WHAT’S NEW IN ONTARIO?

SNOW SCHOOL PROGRAM COMMITTEE (SSPC)

Introducing the CSIA Snow School Program Committee Ontario Region Representatives

Earlier this year the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) announced the formation of the new Snow School Program Committee, an initiative dedicated to strengthening and supporting snow schools across Canada.

Representing Ontario on the committee are Jiao Jiang and Lucan Allin, two highly respected leaders who bring decades of experience, innovation, and passion to this important initiative.

Jiao Jiang is the founder and Snow school Director of Snowland Outdoor Club. During her tenure as a CSIA Ontario Board Director from 2020 to 2026, she championed the return of Ontario’s Snow School Director Day, successfully facilitating the program over the past three seasons. She has also served on numerous provincial committees, including the TEC Ontario Representative and Women in Skiing Representative selection committees, the Scholarship and Bursary Committee, the Grant Committee, and currently serves as Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee. Her dedication to community leadership has been recognized through the Canada 150 Community Volunteer Award and the Ontario Leading Women Building Communities Award.

Jiao believes that Snow  School Directors are the driving force behind the growth of both the CSIA and the ski industry, serving as the critical connection between the organization, its members, and the skiing public. She is particularly passionate about expanding participation by reaching traditionally underrepresented communities while inspiring existing members to continue developing their skills and embracing new teaching techniques and technologies.

Joining her is Lucan Allin, a CSIA Level 4 Instructor and Level 3 Course Conductor with more than 30 years of experience developing skiers, instructors, and snow school programs throughout Ontario. As Snow School Manager at Caledon Ski Club, Lucan is recognized for his collaborative leadership, approachable coaching style, and unwavering commitment to instructor development. His focus on mentorship, professional growth, and creating exceptional learning experiences has helped countless instructors build confidence and advance within the CSIA while fostering a lifelong passion for skiing among their students.

Together, Jiao and Lucan bring complementary perspectives and a shared commitment to supporting Snow School Directors and instructors across the country. Their combined experience in leadership, education, and program development will help guide the committee and the Ontario region work group as it works to create meaningful resources, strengthen connections within the snow school community, and ensure Canadian snow schools continue to deliver exceptional experiences for instructors and guests alike.

The CSIA looks forward to the positive impact of the Snow School Program Committee and welcomes the opportunity to work alongside Snow School Directors across Canada as we continue to grow, innovate, and inspire the next generation of skiers.

Building on this national initiative, CSIA Ontario is excited to establish its own Snow School Program Work Group (SSP) this fall. The regional committee will work closely with Snow School Directors/Managers throughout Ontario to identify opportunities, share best practices, and develop resources that support instructor recruitment, retention, and program excellence at the local level. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of snow school programming and contributing to the growth of our industry, we’d love to hear from you. Applications for the inaugural Ontario work group will open on August 19. Snow School Directors and Managers: keep an eye on your inbox and CSIA Ontario communications for nomination forms and additional details regarding how to get involved. 

HOLD THAT DATE!
Our CSIA Ontario Annual General Meeting and Awards Banquet is all set for Friday, September 18 at the beautiful Hockley Valley Resort. 

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there, making plans for our next ski season and to celebrate all the Awards recipients from this fantastic past season. Let’s have an outstanding time at the Banquet!

At the evening banquet we will heartily celebrate award recipients in the following categories:

Award of Merit (awarded by their snow school as pros of the year)
Outstanding Service Award
Hall of Fame Inductees
Rookie Course Conductor of the Year
Level 1 Course Conductor of the Year
Trainer of the Year

On-line registration information will be coming out shortly, keep your eyes on your email and our social media posts!

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