Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy

I had a blast with Timberline Academy over the course of three months. The trip will be something I will remember for the rest of my life. The snow was like nothing else in Australia and the team was very welcoming. Definitely the best snow season in my books so far! My skiing improved tremendously over the three months and I learn a lot more about a different culture and country along with all its wildlife and nature. I would recommend it highly for people who are outdoorsy and big into skiing.

From the very beginning getting in contact with the timberlime team about taking part in the program they were abolsutely amazing , the team they have put together is incredible some of the nicest people you will meet , the trainers for the level 1 were very good and guided us into our level 1 csia feeling very confident . The people you will meet on this course will most likely end up friends for life and the memories will be nothing less than incredible , for anyone thinking of this course I couldn’t recommend it enough

Looking through options for gap year programs in Banff was difficult due to amount of programs there were, eventually I settled on the Timberline 12 week program and I can safely say its has been the best decision of my life and worth every penny. I have gain life long friends from all around the world, friends who I hope to visit in future. I have grown as a person as a result of the program, being able to independently live with some of the best roommates I could of asked for in accommodation that so much better than other programs. Timberline facilitates a locally operated program with staff that know you by name as soon as you meet them, the support team they have is fabulous and I can't thank them enough, they go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and enjoy your stay in Banff. The social aspects of the program are awesome, you meet like minded individuals who all have a passion for skiing and snowboarding, go out most nights or just spending time at others apartment for a movie night or steak dinner was so much fun. You ski almost everyday both with Timberline students on your off days for fun and with the trainings. I progressed so much as a skier learning to ski through trees and mogul terrain (we don't have that in New Zealand) from highly qualified instructors that's are friendly and passionate about what they do. For Skiers I would suggest to get the SkiBig3 pass as it allows you access to Sunshine and Norquay, with Sunshine being a big resort with great terrain and a park that is closer to Banff, and Norquay for park night skiing with your friends. In addition to the skiing trainings you also have trips to other resorts and activities such as a ice climbing, curling, bowling which are so much fun and a good laugh. Overall the experience I've had has been 11/10 and been the best spend of money, I'm sad to have left, but will hopefully be able to return and meet up with some of the great friends I made there. There are a lot of options available for winter program in Banff but Timberline is easily clear of any of the others with better accommodation, better staff who are all locals of the area, a better diversity of people from all over the world, and just in general a good program that is locally operated in Banff Canada. Chose Timberline you will NOT be disappointed.

Now with the level 1 and 2 CSIA qualification that I got during the Timberline program I've been able to get a job as a ski instructor in Australia this season which I'm looking forward too.

Throughout my time with Timberline I was fortunate to be in a course with an incredible bunch of people whom I’m looking forward to staying in touch with. Our instructors were thorough and attentive as well being generally good fun and definitely were a great addition to the experience. Our housing was very well equipped, comfortable and any hiccups that occurred were dealt with accordingly which was great. I’m so thankful to all the staff at Timberline who were an active part of our experience and looking forward to coming back in the future. Thanks for all !

Easily the best 3 months of my life. Beautiful scenery, amazing skiing, and most importantly great people.

If you're considering a gap-year program, I can only speak highly about Timberline and Lake Louise. The on-snow programming is really good, and whether you want to become a ski instructor or just improve your skiing, you will be satisfied with the instruction. For both the CSIA 1 and 2 exams we were all well prepared and breezed through them. There's also a variety of programming offered outside of Lake Louise, like avalanche safety training/intro to backcountry skiing, ice climbing, curling, hiking and day trips to Kicking Horse and Panorama.

What really makes this program stand out compared to the numerous others in the area is how hands-on and helpful the staff are. They are truly there from your arrival in Calgary to the final sendoff in Banff.

Finally, the people are what made this such an awesome experience. With the way the accommodation and programming are set up, you spend virtually all day, every day with the other people on the program. I made some great friends from all around the world and I can't wait to see them all again.