the free radicals that cause havoc with our DNA and cellular functions.

Whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior or someone who exercises regularly for fitness and enjoyment, not forgetting the physical aspect of our ski instructor profession, you’ve likely been told that when you exercise you need additional protein. The SAD (standard American diet) is filled with processed foods and animal products that are acid producing foods. These foods actually create a muscle wasting response when not balanced by foods that produce alkaline residues. Fruits and vegetables are the richest source of natural antioxidants to inhibit metabolic acidosis and should be the staple of anyone committed to an exercise program of any sort. It’s not easy to get the amount of raw, vine ripened fruit, berries and vegetable servings in our daily diet as it is recommended we eat 9-13 servings depending on the level of activity and stresses we encounter.

It’s important to know what the foods you are eating has what response in your body. For example, we’ve been condition that milk and cheese are healthy sources of calcium and protein, but they actually leach calcium from our bones due to the acidosis produced which can lead to osteoporosis. However, dark green leafy vegetables and sea vegetables such as algae have highly absorbable calcium and iron. Plants that are a source of slow-releasing proteins, just as slower releasing complex carbohydrates are beneficial in a variety of ways.

What to do?

Add a wider choice of fruits, berries and vegetables, incorporating legumes and beans, plus a variety of whole grains and raw nuts and seeds. Make a choice to always have a “live/raw” food component to each meal and think about making animal products a condiment versus a main course. The stakes are high for you, your family and our planet.

Leslie Milthorpe, HBSc. Kinesiology & Health, Wellness Coach, CSIA 2

Proudly supporting CSIA, www.CSIAonJuicePLUS.com 416-508-0212 or 1-800-263-1014

Please visit: www.MyHealthAbility.com for links to webinars to learn more on whole food diet related topics.

Part of this process is our participation in the Interski congress. Held at 4 year intervals, this exchange of ski teachers from around the world provides a focal point for our research and development and forces us to ask ourselves the question “Are we as good as we can be?”. Fortunately, the answer so far has always been “no!”, and this keeps us evolving as an organization. Our proud claim to be “leaders in ski teaching” imposes a responsibility to keep researching and continue to expose ourselves to what goes on elsewhere in the wide world of ski teaching.

Interski participation also benefits the CSIA domestically. The training and selection of the current CSIA delegation has involved more than 100 Canada’s top ski professionals and created over 400 “person training days”. These motivated individuals have all pushed their limits and advanced their skills and knowledge. To the benefit of all members, their excellence is reflected in PDP’s, seminars and courses across the country. More than just synchronized skiing, the training of the team and development of presentation material is the testing ground for new ideas. This becomes integrated in the daily work of course conductors and in the material developed for all instructors across the country.

CSIA members carry the Canadian ski teaching identity wherever they travel. CSIA participation at Interski builds a sense of pride and national identity that benefits all members. Follow the progress of the CSIA Demonstration team on the world stage in St. Anton Austria January 15-22, 2011. Flying the flag for all of our members, we will we push our limits and strive to be Leaders in Ski Teaching!

By John Gillies, Eastern Program Director

Interski demonstration coach 2003, 2007, 2011

This year we changed the timing and scope of our communication. We introduced email as a more effective way of reaching you. We changed the timing of our delivery of our magazine and added a third edition over the holiday season. As the evolution of our magazine continues this year we’ve changed the timing of our spring issue.

“Every picture is worth a 1000 words.” And we’ve brought you many. Our spring issue is now our photo yearbook. Enjoy!

Train hard over the summer. Use the time to run, bike, golf, etc and enjoy the sun and the heat. Spend some time with your ski friends reminiscing of a great 2010 season. And spend some time remembering why you love skiing; it will get you charged for 2011.

Thank you Ontario for the year of being your volunteer editor. See you at the AGM in May.

I appreciate the work your board members have done and would like to thank them for running such successful events such as, Toronto Ski Show, PD DAY, Women’s PTS, all the regular PTS events, Snowfest and of course the Annual General Meeting. Countless hours and organizational skills go into each one of these, and I would be amiss to not mention the committees involved. Thank you.

A word of praise for our volunteer magazine editor, Sasha Gollish. Sasha has devoted an incredible amount of time and energy to our new magazine. I have seen pictures of her basement that has become a complete “story board” for each issue. Sasha, thank you for the devotion, you put forth for a truly superior magazine.

Of course we cannot forget the person you call with all your questions, problems and frustrations . . . Shelagh Mulveney. Shelagh runs our Ontario office like clockwork. She is a wealth of knowledge and keeps tabs on how things are running on a daily basis. Without her it would be a struggle to have up-to-the-minute information on pressing matters. Thank you, Shelagh.

