Your Next Chapter on Snow: Become a Coach This Winter

Think back to a coach who made a difference in your life. Someone who believed in you, helped you through a tough day or made another cold morning on the hill something you looked forward to.

Across Alberta, coaches create those moments every weekend. With our Entry Level coaching courses now posted and a $150 bursary available to eligible new coaches to offset part of the course cost, this is a great season to get involved.

Whether you’re an athlete thinking about what comes next, a former racer looking to reconnect, a parent interested in contributing or a skier who enjoys helping others learn, coaching offers a meaningful way to become part of an athlete’s journey.

Help Someone Find Their Confidence

There is something special about watching a young skier figure something out. A turn starts to feel different. A section of terrain becomes less intimidating. An athlete who was unsure at the start of the day finishes with a smile and wants another run.

As a coach, you help create that progress.

You help athletes build skills, confidence, independence and friendships. You create an environment where they can ask questions, make mistakes and keep trying. Along the way, you keep learning too.

There will be early mornings, cold fingers and days when the plan changes. There will also be chairlift conversations, shared breakthroughs and moments that remind you why you love skiing. The relationships you build can last well beyond a season.

Our clubs need people willing to bring their energy, curiosity and care to this work. Every experienced coach began by learning how to lead that first group.

Entry Level: Your Starting Point

Alpine Canada’s Entry Level coaching pathway introduces the skills needed to support young skiers, including planning sessions, developing fundamental ski technique and creating safe, age-appropriate learning environments. Participants must be at least 15 years old on the first day of the course.

The course is the beginning of your development. Practical experience, mentorship, the coach portfolio and required evaluations support your progress toward certification. Coaches must also meet Alpine Canada’s registration and licensing requirements before working with athletes.

Visit Alpine Canada’s Coach Education Pathway for the full requirements, and talk with your local club about opportunities to learn alongside experienced coaches.

A $150 Bursary Toward Your Course Cost

Through First Tracks – Skiers for Life, eligible new coaches can receive a $150 coaching bursary to offset part of the cost of their Entry Level coaching course.

New coaches joining Alberta Alpine member clubs who register for and successfully complete their Entry Level course before January 18, 2027, qualify for the bursary.

Supported by the Government of Alberta’s Every Kid Can Play grant, this initiative helps make coach education more affordable while investing in the people who make young athletes’ first seasons positive, welcoming and memorable.

Find Your Course

Registration information and course listings are available on the Alberta Alpine Calendar. November and December opportunities include:

Dates	Location
November 12–15, 2026	Nakiska
November 20–22, 2026	Lake Louise
November 27–29, 2026	Mt. Norquay
November 27–29, 2026	Grande Prairie
November 27–29, 2026	Panorama
December 4–6, 2026	Red Deer
December 4–6, 2026	ESC
December 11–13, 2026	Snow Valley
December 11–13, 2026	Nakiska
December 11–13, 2026	Vista Ridge
December 18–20, 2026	Rabbit Hill

Visit the calendar and select your course for registration details, availability and preparation requirements. Check back for any changes to dates or locations.

To the coaches already putting in the hours across Alberta: thank you. Your patience, preparation and commitment make a difference, often in ways you may never fully see.

And to anyone considering joining them, we would love to have you involved. Somewhere in our sport is a young athlete who could benefit from what you bring.

Find your course, connect with your club and take the first step this winter.