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25 years of YES

YES Tours

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Why choose YES Tours?

YES is the #1 choice for those looking to gain Ski or Snowboard Instructor certifications in the #1 resort in North America.

The YES difference is in the planning and the execution of our programs. YES is a professional Ski and Snowboard training company with 25+ years in the snow sports industry. When you book with YES you have the comfort of knowing that you have made a choice to Ski or Snowboard with the best Level 4 trainers, professional staff and a local Whistler business... YES we will actually welcome you into resort because we actually live here in Whistler... we are Canadian!

YES: often imitated, never equalled!

Founded
1995
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Reviews

Daniel
United Kingdom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Ski Instructor Course Whistler - 4, 7 & 11 Week Options Available

7 week Ski Instructor Course

Oct 4, 2019

It was amazing! Great skiing, people, and nightlife. The course was fun, in-depth, and delivered expertly by some brilliant instructors! Even though I did not get any real instructing experience whilst in Canada, after certification the course left me fully prepared to jump into the instructor's job that I took when I came home. Breaking up level 1 and 2 with the Avalanche Canada AST 1 provided a fun change of pace halfway through. All the YES staff and instructors were friendly, professional and provided a fun and welcoming environment. Outside of the course, Whistler is fantastic both on the slopes and in town. It was great to meet people of different nationalities and backgrounds, and it's nice to know some people who will be going out next season! I would recommend the course to anyone with a love for skiing or snowboarding.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most out of fresh tracks! I made the mistake of only doing it a couple of times, but having breakfast up the mountain before hitting freshly groomed slopes was a fantastic experience!
Harris
Indonesia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Ski Instructor Course Whistler - 4, 7 & 11 Week Options Available

Best career break program

Oct 2, 2019

I started my career break in Dec 2018 and took on YES 7 week program in Jan 2019.

Training
YES pros understand the CSIA system really well and are genuinely invested in the group’s skiing and teaching development.

Accommodation
I stayed at the self catered Creekside accommodation which was very accessible from the Creekside gondola. Being one of the older participants, I stayed with many gap year students. For anyone taking a career break, I would highly recommend considering the career break accoms.

Outcome
Once I finished the program, I took on an instructing job in Mt Hotham, Australia. During the interview process and first day on the job, never felt so prepared before on a job. All things that were taught were practical.

Value
The program cost was around 12k which includes accommodation, instruction, CSIA / AST courses, exams and a season pass. I find this to be very good value for money and an affordable way to spend 2 months in Whistler, especially considering expensive living cost in Whistler.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Whether I can get my skis up to standard and I did. I failed my first attempt at my L2 exam, and the YES instructors knew exactly how I could address the gap.

As a late starter to skiing, this was not an easy task to do but the YES instructors got me through it, and there they have a happy customer.
Read my full story
Jolise
Canada
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Ski Instructor Course Whistler - 4, 7 & 11 Week Options Available

Certifications

Aug 5, 2019

I signed up for YES right after I graduated college. I moved to whistler, BC the following November to start training for CASI level 1&2, CSIA level 1&2, snowboarding park certification level 1, and ASC level 1. It was a big ask to be trained for all 6 certifications but the YES instructors miraculously helped me achieve all certifications in 1 season. I really felt like I was getting the BEST training and felt unbelievably confident in my skills at the end of the season. The best part was that I had so much fun the whole time and wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. I came back to whistler the following ski season and worked as both a snowboard and ski instructor and continued to have an amazing time thanks to YES. I feel that what I learned with YES is invaluable and I’m so grateful for all the fun and all the education.

Finn
Australia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Ski Instructor Course Whistler - 4, 7 & 11 Week Options Available

Yes Tours 11 Week Program

Jul 18, 2019

I recently had the amazing experience of participating in the Yes Tours 11 week ski instructor program. The most amazing experience of my life !! The incredible team at yes was so welcoming and helpful the ski instructors are amazing best in the business with their dedicated and clear teaching my skiing progressed far beyond what I thought possible in 11 weeks allowing me to pass my level 1 & 2 CSIA certification without stress as I was confident the team at yes had given me all the tools I needed to pass. The AST was amazing as well such an informative experience learning about avalanche magnitudes and and the beautiful ski touring in the back country whilst we were learning was awesome to I also did the CAD course with Yes such a cool experience as well. thanks so much to all the team at Yes for a sick 11 weeks !!!

