Program Reviews

Choosing Timberline do to my ski instructors course during my gap year was one of the best decision's I had made. The level of support in the wellbeing and mental health side of it from the Timberline team was so good and persistent and they had really made a conscious effort to make sure everyone was getting the best Canadian experience. Whether it be a little chat in the local coffee shop to see how your week has gone or a little more support due to homesickness, the staff were always there to support you. No matter how big or small your problem was, you had the help you needed any time. I think what makes Timberline different from all the other ski companies in Canada which are largely British, is that they really do emphasise on the importance of Canadas history to us students with who's land who were on which was offered as an academic class on Wednesday afternoons. Whether you're a current or ex timberline student, the team will always be there for you whether you'll need advice in your next winter season. That's a really important aspect of timberline compared to other companies because you know you can trust them and always have their support.

I had a great time in Banff, I loved living with people from all over the world and learned a lot from it. Skiing almost every day gave me a perfect structure. It was an ideal balance between skiing and going to bars and clubs. You had the freedom to do almost everything you would like to do. The housing was really nice. I would recommend everyone to do this program.

Timberline provided the most amazing experience and I recommend this course to anybody looking for a fun, educational experience making lifelong friends and learning new skills!

Before even arriving in Banff, I had advice with my visa, an understanding of the structure of the course and what to expect when moving to Canada. We had access to support all day, everyday and if we ever needed help it was only ever a text or phone call away. Our training and exams were all taken care of, and Timberline always supported us and celebrated us along our journey. As someone with little skiing experience when joining this course, the family-feel of Timberline was so encouraging and positive and Banff soon felt like a home. As well as developing my skiing skills and working in an amazing, family friendly resort, Timberline also provides photography classes, leadership exercises and education into the indigenous history of the area. The talks we attended were very insightful and we met some really interesting people. The social events provided were such a great way to make friends and also experience life in Banff. In addition, the trips to other resorts provided by Timberline were some of my favourite days over the course.

Thank you for it all Timberline!

Timberline provided me with a once in a lifetime experience. I met people who will be in my life for a long time and explored places I hadn’t been exposed to before, it was an incredible opportunity to be working and living in the mountains and something I will never forget. Working as a ski instructor was brilliant, there was such a great group of people working alongside me and teaching was a very rewarding and positive experience. The staff are all amazing people and provided me with a really solid foundation, always going out of their way to help if need be. Banff will always be another home thanks to Timberline and I would recommend this experience to anyone looking for a great adventure with even better people.

The best experience you could wish for . The support before I left was first class and continued throughout my time in Banff . I have made some amazing new friends, lived in one of the most beautiful places I have been and got qualified as a snowboard instructor. Who could ask for more ! I also obtained extra skills; first aid , avalanche training etc which is what made the real difference. The support from the Timberline community was exceptional and is what really made the difference. The work was so rewarding and I will most definitely be back . Great company !

Amazing time living in banff for 7 months, made so many new life long friends from all around the world, also made real progress in ski/snowboarding ability. a lot of super cool trips across the whole season, touring days, glacier hikes, museums, canyons, the whole lot. as a brit i got to experience my first ice hockey game which was entertaining to say the least. if only groceries weren't so expensive in banff i would have nothing to complain about otherwise! working as an instructor at norquay was the most fun job i've ever had!

Timberline program was one of the best experiences of my life where I made many friends and got to experience so many new things. The program itself was brilliant, I learned about Banff and its history and the harsh mountain environment that we encountered everyday in Banff. We got our instructor qualifications where were taught by some of the best skiers in the world and some of the best resorts in the world are less than an hour away. I really enjoyed timberline academy and I highly recommend.

I spent 7 months doing the winter internship and white water course in banff, with Timberline. I had the best time of my life. I learnt so many new skills and met the best people. They have great connections in town, so you are well looked after. The staff are just a lovely as they see on the phone. Not one bad word to say. If you need them for anything they are there and if they can’t help you they will help you find someone who will. I worked up at Mt Norquay, and I had the best time ever. I couldn’t recommend working there anymore for your internship. You get to study subjects such as photography which I learnt so much from and discovered new passions. Timberline organise fun activities for everyone to enjoy such as curling, skating and heliskiing. So much fun to be had. Heliskiing was the best day of my life. I also did my AST 1and 2 and I learnt so much. We also did our 40 hour advanced wilderness first aid certification, which I really enjoyed. I learnt so much during the 6 months skiing and fell in love with the industry. After this, I did the white water course, where we got certifications in swift water rescue, canoeing and rafting. This was the best month ever. My favourite part was going on a 5 day canoe trip in BC on the Kootany River. I learnt so much and made lifelong memories. Weather this is a gap year for you or you want to pursue a career in the outdoor industry Timberline is an experience you will never forget and I am so beyond grateful I got spend 7 months with them. It’s the most magical experience in the most beautiful national park. A big thanks to all of the Timberline Staff for all they did to make our winter the best one ever.

My time at the Timberline Canadian Alpine academy was the best Winter I’ve ever had. I decided to go on the Winter Skills Instructor Internship Program. This course was amazing, and I experienced everything that I could have dreamed of on a Ski season. Which included getting my Level 1 ski instructors’ licence and a helicopter tour around the Banff National Park, which is stunning.
All the team who worked at the academy were fantastic, very professional and were on call 24/7 to help you with any problem that you may have. The director James McCutcheon is also extremely hands on and is always ready to take your call if you have an emergency or just need someone to talk too.
While I was in Banff, I worked at the Lake Louise Ski resort as a Ski instructor which was a really great experience, I was working alongside others that had been working in the Industry for over 40 years they all made me feel very welcome. They were also very helpful giving you a hand with your lessons if you ever got stuck or had to many kids to handle.

I would just like to say thank you to James and his team at Timberline, it was never about the money for them it was about taking care of there students and making sure they had the best experience ever.

Timberline Alpine Academy is an experience of a lifetime. I did the six-month internship program at Lake Louise ski resort. The program provided us with all the required training to become level one ski instructors, and most students became full-time instructors. They also presented a variety of opportunities to us that enriched the main course of the program. These opportunities included avalanche training, touring, ice skating/ hockey, wilderness first aid, cat-skiing, heli-skiing, trips to Calgary and surrounding ski resorts. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their skiing or is outdoorsy in any sense.