Hi, I am Ellie and after completing the ALLTRACKS 8 week combined ski instructor & off piste course during the 2021/22 season, I have spent this winter working for the Whistler Blackcomb Ski School. As a ski instructor, every day is an adventure. The exhilaration of skiing all day every day, combined with the satisfaction of sharing that passion with others is a feeling like no other. Not every day is easy, especially when you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature, but when you spend your days surrounded by incredible scenery, it’s worth it. It’s even better when you experience mountain life in ..read more

When embarking on one of our courses, it’s important to have the right equipment for you and your goals. Jason Albert from WildSnow, quoted, “The saying goes like this: you are married to your ski boots and date your skis.”   Depending on the conditions on the day, combined with what you want to ski, will determine which skis you use. Looking for smooth carving down groomed runs? Grab a piste-focused ski with a thin underfoot width. Prefer gliding through deep powder? Go for something wider underfoot with more of a rocker to be more manoeuvrable. Want to venture into the backcountry? Inve ..read more

5 reasons why you should visit Tofino   Located on the Pacific coast, the quaint town of Tofino on Vancouver Island is one that will have you returning time and time again. It thrives in the summer with plenty of international visitors intent on experiencing Tofitian life and the cold-water surfing it’s known for. In the winter, it’s the perfect place to escape city life and watch the storms roll in. Tofino just oozes charm.   After receiving her IEC Visa, ex-ALLTRACKS student, Ellie, has found herself on Vancouver Island for the summer. Here, she’s working at a surf school before he ..read more

Your guide on where to eat in Whistler   Whether you’re perfecting your technique, challenging yourself in tricky terrain or learning a new trick, you’re going to need energy! And that means fuelling yourself. Our courses have catered and self-catered options, with many people opting to cook for themselves at least a few nights per week. That being said, sometimes you need to treat yourself to a meal or snack out!  Our main base is Whistler, so we know it pretty well. It’s a great resort that hosts incredible skiing and unbeatable powder, but the food options can’t be missed too! Her ..read more

WHEN WORK MEETS PLAY: AN INTERVIEW WITH FINN TARGET Ever dreamt of skiing in the mountains all winter long, and swimming in lakes all summer long? Well, Finn Target, a friend of ALLTRACKS and Ex Student does exactly that, but professionally… we spoke to Finn about his adventurous life in Whistler, Canada, how he has got to where he is and what it’s like to be literally: ‘living the dream’.   How are you doing, and how is everything in Whistler at the moment? I’m doing really well, COVID hasn’t affected us quite like it has in much of the rest of the world. We have mountain biked, hiked ..read more

MessyWeekend Ski Goggles Unboxing –  Alltracks Academy MessyWeekend is a contemporary eyewear brand based in Copenhagen, Denmark. I was fortunate enough to be sent a brand new pair of their Float II XE2 Silver ski goggles to check out and trail this coming winter season. As an ex Alltracks student and avid skier, a special parcel has arrived and I am very excited to open it! The first thing I have noticed is that MessyWeekend’s logo, printed on the outside of the box, is clean and minimalist – true to their Scandinavian roots. On opening the box, I have in my hands a black zip goggles ca ..read more

In these straitened times many people missed their annual ski trip and are no doubt already looking forward to the opportunity of getting up into the the mountains as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we urge you to respect the health and social distancing advice in whichever country you are in. While home, why not check out some of the ski stars of the internet. Whether you are looking for online ski coaching to help hone your technique, watch some of the greatest skiers in the world descent the steepest lines or ski specific fitness guidance, there is a video out there for you. T ..read more

Like any job, whether it is part time, full time, a life long career or for just a few months, you need to know what qualifications you need to be a ski instructor. Becoming a ski instructor is such a rewarding achievement if you really enjoy skiing and also seeing others having as much fun skiing as you do. Here’s a list of what you need to be a ski instructor: Ski Instructor Qualification Intermediate to Advanced Skier A passion for the sport and teaching others A happy & enthusiastic disposition. Clear Communicator Foreign Language (This is a nice to have and generally expected for Eng ..read more

5 Best Books about Skiing For all those keen skiers dreaming of the mountains, we feel your pain. Hat’s off to all you key workers – delivery drivers, NHS staff, supermarket employees who are grafting away and working hard to keep us all safe. For the rest of you, perhaps with some extra time on your hands, why not check out these tales of the wilderness to keep you amped for the next snowy season. Higher Love by Kit DesLauriers Not only did Kit DesLauriers climb the world’s seven summits (the highest mountain on each continent) within two years, she became the first person to ski down each of ..read more

Whistler has a justified reputation for offering some the most varied ski terrain of any resort in the world. Join us for the ski season in Whistler and you’ll find it’s not only the largest ski area anywhere in North America, but that there are also virtually limitless off-piste skiing options once you start exploring out of bounds once you are up to it. Any good mountain guide from the area (make sure you always ski with one per this off-piste advice) will tell you that there are descents to be found round here that are ungroomed, unmanicured and often full of bottomless powder. Just underst ..read more