We have tried to represent our members as best as possible, after all that is why we are here. Please do not hesitate to inform us of our performance in this regard. We are looking at new ideas and programs to continue to service you, the member, as well as trying to find ways to preserve our membership base. We are looking into retaining the demographic with the highest membership non renewal: ages 15 – 25. We hope to better serve ALL our members in the years to come.

Please enjoy our spring edition of SKI PRO ONTARIO and I look forward to the 2010-2011 season already.

Thank you,

Jim Peever

Chair

By John Gillies – Head Coach

The demonstration training and selection process continued in January with training camps at Silverstar BC and Mont Ste Anne QC.

One aspect of the training was to develop technical similarity between skiers. To achieve this goal, skiers focused on demonstrating 3 “functions” or outcomes.

Alignment for maximum force. Stable, natural alignment is a building block for all skiing applications. It requires access to all joints and should be demonstrated in all phases of the turn. A skier’s biomechanical strength should not be sacrificed as they move through the arc and increase edging. This alignment builds momentum on an arc.

Moving arc-to-arc. This means showing a clear intention and anticipation of trajectory. It also demonstrates the turn as a moving platform, carrying momentum from turn to turn. The biomechanical principle of velocity (involvement of big joints) is an important tool to generate speed in group skiing situations.

Creating torque and reaction. Well timed angular movements, combined with muscular resistance, ski performance and impulse let skiers vary their trajectories. Torque and reaction are important tools in synchronizing with other skiers, and recovering when mistakes are made.

For steering versatility, the above principles are practiced at all speeds. In basic skiing, the turn shape is symmetrical above and below the fall line. Speed is controlled with an even track width (amount of skidding) throughout the turn and an active steering of the lower body.

This moves away from a traditional “form – based” approach where skiers work on they way they look. By focusing on simple, outcome-based objectives, similarity of form becomes a result. So far the team has responded well to this approach and the intensity is building as we move towards the final selection this April. Follow the progress of these fine skiers as they prepare for Interski 2011 in St Anton, Austria. We hope to see you there!

Photo: Yannic LaRoche

Skiers: Louise Rice, Bruce Eaves

1. To approve the financial statements of CSIA (Ontario) Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2010, together with the report of the Directors and the Auditor theron.

2. To elect Directors for the ensuing term or until their successors are elected or appointed.

3. To appoint an Auditor and authorize the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditor.

4. To transact such further business as may be necessary or desirable and properly brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Dated this 12 day of April, 2010.

By order of the Board of Directors

Jim Peever

Chair

Election of Directors

Nominations from the floor are welcome at the Annual General Meeting, providing that the nominee and five supporters are present.

Proposed slate for election to Board of Directors:

The Nominating Committee is charged with the responsibility of proposing to the membership a slate of candidates for election to the position of Director.

The Nominating Committee of 2010 consists of: a Past Chair, Jason Young, a Member at Large, Sasha Gollish and the Nominating Chair, Allison Sharpe.

The following slate of candidates have been put forward by the Nominating Committee for the 2010 elections of the Board of Directors to be held at the AGM on Thursday May 27th, 2010.

John Fortin

Sharon Lax

Mark Pilskalnietis

Tim Van Winkle

Ed Young

I, the undersigned (please print name clearly)

______________________________________________________________________

Member in good standing of the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (Ontario) Inc.,

I hereby vote FOR [ ] or AGAINST [ ] the slate of Directors proposed above;

I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint __________________________________a member in good standing, or failing him/her, Jim Peever, Chairperson of the CSIA (Ontario) Inc., also a member in good standing as the proxy of the undersigned to attend the Annual and General Meeting of the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (Ontario) Inc., to be held on Thursday, May 27th 2010 and any adjournments thereof and thereat to act for and on behalf of the undersigned to vote in the name of the undersigned with respect to the election of directors of the Corporation and any other matter which may properly arise at the Annual and General Meeting.

A voting member, other than the Chairperson, can vote a maximum of ten proxies. Over this number, the proxies revert to the Board of Directors. All proxies must be MAILED to the attention of the Secretary and must be received by the Secretary on or before Friday, May 21st, 2010.

Dated this _______________ day of _______________________ 2010.

Member Number ________________________________

Signature of Certified Member______________________

MAIL Proxy to:

Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (Ontario) Inc.

3 Concorde Gate, Suite 209, Toronto, ON M3C 3N7

* No Proxy will be accepted by e-mail or facsimile.