Timberline 3 month ski instructor program.

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.