What would you improve about this program?
Absolutely nothing I loved it so much the way it was !!!!
Benjamin
Australia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Ski Instructor Course Whistler - 4, 7 & 11 Week Options Available

Staight out of school

Jun 22, 2019

Loved the entire trip for starters, went over to do the 11-week program and came back with all the licenses; Park 1, CSIA Level 1 & 2 and AST Level 1 & 2. Coming straight out of school, I was a little nervous and going as a lone traveller I had to be independent for the first time which was a big thing for me, Canada is easy and Whistler are good places to start if you don't feel confident as everybody over there is amazingly nice. The entire trip was an amazing break before uni, allowed me to get ready for the next adventure in my life. I met so many people and gained experience I could not have gained anywhere else. I loved every moment of every day. Miss PJ and Belinda who was amazing to me for the entire time. They have set up a wonderful program that is very inviting and accommodating to all. Would highly recommend if your thinking of going over!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
As part of the 11-week program, we did our AST 2 (Avalanche Saftey) learning about the mountain was the experience that I could not possibly describe to anyone and was absolutely amazing.
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Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Harris Soetikno

Program
Ski Instructor Course Whistler - 4, 7 & 11 Week Options Available

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program over many other programs in other resorts because of the skiable terrains in Whistler. I want to ski different types of terrains, with different steepness and different difficulty. As one of the largest resorts in North America, Whistler does just that.

Over a competitor, I chose YES because of their correspondence and response. Over email, they demonstrated local knowledge and expertise, which many of their competitors don’t provide. Plus, they are very warm and personal, which I like. I don’t want to spend 7 weeks in a corporate-y environment during my career break.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The provider assisted me with all aspects of the program, including accommodation, ski instruction, season pass, and exams. I organized my own equipment and food, but shall I choose to ask for assistance; the provider has hosts who are knowledgable to assist.

We have a social gathering twice a week, which YES organizes and it’s easy to get assistance during this time from our hosts.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would say, stay at least for the 7 weeks program and commit to the training and instruction throughout the program. The classes are only as good as what you make them be, and throughout the duration, everyone is given access to world-class instructors.

More participation and more commitment mean more value out of the program.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

We are on the snow for 5 days a week, roughly for about 5-6 hours each day. On weekdays, we have instructions to improve our skiing/snowboarding and teaching skills; and then on a Sunday, we have a “guiding” day, which is a free-ski day where our instructors take us to varied terrains and runs. Guiding day is my favourite day as it gives me the chance to apply the techniques and teachings into fun runs.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was 27 when I did the program, and the program was primarily advertised as a gap year program. I was afraid that I won’t belong to the group of teenagers in the program.

It turns out that there are also mature participants in the group, most of them I call friends to this day. And hanging out with teenagers is not such a bad thing too; it brings out the youth in me.

Would you recommend doing the program by yourself or with your friends?

Honestly, one of the greatest things about the program is that you will meet people. I went to the program by myself and finished the program with more friends I had when I came.

With such a big group, you are bound to meet people who share similar interests as long as you are willing to just say hi.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Shannon Loveless

Program
Ski Instructor Course Whistler - 4, 7 & 11 Week Options Available
Job Title
Chalet Host
I am a recent graduate from Western University with a passion for skiing, sailing, hiking, cooking and just being outdoors! I wanted to take a gap year after graduation and found YES Tours - the best decision I have ever made.
Shannon Loveless

What is your favorite travel memory?

Every day with a YES improvement or instructor training group beats the last. Seriously, not only are you improving your skiing, but you are having fun doing so. With views like this, instructors that make learning fun, clients from all over the world to have a laugh with along the way and followed up with unbeatable Après functions put on twice a week - you can't beat it!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

My skiing has improved tremendously! Further, I have really been able to grow as a person and discover my interests and strengths. While improving upon my skiing, it has also allowed me to develop new friendships and brush up on my cooking skills.

It has been such a great opportunity to experience Whistler life all around.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

We have had clients with their Snowboard Level 2 come back and do their ski certifications. It's so great to see people with a dedication to the sport and enthusiasm to try something new! It was amazing to see them succeed and enjoy the journey along the way.

YES offers so many options that we often get clients back even for just a week of improvement. It's great to catch up and hear everyone's unique story.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to ski alongside YES in Japan!

I have heard tremendous things about the location and the amazing powder. Moreover, any time spent on a YES program is always the best time, so I know going alongside our ski pros would make for the best experience possible! Not only can you improve your skiing in a world-renowned ski haven, but get to do so with amazing instruction and great friends - doesn't get much better.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our company is unique because we take a positive approach to learning and living.

Our role is to assist you in getting to your goal, whether that be ski improvement or becoming a ski instructor. From providing great accommodation and hiring highly qualified and well-experienced instructors, to creating a great social environment, we are committed to being a part of your success!

There's a reason it's not called NO Tours: if you have a goal in skiing, then we say YES to helping you achieve it any way we can.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Valuing our amazing employees and clients. No matter if you're with us for 2 weeks or 20, YES will feel like a second family.

The owner PJ goes the extra mile to make sure you're accommodated and enjoying your program to the utmost level! That is why our ski pros have been with us for 20+ years - it is such a fun, energetic and welcoming environment; careful or you might end up staying for life too!