By Geoff Scotton, Ski Improvement Clinic Coordinator, Mountain Division (geoffscotton@skipatrol.ca)
February 27 marked the completion of 50 years of ski improvement clinics for the CSP Mountain Division when the 116 participants of the 2026 Week 3 clinic wrapped up a snow-bound, fun-filled sojourn at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. It dumped snow all week, with 61 cm of fresh accumulating from Sunday through Friday.
The 2026 clinics were the most popular ever, hosting an aggregate of 324 participants in lessons, more than 380 people at the celebration banquets, 50 instruction groups (44 for skiers, six for snowboarders) and roughly 30 different instructors. It was a fitting way to celebrate the 50th year that the CSP Mountain Division has offered the at-cost program to members of the CSP and their friends and family.
Of course, there was special 50-year logoed swag, including belts, hats, backpacks and insulated mugs.
Attendees included patrollers, friends and family from across Canada and beyond. Through the three clinic weeks participants came from every Canadian province, the Yukon, the U.S. (Texas and Washington State) and even overseas. Week 1 was January 18 to 22, Week 2 was February 1 to February 6, and Week 3 ran February 22 to 27.
The program included four days of group lessons in either skiing or snowboarding, five days of lift access and a celebratory banquet on the Thursday night. Attendees took part in group ski or snowboard instruction across four days (Monday to Thursday), in groups of similar competencies to optimize learning. There was also an active social agenda, including Week 2’s Saskatchewan fest courtesy of the CSP Saskatchewan Division.
Plans including dates, venue and program for 2027 are in very early development. Details will be announced in the 5/5 when things are finalized. Some changes are anticipated for next year.
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